Florida International University students are set to return to the classroom this summer, the Miami-based institution announced Tuesday.
In a message shared with the university community, Provost and Executive VP Kenneth G. Furton said the school will offer "a robust and safe on-campus experience" beginning June 21 with the Summer B term and continuing with the Fall semester. Physical distancing restrictions will be removed, and pre-Covid-19 classroom capacities are slated to be restored, he said.
All courses will be taught one of three ways:
• Fully in person: Traditional face-to-face experience, with modifications to classroom layouts and seating arrangements to accommodate physical distancing. Zoom and videoconferencing may be used for short-term absences or to link multiple classrooms.
• Hybrid: A combination of in-person and out-of-class instruction. Students meet in person on campus during scheduled days and times, and then use Canvas, other online resources, or experiential learning for the out-of-campus portion.
• Fully online: Course taught through Canvas, with activities and assignments designed to take place virtually.
Remote and HyFlex options developed during Covid-19 will no longer be used.
Summer A and C classes, which start May 10, are being scheduled with current physical distancing classroom capacities.
"Our expectation is to fully utilize all 207 general-use classrooms, plus additional classrooms when needed," Furton said. "If additional rooms are needed, we will first work with departments and units to utilize locally managed spaces and additional classrooms at alternate locations within FIU. If more space is required, we will then explore the possibility of outside venues."
However, he noted, the university, which had 51,804 students enrolled in the fall, will be flexible due to the nature of the pandemic.
"If the situation requires a return to physical distancing for Summer B or Fall, adjustments can be made following recommendations from university leadership," Furton said. "We will prioritize on-campus opportunities for first- year students while reducing the overall student density."
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