FAMU has joined a growing number of colleges and universities nationally that are shifting its classes to strictly online in the wake of the spread of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
The FL Board of Governors asked all state universities Wednesday to make plans to transition to remote and online instruction as soon as possible.
Florida currently has 21 residents who have tested positive for novel coronavirus. Two people have died.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that asking instructors to prepare for online classes is “the prudent thing to do.”
“I think we are preparing to see more (CODIV-19) cases,” the Governor told reporters at a press conference in the Capitol. “So I think it is prudent for them to do it and then they can reassess in real time as we go.”
FAMU has asked all faculty to be prepared to conduct online or remote instruction, wherever possible. It says online course materials should be prepared by Sunday, March 22.
Though there have been no reported cases of the coronavirus in Leon County, the move is out of an abundance of caution.
The Board of Governors say all universities will continue to provide essential services, such as dining, counseling, health services, library services, potentially on a limited basis or remotely. Universities with clinical and other non-classroom based programs will communicate directly with those students.
It added that while students are encouraged to stay off of campus, every university should develop a plan for providing housing for those who need it.