Florida A&M and the state’s other 11 public universities will reopen next month with new restrictions and guidelines after switching to remote instruction in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
FAMU students have mixed feelings about returning to their beloved university and adjusting to the “new normal.”
In May, the Board of Governors developed a“Blueprint for Re-opening the State University System of Florida Campuses.” All institutions including Florida A&M University were required to prepare an individualized plan that would insure the safety of students, administration and staff for the fall 2020 semester.
In these plans it states that Instruction for the fall semester at FAMU will be offered via a combination of remote and in-person delivery modes to continue to safely practice social distancing.
Many students, including Sydney Jasper, a senior public relations major, have decided that it will be in her best interest to start this semester at home, with plans for a safe return in the spring.
“One plus about remote learning is that I was able to come back home to West Palm Beach and be with my family during this time because Tallahassee can be very straining at times. I am hoping for an assured safe environment that we can all return in the spring but until further notice I am fine where I am,” Jasper said.
Students who are deciding to return to their apartments in Tallahassee and dorms on campus fear that it may be harder for them to stay focused. Some are concerned that the campus’ resources will be extremely limited now.
“You know what they say: ‘Don’t study where you sleep.’ I’ve unquestionably have struggled with that during this summer semester and it scares me too see what the fall will bring,” Jayla Rawings, a fourth year graphic design major, said.
Jaida Toney, A fourth year performing arts major, is going into her senior year optimistic and hoping for the best.
“I’m no longer in a rush to graduate. This is the perfect time to perfect my craft and really figure out what route I’d like to take as far as my career. I’m taking my time with everything now and i’m loving it,” Toney said.
Students who finished the spring semester and completed summer courses during the 2020 academic school year have already gotten a taste of what the fall may entail, but incoming freshmen will quickly have to adapt to college life and this new non-traditional style of education.
“I’m nervous not only about COVID-19 but being on my own for the first time. I have to ask myself if I am mentally prepared.I am very anxious to be out here on my own with everything going on but it’s a step I’m willing to take to earn my degree,” Ashanti Lewis, an Incoming freshman, said.
Classes will resume on Monday, Aug. 24.