As it stands now, Valencia College will be open on Monday after Spring Break ends this week.
Here’s a fuller version of the school’s update today:
At this time, our campuses will reopen on Monday, March 16, and classes will resume as scheduled.
As we continue to monitor the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and understand more about the measures that other educational institutions are taking in response, we assure you that Valencia’s leadership is communicating on a regular basis to make the best decisions we can with our students’ learning and the health and safety of all members of our community in mind. Though our university partners have a different set of considerations in their decisions regarding face-to-face instruction and students residing on campus, we continue to partner closely with them in determining our next steps.
Faculty have been encouraged to begin transitioning to online instruction as early as Wednesday, March 18. Lab, studio, and other courses that must meet in person because alternative options are not appropriate may continue with face-to-face meetings at this time. Students can contact their professors next week for additional guidance …
Inclusion: As a reminder, Valencia College is an inclusive community that represents and welcomes all individuals. There have been media reports that indicate people of certain ethnicities or those from specific countries or regions have been the target of inappropriate statements and behavior. The Valencia community does not tolerate stereotyping, discriminatory or harassing behavior, and we expect all members of our community to engage in a manner that is respectful and inclusive of all.
Following guidance from Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, the Florida Department of Education has asked that colleges and universities request that all students and employees who travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Italy self-isolate and not return to campus for 14 days after their return. If you are traveling to one of these countries, please complete this short form so that we may review the documentation related to your travel and plan appropriately with you for the self-isolation period.
Travelers should be aware that the CDC has issued a recommendation to avoid all non-essential travel to affected geographical areas to include China, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy.
Study abroad: Valencia College officials are monitoring outbound and inbound travel for international students and study abroad students. At this time, there are no study abroad trips planned to the most affected areas, and other trips are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
