Many students were excited to move back on campus after a long and different summer vacation. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus pandemic, Florida A&M University has decided to offer most of its courses via virtual learning, which is a new normal for everyone.
FAMU, like many other universities, has decided to allow students to live on campus at 50% capacity, with no suite-mates, no gatherings larger than 10 people and masks must be worn at all times.
But FAMU has taken extreme measures to ensure safety for students and faculty. A letter that was issued Friday by the dean of students, Bomani Spells, said everyone living on campus will be subject to a strict 10 a.m. curfew on weekdays and a midnight curfew on the weekends.
“Students are to be in their assigned residence hall from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. on weekdays (Monday – Thursday) and from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. on the weekend ( Friday – Sunday). This curfew will go in effect Saturday, August 22 at 12 a.m. and continue until further notice.”
Spells also said in a release to the university community: “Failure to adhere will result in sanctions including fines, suspensions and expulsions”.
Sha’Riauna Campbell, a sophomore business administration student, does not like the new rule. “I honestly feel like having a curfew on campus is not at all ideal for students. Students from all classes, not just freshmen students, stay on campus. Several students work the evening/night shift and should not receive such extreme sanctions because they came back to campus past curfew.
“There are even students now moving in late at night with their parents. Several out of state students have driven 8-plus hours to get here and the curfew already has gone into effect and that is exceedingly inconsiderate. I know a lot of students who study with other students late into the night. They should not be punished for that either” she said.
However, some students have a different opinion on the new curfew guidelines and understand why it is in place. Some students believe it will “help us focus this semester” and “stay safe.”
“I think it is needed being that (COVID-19) cases are rising, and we want better chances at a more eventful spring semester. However, I am interested in seeing how the curfew will be regulated because all students have different obligations. That may cause them to be out past the 10 p.m. curfew. I hope students are able to make the most out of such a unique experience,” said Lawerincia Palmer, a political science student.