Protect The Nest

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – in addition to urging everyone to continue following the CDC-inspired guidelines for FGCU’s COVID-19 Fall semester plan, there are several KEY reminders that need to be front and center today!

• SPRING SEMESTER STUDENTS – Take Advantage of Priority Registration for Your Courses!
• Priority registration for the Spring semester courses is available to ensure that students are able to register for the classes they need to complete their degrees in a timely manner.  This online registration is scheduled in phases depending on your student classification and credit hours earned to date.  Details are provided at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/eaglepriorityregistration (scroll down to Spring 2021).
• We want to make sure our students have this priority registration opportunity! 
• If you have not watched the mandatory COVID-19 & FGCU Training Video (deadline was August 31), there is a “hold” on your FGCU account, meaning you will not be able to register for your Spring courses until you watch the video.  The brief video is available on your Canvas page – so jump on, watch the video, and then take advantage of your priority registration to get the Spring classes you want!

• FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS – FGCU Daily Health Screening App:
• This is an important reminder that every student, faculty and staff is REQUIRED to complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app BEFORE you come to the campus.  Every person.  Every day.

• STUDENTS – What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19: 
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, you should IMMEDIATELY update your FGCU Daily Health Screening app, and follow the directions you receive.  This applies regardless of whether you live on campus or off campus. 
  • You will be contacted by a member of our COVID-19 case management team.  Please accept the call (or return the call if a message is left for you); provide accurate and current information; and follow the directions you receive.
  • Contact your professors to let them know of your situation with respect to your class attendance and/or assignments.  This is your responsibility as a student.

In closing, we’re now finishing the 11^th week of this most unusual semester, and we’re on the home stretch if we can keep things on track by being COVID-19 smart and safe!  In early December when universities across the country are scheduled to wrap up the Fall semester, will FGCU be on the list of schools that was able to finish as planned – OR – that had to curtail their semester?  The answer to this question is in our hands – individually and collectively!

Be well, Eagles!      

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – it’s been a full week with regard to COVID-19, and we want to urge everyone to not let down your guard when it comes to wearing your mask, socially distancing, washing your hands frequently, avoiding gatherings, and providing your information each day on the FGCU Daily Health Screening app. 

Our COVID-19 cases has been on the rise as you’ve seen through the daily tracking chart on the Protect the Nest website  (https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/fgcucases), and the CDC guidelines on preventing positive cases and also community spread remain very important regardless of whether you are on or off campus!

Some updates for today:

I. CDC Revises Guideline on COVID-19 “Close Contact:”

• Previously the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined “close contact” of a person to a COVID-19 case as spending 15 consecutive minutes within 6 feet of the infected person. 
• The CDC’s updated guidance changes this definition of “close contact” to now as spending a cumulative total of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period, and it may include multiple, but brief, encounters of one or two minutes at a time.
• This will have implications in determining the need for quarantine in people who have had close contact with a COVID-19 positive person.

II. FACULTY AND STAFF:  What to Do when a Student or Employee Report to You they’ve Tested Positive for COVID-19:

• This information has been provided many times, but we still receive the question.  Please share it in your departmental/unit meetings for those who may not be reading these Updates.
• If a student tells a faculty member – or an employee tells a supervisor – he or she has tested positive for COVID-19, please:

• Direct the person to immediately update the FGCU Daily Health Screening app.  And, yes, it can be updated throughout the day and night as new circumstances arise.  Although the email reminder arrives around 7 a.m. each day, the app is available 24 hours a day and should be updated when someone tests positive for COVID-19.
• This single direction to the student or employee is where your involvement as the faculty member or supervisor must end.  You should NOT follow up regarding the medical information with the student, employee, Student Health Services, or Human Resources.
• Due to confidentiality, you should NOT discuss this medical information with anyone else, including other students and employees.
• Our case managers will handle it from this point forward, including contacting the person who tested positive with directions for isolation, and (depending on the particular circumstances if applicable) also contacting other individuals for recommended quarantining.
• Please be mindful of respecting each other’s privacy and confidentiality by not discussing medical information so no one contributes to a rumor that could be untrue or hurtful.

III.  STUDENTS:  What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19: 

• If you test positive for COVID-19, you should immediately update your FGCU Daily Health Screening app, and follow the directions you receive.  This applies regardless of whether you live on campus or off campus. 
• You will be contacted by a member of our COVID-19 case management team.  Please accept the call (or return the call if a message is left for you); provide accurate and current information; and follow the directions you receive.
• Contact your professors to let them know of your situation with respect to your class attendance and/or assignments.  This is your responsibility as a student.

IV. COVID-19 Testing Sites Off Campus:

• A list of locations that provide off-campus testing for COVID-19, and also flu shot clinics, can be found on the Protect the Nest website as follows:
• Mobile/Drive-Through Sites: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/index.aspx#LeeCountyMobileandDriveThruCOVID19TestSitescurrentasof102320
• Walk up Sites: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/index.aspx#LeeCountyWalkUpCOVID19TestSitescurrentasof102320
• Mobile Flu Clinics: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/index.aspx#LeeCountyMobileFluClinicscurrentasof102320
• Please note Lee County announced today that the testing site at CenturyLink Sports Complex will change tomorrow from a drive-through to a walk-up site.

V. Eagle Hall Asymptomatic Testing Results:

• You’ll recall we recently conducted asymptomatic testing for the students living in South Village’s Eagle Hall due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases from this particular residence.  When this was announced, we had 10 known COVID-19 students in Eagle Hall, and 19 Eagle Hall residents in quarantine due to close contact with positive cases.
• Students have been tested, with all test results now received, and we have the following information and observations to share:
• Eagle Hall is home to 499 residents this semester.  When removing from this count those students who were then or recently COVID-19 positive; those who tested outside of Student Health Services; and a handful who had been living back at home, the total number of students in the asymptomatic testing was 454.
• Of the 454 students tested, 32 were positive, and 422 were negative, resulting in a 7% positivity rate.
• The 32 students who tested positive were placed in isolation, and an additional 51 students were quarantined due to close contact.
• In reviewing the cases, our medical and epidemiologic team determined the following: (1) No super-spreader event or activity was identified that caused an increase in positive cases; (2) The information gathered, including from contact tracing, showed a higher rate among roommates in units; in other words, the close living quarters contributed to small groups testing positive; and (3) Most students were able to identify COVID-19 individuals on or off campus with whom they recently had spent time and where likely the transmission occurred.
• Protocols already in place such as enhanced cleaning will continue, and our staff is working even closer with students in quarantine to help ensure compliance while providing support for their needs.  Common areas, with the exception of essential kitchen and laundry spaces, remain closed in all of the residence halls.
• Our COVID-19 Plan for the semester provides flexibility for us to respond quickly as needed to emerging needs through our case management system.  The asymptomatic testing at Eagle Hall substantially reduced the likelihood of further COVID-19 spread by intervening when we began noticing the increase in cases, and identifying students for isolation and quarantine during their recovery.  We will continue to address issues like this as needed in our ongoing efforts to keep our FGCU campus community safe and healthy.

VI. Fall Commencement:

• Switching gears with a reminder about our mission of providing a high-quality educational experience, we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our students finishing their degree requirements this semester with a virtual Commencement.
• The fall 2020 Commencement celebration will be delivered as a video on Saturday, December 12 with all the pomp and circumstance possible!  Featured will be President Martin and other FGCU dignitaries, and slides of all graduates by College will be displayed.
• Graduating students who want to be part of the celebration must upload a photo and personalized message by the deadline of Thursday, November 5 at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/fall2020grad/

In closing, we’re now finishing the 10^th week of a semester unlike any other we’ve known.  Things are challenging and unusual, and frankly, that’s an understatement!  Let’s not let down our guard – remember to constantly follow these important things:

• Wear your mask.
• Practice social distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid gatherings of people.
• EVERY DAY complete your FGCU Daily Health Screening app.

Each week we get a bit closer to completing the semester with on-campus operations, but that’s not assured for the remainder of the term.  Our Marketing team has produced a new one-minute video to bring home this message (it’s my favorite one so far!), and if you haven’t watched it, be sure to see some of our seniors urging us all to do the right things for their – and everyone’s – Fall semester (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukG2VCDTjcI&feature=youtu.be).

Be smart and strong for yourself AND for others, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – today as we complete the midpoint of the 16-week Fall semester, please note the below information.  As a reminder, you can read all the previous Coronavirus Updates on the Protect The Nest website at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/.  Also available here are President Martin’s video updates; information on the FGCU Daily Health Screening App; chart for the COVID-19 cases at FGCU; etc. 

I.  Asymptomatic Testing for Eagle Hall Housing Residents:

• Starting this afternoon, we will begin asymptomatic testing for the students who live in Eagle Hall student housing in South Village.  Our COVID-19 case management system is designed to guide us in determining locations where we may be seeing more positive cases, and thus more close contacts with positive cases.  We’ve been monitoring Eagle Hall along these lines and need additional information that the test results will provide. 
• Currently, there are 10 known COVID-19 positive students from Eagle Hall who are in isolation away from Eagle Hall, and 19 Eagle Hall residents in quarantine (some on campus, and some returned home) due to close contact with positive cases. 
• As a reminder, ALL students across FGCU should be completing the Daily Health Screening App and receiving a green “checkmark” every day before you come to campus.
• Eagle Hall residents will receive additional details (testing times, scheduling, etc.) from Housing, and we thank the residents in advance for cooperating with the testing program to support a healthy residence hall and FGCU campus.

II.  Safety and Health Requirements for Students, Faculty and Staff:

• Screening App:  Complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app and receive a green “checkmark” every day BEFORE you come to campus.  Verification of your app completion is being done across the campus at facilities and in classes.  Please remember to enter any medical symptoms on the FIRST day you have them.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following information regarding symptoms:  “People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  Possible COVID-19 symptoms are fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.”

• Masks:  You know the drill – WEAR your mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19!  Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.  You may recover fine after COVID-19, but someone you infect may not.

• Mandatory Training Video on COVID-19 and FGCU:  Information on this requirement for all students, faculty and staff to watch the COVID-19 and FGCU training video has been provided many times in these updates since before the semester started.  Students who have not watched the training video have a “hold” on your student account that prevents you from registering for the Spring semester.  You still can access the video from your Canvas page. 

III.  Facility Usage, and Schedules: 

• FGCU Facilities:  As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  

• Campus Dining:  https://dineoncampus.com/fgcu/hours-of-operation

• Bookstore:  https://fgcu.bncollege.com/shop/florida-gulf-coast-university/page/customer-service

• Library:  https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html 

• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk:  https://www.fgcu.edu/its/welcome

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/campusrec/operatinghours  

Be well, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as we end the seventh week of the semester, please note the below information.  Since we’re well into the semester, all of the new information (to date) has been provided, so the weekly updates will be briefer.  As a reminder, you can read all the previous Coronavirus Updates since January on the Protect The Nest website at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/.  Also available here are President Martin’s video updates; information on the FGCU Daily Health Screening App; chart for the COVID-19 cases at FGCU; etc. 

Please note a campus email on the revised schedule for the 2021 Spring semester (including the elimination of spring break) was sent earlier today from President Martin, Provost Llorens and Vice President Cordova (https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#106October2Update).

I.  Safety and Health Requirements for Students, Faculty and Staff:

• Screening App:  Complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app and receive a green “checkmark” every day BEFORE you come to campus.  Verification of your app completion is being done across the campus at facilities and in classes.  Please remember to enter any medical symptoms on the FIRST day you have them.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following regarding symptoms:  “People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

o   Fever or chills

o   Cough

o   Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

o   Fatigue

o   Muscle or body aches

o   Headache

o   New loss of taste or smell

o   Sore throat

o   Congestion or runny nose

o   Nausea or vomiting

o   Diarrhea.”

• Masks:  You know the drill – WEAR your mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19!  Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.  You may recover fine after COVID-19, but someone you infect may not.

• Mandatory Training Video on COVID-19 and FGCU:  Information on this requirement for all students, faculty and staff to watch the COVID-19 and FGCU training video has been provided many times in these updates since before the semester started.  Students, in a couple of weeks, registration for Spring semester courses will open, but if you have not watched the training video, the “hold” on your student account will prevent you from registering.  You still can access the video from your Canvas page. 

II.  Facility Usage, and Schedules: 

• FGCU Facilities:  As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  
• Campus Dining:  https://dineoncampus.com/fgcu/hours-of-operation
• Bookstore:  https://fgcu.bncollege.com/shop/florida-gulf-coast-university/page/customer-service
• Library:  https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html 
• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk:  https://www.fgcu.edu/its/welcome
• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/campusrec/operatinghours  

Be well by being smart, Eagles!

From President Mike Martin, Provost Jim Llorens and Vice President Mitch Cordova
RE:  2021 Spring Semester

In keeping with our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our campus and local communities and consistent with our sister institutions in the State University System of Florida, we will NOT have a spring break in 2021.  Rather, we will end the spring semester a week early. 

Thus, the revised academic calendar for the spring 2021 term is as follows:

• First day of classes:  January 11, 2021
• Last day of classes:  April 26, 2021
• Finals Week:  April 27 to May 1, 2021
• Commencement:  May 2, 2021
• Final grades due:  May 4, 2021 by 4:30 p.m.

Stay well, and Go Eagles!

From President Mike Martin

RE:       Staying on Course

Florida’s Governor recently announced the economy and businesses could go to a Phase 3 reopening.  It seems this has created some confusion around campus.  Allow me to clear up any confusion.  You’ll note the Governor’s declaration allows for consideration of local conditions and realities.  That provision guides our policy and procedures at FGCU.

First, when a student enrolls at FGCU it is understood that there is a full acceptance of the Student Code of Conduct (SCC).  Thus, no matter what other declarations are made, adhering to the SCC is binding.

Second, when the COVID-19 outbreak occurred, we made a commitment to follow four fundamental principles:

• Protect the health and well-being of our student, faculty, staff and community
• Offer the highest quality education experience possible under the conditions we face
• Maintain and enhance the campus infrastructure and super structure
• Protect jobs to every extent possible

We will not vary from or compromise on the principles.

Third, FGCU has a unique responsibility to our community.  The three Southwest Florida counties (Charlotte, Lee and Collier) have a disproportionally large population of senior citizens who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.  We have to be fully focused on and committed to their well-being.  This, of course, means doing all we can to avoid spreading the virus to our friends and neighbors.

So, despite a proclamation from elsewhere, we will continue to judiciously apply our policies and strategies until the threat from COVID-19 has been totally suppressed.  Two weeks ago at FGCU we had 25 new campus-related student positive cases of COVID-19, and last week we had 47 new student cases.  Prior to this, the most new positive cases in a week at FGCU had been nine.  As a community, we must redouble our efforts to support good health and safety on campus and beyond.

Stay safe everyone. 

Go Eagles.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as we end the sixth week of the semester, our campus-related student cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.  We saw significant increases in student positive cases last week and again this week (https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/fgcucases).  Last week we had 25 new positive student cases, and as of last night we’re already up to 40 new student cases (with three more days still to go).  By way of comparison since the semester started, the most new positive cases in any given week had been 9 students.  We appreciate everyone who is doing what’s needed to help keep our campus community safe and healthy, and we ask you to encourage your colleagues to do the same!

Students, faculty and staff, please note the following important information in the form of 3 questions today: 

1. On the daily health screening app, are you entering your symptoms on the FIRST DAY you notice them?

• Every student, faculty and staff is required to complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app and receive a green “checkmark” before you come to campus each day.  This applies to doing anything on campus – including classes, library, bookstore, dining facilities, campus recreation, meetings, etc.
• We need you to enter on the app any illness symptoms ON THE FIRST DAY you have them.  You then will be contacted by a case manager to let you know what to do next.  It does no good to wait several days after your symptoms appear before entering them into the screening app – while you continue to come to campus and potentially expose and infect others.
• Since the Spring semester well before we had the new screening app, no one who was sick was allowed to come to campus.  This includes students and employees, and remains in effect with the added benefit of the screening app.
• Information from the screening app is the foundation of our COVID-19 case management system to identify sick or exposed students and employees, care for them through quarantine or isolation, and reduce opportunities for community spread of this highly contagious virus.

2. Is your Daily Health Screening App’s Green “Checkmark” available to show on your phone or printout – whenever you are on campus?  (Also, please note the verification locations are expanding.)

• Last week we started required verification of the green “checkmark” indicating permission to be on campus.  (As a reminder of how this works, see: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#102September18Update).
• The verification checks started at multiple places, including Campus Recreation (SoVi Pool, Aquatics Center, Waterfront, Recreation & Wellness Center, Intramural events, and Sports Club practices); Housing and Campus Life (all locations); Student Success & Enrollment Management, and Student Engagement Offices; and Student Engagement and other meetings. 
• The locations now are being expanded to include students’ classes on a random and rotating basis, meaning you may be asked with any of your classes.  Please follow the direction of your faculty for this important requirement.      
• Information on the Daily Health Screening app remains available for download at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/
• With the required verifications, we saw an initial uptick of approximately 1,300 additional students completing the app, but that number now has dropped by several hundred.  This means thousands of our Fall semester students still are not completing the screening app.  We hope the increased reminders through expanded verifications across the campus will be helpful.
• Employees, please note – you also are required to show your app’s green “checkmark” where verification checks are being conducted at campus facilities.  This is an opportunity to remind – by showing – our students that everyone on campus is required to complete the app and that each of us has a responsibility to help keep the Fall semester going.

3. Are you wearing a mask and practicing social distancing? 

• If you’re not wearing a mask and not social distancing, you’re putting the continuation of our Fall semester at risk, as well as the health and safety of our campus and greater communities. 
• Students, please avoid hosting and attending parties, gatherings and events that violate the COVID-19 requirements.  President Martin has been very clear about the resulting consequences, including in his most recent message yesterday (https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#103September24Update).
• Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.

Here is some other information.  Please note going forward, unless there are noteworthy changes to the schedules for facilities, dining, campus recreation, etc., this section of the weekly updates will no longer be provided since we are well into the semester.

Schedules:

• FGCU Facilities:  As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  

• Campus Dining:  Schedules for all campus dining are available at:  https://dineoncampus.com/fgcu/hours-of-operation

• Bookstore:  The weekly bookstore schedule can be viewed at:  https://fgcu.bncollege.com/shop/florida-gulf-coast-university/page/customer-service

• Library:  Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule. 

• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk: 
  
  • Location is Griffin Hall Room #252, and telephone is 239-590-1188.
  • Hours for Call or Email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Hours for Walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cohen Student Union: 
  • Mondays through Fridays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Student Engagement Offices:  
• Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Student Health Services/239-590-7966: 
• Monday through Thursday:  8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Friday:  9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  Through September 30, 2020: 
• Recreation and Wellness Center:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aquatic Center:
• Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday:  CLOSED
• Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
• Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
• Recreation Fields:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
• Open for drop-in use only by individuals with an FGCU ID card.

-------  

In closing, I guess the most straight-up way of saying it is that it’s been an especially challenging past two weeks at FGCU.  We’ve seen increasing numbers of students become ill with COVID-19 and that’s not something any of us wants.  Students, especially at this time in your lives, we know it’s unfair and unwanted and unprecedented and all the other words you hear for COVID-19.  But, it’s real and we have got to ALL work together to minimize the number of people who are sick and potentially making others sick at FGCU with this very contagious coronavirus.  It will be what WE make it at FGCU.  Let’s make it something we’re proud of, Eagles! 

Be smart and be well!

From President Mike Martin

RE:  Decisions and consequences

Per several earlier communications, everyone associated with FGCU is expected, indeed compelled, to rise to the challenges of our times through conduct intended to protect the health and well-being of the university community and our neighbors across the region.  And as you all know, failing in this conduct holds the prospect of adverse consequence.

While the vast majority of you have risen to the challenge and adhered to the Student Code of Conduct, some have not.  As a consequence, following their Conduct Hearings, we have suspended two fraternities (Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi) for the remainder of the semester.  One sorority (Delta Delta Delta) was placed on immediate interim suspension yesterday and next will go through the Conduct process.  Moreover, to date, a small number of individual students have been placed on disciplinary probation for the remainder of the semester.  Additional cases are in the Conduct process at this time.

Be assured we all find these unfortunate outcomes.  However, we are living through an unprecedented, deadly global pandemic.  To keep everyone living, everyone must do their part, which includes making sacrifices.

A few of you have shared your view that the Student Code of Conduct is wrong and its application is unfair.  Your opinions have been duly noted.  But this virus is truly unfair and ignoring it is fundamentally wrong.  And so, carefully consider the choices and decisions you make.  Thank you to all who have stepped up and embraced Eagle spirit.

Please, please heed the directives for safe practice!  Please do what it takes to care for yourself, each other, and our campus and greater communities. 

Thanks again, and Go Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – today as we end the fifth week of the Fall semester, our campus-related student cases of positive COVID-19 are rising, and we need to do everything possible to keep the semester on track.  To this end, please note the following important information including a NEW requirement for all students: 

• NEW REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS:  Verification Checks of Health Screening App with Green “Checkmark.”  
• This important FGCU Daily Health Screening requirement through the Veoci app has been emphasized many times, and our student participation rate still is not where it needs to be for our case management system. 
• Starting on Monday across the campus, students will be asked to show the green “checkmark” on your Veoci-confirmed phone screen permitting you to enter campus that day.  Please be prepared to show the Veoci green “checkmark” email which shows that day’s date.  If you use the desktop Veoci app, you will need to print the daily Veoci confirmation and carry it with you on campus.
• Students will need to have the green “checkmark” available to show every day you are on campus, starting on Monday.  This applies to whether you are on campus for classes, or for other things.
• Multiple places across the campus will be checking students’ verification, including but not limited to:
• Campus Recreation (SoVi Pool, Aquatics Center, Waterfront, Recreation & Wellness Center, Intramural events, and Sports Club practices);
• Housing and Campus Life – all locations;
• Student Success & Enrollment Management, and Student Engagement Offices;
• Student Engagement and other meetings; and
• Other locations across the campus. 
• Information on the Daily Health Screening app still is available for viewing and downloading at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/

• Mandatory COVID-19 Training Video.
  • The deadline for all students, faculty and staff to watch the training video was August 31, but if you haven’t completed it, it’s still available on your Canvas.  Students who have not watched the video now have a “hold” on your FGCU account, meaning you will not be able to register for Spring classes until you watch the video.  Employees who have not watched the video received a final message from your Division Vice President and supervisor. 

• Masks. 
  • The mask-wearing requirements apply to all students, faculty and staff.  To review the requirements, please see: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update

• Social Distancing. 
• If you’re not wearing a mask and not social distancing, you’re putting the continuation of our FGCU Fall semester at risk, as well as the health and safety of our campus community.  Students, please avoid hosting and attending parties and gatherings that violate the COVID-19 rules.
• Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.

President Martin has been very clear in his expectations of all students, and you can review his most recent message regarding this at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#101September16Update

Here are some other updates:

I. FGCU Travel Freeze: For campus health and budgetary reasons, all University-related travel is suspended through the end of the Fall semester.

II. Schedules and Other Information:

• FGCU Facilities:  As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  The following schedules are applicable as indicated. 

• Campus Dining:  Schedules for all campus dining are available at:  https://dineoncampus.com/fgcu/hours-of-operation

• Bookstore:  The weekly bookstore schedule can be viewed at:  https://fgcu.bncollege.com/shop/florida-gulf-coast-university/page/customer-service

• Library:  Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule. 

• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk: 
• Location is Griffin Hall Room #252, and telephone is 239-590-1188.
• Hours for Call or Email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hours for Walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cohen Student Union: 
  • Mondays through Fridays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Student Engagement Offices:  
• Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Student Health Services/239-590-7966: 
• Monday through Thursday:  8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Friday:  9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  Through September 30, 2020: 
• Recreation and Wellness Center:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aquatic Center:
• Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday:  CLOSED
• Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
• Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
• Recreation Fields:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
• Open for drop-in use only by individuals with an FGCU ID card.

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In closing, we’re not going to have a lot of chances to get this right, Eagles, and we need everybody pulling in the same direction to support the health and safety of our campus and greater communities!  Students, please encourage your fellow students to follow the COVID-19 rules so we can keep this semester going. 

Be strong, Eagles!

From President Mike Martin, Provost Jim Llorens and Vice President Mitch Cordova

RE:  Message missed by some

A few weeks ago, we sent out a message asserting that maintaining the health and safety of our campus community and our neighbors is our first priority as we all continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.  We called upon the entire FGCU student community to exhibit good judgment and responsible behavior by not hosting large gatherings or parties of people.  Based on verified reports of violations of these standards, two campus organizations have been sanctioned with suspensions thus far.

Although the majority of students have accepted this important responsibility, we continue to receive new information regarding events organized by students and participated in by students, which if substantiated represent violations of our FGCU Student Code of Conduct.  More importantly, these actions continue to put the university and our local community at risk for becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading the virus to others. 

Should these reported incidents prove accurate, suspension of individual students from FGCU for the balance of the academic year is likely.  To be absolutely clear – if you choose to host or attend an event or party, on or off campus, which violates FGCU’s required social distancing and mask wearing, you will be subject to suspension.  Please understand that a suspension from FGCU will be, in effect, a suspension from all 12 institutions within the State University System of Florida. 

We are living through an unprecedented time.  Much is expected of each of us.  Please rise to the occasion and continue to do your part to maintain the health and safety of our campus community.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – today as we end the first month of the Fall semester at FGCU, please note the following:

• Daily Health Screening App.  
• EVERY student, faculty and staff must complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening and receive a green checkmark BEFORE you come to the campus.  Unfortunately, the participation rate is not what it should be for this important requirement that’s the cornerstone of our COVID-19 case management system for keeping our campus community safe and healthy.
• This is required every day you plan to come to campus (for class, work, library, campus recreation, bookstore, dining, etc.).  It is encouraged every day (regardless of whether you’re coming to campus) so we can keep a pulse on the well-being of students, faculty and staff, but absolutely required on the days you plan to come to campus. 
• Information on the Screening app has been provided many times, and can be viewed at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/
•  Mandatory COVID-19 Training Video. 
  • The deadline for all students, faculty and staff to watch the training video was August 31, but if you haven’t completed it, it’s still available on your Canvas.
  • Students who have not watched the video now have a “hold” on your FGCU account, meaning you will not be able to register for Spring classes until you watch the video.
  • Employees who have not watched the video will receive a final message from your Division Vice President and supervisor. 
• Masks. 
  • Information on the mask-wearing requirements has been provided many times in these updates, and also is provided on signage throughout campus. 
  • The requirements apply to ALL students, faculty and staff.  To review the requirements, please visit: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update
•  Social Distancing. 
• If you’re not wearing a mask and not social distancing, you’re putting the continuation of our FGCU Fall semester at risk, as well as the health and safety of our campus community.  Please avoid parties and gatherings.
• Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.

Let me take a minute here to THANK those students, faculty and staff who watched the training video; and are social distancing; wearing their masks; and caring about themselves and the other members of their campus community!  You know who you are, and you are greatly appreciated!  (Those of you not doing these things know who you are too.)  IF we are able to keep this FGCU Fall semester on track it will be because of the continued teamwork by committed people who understand the importance of individual responsibility for everyone’s health and safety.  

It’s easy now to find online stories of universities across the country that are having to close campus operations for the semester; send all their students back home; see hardworking and caring faculty and staff being laid off and losing their jobs; and even more of these things that we’ve planned and worked so hard to avoid if at all possible at FGCU.  COVID-19 is a strong force to be reckoned with, but let’s do these things that will give us a competitive edge.  To everybody who’s showing their EAGLE PRIDE by doing the right things and making the right choices, THANK YOU!

Here are some other updates:

Schedules and Other Information: 

• FGCU Facilities:  As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  The following schedules are applicable as indicated. 

• Campus Dining:  Schedules for all campus dining are available at:  https://dineoncampus.com/fgcu/hours-of-operation

• Bookstore:  The weekly bookstore schedule can be viewed at:  https://fgcu.bncollege.com/shop/florida-gulf-coast-university/page/customer-service

• Library:  Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule. 

• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk: 
• Location is Griffin Hall Room #252, and telephone is 239-590-1188.
• Hours for Call or Email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hours for Walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cohen Student Union: 
  • Mondays through Fridays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Student Engagement Offices:  
• Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Student Health Services/239-590-7966: 
• Monday through Thursday:  8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Friday:  9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  Through September 30, 2020: 
• Recreation and Wellness Center:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aquatic Center:
• Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday:  CLOSED
• Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
• Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
• Recreation Fields:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
• Open for drop-in use only by individuals with an FGCU ID card.

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In closing, we’ve seen some successes and also some needed improvements during this first month of the Fall semester, and that’s to be expected facing something we’ve never dealt with before – a global pandemic impacting even our little FGCU corner of the world.  As a campus community, we started focusing on the coronavirus (pre-pandemic) back in January with the first “Coronavirus Update,” and today’s “Coronavirus Update” is #100 of these campus messages.  A lot has happened since January, and through all the frightening unknowns about COVID-19, one thing has been clear – consistently clear.  Students, your FGCU faculty and staff have poured heart and soul above and beyond into making this Fall semester possible whether you chose to be on campus or online, and we have to all keep pushing together to make it work! 

What will another month from now look like at FGCU?  Our choices and decisions will paint that picture.  Let’s do everything we can to keep it going, to keep ourselves and each other healthy and safe, and to celebrate another month out!  It’s no small thing to succeed against a pandemic, but I KNOW if any university anywhere can do it, it will be FGCU! 

Stay strong and committed, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as we end our third week of the Fall semester and head into the Labor Day weekend (followed by Tuesday’s Study Day for students), there are some really important reminders: 

1. Students, please avoid parties and gatherings over the next four days.  We understand that you want to spend time with your friends but if you’re not wearing a mask and not social distancing, you’re putting the continuation of our Fall semester at risk, as well as the health and safety of our campus community. Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.  We’re reading about universities all over the country with student COVID-19 outbreaks, and as a result, many of these universities are sending all their students home and returning to 100% virtual instruction.  President Martin has been very clear on the serious consequences for any students who choose to not comply with the rules.  Please be smart Eagles these next four days – a lot is riding on it!
   
   
2. Students, do NOT come on campus ANY DAY if you have not completed the FGCU Daily Health Screening App and received a green checkmark.  The student participation rate is not what it should be for this important daily requirement of all students, faculty and staff, and we’ve got to do better as it’s the cornerstone of our COVID-19 case management system.  Each day we have the names of the students who are – and who are not – completing this required screening.  You’ve received information on the Screening app many times, and we expect your cooperation.  All information is available at: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/
   
   
3. Students, Faculty and Staff, please complete the mandatory training video on COVID-19 and FGCU.  The deadline was August 31, but if you haven’t completed it, the video is still available on your Canvas.  Students who have not watched the video have a “hold” on your FGCU account, meaning you will not be able to register for Spring classes unless you watch the video. 
   
   
4. Students, Faculty and Staff, please wear your mask on campus.  The mask-wearing requirements have been provided many times through these updates, and also are provided on signage throughout campus.  This applies to ALL students, faculty and staff.  To review the requirements, please visit: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update

Here are some other updates:

1. FGCU Closed on Monday, but Reopens on Tuesday:  The University will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday.  Although students have a Study Day without classes on Tuesday, the University will be open.  All employees will have their regular workday schedules on Tuesday.
   
   
2. Employee Request for Temporary COVID-19 Workplace Adjustment:  An important aspect of our Fall semester reopening is managing employee workspace to mitigate potential risks and maximize safety for our students, faculty, staff, and greater communities.  Part of this focus is continually monitoring new CDC guidelines and adjusting our campus practices as circumstances necessitate.  The CDC recently modified its guidelines regarding increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 for certain age and medical categories, and we will be adjusting our FGCU practices accordingly. 
   • Age:  The CDC has removed its prior threshold of age 65 and over as being at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and replaced it with a more general guidance that risk increases steadily as a person ages, with the greatest risk posed for those age 85 and older.
   • Medical:  The CDC has updated the list of underlying medical conditions which may contribute to risk for severe illness from COVID-19, as follows:
     • People of any age are at increased risk with the following underlying medical conditions: Cancer; Chronic Kidney Disease; COPD; Immunocompromised State from Solid Organ Transplant; Obesity; Serious Heart Conditions; Sickle Cell Disease; and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
     • People might be at an increased risk with the following underlying medical conditions: Asthma; Cerebrovascular Disease; Cystic Fibrosis; Hypertension; Immunocompromised State from Blood or Bone Marrow Transplant, Immune Deficiencies, HIV, Use of Corticosteroids, or Use of Other Immune Weakening Medicines; Neurologic Conditions, such as Dementia; Liver Disease; Pregnancy; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Smoking; Thalassemia; and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

For more information on the CDC guidelines, see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html

Based on CDC guidelines, some Fall semester requests for a Temporary COVID-19 Workplace Adjustment for FGCU employees with qualifying conditions have been approved.  Based on the above information, if you would like to request a Temporary COVID-19 Workplace Adjustment or have questions about an existing Adjustment, please contact Human Resources at HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits. 

III.  Schedules and Other Information: 

• Facility Schedules:  As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  The following schedules are applicable as indicated. 

FGCU Campus Dining

Hours of Operation - Fall 2020 – September 5 - 11, 2020

 

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• Bookstore:  For September 7 – 13, 2020:
• Monday:  CLOSED on Monday for Labor Day Holiday
• Tuesday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday:  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday:  CLOSED 

• Library:
• Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule.  (CLOSED on Monday for Labor Day Holiday)

• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk:  (CLOSED on Monday for Labor Day Holiday)
• Location is Griffin Hall Room #252, and telephone is 239-590-1188.
• Hours for Call or Email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hours for Walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cohen Student Union:  (CLOSED on Monday for Labor Day Holiday)
  • Mondays through Fridays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

• Student Engagement Offices:  For September 7 – 11, 2020:  (CLOSED on Monday for Labor Day Holiday)
• Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Student Health Services/239-590-7966: 
• Monday through Thursday:  8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Friday:  9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  Through September 30, 2020:  (Campus Rec facilities are OPEN on the Labor Day Holiday)
• Recreation and Wellness Center:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Aquatic Center:
• Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday:  CLOSED
• Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
• Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
• Recreation Fields:
• Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
• Open for drop-in use only by individuals with an FGCU ID card.

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In closing, so many good things are happening at FGCU, and we want to keep it this way!  IF we can maintain a healthy campus community without the COVID-19 outbreaks seen at so many other universities, it means we can stay on track with everything our faculty and staff planned for our students this semester. 

Each choice that each one of us makes – including over this holiday weekend – will determine what happens next at FGCU.  We all know what we want that to look like so let’s make it happen by being smart and strong, Eagles!    

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as you know, today’s the end of the second week of our Fall semester at FGCU.  Some days we celebrate, and some days we strive to do better.  I guess my take on this past week is that it’s been some of both.  First of all, we know many of our students are doing everything that’s being asked to keep themselves and our campus community safe and healthy.  COVID-19 rules are being followed, and some students are stepping up to encourage their fellow students to do what’s needed if we are going to keep this Fall semester going. 

And then there are other students who are putting the semester at risk, as well as the health and safety of our campus community.  That’s about as straight up as it can be said.  If you’re going to parties; not wearing a mask; not practicing social distancing; or not completing the health screening app, this means you.  Earlier this week President Martin could not have been more clear about the serious consequences for students who choose to not comply with the rules, and we encourage you to re-read his campus message at: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#96August24Update

This week, Tuesday, August 25 marked a very special day for FGCU – our 23^rd anniversary of first opening our doors to students.  Many of us were here on that first day in 1997, and it’s an important time every year when we celebrate all that’s been done to create our fine University literally from the ground up to serve students.  But on Tuesday instead of our special day being celebrated in the media, “Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida” was included numerous times in local, state and national news outlets (including the New York Times) in stories about universities where students are not taking COVID-19 seriously and not following the rules for everyone’s health and safety.  Eagles, that’s not how we want to celebrate FGCU’s special day! 

So, the good thing about when we mess up is that we have the opportunity to make things right.  Going into this weekend, students, please step up and do the right thing for your university and yourself.  Remember that you can have COVID-19 without feeling any symptoms while you are infecting other people.  This is serious stuff, and we have a chance – and a choice – to get it right, or not.     

For today’s updates and reminders:

I.  DAILY HEALTH SCREENING:  Complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app every day BEFORE you come to campus.

• Please do NOT come to the campus unless you have received a green checkmark on that day’s Screening questionnaire.  Housing students, if you do not receive a green checkmark, you must stay in your residence.  Guidance and follow-up will be provided to anyone whose questionnaire answers indicate you should not come to campus.
• Tutorials for the Screening app are available for Mobile App and Desktop App.
• You can complete the screening app at any time of the day (and also multiple times in a day if circumstances change and your information needs to be updated).  The 7 a.m. daily email is just a reminder, and you can complete, or update, the questionnaire at any time.  
• Now that the FGCU Daily Health Screening is in place, you should direct a student or employee who comes to you indicating receipt of a positive COVID-19 test result to immediately update the app information for that day.  (This replaces the prior guidance before the screening process was launched.)  Due to confidentiality requirements, please do not share or discuss this medical information with others.
• All information is available at: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/.  Contact the COVID-19 Help Line at 239-590-1206 if you need technical assistance.

II.  MASK:  Wear a mask on campus as detailed in the mask-wearing rules.

• Rules at: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update apply to ALL students, faculty, staff and anyone else on the campus.
• Please practice mask-wearing and other safety measures when you’re off campus as well.  Each of us brings to the Eagle family every decision and choice we make – everywhere – regarding COVID-19.

III.  TRAINING VIDEO:  Complete the mandatory training video on COVID-19/FGCU by Monday’s deadline.

• The training video is 12 minutes long, and is required watching.  This applies to all students enrolled for the Fall semester regardless of whether you are on campus or online.  This also applies to all faculty, staff, adjuncts teaching this semester, and OPS employees – regardless of whether you are on campus or online this Fall.
• Student who do not complete this requirement will have a “hold” placed on your FGCU account.  (When you can’t register for Spring classes or do other University business because you see a “hold” and you didn’t watch the training video, that’s the answer.)  The president and vice presidents will receive a list of their Division employees who have not completed this requirement. 
• After you view the video, you will see a screen prompt taking you through the brief process to certify you watched the video.  This part must be completed; if not, there is no record of your watching the video, and you will need to start over.
• Access the video through Canvas by the following steps:
  • Visit edu/canvas/
  • Click “Login to Canvas”
  • Login with FGCU Single Sign-On
  • Navigate to the COVID-19 Safety and Awareness Training Course
  • After Watching the Video, Complete the “Training Video Verification Statement” (Don’t be thrown off by the term “quiz;” it’s a single question asking you to indicate that you watched the video.)
• If you need technical assistance with accessing the video on Canvas, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 239-590-1188.

 IV.   CAMPUS CLEANING:  Enhanced for COVID-19. As you know, we have increased the USSI-contracted cleaning of our facilities across the campus in light of COVID-19.  Part of the enhanced cleaning protocol is that all classrooms, conference rooms, restrooms and common areas are sanitized nightly with an EPA-approved product using electrostatic sprayers (foggers).  These are important measures as we work to keep the campus safe.

 V.  MONDAY’S FINAL PHASE OF REPOPULATING THE CAMPUS: On Monday (August 31) we look forward to welcoming back to campus the final group of employees who have been working remotely.  Please be sure to review the campus rules for COVID-19 and watch the training video as you return.  You’ll find a significant amount of COVID-19 signage across the campus to designate maximum room capacities, mask wearing requirements, elevator capacity, etc. 

 VI.  SCHEDULES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

• Schedule for Final Week of Mask Distribution:
  • FGCU will continue to provide students, faculty and staff with an FGCU-logo and a plain cloth mask for one more week (ending on Friday, September 4).  The location for pick-up is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.
  • The schedule for the final week of mask pick-up (Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 4) is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Facility Schedules: As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Indoor and outdoor facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  The following schedules are applicable as indicated. 

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FGCU Campus Dining

Hours of Operation - Fall 2020 – August 31 - September 6, 2020

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• Bookstore: For August 31 – September 6, 2020:
  • Monday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday: CLOSED

• Library:
  • Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule.
• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk:
  • Location is Griffin Hall Room #252, and telephone is 239-590-1188.
  • Hours for Call or Email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Hours for Walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cohen Student Union:
  • Mondays through Fridays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Student Engagement Offices: For August 31 – September 4, 2020:
  • Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Student Health Services/239-590-7966: 
    • Monday through Thursday: 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
    • Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935): Through September 7 (Labor Day):
  • Recreation and Wellness Center:
    • Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Aquatic Center:
    • Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Sunday:  CLOSED
  • Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
    • Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
  • Recreation Fields:
    • Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
    • Open for drop-in use.

In closing, we don’t have a lot of chances to get this Fall semester right.  In this game, everybody plays – one way, or the other.  Starting with this weekend, let’s all make sure things are going in a great direction for FGCU!

Stay smart and strong, Eagles! 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – the regular Coronavirus Update will come out as usual on Friday, but there are a few important things for today:

I.  Students – Have you Attended a Large Party or Gathering?  If so, you need to take a COVID-19 Test.

Given recent reports of FGCU students hosting and attending large parties that are not compliant with our COVID-19 requirements for crowd size, mask wearing, and social distancing, we are asking all students who have been in attendance at any such gathering since the start of the Fall semester to take a COVID-19 test. 

Although our asymptomatic testing ended last week, we have created a special two-day (tomorrow and Friday) testing program at Student Health Services for this purpose.  While the testing is voluntary, we strongly urge all students who have participated in this type of party or gathering to take a COVID-19 test for the safety and well-being of our entire campus community.  A person does not have to show or feel symptoms to be COVID-19 positive and infect others. 

Please don’t be that student who ignored the rules and then ignored the COVID-19 test, and as a result, ruined the semester for your fellow students who recognize that this serious COVID-19 pandemic requires personal responsibility on the part of everyone at FGCU!

Here are the details for the special (asymptomatic) testing program on Thursday (August 27) and Friday (August 28) through our Student Health Services:

• You must make an appointment.  Please call Student Health Services at 239-590-7966, and say you need an appointment for asymptomatic testing. 
• The schedule for tests is Thursday (August 27) from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Friday (August 28) from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Complete (or update) your Daily Health Screening app, and receive a green checkmark signaling you can come to the campus.  Bring to the appointment your phone showing the green checkmark, or a printout of the green checkmark if you complete the Screening on a desktop.
• Bring a valid form of ID (driver’s license, or Eagle ID).
• Wear a mask when you enter Student Health Services!
• The appointment will take only 10 to 15 minutes.
• Test results will take approximately 2 to 4 days, and will be securely available in your Student Health Portal (https://fgcu.studenthealthportal.com).
• Faculty and staff, if anyone has a concern that you may have been exposed along these lines, we will be able to test you as well.  Please follow the above instructions for making an appointment, and what to bring with you.

If you would prefer to receive a COVID-19 test off campus and unaffiliated with FGCU, this is fine.  Various sites in Lee County are providing COVID-19 tests, and information is available on our Coronavirus website at https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#LeeCountyMobileandDriveThruTestSitescurrentasof82520.  If you use one of these off-campus sites for a test, please be sure to enter this information (including the test result when you receive it) into your FGCU Daily Health Screening app.   

Students, please step up and do the right thing for your University.  Your cooperation here is really important.

II.  REMINDER:  Monday is the Deadline to Watch the COVID-19 and FGCU Mandatory Training Video: 

Students, faculty, and staff, please remember that Monday (August 31) is the deadline for watching the 12-minute COVID-19 and FGCU mandatory training video.  As of yesterday, we’d had only about half of the campus community complete this requirement.  Please note the requirement is for all students enrolled in the Fall semester (whether you are on campus or online); all faculty and staff (whether you are on campus or teaching/working remotely); all OPS; and all adjuncts who are teaching on campus or online this semester.   

 Here are the previously provided instructions for accessing the training video on Canvas, and certifying your completion:

• After you view the video, you will see a screen prompt taking you through the brief process to certify you watched the video.  This part must be completed; if not, there is no record of your watching the video, and you will need to start over.
• Access the video through Canvas by the following steps:
  • Visit edu/canvas/
  • Click “Login to Canvas”
  • Login with FGCU Single Sign-On
  • Navigate to the COVID-19 Safety and Awareness Training Course
  • After Watching the Video, Complete the “Training Video Verification Statement” (Don’t be thrown off by the term “quiz;” it’s a single question asking you to indicate that you watched the video).  If you need technical assistance with accessing the video on Canvas, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 239-590-1188.

III.  For Employees Returning to Campus on Monday:  

The last group of employees who have been working remotely will return to campus on Monday, and we look forward to your arrival!  Please be sure to review the campus rules for COVID-19 and watch the training video as you return.  You’ll find a significant amount of COVID-19 signage across the campus to designate maximum room capacities, mask wearing requirements, elevator capacity, etc.  As a reminder from last week’s Coronavirus Update, we are providing two free, cloth masks for every employee and student, ending next week on Friday, September 4.  (See this Friday’s Coronavirus Update for next week’s pick-up schedule.)  We look forward to completing the phased-in return of repopulating the campus on Monday!

Stay strong, Eagles.  We’ve got this IF everybody takes personal responsibility for the health and safety of our campus community!

From President Mike Martin

Re: Allegations of Unfortunate Conduct

After what seemed to be a good start to the fall semester under modified conditions, some of our students reportedly have chosen to ignore their responsibility to the university community and our neighbors.  We received reports that two FGCU fraternities on Friday night hosted off-campus, large parties in violation of the University’s COVID-19 guidelines for crowd size, social distancing, and face coverings, thereby possibly posing a serious and direct threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community and operations.  As a result, this afternoon we placed both fraternities on immediate interim suspension, meaning they are prohibited from conducting all operations and activities, including meetings and new member recruitment, until the completion of adjudication through the Student Code of Conduct process.  If found responsible for these allegations, the organizers, participants and their organizations violated the Student Code of Conduct and put us at risk of having to close the campus and convert to fully online class delivery.

Conduct of this nature has many negative impacts.  It reduces our ability to provide the highest quality degrees; it threatens the health of fellow students, faculty, staff and neighbors; and a campus closure would lead to widespread layoffs.  A great deal of hard work by many, and considerable financial expenditures aimed at making the campus safe will have been largely wasted.

At this stage we cannot determine whether closure will be necessary for safety reasons.  Be assured, however, that there will be serious consequences for those who choose to exercise very poor, dangerous judgment.

We remain committed, as a first priority, to the health, well-being and safety of our campus community and all others in the larger community.  If we are to continue with modified “normal” campus programs and activities, everyone must join the effort.  We will keep you apprised as we learn more and address the issues at hand.

Stay SAFE, Be Responsible, Go Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – with today being Friday of our first week into a Fall semester unlike any other due to COVID-19, I think we’ve all been looking to take a BIG collective breath this weekend, but now we’re watching two tropical storms that may become hurricanes simultaneously in the Gulf of Mexico in yet another unprecedented occurrence.  Let’s just chalk this all up to a 2020 that none of us will forget! 

As you saw earlier today, University Police Department (UPD) Chief Steven Moore sent a storm message to the campus community, noting at this time that given the forecasted projections, we are not anticipating the need to alter FGCU normal operations, including with classes on Monday and Tuesday.  However, please watch for a Saturday afternoon update (and possibly later others) in your FGCU email, as storm paths have been known to change.  Although we have many years of experience with hurricanes, knowing that the 2020 hurricane season would fall on top of COVID-19 we also included this in our Fall semester planning.  Please stay tuned for all updates on all fronts to protect ourselves, each other, and The Nest!

For today’s updates and reminders (some with links to additional details) related to the FGCU comprehensive case management system designed to keep us safe and to prevent community spread of COVID-19:

I. 3 Things All Students, Faculty and Staff MUST Do to Make a Difference in Protecting Ourselves and Each Other:

• DAILY HEALTH SCREENING:  Complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app every day BEFORE you come to campus.
  • Please do NOT come to the campus unless you have received a green checkmark on that day’s Screening questionnaire.  Housing students, if you do not receive a green checkmark, you must stay in your residence.  Guidance and follow-up will be provided to anyone whose questionnaire answers indicate you should not come to campus.
• Tutorials for the Screening app are available for Mobile App and Desktop App.
• You can complete the screening app at any time of the day (and also multiple times in a day if circumstances change and your information needs to be updated).  The 7 a.m. daily email is just a reminder, and you can complete, or update, the questionnaire at any time.
• Now that the FGCU Daily Health Screening is in place, you should direct a student or employee who comes to you indicating receipt of a positive COVID-19 test result to immediately update the app information for that day.  (This replaces the prior guidance before the screening process was launched.)  Due to confidentiality requirements, please do not share or discuss this medical information with others.
• All information is available at: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/.  Contact the COVID-19 Help Line at 239-590-1206 if you need technical assistance.
• MASK:  Wear a mask on campus as detailed in the mask-wearing rules:
  • Rules at: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update
  • And, please practice mask-wearing and other safety measures when you’re off campus as well.  Each of us brings to the Eagle community every decision and choice we make – everywhere – regarding COVID-19. 
• TRAINING VIDEO:  Complete the mandatory training video on COVID-19 and FGCU by the deadline of August 31, 2020.
  • The training video is 12 minutes long, and required for all students, faculty and staff.  This applies to all students enrolled for the Fall semester regardless of whether you are on campus or online, and all faculty and staff regardless of whether you are on campus or working remotely.  (And if you’re not on campus this semester, you’ll enjoy seeing the footage of our beautiful campus outfitted with attractive signage for COVID-19!)
  • After you view the video, you will see a screen prompt taking you through the brief process to certify you watched the video.  This part must be completed; if not, there is no record of your watching the video, and you will need to start over.
  • Access the video through Canvas by the following steps:.
    • Visit edu/canvas/
    • Click “Login to Canvas”
    • Login with FGCU Single Sign-On
    • Navigate to the COVID-19 Safety and Awareness Training Course
    • After Watching the Video, Complete the “Training Video Verification Statement” (Don’t be thrown off by the term “quiz;” it’s a single question asking you to indicate that you watched the video.)
  • If you need technical assistance with accessing the video on Canvas, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 239-590-1188.

II. Other Information:

• Student Care Services (including this weekend):
  • Our Student Care Services staff has taken up the Eagles Care! Team services from over the summer to assist and support students with your needs.  Although typically open Mondays through Fridays, for this weekend (August 22 and 23), Student Care Services staff are available to assist students as follows:
    • Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on this Saturday and Sunday.
    • Students should email the staff at: care@fgcu.edu or call 239-590-7728.  If you call, please leave a voice message with your contact information, and our staff will get back to you quickly.  Calls or emails that are made after 3 p.m. will be responded to the next day.
• Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:
  • FGCU will continue to provide students, faculty and staff with an FGCU-logo and a plain cloth mask during the next two weeks, ending on Friday, September 4.  The location for pick-up is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.
  • The expanded schedule for mask pick-up next week (Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28) is 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Symptomatic Testing for Students: (When you have symptoms of possible COVID-19): 
  • FGCU’s Student Health Services is offering free symptomatic testing for students enrolled in the Fall semester, continuing through December 4, 2020.
  • Additional information is available at: https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#SymptomaticTesting

• Reporting Positive Cases:
  • Starting yesterday, information on positive cases can be found on our Protect The Nest (coronavirus) website available directly at https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/fgcucases, or through the main Protect The Nest website at https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/.  Any new cases are posted daily, and if there is no entry for a day, it means there were no new cases that day.  Earlier cases reported by campus emails still are available as archives under “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates” on the main Protect The Nest website.

• Faculty and Staff – Please Forward Phones: If you’re not yet back on campus, or won’t be for the Fall semester, faculty and staff please forward your office phone to your cell phone or to a departmental line that will be answered (especially if you have not provided a voice mail greeting that provides instruction on how to reach you).   

• Facility Schedules: As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  The following schedules are applicable as indicated.  Dining and bookstore traffic will be evaluated at the end of next week with possible schedule changes if needed.

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FGCU Campus Dining

Hours of Operation - Fall 2020 – Beginning Monday, August 17, 2020

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• Bookstore: For the weeks of August 17-23, and August 24-30, 2020:
  • Monday:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday: CLOSED

• Library:
  • Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule.
• Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk:
  • Location is Griffin Hall Room #252, and telephone is 239-590-1188.
  • Hours for Call or Email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Hours for Walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cohen Student Union:
  • Mondays through Fridays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Student Engagement Offices: For August 22-28, 2020:
  • Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Student Health Services/239-590-7966: 
    • Monday through Thursday: 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
    • Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935): Through September 7 (Labor Day):
  • Recreation and Wellness Center:
    • Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Aquatic Center:
    • Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Sunday:  CLOSED
  • Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
    • Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
  • Recreation Fields:
    • Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
    • Open for drop-in use.

In closing today’s update, I struggled with what to say to a community of students, faculty and staff where I think we’re all feeling a little battered, a little stressed, and more than a little exhausted – but also extremely proud of how this past week stands testament to what can be accomplished when Eagles put their hearts and minds together.  I think most of us would admit to running on fumes at this point, but yet determined to keep doing everything we can do to make – and keep – a place that stays safe and healthy in the face of a challenging pandemic.  And then it hit me – the FGCU Alma Mater!  If you’ll take the 3 minutes and 34 seconds to listen to this beautiful rendition, and read alongside the lyrics (or just close your eyes), you’ll be reminded like me that while some people just rock, at FGCU WE FLY!

MP Sound File for FGCU Alma Mater “Where Our Wings Will Take Us:”  https://fgcuathletics.com/documents/2019/6/1//alma_mater.mp3?id=19918

Lyrics for FGCU Alma Mater:  "Where Our Wings Will Take Us:" 

We salute our alma mater
For she gave us wings to fly
We have learned the wind's great secrets
How to soar with our minds

As we wear our colors proudly
Emerald green and royal blue
Here's to friends and to memories
Made at FGCU

(Chorus)
So fly, fly, fly, Eagles
Where our wings will take us
Fly far, fly high
Eagles Fly

Now we face a new horizon
Strong of spirit, keen of eye
As we make our journey onward
We will go with eagle pride

O'er the river of grass
And the gulf's azure glow
We can fly just as far
As our dreams let us go!

(Chorus)

Let us spread our wings proudly
We have learned to soar high
O'er the pines and the palms
Through the glorious sky

Ride the winds of inspiration
O'er this land of green and blue
Ne'er forget our alma mater
Hail to FGCU

(Chorus)

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon.  As previously indicated, today we are transitioning to reporting positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 on our Protect The Nest (Coronavirus) website instead of through emails.  Posted information on these positive cases is available directly at https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/fgcucases, or through the main Protect The Nest website at https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/.  Any new cases will be posted daily, and if there is no entry for a day, it means there were no new cases that day.

On the webpage for today (8/20/20), you will see we have received confirmation of four campus-related positive COVID-19 cases.  The four positive students (unrelated cases) live off campus, and are enrolled in campus classes this semester.  Positive cases of individuals who live off campus are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and not return to campus during the isolation period.

As a reminder to everyone, please complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening App (https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/) every day before you come to campus, and follow the guidance provided.  The greater the screening participation rate by our students, faculty and staff, the better able we are to identify and support someone with COVID-19 while also minimizing the possibility of community spread on campus.

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals with COVID-19.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct contact tracing for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.  In addition, our COVID-19 campus management system with case investigators is working with cases needing isolation or quarantine.  (The term “isolation” is used with positive COVID-19 cases, and “quarantine” is used with exposure situations.)

We send our students best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon.  As indicated in Saturday’s “Coronavirus Update,” instead of sending an email we will report positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 on our Protect The Nest (Coronavirus) website, effective in the next day or so. 

In the meantime, as we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have three positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you today.  We have received confirmation that two South Village housing students, and one North Lake Village housing student have tested positive.  Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please note that we have set aside housing space for needed student isolations during the fall semester, or a student may choose to return home.  While isolating, students are not permitted to be outside their isolation housing.  Any positive employees isolate at home off campus.

As a reminder to everyone, please complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening App (https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/) every day before you come to campus, and follow the guidance provided.  The greater the screening participation rate by our students, faculty and staff, the better able we are to identify and support someone with COVID-19 while also minimizing the possibility of community spread on campus.

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals with COVID-19.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct contact tracing for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.  In addition, our COVID-19 campus management system with case investigators is working with cases.

We send our students best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good morning – as previously announced, all students, faculty and staff are required to complete a mandatory 12-minute training video on COVID-19 and FGCU.  This requirement applies to all students enrolled for the Fall semester regardless of whether you are on campus or online.

The training video now is available with access through Canvas as indicated below.  Please note the deadline for all completion is Monday, August 31, 2020.  On September 1, Human Resources will provide each vice president with a list of employees who have not yet watched the video, and students who have not watched will have a “hold” placed on their FGCU accounts.

After you view the video, you will see a screen prompt taking you through the brief process to certify you watched the video.  This part must be completed; if not, there is no record of your watching the video, and you will need to start over.

Steps to Access the Training Video through Canvas:

• Visit edu/canvas/
• Click “Login to Canvas”
• Login with FGCU Single Sign-On
• Navigate to the COVID-19 Safety and Awareness Training Course
• After Watching the Video, Complete the “Training Video Verification Statement” (Don’t be thrown off by the term “quiz;” it’s a single question asking you to indicate that you watched the video.)

I did a test run again this morning, and after the 12-minute video, it took 10 seconds to complete the verification statement.

COVID-19 education and outreach is a critical aspect of our Fall semester as we do everything possible to keep the FGCU community safe from COVID-19.  This training video provides safety guidance for our daily activities both on campus and off campus. 

Eagles, we can do this by working together to protect ourselves, each other, and The Nest!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Dear FGCU Students,

Welcome to the first day of the Fall semester!  Over the past months I’ve been sending campus emails (always entitled “Coronavirus Update”) to all students, faculty and staff with IMPORTANT information related to this semester.  We appreciate those of you who are reading the emails, but we are finding that some students are not reading them and thus do not know the rules designed to keep our campus community safe from COVID-19. 

You MUST read the campus updates to stay current on new and updated information.  If you are not receiving them, check your spam folder.  And, when you see a new FGCU email entitled “Coronavirus Update,” read it.

I have provided at the end of this email links to recently emailed “Coronavirus Update” information that EVERY STUDENT is required to read.  All coronavirus information is available on our Protect the Nest COVID-19 website, including archives, at: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/ 

In the meantime, please note the following important information:

• FGCU DAILY HEALTH SCREENING APP:  You MUST complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app and receive a green checkmark BEFORE you come to the campus EVERY DAY.  If you live on campus, this means you must complete the app and receive a green checkmark before you enter any other part of the campus.  Information:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#90August15Update and https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#82August5Update
• UPDATE SCREENING APP WITH YOUR NEW INFORMATION:  If you complete the Health Screening app and receive a green checkmark – but later in the day you receive new information (such as receiving a positive COVID-19 test result or having close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive) – you must go back into the Screening app and update your information.  Information:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#82August5Update
• WEAR A MASK – THIS MEANS YOU:  You must wear a mask in strict accordance with the mask-wearing rules.  Students found not wearing a mask are subject to discipline under the FGCU Student Code of Conduct.  Please be smart about wearing a mask and practicing social distancing 24/7 regardless of whether you are on campus.  Information:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update
• FREE ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING CONTINUES THROUGH WEDNESDAY:  Asymptomatic testing (for those with NO symptoms of COVID-19) is being provided free of charge on campus – but only through this Wednesday.  Information:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#89August13Update

Here are the links to 8 recent key “Coronavirus Update” emails that EVERY student is expected to read TODAY if you have not already read them:

1. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#90August15Update
2. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#89August13Update
3. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#84August7Update
4. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#83August6Update
5. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#82August5Update
6. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#81August4Update
7. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#80July31Update
8. https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update

We appreciate your cooperation as we all work together to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy at FGCU!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good morning – this coronavirus update contains important information as we near Monday’s start of the Fall semester!  Students, your FGCU faculty and staff have worked diligently to create a semester that is academically exciting and socially connected in a positive and safe environment whether you have chosen to be on campus or online. 

Students, we know these are unusual and challenging times – for us also – but we are committed to providing you with the high quality university experience for which FGCU is known.  As a member of FGCU’s founding five employees 27 years ago, I can tell you that I have never been more proud to work alongside our team of amazing faculty and staff who have poured heart and soul into preparing for a Fall semester unlike any before.  FGCU is a very special place, and now more than ever we need to work together to support each other and to PROTECT THE NEST!

There’s a good bit of important information below, and we urge you to read these campus updates.  Today’s email ends with wise words from a special Eagle, so keep reading!

Here are a few highlights, with additional details and other new information provided below:

• An FGCU comprehensive case management system has been put into place that is designed to keep us safe and to prevent community spread of COVID-19.
• You must complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening app every day BEFORE you come to campus.
• You must wear a mask on campus as detailed in the mask-wearing rules.
• You must follow all health and safety rules across the campus.
• Every one of us in the FGCU community has a responsibility to ourselves and to each other – through our actions and our choices.  We can do this!

Here are today’s updates:

A.  HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We have instituted a wide array of health and safety measures designed to do everything possible to keep our campus community safe and healthy for those who learn and work here.  Please pay close attention to the below items, which are complementary to our own personal safety plans and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

I.  Mandatory COVID-19/FGCU Training Video:  All students, faculty and staff are required to watch a 12-minute mandatory COVID-19/FGCU video.  On Monday, I’ll send a campus update with information on how to access the video starting that day.  At the conclusion of viewing the video, you will answer a question certifying for the University’s records that you have watched the video.  The deadline for viewing the video is August 31, 2020.

II.  FGCU Daily Health Screening App (https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/):  Please note the following:

• As a reminder, all students, faculty and staff are required to complete the (Veoci) FGCU Daily Health Screening every day before you come to campus.  Please do NOT come to the campus unless you have received a green checkmark on that day’s Screening questionnaire.  Housing students, if you do not receive a green checkmark, you must stay in your residence.  Guidance and follow-up will be provided to anyone whose questionnaire answers indicate you should not come to campus.
• Students, you must be registered for Fall semester classes in order to log in to the Screening app.
• Faculty and staff, the hiring process (including access to an FGCU email account) must be completed before you can log in to the Screening app.
• Tutorials for the Screening app are available for Mobile App and Desktop App.
• “Access Denied” – If you should receive an “Access Denied” error message after logging in, please use the attached instructions to navigate to the correct location. 
• Contact the COVID-19 Help Line at 239-590-1206 for technical support.
• You can complete the screening app at any time of the day (and also multiple times in a day if circumstances change and your information needs to be updated).  The 7 a.m. daily email is just a reminder, and you can complete the questionnaire at any time. 
• Now that the FGCU Daily Health Screening is in place, you should direct a student or employee who comes to you indicating receipt of a positive COVID-19 test result to immediately update the app information for that day.  (This replaces the prior guidance before the screening process was launched.)  Due to confidentiality requirements, please do not share or discuss this medical information with others.

III.  Masks/Face Coverings Required:  Wearing face masks is strictly required as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.  The previously published rules on mask-wearing can be viewed at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update

IV.  Next Week’s Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:  To enhance personal efforts to remain healthy, we are providing FGCU-logo and plain cloth masks to all students, faculty and staff.  The location for pick-up is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.  The pick-up schedule for next week is:

• Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21:  11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

V.  Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Testing: 

• Asymptomatic Testing (when you have NO symptoms of illness):
  • It is offered free of charge to faculty, staff, and students (enrolled in the Fall semester).
  • It will continue through Wednesday, August 19 (last day).
  • In order to beat the anticipated rush on Monday through Wednesday, you can be tested this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Visit https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#AsymptomaticTesting to schedule your test, and view additional information on the things you must do before the test, bring with you to the test, etc.  Please bring with you a screenshot or printout of your green checkmark from the Daily Health Screening app that day.
• Symptomatic Testing (when you HAVE symptoms of possible COVID-19):
  • It will be offered free of charge to students enrolled in the Fall semester.
  • It will continue through the end of the semester, December 4.
  • Students, visit https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#SymptomaticTesting for additional information.

VI.  Reports on Positive Cases:  Now that we have the COVID-19 case management system in place with case investigators working with individuals who test positive, and identifying and working with others who may have been exposed, starting next week we will post the information about positive cases on our Protect the Nest coronavirus website (https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/) instead of sending campus emails.  For the Fall semester, please note that we have set aside separate housing space for any needed student quarantines.  While isolating, students are not permitted to be outside their quarantine housing.  Employees quarantine at home off campus.

VII.  Elevator Capacity:  Due to the required social distancing and restricted space capacities, all elevators are limited to a maximum of 2 people at any one time.  If the elevator is transporting 2 people, please take the stairs or wait for the next available elevator ride.  Masks are required on elevators.

VIII.  Campus Signage:  An extensive institutional signage package detailing safety and occupancy requirements has been installed throughout the campus.  It’s important these “Protect the Nest” signs be highly visible.  Please do not change, rearrange, or remove any of the official “Protect the Nest” signs, posters, table tents, chair markers, or decals.  We appreciate your cooperation, and encourage everyone to follow all posted guidelines for campus safety.

B.  ACADEMICS, AND STUDENT SUPPORT:

I.  Minimum Technology Requirements for Students: 

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required for all students.  FGCU recommends that each student entering the University acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program.  Coursework requires use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet.  Official University correspondence often is sent via e-mail, and other services are provided that require access through the Internet.

Detailed information, including vendor links for discounts to FGCU students, is available at Minimum Technology Requirements for Students.  Students with additional questions can contact the following:  FGCU Help Desk at helpdesk@fgcu.edu for technical questions, or your instructor for course-specific questions.

II.  Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk: 

• Location is Griffin Hall Room #252.
• Telephone is 239-590-1188.
• Hours of operation are:
  • By call or email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • By walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

III.  Temporary Loaner Laptops and Webcams for Students: 

• We have some laptops and webcams available for temporary checkout by students with broken or forgotten equipment. 
• Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Bradshaw Library are making the laptops available to students on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The checkout period for laptops is for a 24-hour loan, and they contain standard classroom and computer lab software.
• Loaner webcams can be checked out for a 3-hour period. 
• The Bradshaw Library hours are available online at https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html.  Call 239-590-7610 or email libcirc@fgcu.edu for more details on this loaner program.

C.  FACILITY SCHEDULES:

As much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our campus for events and meetings, this Fall semester has to be different due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.  Facility use is for FGCU students, faculty and staff ONLY.  The following schedules are applicable as indicated.  Dining and bookstore traffic will be evaluated in a couple of weeks with possible schedule changes if needed.

FGCU Campus Dining

Hours of Operation - Fall 2020 – Beginning Monday, August 17, 2020

• Bookstore:  For the weeks of August 17-23, and August 24-30, 2020:
  • Monday:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Thursday:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday:  CLOSED
• Library:
  • Visit https://library.fgcu.edu/csd/calendar.html for the Library schedule.
• Student Engagement Offices:  For the week of August 17-21, 2020:
  • Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • tudent Health Services/239-590-7966: 
    • Monday through Thursday:  8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
    • Friday:  9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Recreation (239-590-7935):  For August 17 through September 7 (Labor Day):
  • Recreation and Wellness Center:
    • Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Aquatic Center:
    • Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – and – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Sunday:  CLOSED
  • Sovi (South Village) Pool, and Waterfront:
    • Monday – Sunday:  Noon to 5 p.m.
  • Recreation Fields:
    • Monday – Friday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday:  1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
    • Open for drop-in use.

In closing, I promised words from a special Eagle! 

Earlier this month, we celebrated our Summer 2020 graduates with a virtual Commencement, and if you haven’t watched I highly recommend it (https://www.fgcu.edu/summer2020grad/).  President Martin praised and congratulated the graduates and welcomed Commencement speakers, including our FGCU Student Government President, rising senior, and member of the FGCU Board of Trustees Jacob Goldman.  While his remarks that day primarily were directed to the Summer graduates who in their last two semesters faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, Jacob said some things that really resonated with me, and as he spoke I quickly scribbled them on my iPad because I knew they had to be part of one of these campus updates! 

So, from portions of his speech, in the words of FGCU Student Government President Jacob Goldman:

“No one ever said college would be easy.  College challenges you to push yourself physically, socially, mentally and academically.  These challenges aren’t meant to make us feel weak, but instead they’re meant to strengthen us.  They’re meant to push us to DO better and to BE better!

They provide us with experiences that we can own, and while owning these experiences we can better the world around us.  Life will throw curveballs in order to keep you on your toes.  Sometimes these curveballs throw off our long, thought-out plan, and there’s not much we can do about it – except with this curveball, we can wear a mask! 

Look at this time as a time of opportunity instead of a time of challenge.  Use this time to show how adaptable you are – how persistent you are – and most of all, how strong you are.  Own this experience and capitalize on it.  And, as always, WINGS UP and GO EAGLES!”

Well said, Jacob, well said for us all this semester at FGCU!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff is available with little to no waiting today at Alico Arena.  (Asymptomatic testing is only for individuals who have NO symptoms of illness.)

Asymptomatic testing is being provided free of charge to current students, faculty and staff – but only through Wednesday, August 19. 

While we would prefer you make an advance appointment through the below “Asymptomatic Testing” link, we also are able to take walk-ups.  With Monday the first day of the semester, we anticipate a rush of asymptomatic testing on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (the last day), so if you would like to avoid the rush, plan to be tested before then.

The August 10-19 asymptomatic testing is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. including on Saturday and Sunday this weekend at the Alico Arena Auxiliary Gym on campus.  Masks and social distancing are required at the testing site.

In addition to the information you need to bring with you – listed in the below “Asymptomatic Testing” link – please bring with you a screenshot, or print the email confirmation from that day’s FGCU Daily Health Screening App showing the green checkmark that you are approved to come to campus.  (If you already completed the screening app this morning and don’t still have the green checkmark message, you can do the screening app again to get it.  As a test I just did this for a second time today, and it worked fine.)

Asymptomatic Testing Link:  https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#AsymptomaticTesting

Finally, as a reminder this is testing ONLY for asymptomatic students, faculty and staff.  If you have illness symptoms, you should update your Daily Health Screening App and await guidance if you do not receive the green checkmark.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have two positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We received confirmation today that a North Lake Village housing student (on campus today), and an Athletics employee (on campus today) have tested positive.  Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please note that we have set aside separate housing space for any needed student quarantines during the fall semester.  While isolating, students are not permitted to be outside their quarantine housing.  Employees quarantine at home off campus.

As a reminder to everyone, please complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening App every day before you come to campus, and follow the guidance provided.  The greater the screening participation rate by our students, faculty and staff, the better able we are to identify and support someone with COVID-19 while also minimizing the possibility of community spread on campus.

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals with COVID-19.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct contact tracing for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.  In addition, our new COVID-19 management system with case investigators is in place and working with such cases.

We send our student and employee best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have a positive case of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation that a WGCU employee (last on campus Friday, August 7) has tested positive. 

Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct contact tracing for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.  In addition, our new COVID-19 management system with case investigators is in place and working with such cases.

We send our employee best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans 

Good evening.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have a positive case of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation that a student currently living in North Lake Village housing has tested positive. 

Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct contact tracing for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.  In addition, our new COVID-19 management system with case investigators is in place and working with such cases.

We send our student best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans 

Good afternoon.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have a couple of positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation that an Edwards Hall employee (last on campus Friday, July 31), and a Little Eagles Learning Center employee (last on campus Wednesday, August 5) have tested positive.  (The Little Eagles Learning Center was not open for children last week.) 

Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct contact tracing for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.  In addition, our new FGCU management system with case investigators is in place and working with cases.

We send our employees best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as a reminder, a coronavirus update containing important information is being provided each Friday as we move closer to the August 17 start of the Fall semester.  In each of these updates, we include the important reminder that our restart plans for the Fall semester are built on the ability to be flexible and adaptable as COVID-19 circumstances warrant.  This involves our constant monitoring of conditions, CDC guidelines, and local and state health officials’ recommendations – all while implementing a robust, campus-wide program for health and safety.  We remain on schedule for the August 17 first day of the semester. 

Earlier this week, you received updates with information on asymptomatic and symptomatic testing, and the FGCU Daily Health Screening app. 

On Monday (August 10), some of our housing students (and related staff) will begin a phased-in move back to campus, and some campus facilities will open for limited operations starting next week. 

Please remember as we start the week with people arriving back on campus:

• You must complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening each day BEFORE you come to campus;
• While on campus you must follow the mask-wearing requirements; and
• You must follow all health and safety rules for the various facilities on campus.  Failure to do so will result in your being asked to leave the facility, or worse, our having to close the facility with no one able to use it.   

Here are some updates for today:

A.  ACADEMICS, AND STUDENT SUPPORT:

I.  Minimum Technology Requirements for Students: 

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required for all students.  FGCU recommends that each student entering the University acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program.  Coursework requires use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet.  Official University correspondence often is sent via e-mail, and other services are provided that require access through the Internet.

Detailed information, including vendor links for discounts to FGCU students, is available at Minimum Technology Requirements for Students.  Students with additional questions can contact the following:  FGCU Help Desk at helpdesk@fgcu.edu for technology questions; your instructor for course-specific questions; or the Eagles Care! Team at care@fgcu.edu.

II.  Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk:  Please note the following for the Help Desk starting on August 10:

• Location is Griffin Hall Room #252.
• Telephone is 239-590-1188.
• Hours of operation are:
  • By call or email (helpdesk@fgcu.edu):  Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • By walk-in:  Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

III.  Limited Schedules for Facilities Next Week:  As indicated above, some students and staff will be returning to campus starting on Monday.  The following schedule is applicable only for next week.  Please be mindful of following all health and safety rules, including wearing masks, so we can continue to keep the facilities open for our students and employees.

• Dining:
  • South Village:  SOVI Dining on Monday (August 10) through Saturday (August 15) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday (August 16) from 9 a.m. to midnight.
  • North Lake Village: Azul’s Brewhouse on Saturday (August 15) and Sunday (August 16) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • North Lake Village:  The Boardwalk on Saturday (August 15) and Sunday (August 16) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Bookstore:
  • Monday (August 10) through Thursday (August 13):  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday (August 14):  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday (August 15):  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Sunday (August 16):  Closed
• Library:
  • Monday (August 10) through Friday (August 14):  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday (August 15) and Sunday (August 16):  1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Student Engagement Offices:
  • Student Success & Enrollment Management Main Office/239-590-7910:  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Student Health Services/239-590-7966:  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Campus Life/239-590-7900:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Office of Housing & Residence Life/239-590-1700:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)/239-590-7950:  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Prevention & Wellness/239-745-5204:  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Campus Recreation – 239-590-7935:
  • Recreation and Wellness Center:
    • Monday (August 10) through Friday (August 14):  2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday (August 15): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Sunday (August 16):  2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Aquatic Center:
    • Monday (August 10) through Friday (August 14):  Noon to 5 p.m., and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Sovi (South Village) Pool:
    • Monday (August 10), Wednesday (August 12), Friday (August 14), and Sunday (August 16):  Noon to 5 p.m.
  • Waterfront:
    • Tuesday (August 11), Thursday (August 13), and Saturday (August 15):  Noon to 5 p.m.
  • ROC Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts:
    • Will be open for drop-in use by students.

B.  HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We have instituted a wide array of health and safety measures designed to do everything possible to keep our campus community safe and healthy for those who learn, work and visit here.  Please pay close attention to the below items, which are complementary to our own personal safety plans and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

I.  Masks/Face Coverings Required:  Wearing face masks is strictly required as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.  The previously published rules on mask-wearing can be viewed at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update

II.  Next Week’s Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:  To enhance personal efforts to remain healthy, we are providing FGCU-logo and plain cloth masks to all students, faculty and staff.  The location for pick-up is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.). 

The schedule for next week is:

• Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14:  11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

III.  Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Testing:  As previously announced asymptomatic and symptomatic testing will be provided as follows:

• Asymptomatic Testing (when you have NO symptoms of illness):
  • Offered free of charge to faculty, staff, and students (enrolled in the Fall semester);
  • During Monday, August 10 through Wednesday, August 19;
  • Visit https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#AsymptomaticTesting to schedule your test, and view additional information on the things you must do before the test, bring with you to the test, etc.
• Symptomatic Testing (when you HAVE symptoms of possible COVID-19):
  • Offered free of charge to students enrolled in the fall semester;
  • Starts on Monday, August 10 and continues through the end of the semester, December 4.
  • Visit https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#SymptomaticTesting for information on scheduling your test, the things you must do before the test, etc.

IV.  FGCU Daily Health Screening App:  Please note the following:

• As a reminder, all students, faculty and staff are required to complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening each day before you come to campus.  Guidance and follow-up will be provided if your questionnaire answers indicate you should not come to campus.
• Information on the FGCU Daily Health Screening app has been provided to the campus community over the last couple of days.  We launched the app prior to the start of the semester to have an opportunity to work out any needed tweaks, and most of these have been addressed.  Our technical staff is working with Veoci on a small number of remaining items, and we hope to have these resolved soon.  If you are experiencing issues, please use the guidance provided in yesterday’s campus email (sent at 3 p.m. Thursday).  You also can contact the COVID-19 Help Line at 239-590-1206 for technical support.
• Now that the FGCU Daily Health Screening is in place, you should direct a student or employee who comes to you indicating receipt of a positive COVID-19 test result to immediately update the app information for that day.  (This replaces the prior guidance before the screening process was launched.)  Due to confidentiality requirements, please do not share or discuss this medical information with others.
• You can complete the screening app at any time of the day (and also multiple times in a day if circumstances change).  The 7 a.m. daily email is just a reminder, but you can complete the questionnaire before then.

V.  Elevator Capacity:  Due to the required social distancing and restricted space capacities, all elevators are limited to a maximum of 2 people at any one time.  If the elevator is transporting 2 people, please take the stairs or wait for the next available elevator ride.  Masks are required on elevators.

VI.  Campus Signage:  An extensive institutional signage package detailing safety and occupancy requirements has been installed throughout the campus.  It’s important these “Protect the Nest” signs be highly visible, which could impact other existing signage and require the removal of non-permanent signs.  Please do not change, rearrange, or remove any of the official “Protect the Nest” signage, or post any additional signs.  Any handmade signs not part of the institutional signage package will be removed.  We appreciate your cooperation, and encourage everyone to follow all posted guidelines for campus safety.

In closing for this week, we want to urge everyone to continue using safe practices in these days leading up to the start of the Fall semester just one week away.  This means following the CDC guidelines of (1) staying home when you feel ill; (2) not gathering in large groups; (3) distancing yourself from others with a space of at least six feet; (4) washing your hands frequently; (5) wearing a mask; and (6) (our) getting in the habit of completing the FGCU Health Screening app before we come to campus each day. 

Each of us in FGCU’s campus community will bring to it – and to each other – the results of how well we practice these critical measures for good health and safety.  I keep thinking about something I wrote in a campus update earlier this week:  Our campus will be what WE make it. 

Will we make our campus healthier – or not – because of how careful and smart we are?  Will we make our campus supportive – or not – in how we treat each other in these challenging times?  Will we once again take the opportunity – or not – to show what Eagles accomplish when we work together for the greater good?  The many months of pre-planning for a Fall semester unlike any other are coming to an end, and as they say, it’s almost show time.  Let’s show that together we are up to the challenges in our EAGLES way!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – we appreciate the enthusiasm for today’s start of the FGCU Daily Health Screening app! 

We’ve received reports that some users are experiencing challenges logging in to the Veoci app, and our ITS staff has worked with Veoci to provide instructions that should assist.  Please note the following:

I.  FGCU Credentials based on Your Primary Role:

Please use your FGCU credentials based on your primary role, as follows:

Use Employee email (username@fgcu.edu) and password if you are a:

• Full-Time Employee
• Full-Time Employee Taking Classes
• OPS Non-Student Employee (includes Adjuncts)

Use Student email (username@eagle.fgcu.edu) and password if you are a:

• Full-Time Student
• Student who also works Part-Time at FGCU (OPS Student Employee)

II.  Access Denied Message:

If you used the “Notifications” section within Veoci to navigate to the Daily Screening Reminder alert, you may have received an “Access Denied” message.  Please follow the steps in the PDF attachment to navigate to the Daily Screening Questionnaire.

III.  Veoci Training Resources:

For a list of Veoci FAQs and step-by-step guides, please visit the FGCU Screening webpage at https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/#VeociScreeningAppQuestions and https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp/.

Direct links to the PDF training materials are listed here for your convenience:

• Veoci Desktop Training Materials
• Veoci Mobile App Training Materials

IV.  Still Experiencing Challenges?  If you have tried the suggested solutions and still are experiencing issues, please contact the COVID-19 Help Line at 239-590-1206.  (The COVID-19 Help Line has two sections: health-based assistance, and app technical support.)  

We appreciate your patience as we fine-tune the FGCU Daily Health Screening process so all Eagles are set with this important part of our campus health and safety plan.  Stay tuned and stay well!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening – as previously indicated, when new items are finalized this week we’ll send Coronavirus updates in addition to the weekly one on Friday.  Tonight I have information on our finalized COVID-19 case management system and the FGCU Daily Health Screening App (Veoci).

Now more than ever, the health of each individual at FGCU impacts our campus and surrounding communities.  We must Protect the Nest for ourselves and each other!  The sooner those infected with COVID-19 – or who have potential exposure – are isolated and provided care, the less likely the virus is to spread. 

An FGCU COVID-19 case management system (which incorporates the asymptomatic and symptomatic testing outlined in yesterday’s update, and the health screening app in this update) has been designed to complement the work of the Florida Department of Health and its contact tracing.  Our FGCU case management system also includes a call center, case investigators, and other resources as described in this update.

Students, Faculty and Staff:  Please read ALL of these instructions for the FGCU Daily Health Screening App (Veoci): 

I.  What You Must Do:

• Every student, faculty and staff MUST complete a brief questionnaire on the FGCU Daily Health Screening app BEFORE coming to campus EVERY DAY.  If you are a housing student, you must complete the app before you leave housing and go to any other part of the campus, including class.
• Starting tomorrow morning (Thursday, August 6), all students, faculty and staff will receive an email every day between 7 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. reminding you to complete the Daily Health Screening.
• If you need to complete the screening before the 7:15 a.m. reminder, set an appointment on your cell phone calendar as a reminder.
• Even if you are not planning to come to campus that day, you should complete the Daily Health Screening as our FGCU community impacts a wide range of people, places and entities.  The information you share may help us contain the virus even if you are not planning to come to campus.
• The Daily Health Screening can be completed at any time during the day (before coming to campus) – and it can be completed multiple times a day if your condition changes; you receive COVID-19 results; or you wish to make other updates.
• The Veoci program is for self-screening purposes only and is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for medical advice.   

II.  How You Access the FGCU Daily Health Screening (Mobile or Desktop App):

• You can access the Screening through the Veoci app (mobile or desktop), or from your morning email reminder.
• The Veoci app for the FGCU Health Daily Screening can be accessed through these mobile and website options (free of charge):  Apple App Store; Google Play; or Veoci website (veoci.com).  Use your normal FGCU log-in credentials with the app, website log-in, or link in your morning email reminder.  There is no need for an additional password.
• Confidentiality is important.  All information is secured in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA guidelines.  Personal and medical information will be maintained in a confidential manner.
• You can view helpful step-by-step instructions; FAQs, and tutorials with graphics of the questionnaire; etc. at https://www.fgcu.edu/screeningapp.  (Please review this information if you have questions.)

III.  What Happens When You Complete the Daily Health Screening Questionnaire:

• When you complete the FGCU Daily Health Screening you will receive one of the following symbols with your name, date, and timestamp.  Additional instructions also will be sent if needed. 
• Notification will be provided to tell you to (1) Come to Campus; (2) Stay Home; or (3) Use Caution, as follows:
  
  

  A green check mark means you are cleared to come to campus for the day.

  A red universal “No” symbol means you are advised to stay home until further contact is made.

  A yellow caution sign means you are experiencing symptoms or illness that may require you to take precautions.

• Screenings that indicate a positive COVID-19 test; contact with a COVID-19 positive person; awaiting test results; or symptoms indicating the possibility of COVID-19 will be routed to a case investigator in our FGCU case management system.  The case investigator will contact you to review the accuracy of the information and refer you to the appropriate resources as needed.  Next steps will be provided to you.

Other:

FGCU Help Line: 

• Our case management system includes an FGCU (only) COVID-19 Help Line (call center).  For COVID-19 questions, you can contact the Help Line at 239-590-1206.  Hours of operation include Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Please note this COVID-19 Help Line is ONLY for FGCU students, faculty and staff, and it should be used ONLY for COVID-19 questions.  (You may leave a message 24/7.).
• You should enter new or updated information (receipt of a positive COVID-19 test; contact with a person who is COVID-19 positive; or symptoms indicating the possibility of COVID-19) through the FGCU Daily Health Screening App.
• If you are aware of an employee or student who is presenting symptoms or informs you of a positive COVID-19 test result, please encourage them to complete or update the FGCU COVID-19 Daily Health Screening.  

Employee Notifications to Supervisor: 

Employees are responsible for communicating with their supervisor if they are not able to come into work.  Human Resources will contact the supervisor and the employee to discuss any applicable remote work or leave options. 

Student Notifications to Instructor:

Students are responsible for communicating with their instructor if they are unable to attend class.  For any other assistance, please visit Student Care Services.

Eagles, let’s all start Thursday morning getting in the practice of completing the FGCU Daily Health Screening! 

Our campus will be what WE make it.  Let’s go with safe and healthy!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good morning – as previously indicated, when new items are finalized this week we’ll send Coronavirus updates in addition to the weekly one on Friday.  Today I have information on COVID-19 testing.

I’ve pasted at the end of this email specific details and a link to an informational and appointment-setting webpage from our staff, but a general overview of COVID-19 testing at FGCU is as follows:

• Asymptomatic Testing:  For current/incoming FGCU students, faculty and staff with NO symptoms, asymptomatic testing will be provided during the period of August 10 through August 19 on campus and free of charge.  Asymptomatic testing is voluntary.  Please see below for additional details, including things you must do before arriving for your scheduled appointment.  Also, there is a link below to set an appointment.  Please note the asymptomatic testing ends on August 19.
• Symptomatic Testing:  For current/incoming FGCU students WITH symptoms (see details below), symptomatic testing will be provided starting on August 10 and continuing through the semester to December 4.  Please note this is for students, and testing conducted at Student Health Services will be provided free of charge.  See below for additional details  

The daily health screening app is being finalized, and details will be provided in the next day or so.

For the additional information on asymptomatic and symptomatic testing, please see here:

Asymptomatic Testing (Students, Faculty and Staff):

August 10^th – 19^th in the Alico Arena Auxiliary Gym

Asymptomatic Testing (testing when you have no symptoms of illness)  is offered free of charge to current FGCU faculty, staff, and students enrolled in the fall 2020 semester.  

• LOCATION: Testing is conveniently located in the Alico Arena Auxiliary Gym – Enter via the West outdoor stairwell.
• DURATION: Monday, August 10^th through Wednesday, August 19^th.  This includes Saturday (August 15^th) and Sunday (August 16^th)
• HOURS: Multiple testing appointments are available every 10 minutes from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT NOW TO RESERVE A SPOT

Things To Know Before You Arrive For Your COVID-19 Test:

• Complete the FGCU COVID-19 Daily Screening App
• Bring Eagle ID or State Issued ID/Driver’s License
• Know or bring your Social Security Number
• Results will be provided by FGCU, but if you would like to obtain your test results via Quest directly, you can create a Quest account at  https://myquest.questdiagnostics.com/web/home
• Testing by Nasal Swab (Anterior Nares Test-Quest Labs)

Things to Do When You Arrive:

• Wear a mask
• Social distancing must be practiced
• Only those being tested are allowed in Alico Arena

Symptomatic Testing (Students):

August 10^th – December 4th in Student Health Services

For students experiencing symptoms that could indicate COVID-19 infection,  COVID-19 testing is available in Student Health Services throughout the fall semester by appointment only.

Students who complete the COVID-19 Daily Screening App and are experiencing fever over 100.4, difficulty breathing, no taste or smell, severe cough, and/or diarrhea will be referred to their private physician or Student Health Services for COVID19 testing.

Students also may contact Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu.  If you email, please include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as a reminder, a coronavirus update containing important information is being provided each Friday as we move closer to the August 17 start of the Fall semester.  Please note that our team continues to work non-stop on a number of important, interconnected things, and as soon as detailed information on new items is available, it is provided in these campus updates.  If details have not yet been announced in the updates, it means they’re not yet finalized.

In each update, we include the important reminder that our restart plans for the Fall semester are built on the ability to be flexible and adaptable as COVID-19 circumstances warrant.  This involves our constant monitoring of conditions, CDC guidelines, and local and state health officials’ recommendations – all while implementing a robust, campus-wide program for health and safety.  We remain on schedule for the August 17 first day of the semester. 

Early next week, in addition to the Friday updates, we will have details to share on the health case management process, including the daily screening app, and testing.  Please stay tuned for this important information.  Here are some updates (and a few key reminders) for today:

A.  ACADEMICS:

Minimum Technology Requirements for Students: 

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required for all students.  FGCU recommends that each student entering the University acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program.  Coursework requires use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet.  Official University correspondence often is sent via e-mail, and other services are provided that require access through the Internet.

Detailed information, including vendor links for discounts to FGCU students, is available at Minimum Technology Requirements for Students.  Students with additional questions can contact the following:  FGCU Help Desk at helpdesk@fgcu.edu for technology questions; your instructor for course-specific questions; or the Eagles Care! Team at care@fgcu.edu.

B.  HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We are instituting a wide array of health and safety measures designed to do everything possible to keep our campus community safe and healthy for those who learn, work and visit here.  Please pay close attention to the below items, which are complementary to our own personal safety plans and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

I.  Masks/Face Coverings:  Wearing face masks is required now on campus (including ETI, Vester, and other offsite locations) as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.  The mask-wearing rules were provided in last week’s Coronavirus Update, available for viewing at: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#79July24Update.  Please note that masks are to be worn covering both the mouth and the nose; there is no benefit to wearing a mask on your chin.

II.  Next Week’s Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:  To enhance personal efforts to remain healthy, we are providing FGCU-logo and plain cloth masks to all students, faculty and staff.  (Please do NOT come to campus just to pick up your masks if you currently are working remotely or are not enrolled in summer classes; masks will be available on your scheduled return to campus.)

The location for mask pick-up is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.).  The schedule for next week is:

• Monday, August 3:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, August 6:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

III.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Cleaning Supplies – Cautionary Label Warning:  As previously announced, PPE kits have been delivered to all units on campus.  The PPE kits include products for cleaning, and we ask that you note their cautionary label warnings, as well as on other cleaners you may be using to sanitize your work station during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As with any cleaning product, you are advised to wear gloves and eye protection when you are using unfamiliar or harsh chemicals.   

IV.  HVAC Systems:  Our campus and housing buildings’ internal HVAC systems employ up to a MERV-13 rated air filter where applicable. Our air filters are on a regularly scheduled preventive maintenance program, which uses ASHARE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) best practices for regular replacements.

V.  Facilities for Fall Semester:  As previously announced, in order to best manage the campus facilities’ safety and occupancy requirements, use during the Fall semester will be only for FGCU, and not outside groups. Campus Reservations staff has developed a couple of webpages for assistance, as follows:

• Guidelines for Events (FGCU only):  https://www.fgcu.edu/campusreservations/covideventguidelines.aspx.  This includes helpful information on required room/facility capacity; format; cleaning and safety; food; technology; and additional considerations.  Please completely follow this information to ensure FGCU is compliant with all State of Florida rules, as well as guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
• Information on Location Features: https://www.fgcu.edu/campusreservations/academicbuildinglist.aspx.  This includes room features; modified capacities; and photographs. 

VI.  Campus Signage:  The institutional signage package detailing safety and occupancy requirements is being installed on campus this week.  It’s important these “Protect the Nest” signs be highly visible, which could impact other existing signage and require the removal of non-permanent signs.  Please do not change, rearrange, or remove any of the official “Protect the Nest” signage, or post any additional signs.  Any handmade signs not part of the institutional signage package will be removed.  We appreciate your cooperation, and encourage everyone to follow all posted guidelines for campus safety.

VII.  Positive Test Result.  What Do I Do?  We want to do everything possible to support any member of the FGCU campus community who receives a positive test result for COVID-19.  Occasionally I’m asked where/how/if a person should report his or her positive result, or whether a faculty or staff member can report information about a positive test relayed to them.  Please note that if you test positive for COVID-19 you are expected to adhere to self-isolation/quarantine requirements for your and others’ protection.  Here are some guidelines for reporting:

• If you Test Positive:  A student, faculty, or staff member should report his or her COVID-19 positive test result as soon as possible as follows:
  • Students:  Contact Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu.  If you email, please include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
  • Faculty and Staff:  Contact Human Resources HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.  If emailing, include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
• If a Student or Employee Report to You they’ve Tested Positive: 
  • As a faculty member or employee supervisor, you may contact Student Health Services (for students), or Human Resources (for faculty or staff) to provide information about an individual’s report to you of that person’s COVID-19 positive test result (please use the above contact information).
  • This single call or email is where your involvement must end.  You should NOT follow up regarding this medical information with the student, employee, Student Health Services, or Human Resources.
  • Due to confidentiality, you should NOT discuss this medical information with anyone else, including other students and employees.
  • Our staff in Student Health Services, and Human Resources will handle the matter.  All positive test results are reported to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which statutorily is designated as the entity to conduct contact tracing.  FDOH personnel perform the contact tracing, and reach out to persons in need of exposure information or instruction.
  • Please be mindful of respecting each other’s privacy and confidentiality so that no one contributes to a rumor that could be untrue or hurtful.

C.  OTHER:

I.  FGCU Travel Freeze:  For campus health and budgetary reasons, all University-related travel is suspended through at least September 30.  And, employees are strongly encouraged to minimize personal travel, in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

II.  Campus Shuttles for Fall Semester:  Due to COVID-19, there will be some additional safety measures in place for the campus shuttles.  Seats will be available, but standing will not be allowed.  All passengers must wear a mask.  Vehicles will be cleaned throughout the day, and the drivers will wear masks and have temperature checks before their shifts. 

Shuttles will operate from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the Fall semester.  You can view shuttle routes and locations, and download the app on http://fgcu.doublemap.com/map/ (Double Map).  Double Map is a GPS shuttle tracking system, and allows riders to track the location of the campus shuttles in real time.  For additional information on campus shuttles, visit FGCU Parking Services at https://www.fgcu.edu/parkingservices/

III.  Congratulations to FGCU Summer Graduates!:  On Sunday (August 2), FGCU will confer more than 500 degrees to deserving graduates through a virtual Commencement available for viewing starting at 10 a.m. that day and remaining posted for your convenience.  President Martin and others will address our graduates, whose names will be announced as in a traditional ceremony.  Viewing will be available at https://www.fgcu.edu/summer2020grad/, and everyone should watch the inspirational video (both brief and powerful) that starts with an Eagle and ends with an Eagle.  Congratulations, graduates!

In closing for this week, we recognize these are challenging times for everyone – FGCU students, faculty, staff, and friends.  We’re working hard to put into place a safe and healthy Fall semester whether you’re on campus or online.  As we stay true to our mission of providing students a high quality academic experience, COVID-19 will make us do some things operationally different than usual.  BUT – we’re still FGCU and we’re still Eagles!  We all know that moment when you close your eyes, and shut out all the noise, and feel what’s real in your heart.  THIS is the Eagle spirit that has brought us to and through a lot, and it will again if we’re smart, careful, and kind to each other!    

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as a reminder, a coronavirus update containing important information is being provided each Friday as we move closer to the August 17 start of the Fall semester.  Please note that our team continues to work non-stop on a number of important, interconnected things related to the Fall semester, and as soon as detailed information on new items is available, it is provided in these campus updates.  If details have not yet been announced in these updates, it means they’re not yet finalized.

In each of these updates, we include the important reminder that our restart plans for the Fall semester are built on the ability to be flexible and adaptable as COVID-19 circumstances warrant.  This involves our constant monitoring of conditions, CDC guidelines, and local and state health officials’ recommendations – all while implementing a robust, campus-wide program for health and safety.  We remain on schedule for the August 17 first day of the semester. 

If ever there was a critical time to emphasize and to practice personal responsibility, this is it.  Everyone in the FGCU family will have to care about ourselves and each other; protect ourselves and each other; and be smart for ourselves and each other!            

Here are some updates for today:

A.  ACADEMICS:

I.  Minimum Technology Requirements for Students: 

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required for all students.  FGCU recommends that each student entering the University acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program.  Coursework requires use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet.  Official University correspondence often is sent via e-mail, and other services are provided that require access through the Internet.

Detailed information, including vendor links for discounts to FGCU students, is available at Minimum Technology Requirements for Students.  Students with additional questions can contact the following:  FGCU Help Desk at helpdesk@fgcu.edu for technology questions; your instructor for course-specific questions; or the Eagles Care! Team at care@fgcu.edu.

II.  Computer Labs:

The following on-campus computer labs will be available for student use starting on August 10.  For hours, please visit: https://www.fgcu.edu/its/students/labs.  As with all other facilities on campus, occupancy will be limited consistent with the requirements of the State of Florida.

Computer Lab Locations:                    

Main Library Computer Lab:  70 total seats.

Library West Computer Lab:  45 total seats. 

Ben Hill Griffin Hall Room #208:  15 total seats.  

Reed Hall Room #256:  5 total seats. 

Virtual Computer Lab:

The virtual computer lab (vlab) is accessible on and off campus by visiting https://myvlab.fgcu.edu.  The labs are accessible on Windows and MacOs computers, and have many of the same software titles available.  For a list of software and where it is available, please visit the ITS knowledgebase here.  For addition information and how to use the vlab, please check out the “AppsAnywhere and Virtual Lab” training course that is available in Canvas for all students, faculty and staff.

B.  HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We are instituting a wide array of health and safety measures designed to do everything possible to keep our campus community safe and healthy for those who learn, work and visit here.  Please pay close attention to the below items, which are complementary to our own personal safety plans and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

I.  Masks/Face Coverings:  Wearing face masks is required now on campus (including ETI, Vester, and other offsite locations) as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.  Strict adherence is required for the following:

Masks are Required:

• In class meetings (classrooms, lecture halls, labs, etc.) regardless of whether six feet of space can separate individuals.
• In common areas including computer labs, Library, conference rooms, galleries, study rooms, gathering places, performance halls, recreational facilities except as specified below, meeting rooms, lounges, etc. regardless of whether six feet of space can separate individuals.
• In hallways, stairwells, elevators, and exterior walkways.
• In science labs unless in a closed, private space for one person where no other individuals will be present.
• In dining facilities except when actually eating or drinking.
• On shuttle and tour buses operating on campus, as well as on FGCU vans and other transportation for more than one person.
• In the Bookstore.
• In public-facing offices that interact with students, employees, visitors, vendors, etc.
• In addition to a face shield if so chosen by the individual.  Please note that a face shield must be worn simultaneously with a mask.
• During student housing move-in by all participating (students, family members, staff, volunteers, etc.).

If you are in doubt, the default is to WEAR a mask.  Everyone on campus should have a daily-clean mask with them at all times.

Masks are NOT Required:

• While in a private office or dedicated space for one person where no other individuals will be present.
• While in a student residence private space for one person where no other individuals will be present.
• During high-intensity exercising (jogging, lifting weights, cardio exercise, etc.) if six feet of space continuously can separate individuals.
• During swimming in a pool where six feet of space continuously can separate individuals.
• For children 2 years of age or younger.

NOTE:

If an individual is deemed by a medical professional to have a reason why wearing a mask is not advised, the individual must speak with the appropriate FGCU staff to determine possible options in advance of being on campus.  Students should contact Adaptive Services at adaptive@fgcu.edu or 239-590-7956 (depending on the circumstances, you may be referred to Student Health Services).  Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources at HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.

II.  Next Week’s Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:  To enhance personal efforts to remain healthy, we are providing FGCU-logo and plain cloth masks to all students, faculty and staff.  (Please do NOT come to campus just to pick up your masks if you currently are working remotely or are not enrolled in summer classes; masks will be available on your scheduled return to campus.)

The location for pick-up is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.).  The schedule for next week is:

• Monday, July 27:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, July 30:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

III.  Facilities Use for Fall Semester:  In order to best manage in a controlled manner the campus facilities’ safety and occupancy requirements, use during the Fall semester will be only for FGCU, and not outside groups.  This applies to all campus facilities, including the Aquatics Center.  Each facility room on campus will have a modified maximum capacity of 50% of its normal capacity with furniture, with the following exceptions:

• The capacity of teaching labs (rooms coded by the State as 210s) will be calculated from square footage, at 50 square feet per person. 
• Rooms that have a capacity of 100 or more people will only have a modified maximum capacity of 50 people due to the State of Florida’s current guidelines on large gatherings to be capped at 50 people. 
• If 50% of a room’s normal capacity with furniture ends in .5, the modified maximum capacity will be rounded down to ensure that it is less than 50% of a location’s maximum capacity with furniture. 

Please note that Campus Reservations is creating a webpage that details the modified maximum capacity of each indoor location on campus.  This should be live and available for campus viewing by August 3.

IV.  Campus Signage:  An extensive institutional signage package detailing safety and occupancy requirements has been produced and will be installed starting on Monday (July 27).  It’s important these “Protect the Nest” signs be highly visible, which could impact other existing signage and require the removal of non-permanent signs.  Please do not change, rearrange, or remove any of the official “Protect the Nest” signage, or post any additional signs.  Any handmade signs not part of the institutional signage package will be removed.  We appreciate your cooperation, and encourage everyone to follow all posted guidelines for campus safety.

V.  Campus Health Assessment and Management Program:  As indicated in previous updates, we are finalizing the development and implementation of an integrated system for campus-wide health assessment and management.  The program will include a daily health screening app (or desktop equivalent) for all students, faculty and staff before they enter the campus; COVID-19 testing; and complementary to the Florida Department of Health’s contact tracing, an FGCU system in which personnel will be tasked with follow-up to individuals; risk assessment; monitoring; and containment.  

Additional details on these items will be provided next week, but here’s a general overview of the health screening app program.  All students, faculty and staff will be required to complete a daily COVID-19 screening questionnaire via the app (or desktop equivalent).  The questionnaire will assess the presence of COVID-19 symptoms or an elevated risk status such as close contact with a person who has tested positive.  This will allow for a faster distribution of information and direction for students, faculty and staff to help contain the spread of COVID-19 prior to coming to campus. 

VI.  Positive Test Result.  What Do I Do?  We want to do everything possible to support any member of the FGCU campus community who receives a positive test result for COVID-19.  Occasionally I’m asked where/how/if a person should report his or her positive result, or whether a faculty or staff member can report information about a positive test relayed to them.  Please note that if you test positive for COVID-19 you are expected to adhere to self-isolation/quarantine requirements for your and others’ protection.  Here are some guidelines for reporting:

• If you Test Positive:  A student, faculty, or staff member should report his or her COVID-19 positive test result as soon as possible as follows:
  • Students:  Contact Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu.  If you email, please include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
  • Faculty and Staff:  Contact Human Resources HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.  If emailing, include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
• If a Student or Employee Report to You they’ve Tested Positive: 
  • As a faculty member or employee supervisor, you may contact Student Health Services (for students), or Human Resources (for faculty or staff) to provide information about an individual’s report to you of that person’s COVID-19 positive test result (please use the above contact information).
  • This single call or email is where your involvement must end.  You should NOT follow up regarding this medical information with the student, employee, Student Health Services, or Human Resources.
  • Due to confidentiality, you should NOT discuss this medical information with anyone else, including other students and employees.
  • Our staff in Student Health Services, and Human Resources will handle the matter.  All positive test results are reported to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which statutorily is designated as the entity to conduct contact tracing.  FDOH personnel perform the contact tracing, and reach out to persons in need of exposure information or instruction. 
  • Please be mindful of respecting each other’s privacy and confidentiality so that no one contributes to a rumor that could be untrue or hurtful.

Additional updates will be provided next week. 

Stay tuned, stay smart, stay well, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good morning – as you know, some employees who are working remotely are scheduled to return to campus on July 27 and others on August 10 leading up to the August 17 start of the Fall semester.  These return dates will remain in effect for all employees who have positions that prepare for, welcome and support our students who are returning to campus as residential students and/or students with face-to-face classes; these are considered campus-critical positions as deemed by the employee’s supervisor. 

However, there may be some employees whose work is not campus-critical and who can continue performing their work remotely; these employees are asked to continue working remotely until a return to campus on August 31.  Please note that the determination on whether an employee’s position is campus-critical is determined solely by the employee’s supervisor based on the employee’s job responsibilities and the needs on campus. 

Employees with scheduled return dates of July 27 or August 10 should contact their supervisor today to determine if they hold a campus-critical position with return to campus as already scheduled – or – if the position is one with non-campus-critical work that can continue to be performed remotely with a return to campus on August 31.  Please note that depending on job responsibilities and campus needs, some employees may receive a return date that falls between their originally scheduled date and August 31.   

Our restart Plan for the Fall semester is built on flexible and adaptable options where needed, and this refined phase-in for some returning employees will enable us to open the semester with a lower density on campus and the greatest emphasis on student engagement and support as we implement the new campus systems for health and safety.  We know with COVID-19 these are unusual times for everyone, but our central mission of educating and supporting our students remains unchanged as the highest priority.  Thank you for all you’re doing in support of our students!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have a positive case of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation today that a Physical Plant employee who was last on campus 13 days ago has tested positive.  Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct the contact tracing process for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.

We send our employee best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU.  

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening.

As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have a positive case of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation that a Physical Plant employee who was last on campus 12 days ago has tested positive.  Positive cases are instructed to isolate in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the statutorily designated entity to conduct the contact tracing process for positive cases of COVID-19, including informing individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.

We send our employee best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as a reminder, a coronavirus update containing important information will be provided each Friday as we move closer to the August 17 start of the Fall semester. Please note that our team continues to work around the clock on a number of important, interconnected things related to the Fall semester, and as soon as detailed information on new items is available it will be provided in these campus updates. If details have not yet been announced in these updates, it means they’re not yet finalized.

For all the reasons that have been stated in all the coronavirus messages, the two most important things are flexibility and responsibility as our campus community continues to maneuver our way through this challenging process, just like all the other universities, K-12 schools, businesses, and organizations are facing and managing with a lot of COVID-19 uncertainties. 

Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to predict future events.  There is, however, a strong FGCU history of succeeding when we work together as a team.      

Here are some items for today:

A.  ACADEMICS:

I.  Minimum Technology Requirements for Students:  Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required for all students. FGCU recommends that each student entering the University acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program. Coursework requires use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet.  Official University correspondence often is sent via e-mail, and other services are provided that require access through the Internet.

Detailed information, including vendor links for discounts to FGCU students, is available at Minimum Technology Requirements for Students.  Students with additional questions can contact the following:  FGCU Help Desk at helpdesk@fgcu.edu for technology questions; your instructor for course-specific questions; or the Eagles Care! Team at care@fgcu.edu.

B.  HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We are instituting a wide array of health and safety measures designed to do everything possible to keep our campus community safe and healthy for those who learn, work and visit here.  Please pay close attention to the below items, which are complementary to our own personal safety plans and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

I.  Masks/Face Coverings:  Wearing face masks is required now on campus (including ETI, Vester, and other offsite locations) as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.  We’re working through informational guidelines for this and will provide them when available. 

To enhance personal efforts to remain healthy, we are providing FGCU-logo and plain cloth masks to all students, faculty and staff.  (Please do NOT come to campus just to pick up your masks if you currently are working remotely or are not enrolled in summer classes; masks will be available on your scheduled return to campus.)

Next Week’s Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:  (Location is the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office – Cohen Room #137.  Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.)

• Monday, July 20:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, July 23:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

II.  Campus Health Assessment and Management Program:  As indicated in previous updates, we are finalizing the development and implementation of an integrated system for campus-wide health assessment and management.  The program will include a daily health screening app (or desktop equivalent) for all students, faculty and staff before they enter the campus; COVID-19 testing; and complementary to the Florida Department of Health’s contact tracing, an FGCU system in which personnel will be tasked with follow-up to individuals; risk assessment; monitoring; and containment.  

Additional details on these items will be provided soon, but here’s a general overview of the health screening app program.  All students, faculty and staff will be required to complete a daily COVID-19 screening questionnaire via the app (or desktop equivalent).  The questionnaire will assess the presence of COVID-19 symptoms or an elevated risk status such as close contact with a person who has tested positive.  This will allow for a faster distribution of information and direction for students, faculty and staff to help contain the spread of COVID-19 prior to coming to campus.  Stay tuned for additional information. 

III.  Plexiglass Shields:  Plexiglass barriers/shields currently are being installed in high-traffic areas where frequent close contact with others is expected, with completion by the week of August 10.  The Plexiglas is not intended to take the place of social distancing or wearing masks, but rather is an additional protective measure for designated areas.

IV.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 

PPE kits have been delivered to all campus locations and are intended to last the duration of the Fall semester.  Due to supply chain shortages, the surface wipes which are part of the PPE kits will be delivered next week, and delivery dates will be communicated to each unit’s contact person.  Any departments with the need for additional PPE kits beyond what’s provided should contact Zach Mahoney (zmahoney@fgcu.edu ) with the item name, description, quantity, and FGCU FOAPAL departmental charge information.

V.  Campus Signage:  An extensive set of informational and directional signage has been designed and currently is being produced.  The signage will be installed in late July as the official FGCU signage in all facilities across the campus.  It will include a variety of signage types, including for room occupancy maximums; mask wearing requirement; table tents; social distancing floor spacing; safety tips; etc.  Our signage theme (with a nod to FGCU Athletics) is “Protect the Nest – Together, Eagles Stay Safe!”

VI.  Positive Test Result.  What Do I Do?  We want to do everything possible to support any member of the FGCU campus community who receives a positive test result for COVID-19.  Occasionally I’m asked where/how/if a person should report his or her positive result, or whether a faculty or staff member can report information about a positive test relayed to them.  Please note that if you test positive for COVID-19 you are expected to adhere to self-isolation/quarantine requirements for your and others’ protection.  Here are some guidelines for reporting:

• If you Test Positive:  A student, faculty, or staff member should report his or her COVID-19 positive test result as soon as possible as follows:
  • Students:  Contact Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu.  If you email, please include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
  • Faculty and Staff:  Contact Human Resources HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.  If emailing, include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
• If a Student or Employee Report to You they’ve Tested Positive: 
  • As a faculty member or employee supervisor, you may contact Student Health Services (for students), or Human Resources (for faculty or staff) to provide information about an individual’s report to you of that person’s COVID-19 positive test result (please use the above contact information).
  • This single call or email is where your involvement must end.  You should NOT follow up regarding this medical information with the student, employee, Student Health Services, or Human Resources.
  • Due to confidentiality, you should NOT discuss this medical information with anyone else, including other students and employees.
  • Our staff in Student Health Services, and Human Resources will handle the matter.  All positive test results are reported to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which statutorily is designated as the entity to conduct contact tracing.  FDOH personnel perform the contact tracing, and reach out to persons in need of exposure information or instruction.
  • Please be mindful of respecting each other’s privacy and confidentiality so that no one contributes to a rumor that could be untrue or hurtful.

C.  CAMPUS LIFE AND HOUSING:

We recognize that the Fall semester is going to be different in some ways, but all of the above information about the new health and safety measures at FGCU reflects our opportunity to hold some in-person student activities.  Our staff in the Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management has been working hard to prepare for students’ arrival.  Here are a few of the plans:

I.  Incoming Class of 2024:  The Office of First Year Experience & Retention Programs will be leading a number of events to kick off your Fall semester!  These events will provide opportunities to meet your peers and get involved through the Eagles in 24 program.  As presented in Eagle View Orientation this summer, Eagles in 24 is a year-long engagement program that helps first-year students start their college careers off strong by participating in events and activities to learn about FGCU, connect with important campus resources, and find your place on our campus.  So get ready to start your Eagles in 24 program by participating in Weeks of Welcome “WOW” this August.  To learn more about Eagles in 24, and to find events, visit the [fgcu.edu/Eaglesin24]Eagles in 24 website, or send us an email at fye@fgcu.edu.

II.  Weeks of Welcome (WOW) Events:  The “WOW” committee is planning events for our new and returning Eagles to get to know one another face-to-face while following all CDC and FGCU guidelines for health and safety.  As you can imagine, this is no easy feat, but we’re excited to present some of our most popular events including the Annual REXPO Event on the Library Lawn; the Welcome Back Block Party, a Drive-In Movie, a Silent Disco Event, and our new Diversity University just to name a few.  The “WOW” committee is still working hard on other events, so please stay tuned for more updates as these events are finalized. 

III.  Housing:  For students who will be living in our residence halls, our Housing & Residence Life Team has planned a move-in process and schedule that provides for the health and safety of you and your family members assisting with your move (https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/housing/nextsteps/moveinguide#new).  Residential students receive informational emails directly from our Housing staff.  Faculty and staff volunteers to help make our students’ move-in process a success are still needed; to sign up and review the health and safety requirements, see https://tinyurl.com/FGCU20FacultyStaffvolunteer.

IV.  Panhellenic Recruitment: This year’s Panhellenic recruitment will be a hybrid model with sessions being held virtually and face-to-face (while adhering to group size maximums and social distancing).  So far, we have more than 150 students planning to participate, which is about the same number we’ve had in previous years.     

New and returning students to campus, we’re looking forward to seeing you this Fall, and have been working hard so each student has a healthy and safe environment to enjoy all of the wonderful events and activities FGCU offers.  If you have any questions, please remember the FGCU Eagles Care! Team stands ready to assist by calling 239-590-7728 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or emailing Care@fgcu.edu.

Stay tuned, stay smart, stay well, Eagles!

 

From President Mike Martin

Re: Responsibility

As you return to campus, you should know we have worked to do everything possible to ensure your safety, and the safety of your fellow students, faculty, and staff, as well as our neighbors in the community.

We have also worked to provide the very best education experience FGCU can offer given the unprecedented and uncertain circumstances we all face with COVID-19.

Still, it’s very important that you each accept your individual and collective responsibilities to make the reopening of our campus and fall semester successful.  You must take all precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those you encounter, both on campus and in the community.  This means wearing a mask when around others, monitoring your conditions through our screening app, reporting any symptoms you may experience, and avoiding large gatherings and crowded places.

As you know, we live in an area with a disproportionately large percentage of vulnerable neighbors.  In many ways their health, perhaps their lives, are in our hands.  No one wants to be a part of a cause to shut down our campus or lock down our community.  More now than ever before, we are all in this together.  If we are aware, if we are disciplined, if we are informed and if we are caring, we will come through this pandemic.  But if we are not, the consequences will be dire indeed.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as we move closer toward the August 17 start of the Fall semester, there are six remaining Fridays, including today, and Coronavirus updates will be provided each Friday. 

Please note that our team continues to work around the clock on a number of important, interconnected things related to the Fall semester, and as soon as detailed information on new items is available it will be provided in these campus updates.  If details have not yet been announced, it means they’re not yet finalized. 

Like all other entities beyond our FGCU campus, we are planning and implementing against a backdrop of rapidly evolving circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic.  It bears repeating again that the need for flexibility is paramount as we maneuver our way through this process.  This is echoed throughout our FGCU Fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan, and it means instead of being able to plan and implement for each one thing, we have to plan and be prepared to implement with multiple scenarios for each one thing, also taking into account the many unknowns about COVID-19.  It’s a complex puzzle with a lot of moving parts!

COVID-19 will challenge our FGCU campus community in ways we never before have been challenged.  And to be successful, it’s going to take every single student, faculty member and staff member working together with collegiality, smarts, and kindness to keep our community safe and healthy for ourselves and for each other. 

There will be some inconveniences. 

There will be some ambiguity. 

There will be some new ways of doing things. 

And yet through these challenging times, we have the opportunity to reaffirm the special reasons that make us uniquely FGCU!

Please note that in upcoming campus announcements we will provide additional details on items referenced in the Fall Plan for systems and operations designed to keep students, faculty, staff, visitors and vendors safe and healthy – both individually and also in their interactions with each other on campus.  More detailed information will be provided on COVID-19 testing; an interactive screening app with health questions before coming on campus; maximum room capacities for classrooms, labs, gathering spaces, and all other facilities; campus risk assessment team; self-isolation/quarantine protocols; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment); mask/face covering requirements; schedules and safety procedures for the library, bookstore, housing, dining facilities, campus activities and recreation, shuttles, etc.; and increased campus cleaning and sanitation, to name a few. 

Here are several items for today (some information is new, and some is repeated for emphasis):

I.  Masks/Face Coverings:  Wearing face masks is required now on campus (including ETI, Vester, and other offsite locations) as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19.  We’re working through informational guidelines for this and will provide them when available.  FGCU-logo and plain cloth masks will be provided to all students, faculty and staff.  Masks for students, faculty and staff now are available for pick-up at the ID Card Office (first floor of Cohen Student Union) at the below schedule for next week; subsequent schedules will be published.  (Please do NOT come to campus just to pick up your masks if you currently are working remotely or are not enrolled in summer classes; masks will be available on your scheduled return to campus.)

ID Card Office Schedule for Mask Pick-Up:  (Be sure to bring your current, valid Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.)

• Monday, July 13:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, July 16:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

II.  Meetings and Events on Campus:  Beginning on August 1, we will be able to hold in a controlled manner some FGCU-only meetings and events that have been previously scheduled, with academic use of facilities always the first priority.  However, many of these will have to be modified for social distancing and large gathering capacity requirements.  Campus Reservations staff is contacting the organizers to notify them of necessary changes.

III.  Positive Test Result.  What Do I Do?  We want to do everything possible to support any member of the FGCU campus community who receives a positive test result for COVID-19.  Occasionally I’m asked where/how/if a person should report his or her positive result, or whether a faculty or staff member can report information about a positive test relayed to them.  Please note that if you test positive for COVID-19 you are expected to adhere to self-isolation/quarantine requirements for your and others’ protection.  Here are some guidelines for reporting:

• If you Test Positive:  A student, faculty, or staff member should report his or her COVID-19 positive test result as soon as possible as follows:
  • Students:  Contact Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu.  If you email, please include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
  • Faculty and Staff:  Contact Human Resources HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.  If emailing, include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number. 
• If a Student or Employee Report to You they’ve Tested Positive: 
  • As a faculty member or employee supervisor, you may contact Student Health Services (for students), or Human Resources (for faculty or staff) to provide information about an individual’s report to you of that person’s COVID-19 positive test result (please use the above contact information).
  • This single call or email is where your involvement must end.  You should NOT follow up regarding this medical information with the student, employee, Student Health Services, or Human Resources.Due to confidentiality, you should NOT discuss this medical information with anyone else, including other students and employees.
  • Our staff in Student Health Services, and Human Resources will handle the matter.  All positive test results are reported to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which statutorily is designated as the entity to conduct contact tracing.  FDOH personnel perform the contact tracing, and reach out to persons in need of exposure information or instruction.
  • Please be mindful of respecting each other’s privacy and confidentiality so that no one contributes to a rumor that could be untrue or hurtful.

So, stay tuned, stay smart, stay well, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have a couple of positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation that a student currently living in West Lake Village housing (located near, but not on, the main campus; and last on campus in March), and an employee in the Whitaker College of Engineering (last on campus 14 days ago) have tested positive.  Each is isolating in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  As with any such cases, we are coordinating our efforts with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which conducts the contact tracing process, and contacts any individuals with exposure per FDOH guidelines.

We send our student and employee best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – we previously announced that information on the delivery formats (in person, online, combination, etc.) for the Fall semester courses would be posted to the Gulfline system today, July 1.  Our staff is working diligently to accomplish this major undertaking, but unfortunately the Gulfline postings will be delayed to July 8.  Please check back then – thanks!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as previously indicated, we are bringing employees back to campus in a phased approach over the summer.  Some employees in campus-critical positions never left to work remotely since the nature of their work requires them to be on campus.  Others whose work now requires them to be on campus have started returning in small numbers as we prepare for the August 17 start of the Fall semester.

Due to the rise in Florida’s positive cases of COVID-19, FGCU will join other State University System institutions in delaying the start of Phase 2 for employees’ return to campus where possible. 

As a reminder, this is the previously published schedule from Human Resources:

• Phase 1 – June 29th        25 – 30% of staff return to campus
• Phase 2 – July 13th          40 - 70% of staff return to campus
• Phase 3 – July 27th          70 - 100% of staff return to campus
• Phase 4 – August 10th   100% staff and faculty return to campus, excluding approved accommodations for remote work. 

Phase 2, originally slated for some employees’ return on July 13, will be delayed to July 27, with the exception of those employees whose work on campus is deemed by their supervisor as necessary on the original schedule.  Please speak with your supervisor if you were scheduled to return on July 13.  Employees whose return is delayed to July 27 must continue to perform meaningful work assignments from their remote locations. 

At this time, the date change for Phase 2 does not affect Phases 3 and 4.  These return dates for employees as deemed by their supervisors remain as scheduled.

We’ll continue to closely monitor COVID-19 circumstances, making decisions based on the information available at the time while utilizing the flexibility built into the FGCU Fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan.  

From President Mike Martin

Re: Plan - Days Ahead

The Florida Board of Governors approved our “Reopen Plan” on June 23 which was approved by our FGCU Board of Trustees on June 9.  Thank you to Director of Emergency Management Ruth Rodrigues and all who worked very hard on our Plan, which is available for review on our webpage at https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/files/bot-approved-fgcu-fall-2020-covid19-plan-060920-ada.pdf.

As has been continually emphasized, the Plan is designed to recognize the numerous uncertainties we face.  The dynamics of COVID-19, a possible hurricane, a change in public policy, a special session of the Legislature and so on will unquestionably require adaptation.  All this means everyone will have to cope with an extended period of frustration and ongoing adjustment.

Several State University System of Florida (SUS) universities announced in their Plans they will go fully remote after Thanksgiving.  Along with FIU, we will not make that decision now for several reasons.

1. Most of our students are local so they won’t be “coming back” from a distant location.
2. There is a widely held view that face-to-face delivery is preferable to fully online if we can safely do so.
3. Should we, indeed, close the campus the last two weeks of the semester this would likely lead to employee layoffs by our outsource providers (food service, custodial, transportation, bookstore…) right before Christmas. 

Conditions may dictate we make a post-Thanksgiving transition, but for these reasons we will try to stick to a more traditional semester calendar.

We will roll out a campus management/personal responsibility signage initiative.  This will emphasize our expectation that everyone on campus will adhere to CDC, FDOH, and “collegial standards” guidelines.  All units and all facilities should subscribe to the campus-wide common instruction and signage, which will be installed later this summer.

We will, of course, expect social distancing, and we will require masks.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) along with cleaning products will be provided to all departments.

We are working with health care experts and designated agencies to develop screening, testing and tracing protocols for COVID-19.  We hope to have quick turnaround testing available on campus.

And most certainly, we must be especially cognizant of the well-being of our neighbors.  Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties have a large share of elderly, vulnerable citizens.  We will have to minimize risk on campus but also in the greater communities we serve.

We plan to explore the prospect of extended time remote work assignments.  This may, in turn, lead to some rearrangement of space allocation. 

A schedule for sports competition is awaiting guidance from the NCAA and the ASUN Conference.

Finally, please understand that many of the decisions we will have to make in the short to intermediate run are intended to maintain our viability as a great university in the long run.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – we have some Coronavirus updates, including for employees who are returning to campus on Monday.  Before the updates, though, some thoughts as we look ahead. 

Students, faculty and staff want to be back on campus for the Fall semester, and we’re excited about being back together.  However, we know that it’s going to take every single one of us working hard and working together to keep our campus community safe and healthy.  Some things are going to be different, sometimes inconvenient, and not yet the same as before COVID-19.  Our little FGCU corner of the world is no different from the rest of the world.  There wasn’t a crystal ball three months ago that said what today in late June would look like – and likewise there’s no crystal ball to show what three months from now at the start of the Fall semester will look like with respect to COVID-19. 

So, here’s what we DO know.  (1) Our faculty and staff have been working around the clock to plan for a variety of scenarios that each have at their core President Martin’s insistence on a high-quality academic and university experience in a safe and healthy environment for those who learn and work at FGCU.  The FGCU Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors have approved our Fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan as a flexible and adaptable set of operating guidelines, with the emphasis on “flexible and adaptable.”  (2) Operationally phasing in the instructional delivery formats (in-person, remote/virtual, and combination); the resumption of campus-based programs, activities and services; the return of employees to campus; and a whole host of other things is a complex proposition, and not achievable through the flip of a switch.  We’re going to have to be comfortable with some ambiguity as we maneuver our way through.  (3)  Personal responsibility will be paramount.  Disease control and medical experts know that COVID-19 affects different people in different ways from minor to major.  This includes individuals who have the Coronavirus while having no symptoms, yet having the ability to infect others without even knowing they’re doing so.  We’re each going to have to focus on how to keep ourselves safe and also how to make sure we don’t unknowingly jeopardize anyone else’s health at FGCU. 

As a campus community, we’ve faced challenges before – some big, some small, some campus-wide, some not.  But the thing that’s successfully brought us through them has been our FGCU spirit that recognizes we’re in this together; we care deeply about each other; and nothing we face ever could be stronger than our united and shared purpose as Eagle students, faculty and staff.  I truly believe our indomitable FGCU spirit, while being tested this time in unprecedented ways, is going to be why we succeed together as a campus community! 

And, now for some updates:        

I.  Phased Return of Employees to Campus:  As previously announced, we are starting a phased-in approach for employees to return to the campus, starting on Monday (June 29) with a small group.  Employees returning on Monday have been designated by their respective supervisors as now needing to be on the campus to prepare for the Fall semester.  Most employees who currently are working remotely will remain doing so until later return phases.  While today’s update immediately applies to those returning on Monday, it will apply to the rest of the campus moving forward so all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to review the following information. 

II.  Travel Outside of Southwest Florida:  Employees returning to work on campus and who have traveled outside of Southwest Florida during the prior 30 days (May 30 for those returning Monday) must contact Human Resources before coming to the campus.  Please contact Human Resources at HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.  As a reminder, all University-related travel is suspended until further notice.  And, employees are strongly encouraged to minimize personal travel, in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

III.  Screening App:  We’re purchasing an app to be used by students, faculty and staff for use before coming to the campus, and it will provide a set of brief questions to guide us.  This purchase and installation is in process, and will be announced when ready.  (A range of COVID-19 testing options are being considered, with more information to follow.) 

In the meantime prior to the app, everyone should use these questions before coming to campus, and follow the instruction if applicable at the bottom:

• Have you tested positive for Coronavirus/COVID-19 in the last 30 days?  YES or NO
• In the last 14 days, have you been in contact with someone who was confirmed or suspected to have Coronavirus/COVID-19?  YES or NO
• Have you traveled outside of Southwest Florida in the last 30 days?  YES or NO
• In the last 14 days, have you experienced any of the following symptoms?  YES or NO 
  • Fever (temp >100F)
  • Body/muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • New or worsening cough
  • Chills
  • Significant Fatigue
  • Altered sense of smell and/or taste
  • Nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache 

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, please contact the following offices before coming to the campus:

• Faculty and Staff:  Human Resources HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.
• Students:  Student Health Services 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu. 

IV.  Masks/Face Coverings:  Wearing face masks will be required on campus (including ETI, Vester, and other offsite locations) as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately.  We’re working through some related guidelines for this and will provide them when available.  FGCU-logo masks will be provided to all students, faculty and staff.  The student masks will arrive prior to the Fall semester start.  Masks for faculty and staff (one FGCU logo mask, and one plain mask from the Florida Department of Health) can be picked up at the ID Card Office on the first floor of the Cohen Student Union at the below schedule shown for the next two weeks; subsequent schedules will be published.  (Please do NOT come to campus just to pick up a mask if you currently are working remotely; masks will be available on your scheduled return to campus.)

ID Card Office Schedule for Masks:  (Be sure to bring your Eagle ID card as a swipe will be needed.)

• Monday, June 29:  9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, July 2:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, July 6:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, July 9:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

V.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Cleaning Kit:  We will provide PPE and cleaning kit(s) to all campus departments next week.  They will be delivered to you, and will include the following items (each kit is based on 10 people):

• 2 boxes of 100 gloves
• 10 cloth masks
• Disposable barrier masks – 1 box of 50
• Surface wipes - 10 containers (equivalent of 3,000 wipes)
• Surface cleaner - 2 bottles
• Paper towels - 6 rolls
• Hand Sanitizer – 20 8-oz. bottles, or 10 8-oz. bottles (and refill)Also, departments can contact the Work Management Center for additional needs of cleaning spray, paper towels, and gloves.

 VI.  Enhanced Campus Cleaning:  We are working very hard to keep the campus facilities safe, including through the following:

• Our contracted custodial service uses hospital grade equipment and products, with commercially trained employees to keep the campus safe and clean.  Custodial employees are screened at shift starts, and wear masks while working at FGCU.
• Buildings, including common areas and restrooms, regularly are cleaned and disinfected.  High touch surfaces, including door handles, door frames, water fountains, stair rails, soap and paper towel dispenser handles, and elevator buttons, are disinfected.
• This summer we’re installing surface wipe dispensers across the campus, as well as additional hand sanitizer dispensers.
• While frequent hand washing with soap and water still is the CDC’s top recommendation, gel hand sanitizer can be used.  The sanitizer stations on campus will be refilled as needed.
• Again, any departments in need of extra disinfecting between the custodial service visits can contact the Work Management Center at wmc@fgcu.edu or 590-1370.
• In the event of a COVID-19 exposure on campus, our cleaning response will include electrostatic sprayers with EPA-approved product for neutralizing the virus.

VII.  Positive Test Result.  What Do I Do?  We want to do everything possible to support any member of the FGCU campus community who receives a positive test result for COVID-19.  Occasionally I’m asked where/how/if a person should report his or her positive result, or whether a faculty or staff member can report information about a positive test relayed to them.  Here are some guidelines:

• If you Test Positive:  A student, faculty, or staff member should report his or her COVID-19 positive test result as soon as possible as follows:
  • Students:  Contact Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or healthportal@fgcu.edu.  If you email, please include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
  • Faculty and Staff:  Contact Human Resources HR@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400, select ‘1’ for benefits.  If emailing, include your full name, UIN, and telephone contact number.
• If a Student or Employee Report to You they’ve Tested Positive: 
  
  • As a faculty member or employee supervisor, you may contact Student Health Services (for students), or Human Resources (for faculty or staff) to provide information about an individual’s report to you of that person’s COVID-19 positive test result (please use the above contact information). 
  • This single call or email is where your involvement must end.  You should NOT follow up with the student, employee, Student Health Services, or Human Resources. 
  • Due to confidentiality, you should NOT discuss this medical-based information with anyone else, including other students and employees. 
  • Our staff in Student Health Services, and Human Resources will handle the matter.  All positive test results are reported to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which statutorily is designated as the entity that handles contact tracing.  FDOH personnel will perform the contact tracing, and reach out to anyone in need of exposure information or instruction.   
  • Please be mindful of respecting each other’s privacy and confidentiality so that no one contributes to a rumor that could be untrue or hurtful.

VIII.  Tried And True – And Still So Important:  As you know, our first Coronavirus campus advisory was on January 29, long before “pandemic” applied.  We encouraged our campus community members to follow safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and that guidance remains important to maintaining a healthy campus.  So, in closing, to repeat from January 29:

o   According to the CDC, while there currently are no vaccines available to protect against human coronavirus infection, you may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• stay home while you are sick;
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands; and
• clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

 

Stay smart and stay safe, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Hi, everyone – just a quick note to let you know that today the Board of Governors (BOG) approved our FGCU Fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan that was approved by the FGCU Board of Trustees earlier this month.  The BOG meeting still is taking place, with a couple more universities’ Plans to be presented. 

Please note – as we say in every campus communication on this point – the Fall semester starting two months from now may look different than today with respect to COVID-19.  As such, our FGCU Plan, as well as the other 11 universities’ Plans, intentionally has been written to provide a great deal of flexibility so we can adapt to any evolving COVID-19 circumstances.

If you haven’t, we encourage you to read the FGCU Plan, which is available at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/files/bot-approved-fgcu-fall-2020-covid19-plan-060920-ada.pdf.  It contains important information for all students, faculty and staff. 

Also, FYI, on July 1, the Fall semester’s schedule of courses will be available on Gulfline, and this information will include the planned delivery format for the courses (in person, remote, etc.).

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon.  As we continue to provide health and safety updates, we have two positive cases of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you.  We have received confirmation that two students tested positive for COVID-19, and are isolated (separately) off campus in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The students live off campus (non-FGCU housing), and they report last having been at FGCU on Thursday, June 11 while participating in the student-led peaceful demonstration and march through campus to the Veterans Pavilion on the Library Lawn.  Both have indicated they wore protective masks at the event, and did not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  As with any such cases, we are coordinating our efforts with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), which conducts the contact tracing process, and individuals with exposure as deemed by FDOH are contacted with instructions.

We send our students best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

• Phased Return of Employees to Campus:  As included in FGCU’s COVID-19 Plan for the Fall semester, the return of employees to campus will be phased in over time (starting later this month) to meet social distancing and population density requirements.  A variety of approaches will be used, including, as deemed applicable by supervisors, employee remote work, alternating staffing days, and staggered schedules.  FGCU Division heads will adopt unit plans for employees’ return to campus that are consistent with health and safety guidelines.  Human Resources will provide additional details today.  (As a reminder, FGCU’s Plan for the Fall semester has been approved by the FGCU Board of Trustees, and will be considered for approval by the Board of Governors on June 23.) 
• COVID-19 Leave Donation Plan:  We’re establishing an FGCU COVID-19 Leave Donation Plan, which will allow employees to voluntarily donate personally accrued leave (annual and sick) into a leave pool for use by employees adversely affected by the coronavirus situation and who have exhausted all of their own accrued leave.  Eligibility will include those employees on Reduced Time Appointments (RTAs) during the summer.  Human Resources will provide additional details on the Leave Donation Plan today.
• Summer Commencement:  The Board of Governors for Florida’s 12 state universities, including FGCU, recently directed that all summer Commencement ceremonies be held by virtual means.  Our staff is working on plans for an FGCU Summer Commencement, so stay tuned for additional information on how we will celebrate our graduates!
• Health and Safety Measures:  No matter how many times each of us has read the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they remain the first and most important defense in protecting ourselves and each other.  Please take the time to regularly review the CDC’s published guidelines, including detailed information and direction under the headings of “Know how it spreads;” “Wash your hands often;” “Avoid close contact;” “Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others;” “Cover coughs and sneezes;” “Clean and disinfect;” and “Monitor your health.”  Keeping ourselves updated and following CDC-recommended actions will determine the health of our communities, including our FGCU campus community.  This important, at-a-glance CDC information can be viewed at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.

Stay smart, stay safe, and stay healthy, Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening – just a quick note to let you know the FGCU Board of Trustees (BOT) today unanimously approved the FGCU Fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan, recognizing that it sets out a general framework designed to be operationally adaptable and flexible as COVID-19 circumstances warrant. 

The next step in the approval process will be on June 23, when the Board of Governors considers the Fall 2020 Plans of all 12 institutions in the State University System of Florida. 

Attached is a copy of FGCU’s Plan approved today by the BOT.  Please note that on page 23 in the “Appendix A” section, the earlier shared version inadvertently cut off the names of six faculty members who were part of the Academic Team.  Their names now are included with the rest of their Team colleagues.

We’ll continue to keep you posted – thanks! 

From President Mike Martin

Re: Planning for fall

Over the past several months, everyone at FGCU has been engaged in responding to a historic pandemic with COVID-19.  More recently, we began developing a flexible, nimble comprehensive plan for “restarting” campus-based operations with the fall semester.  This effort has been led by our FGCU Director of Emergency Management Ruth Rodrigues.  Broadly, our plan a) corresponds with the “Blueprint” guidelines adopted by the Board of Governors while recognizing the unique challenges at FGCU and in our community, b) drew input from across the campus including faculty, students, staff, and technology personnel, c) creates partnerships with several community agencies including Lee Health, NCH, NeoGenomics, and major business organizations, and d) recognizes that conditions will certainly change between now and the beginning of fall semester.

The draft plan will go to the FGCU Board of Trustees (BOT) for approval on June 9 and is available for viewing. 

Assuming BOT approval, the plan will be submitted to the Florida Board of Governors for approval on June 23.

As we approach August, adjustments to our plan will be made as conditions dictate.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening – here are some new Coronavirus updates:

• Governor DeSantis’ Press Conference regarding Reopening Florida:  Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference this afternoon to announce additional steps in reopening Florida.  Noting that the state is ready to “inch into Phase 2,”  the Governor’s action places the state, starting on Friday, in Phase 2 of the federal government’s “Opening Up America Again” guidelines, available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.  We are reviewing applicable details at this time, including a change in social distancing and group gathering maximums from 10 people to 50 people.  This is very exciting news for Florida!
• Watch the Governor’s Press Conference:  The governor’s press conference was carried live on The Florida Channel.  You can view the archived video at: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/6-3-20-press-conference-on-coronavirus-covid-19/
• FGCU Travel Freeze:  As recently announced by President Martin, the freeze on all FGCU-related travel is in effect through July 31.  The president has said we will revisit this on July 1 in the context of both safety and finances.
• Universities’ Plans for Fall Semester:   The Florida Board of Governors (BOG) recently adopted a blueprint for reopening the state universities’ campuses this fall.  The blueprint provides a set of framework guidelines organized around “A Healthy Campus Environment,” “A Healthy Community Environment,” “COVID-19 Virus Testing,” “Contact Tracing and Surveillance,” and “Academic Program Delivery,” and each of the 12 state universities, including FGCU, is developing a Fall semester campus plan.  Our FGCU Plan must be approved by the FGCU Board of Trustees (June 9), and the Board of Governors (June 23).  As indicated in the BOG’s guidelines, “Each university plan should acknowledge that from the time of the development of its plan to the time of the beginning of the fall semester, the health environment of the local community will likely look very different.  The need for flexibility should be stressed to all students, faculty, and staff as schedules and delivery modes may need to be adjusted in reaction to the evolving health conditions on each campus and in each campus community.”

Given the necessary caveats since there is much today we do not know about COVID-19 and August (start of Fall semester), our teams have been working hard to identify opportunities for, as much as possible, resuming face-to-face classes and other on-campus activity for FGCU students, faculty and staff!  Our Plan will be ready on Friday, so stay tuned for a message that day from President Martin with a copy of the draft Plan!

So, nobody told us it was going to be simple or quick or a straight line back after COVID-19, and we know there’s going to be a lot of work for every one of us in the campus community to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy.  However, I can’t help but think about how Eagle ingenuity and a don’t-quit spirit created our campus community as a start-up from 760 acres of raw land – and how those same Eagle smarts and hearts will bring us through this to even greater heights!  At FGCU, we’ve never said it’s too much work or too much trouble or not worth the effort, and we won’t start now as we find our ways back to each other and our beloved campus.  This is what we do, and we do it the Eagle way!  

 

From President Mike Martin

Re: Reduced Time Appointments

 

In that we will remain in fully online delivery mode for the summer term, a number of units will be largely inoperative without work to do at this time.  Likewise, workloads in other units have been substantially reduced.  And, given the uncertainties we face in preparing for fall semester, it is imperative that we retain as much fiscal liquidity as possible, while also being good stewards of FGCU funding from our students and taxpayers.  Given these factors, we’ve been forced to implement a Reduced Time Appointment (RTA) plan for some FGCU employees.  This is the unfortunate consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supervisors will contact each impacted employee regarding their reduced hours.  Human Resources will provide more details, including about your benefits continuation, on the nature of these appointments for mid-June to mid-August.  Employees with available Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Compensatory Leave may use it for their reduced hours.  Hopefully we’ll be able to transition to more normal operations in August, though this will depend on factors largely beyond our control.

At this time RTA will apply through mid-August, though conditions may be such that this period could be shortened or extended.  Human Resources will share with those impacted greater details soon.

For other employees who may wish to go on voluntary leave without pay during this period (and who have supervisor approval to do so), please contact Human Resources for additional information.

We will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation for FGCU, and looking ahead, greatly hope for a return to more regular operations for our campus community.

From President Mike Martin

Re: Our shared responsibilities. Our shared values.

From President Mike Martin

RE: Travel

In light of the continued dangerous uncertainty about the dynamics of COVID-19 and to be consistent with CDC guidelines, we are extending the freeze on all FGCU-related travel through July 31. This action also is consistent with our need to preserve financial liquidity and flexibility for the fall semester’s unknowns. Hopefully we will be able in part to revisit this freeze after August 1, but all will depend on conditions regarding safety and finances.

From President Mike Martin

Today the Board of Governors announced its request for the 12 State University System institutions, including FGCU, to develop campus plans for the fall semester. These plans will be considered by the Board of Governors at its June 23 meeting. At FGCU we are considering several scenarios for delivering high quality academic programs while ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community. We are collaborating with local health/medical experts in determining criteria, and appropriate monitoring and testing procedures for when students, faculty, staff and visitors return to campus. Our Emergency Advisory Council and Coronavirus Response Team are working on the many factors which must be considered under any full semester scenario, and we will continue to keep you posted as we move through this process.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening – here are some new Coronavirus updates:

• Governor DeSantis’ Press Conference regarding Reopening Florida:  Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference today to announce additional steps in reopening Florida.  His action places the state completely in Phase 1 of the federal government’s “Opening Up America Again” guidelines, available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.  We are reviewing details, but at this time there appear to be no significant changes to our current FGCU operations.
• Watch the Governor’s Press Conference:  The governor’s press conference was carried live on The Florida Channel.  You can view the archived video at: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/5-15-20-press-conference-on-coronavirus-covid-19/
• Employees and Campus:   All employees who currently are working remotely should continue to do so in accordance with Governor DeSantis’ and the State University of System of Florida’s guidance.  A small number of employees whose work must be done on campus have returned, but this applies only to those employees whose supervisors have designated their positions as on-campus critical.  If you fall in this category of returning to campus – and have traveled outside of Southwest Florida since April 1 – you must contact Human Resources at hr@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400 (select ‘1’ for benefits) prior to your return to campus.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone avoid all non-essential travel due to COVID-19.  Human Resources will continue to provide guidance as new information becomes available for employees.  Please continue to be safe for yourself and for your FGCU colleagues!
• A Look Ahead for FGCU:  President Martin and our leadership and Coronavirus response teams are working diligently to address and plan for multiple issues and “what-if” scenarios in the evolving situation, including the important question of what the Fall semester looks like at FGCU. There are many things to consider, most importantly the health and safety of the campus community.  We will keep you posted as we work through this complex process.
• FGCU Virtual Campus:  Our Student Success and Enrollment Management staff has been busy creating an FGCU Virtual Campus website for students!  The website provides a centralized location for many academic and student engagement support services.  Students can find contact information for Advising; schedule an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or Student Health Services; get academic assistance from the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA); attend an online fitness class with a Campus Recreation instructor; or attend a virtual event with one of our many departments including Career Development Services, Campus Life and many more.  You may not physically be here on campus this summer, but you still can connect with us!  Visit the FGCU Virtual Campus at https://www.fgcu.edu/virtualcampus.
• Eagles Care! Team:  Students and parents, the Eagles Care! Team remains available during the summer term to assist you with COVID-19-related issues impacting the FGCU student experience.  Call 239-590-7728 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or email Care@fgcu.edu.  
• Virtual 2020 Celebration of Excellence Honoring Students, Faculty and Staff:   Be sure to congratulate your fellow students, faculty and staff winners for this year’s Celebration of Excellence Awards. The Provost’s Office, and University Marketing & Communications created a website featuring the winners in each award category, and this year the awards show is being brought to you virtually.  Visit https://www.fgcu.edu/celebrationofexcellence, and winners, take a bow!
• Coronavirus Concerns Review Panel:  Students, remember that the new Coronavirus Concerns Review Panel can assist if you are unable to resolve a concern using informal means.  For more information see https://www.fgcu.edu/ombuds/covidresources/.
• Bookstore Questions:  Visit the FGCU Bookstore webpage for Coronavirus-related information at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/business-services/bookstore/.
• Bookstore Schedule for Summer Term:
• Weekends:    Closed.
• Weekdays:    Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Dining Services Schedule for Summer Term:  Einstein’s hours are: 
• Weekends:     Closed
• Weekdays:     Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dining Services Meal Plans:  Chartwells, our Dining Services operator is working with the FGCU Orientation program to outline available Fall meal plan options for incoming students.  Meal Plan options can be reviewed at www.FGCUcampusdining.com.  Please contact Ms. Tara Zinslen, Director of Marketing and Guest Experience at Tara.Zinslen@compass-usa.com with any questions or to obtain further information.

Students, faculty and staff, while right now we may be physically separated with taking classes online, and teaching and working from home, we’re still connected through our Eagle spirit and pride!  Be well and be safe, and remember that together – remotely for now – we’re accomplishing great things in the face of big challenges!

From President Mike Martin

Re: FGCU Finance in a Time of Uncertainty

To say we are living through unprecedented times would be the understatement of the century.  The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed all we do and has imposed uncertainty about the future of all of higher education.  As we seek to navigate these uncharted waters at FGCU, we remain committed to the following principles:

• Protect the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community;
• Maintain our commitment to offer high quality academic programs;
• Maintain the campus facilities, infrastructure and superstructure for a return to “normal” operations; and
• To every extent possible protect jobs.

Of course, the great challenge in all of this is preparing to respond to multiple unknowns including:

• Future bursts of COVID-19
• Systemwide decisions regarding campus re-openings for the 12 state universities
• Enrollment trends and associated tuition and fee revenues
• State support, and possible budget reductions if there is a special session of the Legislature
• Costs associated with doing everything possible to assure the campus is COVID-19 free
• Bond rating and bond service obligations for student housing and parking garages, which cannot be built with State funds
• Student housing utilization/revenues
• Auxiliary revenues
• Distribution of federal support
• Hurricane(s)
• 2020-21 Athletics season
• Directives and guidance from the State University System of Florida (SUS), the Governor, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, etc.

So as we manage consistent with our principles in the context of these unknowns, we have already made a few decisions.  We have:

• Imposed a university-wide freeze on hiring, travel, and non-essential purchases
• Created a talent sharing pool for temporary reassignment of employees
• Distributed financial assistance to students under the CARES Act
• Provided refunds on housing and meal plans for the spring semester
• Expanded collaborations with the business community to support employment for students who require jobs

All this is intended to maximize financial liquidity and flexibility while encouraging students to virtually enroll in, or return to FGCU if we can fully restart fall semester.  Still, if we are to avoid potential draconian measures in the fall, we must very prudently manage between now and then.  And since the largest share of our budget is personnel compensation costs, we are carefully assessing ways to reduce these costs.  As we know, there are some units which will have little or no activity while we remain in remote coursework delivery mode.  We are considering ways to reduce payroll expenses in these units while maintaining employment (and benefits).

I share all of this with you so you understand the realities we face and the steps being taken to remain true to our principles in this very challenging and uncertain environment.  More will follow as we settle on strategies and decisions.

Go Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – as we look to Monday’s first day of FGCU Summer Sessions “A” and “C,” we have a lot of information to share with students, faculty and staff – and also some information related to the Fall semester.  A decision on how instruction will be delivered for the Fall semester will depend on COVID-19 circumstances, and we will let you know as soon as a decision can be reached.

Students, we’re working really hard to ensure that you’re supported in every way during these challenging and unusual times.  Please let us know if you need any assistance, and don’t forget to use our Eagles Care! Team at care@fgcu.edu!

• Employees and Campus:  Please be reminded as indicated in Human Resources’ memo last week that all employees who currently are working remotely should continue to do so in accordance with Governor DeSantis’ and the State University of System of Florida’s guidance.  A small number of employees whose work must be done on campus are returning, but this applies only to those employees whose supervisors have designated their positions as on-campus critical.  If you fall in this category of returning to campus – and have traveled outside of Southwest Florida since April 1 – you must contact Human Resources at hr@fgcu.edu or 239-590-1400 (select ‘1’ for benefits) prior to your return to campus.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone avoid all non-essential travel due to COVID-19 cases, and community spread in some areas.  CDC information on all things related to COVID-19 can be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.  Please be safe for yourself and your FGCU campus community!
• Summer Camps and Events Canceled through July 31:  All events, day camps, and overnight camps at FGCU are canceled through July 31, 2020.  Our Campus Reservations staff is in the process of notifying organizers.  If your event possibly could be conducted virtually (no in-person gatherings on campus or elsewhere are allowed), please talk with Campus Reservations as they’ve been able to assist some groups in doing this.
• Tuition Payment Deadline for Summer Sessions “A” and “C:”  The deadline for Summer “A” and “C” tuition payment is Friday, May 15.  In addition to remote payment, the Cashier’s Office will be open (with social distancing required) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15 to accommodate in-person payments.
• Eagle View Orientation (EVO):
  • First Time in College (FTIC) students admitted for Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 will attend a virtual two-day Eagle View Orientation program.  This program includes a variety of presentations to acquaint incoming students with the resources available at FGCU.  During this two-day program, students will be able to meet virtually with their academic advisor to register for classes.  To get more information, see the program dates, and sign up for orientation, students can visit the Eagle View Orientation website at https://webdev.fgcu.edu/firstyearexperience/orientation/.
  • Transfer students admitted for Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 will attend a virtual orientation program where they will learn important information about the University and their program of study.  During the orientation program, students will have an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their schedule.  To get more information, see the program dates, and sign up for orientation, students can visit the Eagle View Orientation website at https://webdev.fgcu.edu/firstyearexperience/orientation/.
  • Parents and Family members are highly encouraged to attend orientation.  This is a great way to start a partnership with FGCU and get involved in the students’ campus life.  Parents and Family members of all students admitted for Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 will have the opportunity to register for a virtual orientation program with live sessions and resources. For more information, contact us at parents@fgcu.edu.
• Coronavirus Concerns Review Panel:  We understand that in times of crisis, stress and conflict increase, students may need additional support and assistance in resolving problems.  FGCU has a wide array of resources to assist you.  The Ombuds Office can help with problem solving and informal conflict resolution.  FGCU has established a new Coronavirus Concerns Review Panel to assist you if you are unable to resolve a concern using informal means.  For more information see https://www.fgcu.edu/ombuds/covidresources/.
• Student Health Services:  During this time of remote instruction, Student Health Services remains open to address students’ health and wellness needs.  If you have been exposed to or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you must call first for instruction.  Please note the following for Student Health Services, or visit https://webdev.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studenthealth/:
  • In-Person Appointments:
    • Routine appointments can be scheduled in the office, and will take place Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Please call 239-590-7966 to set up an appointment.
  • TeleConsult Appointments (Via Phone):
    • Sick appointments will be scheduled for a TeleConsult with a Nurse Practitioner who will determine if an in-person visit is needed, or instructions can be given over the phone. Other appointment types can also be scheduled via phone as requested by the student.
    • Please call 239-590-7966 to set up an appointment.
  • Medication Refills:
    • Call Student Health Services to speak to a clinical provider about medication needs. Some medications can be refilled over the phone, while others may require an appointment.
  • Questions about Immunizations:
    • Immunizations and Titers are provided by Student Health Services. If you have questions about a hold, please email immune@fgcu.edu.
  • Records:
    • To access records, or to upload copies of records for admission, students should log in to the Student Health Portal at: https://fgcu.studenthealthportal.com/

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS):  Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the main source of mental health support and psycho-therapeutic services on campus.  CAPS has made significant adjustments to move almost exclusively to telemental health service.  Please note the following for CAPS, or visit https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/healthandsafety/caps/:
• • CAPS’ physical location will continue to be open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the event a student is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate, in-person support.
  • Telemental health service offerings can be scheduled during regular business hours (8am – 5:30pm) and include:
    • Individual counseling
    • Psychiatry
    • Consultation
    • Case Management
  • Mandated substance classes:  limited group/workshop offerings.
  • CAPS’ EARS line (239) 745-EARS (3277) and TAO online self-help will continue to be available to all FGCU students.
• Adaptive Services:  FGCU’s Adaptive Services is continuing to provide accommodations and services remotely during the summer term.  Students and faculty can find important information and up-to-date announcements on the Adaptive Services Canvas page; emailing adaptive@fgcu.edu, or calling 239-590-7956.
• Information Technology Services – Help Desk, and Computer Lab: 
• Help Desk:
• Walk-in Support (with social distancing required):  Open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Griffin Hall Room #252.
• Telephone Support:  Available Mondays through Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 239-590-1188.
• Computer Lab:
  • Open (with social distancing required) Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Griffin Hall Room #208.
• Remote Testing Administration:  FGCU’s Testing and Assessment Services will begin offering remote administration of the School of Nursing BSN program’s TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) next week.  Also, remote testing administration of the Civic Literacy Exam is offered.  For additional information on remote testing, please visit https://www.fgcu.edu/testing/
• Dining Services Meal Plans for Fall Semester:  Chartwells, our Dining operator is working with the FGCU Orientation program to outline available Fall meal plan options for incoming students.  Meal Plan options can be reviewed at www.FGCUcampusdining.com. Please contact Ms. Tara Zinslen, Director of Marketing and Guest Experience, at Tara.Zinslen@compass-usa.com with any questions or to obtain further information.
• Cohen Student Union Schedule:
• Weekends:  Closed.
• Weekdays:  Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Food Pantry Schedule:  Starting on Monday, the regular summer hours for the FGCU Campus Food Pantry to help our students experiencing food insecurity are:
  • Weekdays:  Open Noon to 5 p.m.
• Bookstore Questions (Regalia, Returning Rented Textbooks, etc.):  Our Bookstore operator Follett continues to provide great support and service for our students.  Visit the Bookstore webpage for Coronavirus-related information at https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/business-services/bookstore/
• Bookstore Schedule (Saturday, May 9 – Friday, May 15):
• Weekend:  May 9 and 10 :  Closed.
• Weekdays:  May 11 through May 15:  Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dining Services Schedule (Saturday, May 9 – Friday, May 15):  Einstein’s hours are: 
  • Weekend:  May 9 and 10:  Closed
  • Weekdays:  May 11 through May 15:  Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Service-Learning & Internships:  Students are encouraged to engage in and/or pursue virtual options for service-learning and internship experiences.  For students who are comfortable doing so, and are able to stay consistent with state and CDC guidelines, in-person opportunities are also available.  If you reside in a state other than Florida, be sure to follow your local, state, and national guidelines.  Please note the following:
  • To find up-to-date service-learning opportunities, visit https://fgcu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/slo or the service-learning webpage www.fgcu.edu/connect
  • Service-learning questions:  E-mail servicelearning@fgcu.edu
  • To locate remote internship opportunities, log into Eagle Career Link https://fgcu-csm.symplicity.com/ and type “Remote” in the keyword search under the “Jobs & Internships” tab on the left.
  • Internship questions:  E-mail ICP@fgcu.edu
• Career Development Services:
  • Resource Link and supporting materials for finding companies still hiring, remote opportunities, contract jobs, and more.  https://www.fgcu.edu/careerservices/ResourceGuideDuringCoronavirus.pdf
  • Recorded Virtual workshops (Résumé Building, Interviewing, How to Find a Job) on the Career Services webpage www.fgcu.edu/careerservices/
  • Virtual Career Advising Appointments available through Appointment Manager https://appointments.fgcu.edu/amonline/BookAppt?C=C&T=P&D=49
  • Live Virtual Workshop “Advanced LinkedIn” May 20^th, 2pm Register via Eagle Career Link https://fgcu-csm.symplicity.com/students/index.php?s=event&ss=ws&_ksl=1&mode=list
  • FCC Statewide Career Fair on June 17  https://www.careereco.com/Fair/EventDetails?fairId=4fdf1c59-d52f-4810-8adc-aba7016891db (***This event will meet The Recruitment Event item needed for SoarIn4.)
  • Career Services questions?  E-mail careercenter@fgcu.edu

Students, as you can tell by the above exhaustive list, FGCU’s faculty and staff care deeply about your education, your well-being, and your safety!  While also navigating their own upended personal and professional lives because of COVID-19, our faculty and staff are working tirelessly with a whole lot of heart to educate and support you during these challenging times.  I’ve seen hundreds of heartwarming examples of this over these past two months, and while at FGCU it’s not out of the ordinary, it’s especially extraordinary!  We’re all in this together, Eagles, and we’ll come out stronger for it.  Who wouldn’t be proud to be an FGCU Eagle??!

Stay safe and well.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

4:30 p.m.

Good afternoon – as we shared earlier, this morning’s virtual commencement plan to honor and celebrate our spring graduates was thwarted by what our vendor partner, StageClip, informs us was a cyberattack on its servers. This caused the virtual commencement website on StageClip’s servers to be brought down or for some viewers, significantly slowed, and also caused issues with the generation of graduates’ video clips and the way photos and captions were processed.

StageClip is working to fix this issue by rebuilding the website, but they will need time. Tomorrow, graduates will be provided a progress update. When our staff receives the rebuilt website from the vendor, they’ll double-check the graduate information to verify accuracy, and graduates will be asked to do the same, so please stay alert to your email tomorrow. All of this will happen before the website is relaunched. Until then, we will continue to share President Martin’s virtual commencement address and the graduation booklet at www.fgcu.edu/may2020grad.

Apologizing for this situation falls short in so many ways. We understand and share our graduates’ and their families’ and friends’ frustration with today’s latest setback in an unprecedented semester of challenges due to COVID-19. This morning, sitting at my home computer eagerly anticipating the start of the virtual commencement and seeing that something had gone terribly wrong felt heartbreaking for our awesome Class of 2020 students – and also for my dedicated FGCU colleagues whose weeks of planning and hard work, and, most importantly, sheer passion for finding an innovative way to celebrate our graduates and their families didn’t happen the way it was supposed to happen.

Please stay tuned for updates. While today was disappointing, nothing can take away from our graduates’ tremendous accomplishment at the end of a uniquely challenging semester, nor the many Eagle hearts that honor and celebrate you!

-------

11 a.m.:

Good morning -- as you may have noticed, the virtual commencement site this morning was slow loading or completely down. Please be aware that at approximately 9:55 a.m., our vendor, StageClip, experienced a cyberattack on its servers which took them offline and appeared to distort the graduate list.

While we await the site recovery, we have posted President Martin's commencement address at www.fgcu.edu/may2020grad. We encourage you to watch his inspiring words, and we'll update you when the virtual commencement site is fully restored.

We’re so sorry this happened, and will be back in touch as soon as possible.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are some Coronavirus updates for today:

• Congratulations to Sunday’s Graduates!:  Over the years, we have congratulated tens of thousands of FGCU graduates for their outstanding achievements and rightfully so.  But, in FGCU’s history – even all of modern-day history – no graduating class has faced such a sudden upheaval to the final semester as this year ‘s caused by COVID-19.  Graduating Eagles, we are SO proud of you for your perseverance and success in the face of unprecedented challenges!  We hope everyone will join together online (https://www.fgcu.edu/MAY2020GRAD/) for the virtual commencement ceremony on Sunday (May 3) at 10 a.m. to celebrate our graduates and their families – and also to celebrate our truly amazing faculty and staff who’ve moved mountains, quickly and expertly, to make this semester happen.  A tip of the mortarboard to all! 
• Employees and Campus:  Governor DeSantis’ Wednesday press conference on reopening Florida was encouraging as a first, baby step for our campus and greater communities.  However, we want to remind everyone as indicated in Human Resources’ memo yesterday that all employees who currently are working remotely should continue to do so.  We are allowing the small number of employees whose work must be done on campus to be here, but this applies only to those employees whose supervisors have designated their positions as on-campus critical.  By working together smartly and carefully, we’ll get there, but at this time there should continue to be only a very limited number of employees on campus.
• Bookstore Questions (Regalia, Returning Rented Textbooks, etc.):  Our Bookstore operator Follett continues to provide great support and service for our students.  Visit the Bookstore webpage for Coronavirus-related information at https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/business-services/bookstore/
• Bookstore Schedule (Saturday, May 2 – Friday, May 8):
  • Weekend:  May 2 and 3:  Closed.
  • Weekdays:  May 4 through May 8:  Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dining Services Schedule (Saturday, May 2 – Friday, May 8):  Einstein’s, and the Convenience Store at Einstein’s hours are:
  • Weekend:  May 2 and 3:  Closed
  • Weekdays:  May 4 through May 8:  Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please keep practicing the important CDC guidelines for safety and good health as we celebrate this weekend with students finishing final exams, students graduating, and all students, faculty and staff taking a well-deserved bow for a job well done.  This is the stuff of Eagle Pride!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good evening – here’s an important Coronavirus update:

• Governor DeSantis’ Press Conference regarding Reopening Florida: As many of you watched, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held an hour-long press conference today at 5 p.m. to announce details of Florida Phase I to begin the process of reopening our state.  Some takeaways from the press conference are:
  • Steps:  The governor framed his remarks by saying the steps of this reopening process will be “small, deliberate; methodical; and based on consultation with physicians.” 
  • Decisions:  He noted decisions will be “safe; smart; and step-by-step,” and will emphasize “facts over fear.”
  • Guiding Principles:  Decisions for Florida Phase I and future reopening actions will be guided by these fundamental principles: public health and safety; protection of vulnerable populations; health care system readiness; economic recovery; protection of people’s civil liberties and individual rights; public confidence; and partnering with local communities.
  • Continued Emphasis:  Florida’s plan will continue to protect the vulnerable; support increased testing; promote social distancing, which is different from sheltering in place; support hospital capacity and health care workers; and prevent introduction of the virus from outside Florida.
  • Florida Phase I:  Florida Phase I will start on Monday, May 4 and applies to all of Florida with the exception of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.  The Florida Phase I elements are: 
    • Schools will remain distance learning.
    • Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited.
    • Elective surgeries can resume.
    • Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with six-foot space between tables, and indoor seating at 25% capacity.
    • Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity.
    • No change for bars, gyms, personal services such as hair dressers, and movie theaters.  (These will be re-evaluated in the future but for now remain closed.)
    • Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home.
    • All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others.
    • Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing.
    • Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance.
  • Local Note:  A local note in Governor DeSantis’ remarks was that early next week, a drive-through testing site will open at the Minnesota Twins Stadium here in Lee County.
  • Watch Press Conference:  The governor’s press conference was carried live on The Florida Channel.  You can view the archived video at:  https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/4-29-20-press-conference-on-coronavirus-covid-19/

• What does this mean for FGCU?: President Martin and our leadership team, including the coronavirus response team, continue to identify, address, and plan for various issues and “what-if” scenarios in the evolving Coronavirus situation.  Please note:
  • Remote Instruction:  As previously announced, academic instruction for all Summer sessions (A, B and C) will be delivered remotely.  We will continue to monitor conditions before making a decision about delivery for the Fall semester. 
  • Employees:  On Monday concurrently with the start of Florida Phase I, we will begin bringing a limited number of employees back onto campus, while others who currently are able to work remotely will be encouraged to continue doing so at this time.  Given that we now know the details of Governor DeSantis’ Florida Phase I plan, our Human Resources staff tonight is fine-tuning detailed information that will be sent to the campus community tomorrow, so please watch for this important email. 

As anticipated, the Governor’s announcements today won’t immediately return our state and FGCU to pre-COVID days, but they carefully and thoughtfully start the process that takes us one step closer to where we all want to be!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are a couple of Coronavirus updates for today:

• Update to Thursday’s Item “Governor DeSantis’ Safer-At-Home Executive Order, and FGCU Employees Working Remotely”:  This information provided on Thursday remains current, with one update.  The task force recommendations to Governor DeSantis originally anticipated on Friday are still under development as the group works through a number of major issues related to reopening Florida.  We will keep employees apprised of new information as soon as we receive it, but for now, employees should continue as currently working through April 30.  As a reminder, this is the information provided last Thursday:
  • “As you know, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Safer-At-Home Executive Order, which includes guidance for able employees to work remotely, was set initially to run through April 30.  The governor’s Task Force to Re-Open Florida is working this week to develop recommendations, and at this time it is unknown if the Safer-At-Home Executive Order will be extended.  Federal guidelines recommend a three-phase approach for reopening the country, and include needed periods of contained COVID-19 cases leading up to and between the phases.  President Martin and our leadership team including Human Resources are monitoring all of this on a daily basis, and considering various scenarios for reopening FGCU, likely in phases.  We will keep you posted as soon as these decisions can be made.  At this time, employees should continue as currently working.”

• FGCU Talent Share Program:  With the current hiring freeze for positions and also some remotely working employees affected by reduction in assignments, President Martin asked Human Resources to develop a program whereby University needs and available employees could be connected through a temporary arrangement for sharing talent.  To this end, Human Resources has developed a Talent Share Program designed to result in a win-win for the University and employees.  Please read the Talent Share Program’s detailed information, which Human Resources is sending today to the campus community. 

Eagles, with this week’s final exams, let’s bring it strong for the close of a semester unlike any experienced before.  Accomplishments in the face of challenges are made all the sweeter!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are a few Coronavirus updates for today:

• Graduating Students – Don’t Forget Sunday’s Deadline for Virtual Commencement Video/Photo:  This is a reminder to all graduating students participating in the May 3 virtual Commencement.  This Sunday (April 26) is the deadline for you to upload your personalized video message and photo.  The Commencement website features a new video that shows sample uploaded video messages and photos.  Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of FGCU history!  Visit https://www.fgcu.edu/MAY2020GRAD/.  We’re very proud of you, Eagles, now more than ever!

• Bookstore Schedule (Saturday, April 25 – Friday, May 1):
• Weekend:  April 25 and 26:  Closed.
• Weekdays:  April 27 through May 1:  Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Dining Services Schedule (Saturday, April 25 – Friday, May 1):  In the Cohen Student Union, Einstein’s and the Convenience Store at Einstein’s will remain open for the remainder of the semester. 
• Saturday, April 25:  Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, April 26:  Closed
• Weekdays:  April 27 through May 1:  Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have a smart and safe weekend, and stay well!

From President Mike Martin

Re: Planning for several futures – The EAC

The university’s Emergency Advisory Council (EAC) broadly represents the many functions that make our institution operate, and is activated as needed.  The EAC, chaired by Ruth Rodrigues, recently has been charged with developing plans for various scenarios we face as we approach fall semester in light of COVID-19.  It will integrate recommendations from seven teams, each with a team leader(s):

• Public Information Team | Susan Evans
• ITS Team | Mary Banks
• Human Resources Team | Sara Stensrud
• Facilities Team | Eric Balmer
• Finance Team | June Gutknecht
• Student Team | Brian Fisher
• Academic Team | Mike McDonald/Chuck Lindsey

And, of course, the team leaders will engage others.

The overarching objective is to outline responses to yet-to-be known scenarios which 1) protect the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community, 2) ensure delivery of high-quality coursework/programs which lead to high-quality degrees, 3) sustain our core superstructure and infrastructure, and 4) minimize the possibility of layoffs, furloughs, program eliminations, or other serious displacements.

We face many uncertainties and numerous challenges as we seek to remain a viable, effective and efficient institution.  Everyone has a role in ensuring we succeed.  While I have great confidence in the capabilities of the FGCU community, it would be disingenuous to suggest this will be easy.  Be assured it will require much hard work, discomfort and sacrifice.  But starting now to plan and adjust will give us an opportunity to influence the future of FGCU and all who care about it.

We’ll keep you apprised as the EAC carries out its assigned tasks.

Stay tuned, Go Eagles!

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good morning– here are today’s Coronavirus updates:

• Governor DeSantis’ Safer-At-Home Executive Order, and FGCU Employees Working Remotely:  As you know, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Safer-At-Home Executive Order, which includes guidance for able employees to work remotely, was set initially to run through April 30.  The governor’s Task Force to Re-Open Florida is working this week to develop recommendations, and at this time it is unknown if the Safer-At-Home Executive Order will be extended.  Federal guidelines recommend a three-phase approach for reopening the country, and include needed periods of contained COVID-19 cases leading up to and between the phases.  President Martin and our leadership team including Human Resources are monitoring all of this on a daily basis, and considering various scenarios for reopening FGCU, likely in phases.  We will keep you posted as soon as these decisions can be made.  At this time, employees should continue as currently working, and if you have any questions or concerns, please talk with your supervisor or Human Resources.

• New Student Orientation:  We look forward to welcoming our new FGCU Class of 2024!  Orientation sessions for new students entering the Summer and Fall semesters will be held virtually.  Our creative staff has developed ways to inform, engage and connect with new Eagles through the two-day virtual orientations sessions.  A website is available to provide information with orientation schedules, registration, and comprehensive checklist, and can be viewed at: https://www.fgcu.edu/firstyearexperience/orientation/ftic.  Incoming new students, please be sure to register for this important program!
• Virtual Commencement – Sunday Deadline for Graduates’ Video/Photo:  All graduating students for the Spring semester have been receiving emailed information, including from our vendor partner StageClip, about this exciting and personalized way to celebrate your accomplishments.  Please remember that this Sunday (April 26) is the deadline for graduates to submit a 12-second video message and photo to make your ceremony uniquely about you!  We encourage our faculty and staff to join graduates and their families and friends for the virtual ceremony on Sunday, May 3 at 10 a.m.  All information about the event can be viewed at: https://www.fgcu.edu/MAY2020GRAD.

We will continue to keep you updated, and urge everyone to remember practicing the important CDC precautions to help keep our FGCU community and beyond safe and healthy!

From President Mike Martin

Re: Virtual Commencement Update

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are today’s Coronavirus updates:

• REMINDER:  Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading Option:  Information about this important decision has been provided in multiple announcements.  As a reminder for students wishing to select the S/U option for the Spring semester, you must complete and submit the online form by midnight this Sunday (April 19).  The S/U information, including the important implications each student should consider, and the necessary online form, can be viewed at:
• https://www.fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/su-grading (Detailed information)
• https://proone.proed.org/docusign/proDocDocumentRequest/?formId=1041 (Online form to declare S/U option)
• https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#43April13Update
• https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#31March31Update
• https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#30March30Update
• https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#28March27Update
• https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#25March26Update
• https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#24March25Update

• REMINDER:  Graduating Students who have NOT received your mailed Mortarboard and Tassel for Virtual Commencement:  Please see yesterday’s updated information on this at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#45April16Update.  The deadline to send your email as instructed is Tuesday (April 21) at 3 p.m. 

• Bookstore Schedule (Saturday, April 18 – Friday, April 24):
• Weekend:  April 18 and 19:  Closed.
• Weekday Hours:  April 20 - 24:  Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Dining Services Schedule:  Located in the Cohen Student Union, Einstein’s and the Convenience Store at Einstein’s will remain open for the remainder of the semester. 
• Saturdays and Sundays:  Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mondays through Fridays:  Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stay Smart and Stay Safe!:  Just one week ago today, there were 17,531 people in Florida with confirmed cases of COVID-19 – and today as of noon there are 24,119 positive cases in our state.  With an increase of nearly 950 confirmed cases every day during this past week, now is not the time to let down our guard on the CDC precautions to keep us safe in Florida and throughout the country!  Practice social distancing by not being in gatherings of more than 10 people, and if you’re in a group of 10 or fewer people, be sure that each person is separated by a minimum of six feet.  Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds frequently throughout the day.  If you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention.  Stay home except for essential – really essential – things that must be done.  

So, as we go into the weekend, Eagles, stay smart and stay safe! 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – this update is for students who are graduating in our Spring virtual commencement. 

As you saw on Monday in our Coronavirus Updates, information was provided for graduating students who had not yet received the mortarboard/tassel package in the mail.

Jostens, the company producing and mailing the mortarboards/tassels, is located in Texas, and like so many other businesses across the country has had its operations impacted by COVID-19.  As a result, some of you have indicated you’ve tried calling Jostens to provide your current (new) mailing address but have been unable to speak with anyone on the customer service line.

We’ve identified a way to assist students in this situation, but I can’t emphasize enough how IMPORTANT this deadline is to hear from you:  Tuesday, April 21 by 3 p.m. 

Any graduating student who has not received your mortarboard/tassel package mailed from Jostens should email Michele Brice in our Office of the Registrar at mbrice@fgcu.edu – and include the following:

• Your name
• Your FGCU UIN (University Identification Number)
• Your correct (new) mailing address where the packet should be sent  (street, city, state, zip)

The Registrar’s Office will work with Jostens to have your package sent to your correct address where you are residing now.

Again, we must receive this information from you by 3 p.m. on Tuesday (April 21) as the updated addresses will be communicated to Jostens in Texas for mailing the packages.

It’s been great to see all the excitement and enthusiasm for FGCU’s first virtual commencement – Go Eagles!

(From Monday’s Coronavirus Update:

• Mortarboard and Tassel for Graduating Students:  By now, students who will be graduating in the virtual commencement on May 3 should have received the mailed package containing your mortarboard and tassel.  With so many students scattering after remote instruction began, we are finding that some of the packages were undeliverable, and thus returned to the company in Texas.  If you are a graduating student for Spring commencement and you have not yet received your package, please call customer service for the company (Jostens) at 1-800-854-7464 and provide your current mailing address.  They will locate your package and resend it to you (still at no charge).) 

From President Mike Martin

Re: Coronavirus Case

As we provide health and safety updates, we have a positive case of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you. Tonight we received confirmation that a student has tested positive for COVID-19, and is isolated in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The student lives in West Lake Village student housing (located near, but not on, the main campus). The student reports having been on the main campus only once recently – on Wednesday (April 8) at Student Health Services.

Although Student Health Services already receives intensive cleaning each day, in an abundance of caution we temporarily are closing the modular for decontamination cleaning. Regular patients scheduled for Wednesday appointments will be contacted by Student Health Services for a telehealth session and any needed follow-up, and we will reopen the Student Health Services modular on Thursday.

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  We are coordinating our efforts with the Florida Department of Health, which will conduct the contact tracing process, and any individuals with possible exposure will be contacted with instructions.

We send our student best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are a couple of Coronavirus updates this afternoon:

• Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading Deadline on Sunday: Just a reminder to all students who wish to have their Spring semester grades on a “Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory” approach vs. traditional grading, the deadline for you to complete the opt-in form is this Sunday (April 19) at midnight.  Information was provided a couple of weeks ago in the campus update on March 27 (www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/#28March27Update).  Additional detailed information, and the form also have been provided to you.  There are important aspects to consider when making this decision. Please don’t wait until the last minute to reach out to your Academic Advisors if you wish to talk with them about this decision as they are very busy assisting students with a number of other things as well.  If you are selecting Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, your completed form must be submitted online no later than midnight this Sunday (April 19). (Reminder – if you are staying with the traditional grading approach, you do not need to do anything.)

• Mortarboard and Tassel for Graduating Students:  By now, students who will be graduating in the virtual commencement on May 3 should have received the mailed package containing your mortarboard and tassel.  With so many students scattering after remote instruction began, we are finding that some of the packages were undeliverable, and thus returned to the company in Texas. If you are a graduating student for Spring commencement and you have not yet received your package, please call customer service for the company (Jostens) at 1-800-854-7464 and provide your current mailing address. They will locate your package and resend it to you (still at no charge).  

Stay well, Eagles!

From President Mike Martin

Re: Coronavirus Case

As we provide health and safety updates, we have a positive case of campus-related COVID-19 to share with you. Today we received confirmation that a (non-housing) student in the Bower School of Music & the Arts has tested positive for COVID-19, and is isolated in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  While other Bower students have shared space with the student, to our knowledge at this time there are no additional positive cases, although some students report they are being tested. 

Please note that the student was last on the FGCU campus this past Tuesday (April 7) in the Bower building. As such, today upon receiving this information we immediately closed the Bower building and the Bower modular, and both are receiving decontamination cleaning. 

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals. We are coordinating our efforts with the Florida Department of Health, which is conducting the contact tracing process to determine who has been exposed to the student with the positive test.  Individuals with possible exposure will be contacted with instructions.

We send our student best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU. 

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are today’s Coronavirus updates:

• Refunds for Meal Plans and Flex (Dining) Dollars:  Students with Meal Plans and Flex (Dining) Dollars, we thank you for your patience as we’ve worked through this issue!  Today we’re pleased to announce that refunds will be made to you next week.  Here are the details:
• Meal Plans:  Refunds for Meal Plans (Spring semester) will be based on each student’s selected (and paid for) Meal Plan.  The refunds will be made retroactive to March 23 (which was the last service date for Meal Plans), and for the unusable weeks remaining in the Spring semester. 
• Flex (Dining) Dollars:  Unused Flex (Dining) Dollars (Spring 2020) will be refunded, with the effective start date of April 13.
• Process:  Refunds for Meal Plans and Flex (Dining) Dollars will work the same as with Housing refunds in that they are considered a credit against the student’s (overall) University account.  After the credit is applied toward any balance due the University, all remaining funds will be refunded to the student by Friday, April 17.  Some students may see their refunds in their bank accounts prior to April 17.  Paper checks for students without direct deposit will be mailed out to recipients on April 17.
• Students Remaining on Campus through the Spring Semester:  You will receive refunds as described above.  If you have concerns about obtaining meals while awaiting your refund, please contact our staff at abiffar@fgcu.edu.
• Questions:  This is one time we do NOT want you to direct your questions to the Eagles Care! call center.  Instead, all questions about student accounts and refunds should be sent by email to Cashiers@fgcu.edu, and a member of our staff will respond to you.  Be sure to include your UIN (University Identification Number) in the email.

• Revised Schedule for Mail Room and Warehouse:  The mailroom and warehouse will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays of each week, but starting on Monday only from 8 a.m. to noon.  (Mail delivery will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays each week.)

• Bookstore Schedule (Saturday, April 11 – Friday, April 17):
  • Weekend:  April 11 and 12:  Closed.
  • Weekday Hours:  April 13 – 17:  Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dining Services Schedule:  In the Cohen Student Union, Einstein’s and the Convenience Store at Einstein’s will remain open for the remainder of the semester. 
• Monday through Friday:  Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday:  Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Meal swipes will be accepted all day.
• Be Smart and Safe!: As COVID-19 continues, it’s more important than ever to not let down our guard in practicing the critical CDC precautions for keeping our campus and greater communities safe!  Yesterday I read a few media accounts that indicated a slight slowing of the community spread in some parts of the country, and it sure was tempting to think we can all take a deep breath now and get back to normal.  But it’s still a very serious situation that requires us all to be mindful and careful. 
  
  Just four weeks ago today, there were 41 people in Florida with a positively confirmed case of COVID-19.  Today?  As of noon, there are 17,531 people in Florida with confirmed cases.  Even recognizing that some of this is attributable to more and faster testing, we know the increase of cases is real and growing.  So, I’m going to redouble my efforts to ask at the end of each day, Did I practice social distancing by not being in a group of more than 10 people?  If in a small group, did I separate from others by at least six feet?  Was I good about frequently washing my hands throughout the day?  Are there other things I should be doing for my part in keeping our community safe?
  
  Together, let’s stay smart and safe for FGCU and beyond, and we’ll get through this!

From President Mike Martin

So often during trying times many rise to the occasion and behave in heroic fashion.  We are seeing that in numerous ways and in many places with the unprecedented COVID-19.  Unfortunately, there are those few who use something as tragic as a pandemic to exhibit their prejudices and racism.  Again we are seeing some signs of that conduct now.  In the current case, some of our friends, colleagues and neighbors of Asian descent have been victims of name calling, vitriol or worse.

Please know that conduct of this kind is antithetical to the values of every great university and certainly so to FGCU’s.  Our campus community is enriched by our unambiguous commitment to embrace diversity, to celebrate differences and to protect each other from these unwelcome demonstrations of intolerance.

As we cope with unprecedented challenges we will not lose sight of our obligations to one another and we will reaffirm our embrace of the “Eagle Spirit.”  We are all in this together!

From President Mike Martin

Re: Coronavirus Case

As we provide the campus community with health and safety information, we have a second positive case of COVID-19 to share with you.  Tonight we have received confirmation that an employee in the Bower School of Music & the Arts has tested positive, and is isolated in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please note that the employee, with no symptoms, was last on the FGCU campus on March 20.  Since this was 21 days ago – well beyond the 14-day incubation period for COVID-19 – anyone who was exposed to the employee would have shown symptoms of the illness by now. 

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals.  We are coordinating information and efforts with the Florida Department of Health for any such cases.

We send our employee best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU.

From President Mike Martin

Re: Coronavirus Case

We continue to regularly provide the campus community with health and safety information, and want to share with you that last evening (April 8, 2020), the University spoke with a student who confirmed receiving on that day a positive test result for COVID-19.  The student lives in West Lake Village student housing (located near, but not on, the main campus), and reports having had only minimal contact with others.  The student is isolated in accordance with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Student, employee and patient confidentiality laws prohibit us from disclosing the identities of individuals. It’s important to note that any individual who tests positive will be isolated, and anyone believed to be at risk for exposure will be contacted and asked to self-quarantine.  We are taking these steps, and also working with the Florida Department of Health, which will conduct the contact tracing process.

We send our student best wishes for good health and recovery, and we will continue to keep you updated with information on COVID-19 and FGCU.

From Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan Evans

Good afternoon – here are today’s Coronavirus updates:

• New Virtual Resource from Career Development Services:  Our staff in Career Development Services (CDS) has launched an innovative new service for students – virtual career resources!  Services include telephone career advising appointments; virtual live workshops on Job Searching, Resume-Writing, and Interviewing; a Virtual Career Fair partnered with the Florida Association of Colleges and Employers; local employer information sessions to learn about who is hiring; and virtual mock interviews with local employers.  Please note these count for Soar in 4 requirements!  Be sure to take advantage of these helpful resources, with information available on the CDS website at https://www.fgcu.edu/careerservices/.  And, a flyer listing these opportunities for students can be viewed at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/careerservices/files/VirtualWorkshopsNewsletterRevised2.pdf.

• Events on Campus Canceled through June 30:  As you know, we previously announced the cancellation of day camps and overnight camps at FGCU through June 30.  This is being extended to all events on campus through June 30, and our Campus Reservations staff is contacting event organizers.

• Virtual Commencement Plans:  Yesterday, President Martin, Provost Llorens and Vice President Cordova announced exciting plans for a virtual commencement ceremony for our spring graduates.  Since then, we’ve received such wonderful feedback from students and their parents about the plans to recognize and celebrate our graduates, whose accomplishments are even greater in light of the COVID-19 challenges that quickly emerged during their last semester at FGCU!  Graduates, stay tuned for additional information.  A copy of yesterday’s announcement is provided here:

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To:          Students, Faculty and Staff

From:     Mike Martin, Jim Llorens and Mitch Cordova

Re:         Celebrating our Spring Graduates!

 

As you know, our May 3 in-person commencement ceremony had to be canceled due to COVID-19.  Even though we can’t come together to recognize the accomplishments of our Spring graduates, we believe it’s important to celebrate this important milestone and give our undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to share the moment with their families and friends. 

We’re creating a virtual commencement to take place on May 3 at 10 a.m.  Graduates will be encouraged to virtually personalize their experience, invite guests and share their achievement via social media.  As part of the experience, mortarboards and tassels are being mailed to each graduating student, so stay tuned for additional information. 

This is just an interim way to acknowledge this important accomplishment.  Graduates and their families will be welcomed at a future in-person FGCU commencement ceremony, but for now, we are excited to honor FGCU’s Spring 2020 graduates with our virtual stand-in celebration.  Go Eagles!

• Eagles Care! COVID-19 Resources Call Center:  Students and parents, don't forget to contact our FGCU Eagles Care! call center with any questions you may have about COVID-19 and FGCU.  We have a great team waiting to assist you!  Eagles Care! can be reached by calling 239-590-7728 on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by emailing Care@fgcu.edu.

• Letter to Off-Campus Housing Managers:  As you know, the only student housing owned and operated by FGCU is found at North Lake Village, South Village, and West Lake Village, and we previously announced partial refunds for spring semester due to COVID-19.  Students who choose to live in off-campus housing not owned and operated by FGCU sign leases with and pay rent to those business entities, and FGCU is not a party to these agreements.  As such, any refunds or termination requests should be taken up with the managers of these non-FGCU residences.  Even though the leases are with non-FGCU entities, we are respectfully encouraging these properties to consider the challenges students are facing because of COVID-19.  President Martin and Vice President Cordova sent the below letter today, and if you would like a (full-sized) copy of the letter, just let me know and it will be emailed to you.

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As previously announced, students will have the option of selecting a course grade of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) in lieu of traditional letter grades, due to the unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19.

This option is available to students for only the Spring 2020 semester.

Students who are interested in this option should carefully read and consider all information before making a decision.

The deadline for students to select the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option is April 19.  

Students who wish to retain the traditional letter grade approach do not need to inform the University, as the traditional letter grade as status quo will continue to apply to all students who do not communicate their wishes to select the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option.

A webpage has been created with detailed information, and it can be viewed at: www.fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/su-grading. This webpage contains important information all students should read.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade.  Students should contact their Academic Advisors with any questions about the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option. 

FAQs for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading Option

 General Questions:

1. Can I choose a S/U grading option for a Spring 2020 course?

Yes, due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, FGCU has expanded the use of S/U grading options for Spring courses.

2. Can all students request the S/U grading option?

This option is available to both Graduate and Undergraduate students. However, this grading option will not apply to the following:

• FGCU Accelerate (Graduate online courses); or
• All FGCU Early College / Dual Enrollment / ACE / Collegiate Academy students and courses.

3. How do I request the S/U grading option?

Students (Undergraduate and Graduate) will opt-in via an online form for one or more courses.  The online form will be submitted directly to the Office of Records and Registration by April 19, 2020 for Spring 2020. 

 4. Can I select just one course for S/U or do I have to select all my courses for an S/U grade?

Yes, you can request the S/U grading option on a course-by-course basis or you can request this option for all of your Spring 2020 courses.

 5. Why am I allowed to request the S/U grading option for courses that were not allowed before?

FGCU is making the S/U grading option broadly available to you as a result of the unprecedented disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hoping this option will help reduce your uncertainty and stress so that you can focus on finishing the semester successfully.

 6. Will my Professor know that I am taking my course for an S/U grade?

No, not unless you tell your Professor. Your Professor will continue grading your work, as specified in the syllabus. He or she will submit your letter grade at the end of the semester to the Office of Records and Registration.  Banner, our student database, will electronically change your letter grade to an S/U letter.

 7. How will letter grades be converted to S/U grades?

FGCU will use the current grade mapping or the equivalencies listed in the FGCU catalog.  The following letter grades will correspond with an S/U:

• Undergraduate courses: The letter grades of A, B, C are equivalent to a grade of “S,” and letter grades of C – (minus) through F are equivalent to a grade of “U.”
• Graduate courses: An “S” grade is equivalent to letter grades of a C or better, and a “U” grade is equivalent to a grade of C- or less.

8. Will the S/U option be available to me permanently?

No. This expanded S/U grading option will be available to you for Spring 2020.

9. Can I still ask my Professor for an incomplete (I) grade?

Yes. The current plan is to manage incomplete (I) grades as they are normally done. When you complete the work required for your Professor to enter a grade, that grade would then be converted to the S/U.

Grade Point Average Implications:

1. How will the S/U impact my GPA?

S/U grades do not count in the computation of a student’s GPA and only “S” grades will receive academic credit.  S/U grades will not result in an increase or a decrease in a student’s GPA.  

2. How does an S/U grade affect my academic standing?

Since a student’s GPA is not affected by S/U courses, a student’s academic standing (undergraduate) at the end of the term would be dependent only on any regularly graded courses included in a student’s schedule.

3. How do I know if selecting an S/U grade is the right choice for me?

Please review the following S/U grading map:

• S (Satisfactory) = Letter grade A through C
• U (Unsatisfactory) = C- (minus) through F 
• Due to minimum grade requirements established by some colleges, departments and programs, students are advised to review all options before selecting the S/U grading option.
• If you are unsure if an S/U grade is the right choice for you, please consult with your Academic Advisor.
   

4. How will an S/U grade impact the GPA needed to graduate?

Undergraduate seniors need a minimum GPA of 2.0 to graduate.  If they are on the threshold, they may need letter grades in order to raise their GPA and graduate.  Letter grades will increase or decrease a student’s GPA.   S/U grades do not count in the computation of a student’s GPA.

Other Academic Considerations:

1. How will an S/U grade affect my eligibility for the President’s / Dean’s List?

Undergraduate students need 12 hours of regular graded courses to be eligible for a semester President’s or Dean’s List.

2. How will S/U grades affect admissions requirements for Graduate School?

Bachelor degree recipients, who are applying to graduate school, should be mindful of how S/U grades may affect their GPA and should check the admission requirements at their graduate school of choice.

3. How will S/U grades impact course sequencing?

If you are enrolled in any prerequisite courses that specify a certain grade higher than a “C”, consider this requirement before choosing the S/U option for those courses.

4. If something changes, will I be able to adjust or change my S/U request?

Students will have the ability to petition for a change after grades are posted with appropriate documentation of extenuating circumstance(s).

Financial Aid Considerations:

1. How does a S/U grade affect Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid?

S/U grades are counted towards completion ratio and maximum timeframe calculations, but do not count in the GPA calculation.

2. Will a S/U grade change my GPA?

No. If you have a 3.0 GPA and receive a “S“ grade, your GPA will remain at 3.0. The same is true for a “U” grade.

3. I need to improve my GPA in the Spring term to meet Bright Futures renewal criteria. Can I do so while receiving S/U grades?

No. S/U grades will not result in a change in your GPA. If your GPA is 2.8 after the Fall term and you receive all “S” grades in the Spring term, your GPA will remain 2.8.

 

Again, all students interested in this option should carefully read and consider all information before making a decision.
Please visit: www.fgcu.edu/recordsandregistration/su-grading

We will continue to keep you posted as new information and decisions for FGCU become available.

I.  Information Technology -- Working Securely From Home:
While working from home, please continue to follow the same safety and security practices you follow on campus.  Always be careful about opening emails from unknown recipients; carefully chose which attachments you open; and be careful which websites you visit.  Do not store restricted data on your computer, and use FGCU's VPN when needing to access University resources.

For more information, please visit our "Staying Safe While Working From Home" information located on the Information Technology Services (ITS) website at:  https://www.fgcu.edu/its/#StayingSafeWhileWorkingFromHome

Help Desk hours:
New Help Desk Support Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
University Help Desk:  239-590-1188 or email at helpdesk@fgcu.edu

II.  Information Technology -- Using Microsoft Teams:
Information Technology Services (ITS) has tutorials on how to use Microsoft Teams for working remotely (video conferencing, file sharing, chat, and more).  For more information, please visit the Teams Info page www.fgcu.edu/its/teams.

III.  Building Locking Schedule:
The University Police Department (UPD) will return all buildings to their regular locking schedules this weekend.  The Cohen Student Union, and Griffin Hall will remain open for students' WiFi and computer lab (Griffin Hall Room 208) use.  Employees who forget their swipe cards may call UPD at 239-590-1900 for assistance with access to buildings.

IV.  Einstein's Dining, and Bookstore Schedules for Next Week:

• Dining:  Weekend Hours for March 28 & March 29:
  • Brunch (takeout only):  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Dinner (takeout only):  4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Convenience store (C-store) in Einstein's:  10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Dining:  Weekday Hours for March 30 through April 3:
  • Breakfast (takeout only):  8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Lunch (takeout only):  11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Dinner (takeout only):  4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Convenience store (C-store) in Einstein's:  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Bookstore:  Weekend Hours for March 28 & March 29:
  • Saturday:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday:  Closed
• Bookstore:  Weekday Hours for March 30 through April 3:
  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We will continue to keep you posted as new information and decisions for FGCU become available.

Students, we had hoped by 4 p.m. to finalize the "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory" grading option and provide you with details on how this will work at FGCU.  However, this information will be forthcoming tomorrow (Friday).  We are working very hard to address a number of items so that we can provide you with the complete information necessary for you to make an informed decision.  These items include implications for your GPA; financial aid requirements; Bright Futures renewal; GPA needed to graduate; course sequencing; eligibility for the President's/Dean's List; and application/admission requirements for graduate and professional schools, among other things.

The deadline for selecting the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option will not be until April 19, so you will have plenty of time to make and communicate this decision online.  

Again, we will provide you with details tomorrow (Friday).  We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through these complex issues for the benefit of all FGCU students.

We will continue to keep you posted as new information and decisions for FGCU become available.