Dear Colleagues: When our Spring 2020 semester began on January 6, nobody imagined that the College would shift to online operations by mid-March. That 1,100 face-to-face classes would move online, followed by intensive trainings for online instruction, numerous Zoom meetings, and virtual events. The spring term officially concluded with PHSC’s online commencement ceremony, proudly hosted yesterday afternoon.
In nearly three months of remote operations, we have been in constant communication with the Florida Departments of Education and Health and Florida College System officials. Our safety and security team has investigated practices that will help ensure a safe return to on-campus operations. A phased approach to reopening our campuses is the best solution and one that is being adopted by other Florida colleges.
Several clock-hour workforce programs will return to face-to-face instruction beginning June 1, with social distancing guidelines enforced and safety precautions in place. Faculty, staff and students associated with these programs will receive information and details about the transition. All other summer courses will remain online, with a decision regarding our plans for Fall 2020 semester announced as soon as possible.
From June 15-July 31, the College will begin a phased return to campus for faculty and staff. During this six-week transition, staff may operate on a flex or rotational basis. By July 1, we expect to resume on-campus student services.
Provosts, administrators and deans will coordinate the return of faculty and staff to sanitized work areas. Additionally, new maintenance policies will be in place for the routine and thorough sanitization of facilities collegewide. For the protection of our entire college community, employees and students will be required to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations as well as new college safety protocols.
Please stay tuned for more information. Your patience is appreciated as we begin the process of returning to on-site operations and instruction
Thank you and stay well!
Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. President