A long overdue and important conversation around systemic racism and violence against Black people in America has awakened our country. The injustices and violence that marginalized the experiences of people of color, particularly Black/African Americans, at the hands of those in positions of authority is real and devastating. Florida Atlantic University condemns and will not tolerate such acts of violence, and is dedicated to addressing racism, discrimination and injustices in all aspects of university life.

Ranked among the most racially and ethnically diverse institutions in the country, FAU’s commitment to diversity does not stop at the make-up of our student body. We recognize that in order to dismantle systemic discrimination we must take actions to ensure our students, faculty and staff have the opportunities, support and resources necessary to succeed in their academic and professional lives. We also recognize that eradicating racism requires developing responsible citizens by examining the ways power and privilege affect society and by developing pathways to meaningful, positive and lasting change.

With input from the Florida Atlantic University Diversity Council, some of our immediate measures include:

• Expanding the focus of the diversity platform to include social justice and equity
• Identifying university initiatives where social justice and equity dialogues and professional development opportunities can be incorporated
• Developing a university-wide diversity and inclusion statement to be included in recruitment materials
• Continue to provide educational platforms for students, faculty and staff to learn and discuss issues related to diversity, inclusion and equity

With educational programs spearheaded by entities such as the FAU Diversity Council; Peace, Justice, and Human Rights initiative; the Center for Inclusion, Diversity Education, and Advocacy; the Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education; and the Women and Gender Equity Resource Center, FAU is not only coming together in conversation, but actively building on existing initiatives and seeking new ones. We invite you to visit www.fau.edu/diversity-platform to learn more about FAU’s ongoing efforts to diversity, inclusion and equity.

John Kelly

President

I’m sure many of you are aware that the State University System of Florida Board of Governors (BOG) recently announced that universities are preparing for the fall semester. Guidelines from the BOG and individual university plans will be established as we move into June.

As everyone embraces the “new normal” resulting from COVID-19, it remains FAU’s goal to resume face-to-face courses, student activities, and campus events in a manner appropriate to the current situation, and at the appropriate time. The health and safety of FAU’s students, faculty and staff remains the top priority of this university, and all decisions will be governed by the latest health recommendations from the state of Florida and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I know there are many questions about what our fall semester will look like and what modifications and precautions will be in place to ensure a safe and healthy campus environment. We will make announcements in the coming weeks, but for now, I wanted to update you on how the university has addressed the many issues associated with the current environment.

As the COVID-19 pandemic developed, the university’s Emergency Operations Team (EOT), which consists of nearly 70 FAU employees representing numerous areas of the university, was activated and has formulated options regarding a phased approach to re-opening our campuses.

Several working groups and task forces stemming from the EOT meet regularly to develop plans and to determine how we will increase operations. Focus areas include health and safety, academic continuity, facilities, residential housing, campus recreation, student activities, and athletics.

Next week, we expect to present our fall plans to the FAU Board of Trustees and we’ll do the same with the BOG June 23. Of course, this situation is constantly changing and everyone should expect modifications and adjustments to any initial guidelines. We’re constantly monitoring local, state and federal guidelines, and I encourage you to do the same.

In the meantime, full remote learning will continue through the Summer III session, which runs from June 27 through Aug. 7. Remote working continues until further notice.

Our dedicated COVID-19 website remains the best source of FAU-specific information. The Campus Safety page of the site has detailed information about current policies and protocols, health and coronavirus prevention practices, self-quarantine procedures, university travel, and more. The Guidance and Services page features an “A-Z” listing of items from around the university. New information is added to the pages as we confirm changes in our operations and services.

For our professional staff, the Department of Human Resources recently launched a Talent Share Program that is designed to assist the FAU community in connecting eligible and available FAU employees affected by a reduction in work with FAU colleges and units that have temporary projects or assignments. Faculty are encouraged to avail themselves of the resources on the Keep Teaching website, while students should visit the Keep Learning website if they are struggling with remote learning challenges.

For those who need to visit our campuses, either regularly or periodically, please wear face coverings in public areas when social distancing is not possible. Face coverings are required when in close proximity to others, in restrooms and elevators, and when using FAU transportation. Do not overcrowd any of these spaces. Face coverings, which should be kept with you at all times, can be handmade, such as those fashioned from a scarf, bandana or handkerchief, or tee-shirt.

Remember, if you are feeling unwell, stay home! And if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please seek medical attention immediately.

Students receiving a positive test result for COVID-19 must notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. The number is 561-297-3512 (after hours, please select option 3). All faculty and staff must notify Human Resources. The department can be reached by calling 561-297-3076 or by email at gzaidman@fau.edu. Your supervisor also should be notified.

I look forward to seeing everyone back on our campuses as soon as possible.

Best,

John Kelly

President

As you may have seen in the news, Palm Beach County, in cooperation with its partner American Medical Response (AMR) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, has opened a community-based testing site in Boca Raton on the FAU campus.

The testing site is located at FAU Tech Runway on the north end of our Boca Raton campus. The physical address is 901 NW 35th St. Residents should enter the testing site from Spanish River Boulevard. Click here for a PDF map of the location.

Please note that appointments ARE required in advance for testing. However, a doctor’s referral is NOT required.

To make an appointment, call 1-800-209-7919 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Testing is available to anyone over age of 12, with or without COVID-19 symptoms. Proper identification will be required with name, date of birth, and photo.

Tests will be administered by healthcare professionals from AMR. Please remember to wear a face covering. Click here for more information on COVID-19 testing in Palm Beach County.

So many people came together to make this testing site possible. I’d like to thank Jared Moskowitz, Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, FAU’s Vice President for Administrative Affairs Stacy Volnick, and all the officials with Palm Beach County and AMR. Great teamwork!

As a reminder, FAU’s operations have not changed since the university began this period of remote learning and remote working. Remote instruction will continue through at least the Summer III session, which runs from June 27 through Aug. 7. Remote working continues until further notice.

Our re-opening will be a phased return and follow all appropriate guidance and health recommendations. This information will be communicated at the appropriate time.

Until then, those who need to visit our campuses, either regularly or periodically, please wear face coverings in public areas when social distancing is not possible. Face coverings are required when in close proximity to others, in restrooms and elevators, and when using FAU transportation. Do not overcrowd any of these spaces. Face coverings, which should be kept with you at all times, can be handmade, such as those fashioned from a scarf, bandana or handkerchief, or tee-shirt.

Remember, if you are feeling unwell, stay home! And if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please seek medical attention immediately.

Students receiving a positive test result for COVID-19 must notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. The number is 561-297-3512 (after hours, please select option 3). All faculty and staff must notify Human Resources. The department can be reached by calling 561-297-3076 or by email at gzaidman@fau.edu. Your supervisor also should be notified.

Finally, regularly check our dedicated COVID-19 website for updates. Information related to the COVID-19 pandemic is changing often.

Best,

John Kelly

President

As I’m sure you are all aware, most counties in Florida have begun to lift restrictions and have entered into a Phase I recovery. However, FAU’s operations have not changed since the university began this period of remote learning and remote working. Remote instruction will continue through at least the Summer III session, which runs from June 27 through Aug. 7. Remote working continues until further notice.

While we monitor state and local conditions, many members of the FAU community are formulating our return-to-work and in-person instruction plans. Our re-opening will be a phased return, and follow all appropriate guidance and health recommendations. This information will be communicated at the appropriate time.

Until then, the university has implemented a few safety measures to help protect the FAU community while on our campuses.

For those who need to visit our campuses, either regularly or periodically, please wear face coverings in public areas when physical distancing is not possible. Face coverings are required when in close proximity to others, in restrooms and elevators, and when using FAU transportation. Do not overcrowd any of these spaces. Face coverings, which should be kept with you at all times, can be handmade, such as those fashioned from a scarf, bandana or handkerchief, or tee-shirt.

Physical distancing remains the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Remain at least six feet away from others and continue to use electronic forms of communications in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible. Keep your hands clean with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Also, everyone is responsible for keeping their own office space sanitized. High touch points should be cleaned every two hours.

I greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent the spread of this virus.

Remember, if you are feeling unwell, stay home! And if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please seek medical attention immediately.

Students receiving a positive test result for COVID-19 must notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. The number is 561-297-3512 (after hours, please select option 3). All faculty and staff must notify Human Resources. The department can be reached by calling 561-297-3076 or by email at gzaidman@fau.edu. Your supervisor also should be notified.

Finally, regularly check our dedicated COVID-19 website for updates. Information related to the COVID-19 pandemic is changing often.

Best,

John Kelly

President

Today’s message is focused on one topic: Our May Commencement ceremonies that were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I consider commencement a fundamental component of the educational experience at FAU. I want to assure our May graduates that every effort will be made to provide the opportunity to participate in a future commencement ceremony when it’s safe again to gather in large numbers.

Guided by a dedicated faculty, our students worked hard and achieved much during their time at FAU, and I am determined to give as many as possible the complete commencement experience.

While we won’t be able to gather next week, it is important we celebrate the accomplishments of FAU’s newest class of graduates, even in these exceptional circumstances. To that end, we will begin Celebrating the Spring Class of 2020 on Wednesday, May 6. A special website will include a listing of all graduates by college, feature student and faculty videos, include a social media feed, and more. Other highlights will be shared during a week-long social media campaign.

I don’t want to spoil the surprises, so stay tuned and I will provide more information next week.

I encourage all our graduates, along with their friends and families, to post graduation photos and favorite FAU memories by using #FAUgrad so we can celebrate virtually.

Congratulations, Class of 2020. We are very proud of you.

Go Owls!

John Kelly

President

As the university continues to adjust its operations in response to COVID-19, the health and safety of everyone associated with FAU remains the top priority. To that end, complete remote learning will continue until at least the end of the Summer III session. All classes will be taught through remote delivery.

Summer III begins June 27 and ends Aug. 7. Operations related to our fall semester will be communicated as information becomes available.

While these decisions may be disappointing to some people, the university is taking these steps to help prevent further spread of this coronavirus within our communities.

As we continue with remote learning, our Office of Information Technology recently introduced a Keep Learning tool designed to help students make the shift to remote learning. This useful resource will help our students navigate this period.

Please remember, if you are feeling unwell, and especially if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately.

If you receive a positive test result, all students must notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. The number is 561-297-3512 (after hours, please select option 3). All faculty and staff must notify Human Resources. The department can be reached by calling 561-297-3076 or by email at gzaidman@fau.edu. Your supervisor also should be notified.

And, please practice social distancing and regularly check our dedicated COVID-19 website for updates.

Best,

John Kelly

President

For those celebrating this weekend, Happy Easter and Happy Passover. I hope everyone is able to stay healthy during this time, and that you can stay connected with those dear to you.

Today, I am happy to announce that Florida Atlantic University has established a COVID-19 Leave Donation Plan. The plan allows qualified employees to donate accrued leave (annual leave or sick leave) into a pool for use by leave-earning employees adversely affected by this public health emergency.

Examples of hardship include personal medical emergencies, quarantine mandates, or the inability to work or work remotely. Generally, employees who are most likely to benefit from an initiative like this are our lower salaried staff. I hope those of you who are able to donate hours will consider doing so.

All the information about donating leave and requesting donated leave can be found here.

For general assistance with policies, procedures and COVID-19 inquiries, please contact FAU’s Human Resources department at askhr@fau.edu or 561-297-3057.

You may remember from a previous message that our Office of Information Technology recently introduced a Keep Learning tool designed to help students make the shift to remote learning.

We now have a companion Keep Teaching tool designed for faculty who are making the transition to an open-ended period of remote course delivery. I hope you find the resources available here useful.

Please remember, if you are feeling unwell, and especially if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately.

If you receive a positive test result, all students must notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. The number is 561-297-3512 (after hours, please select option 3). All faculty and staff must notify Human Resources. The department can be reached by calling 561-297-3076 or by email at gzaidman@fau.edu. Your supervisor also should be notified.

And, please practice social distancing and regularly check our dedicated COVID-19 website for updates.

Best,

John Kelly

President

I hope everyone is working through the challenges we all face during this difficult time. Today there is an important update.

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act were signed into law. Both laws go into effect today. For more information about these COVID-19-related employment laws, including eligibility requirements and a benefits summary that relate to Florida Atlantic University employees click here. Please contact FAU’s Human Resources department at 561-297-3072 or via email at gzaidman@fau.edu if you have any questions.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that our professionals at Counseling and Psychological Services stand ready to provide confidential help to any student who needs assistance. Therapists are available 24 hours a day. The number for these services is 561-297-3540. Faculty and staff may seek help through the Employee Assistance Program. This number is 1-800-865-3200.

On a lighter note, with many of you taking classes or conducting meetings via video, we have produced some FAU-related backgrounds for you to use. Visit this link to download them.

Again, please remember, if you are feeling unwell, and especially if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately.

If you receive a positive test result, all students must notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. The number is 561-297-3512 (after hours, please select option 3). All faculty and staff must notify Human Resources. The department can be reached by calling 561-297-3076 or by email at gzaidman@fau.edu. Your supervisor also should be notified.

And, please practice social distancing and regularly check our dedicated COVID-19 website for updates.

Best,

John Kelly

President