Dear USF community,
This afternoon, the Florida Board of Governors approved the University of South Florida’s reopening plan for the autumn 2020 semester, a significant step forward in the process of bringing students, faculty and staff back to our campuses.
More than 100 people from across the university contributed to the development of our four-phase plan that prioritizes the health and well-being of the USF community and allows us to continue to deliver high-quality academic programs and services. The plan is modeled in a way that gives us flexibility to adapt our on-campus operations depending on any changes to COVID-19 conditions.
I encourage everyone to review our full plan and the updated information we’ve posted today on USF’s coronavirus website, including our frequently asked questions section. Last Friday, I hosted two virtual town hall forums – one for students and one for faculty and staff – that I’m pleased to share attracted more than 3,000 people to the live events and even more have viewed the sessions online. If you were unable to attend, the town halls are available for viewing here.
As we look ahead, my leadership team and I, along with the USF COVID-19 Task Force led by College of Public Health Dean Donna Petersen and our leading experts from USF Health, will continue to closely monitor the latest COVID-19 data, governmental orders and other public health recommendations to evaluate when it’s appropriate to proceed to the next phase in our reopening plan. We are currently in phase I and our goal is to reach phase III by late July or early August in time to prepare for the start of the autumn semester. We will keep you updated.
We must all do our part to help slow the spread of the virus if we want to be able to return to face-to-face courses, in-person services and other activities on our campuses. Maintaining a healthy environment depends on a shared commitment from all members of our community. Face coverings will be required, physical distancing must be maintained and testing protocols have to be followed.
While things will certainly look different in the fall, our university’s aspirations remain the same. Our dedication to student success, research and creative activity, public service and being a regional economic engine will not change.
Thank you for all you continue to do to make USF a world-class university.
Sincerely,
Steven C. Currall
President and Professor