This past week was really interesting. Although we have been aware of and preparing for the possibility of having to take specific actions because of the Coronavirus, it seemed like everything went from zero to 100 overnight.
In many ways, this week seemed like the period immediately after Hurricane Michael. However, this time we have air conditioning, cell phones, internet service, and running water. After Michael, we were able to learn fairly quickly how many members of our region had lost their lives or were hurt. This time, however, we are preparing for an event where the ultimate spread of the virus is not known. This time, we also know if we do not “flatten the curve,” many Americans will die. If it is not contained, many health officials tell us that all of us may know someone who dies.
Flatten the Curve
I am all in for “flattening the curve” and helping to ensure the virus does not spread. And our students, faculty, and staff at FSU Panama City have risen to the challenge.
Under the leadership of FSU President John Thrasher, all classes will be taught online until at least April 6. Our faculty did not hesitate when they received the news. In fact, the work they did after Hurricane Michael provided the foundation for the academic continuity plan FSU has put into place today. They have spent this past week getting up to speed on technology and even preparing for online labs. I am confident our students will be pleased with the course delivery and what will be our continued focus on student success.
We have the classroom and academic delivery part handled. I am confident of that.
What I am less confident of is whether everyone understands the potential severity of the situation. Students at most universities all across Florida are out on Spring Break and have generally been advised not to return to their campuses for two weeks after the break. Travel restrictions have been imposed by FSU and the Governor. For weeks we have been posting measures about appropriate precautionary measures.
While I hope I am wrong, something is telling me that it will take many more deaths until we all realize the seriousness of the situation. I hope that is not the case. We have a student in Italy who is enrolled in an online program taught here at FSU PC. As of the writing of this post, Italy has a little more than 21,000 confirmed cases and almost 1500 deaths. He wrote his professor this week that “everything that is not a necessity seems to be closed, all [gatherings] or travel are not permitted unless for a very good reason … and we are not allowed to even go out of the house unless it’s for food or health related.
Highly Transmissible
While there are various opinions about the virus, everyone agrees that it is highly transmissible and can have a catastrophic impact on older people and those with underlying health conditions. Anyone, including students, can spread it.
Our students have been great. They have taken the news of no events for the next three weeks in stride. Our incoming Student Government Council President Lucy Rodriguez did not hesitate when I told her two hours in advance that a student event she had planned for months may be cancelled. While we were able to have that event, campus will be pretty quiet for three weeks.
However, services will continue. Almost every service at FSU PC will be available in person or virtually. In addition to classes, this will include academic and career advising, class registration, mental health services, tutoring, and financial aid. We know that our FSU PC family and our community is still dealing with the mental health impacts of Hurricane Michael. We will continue to meet those needs and be ready to help people deal with the issues caused by this crisis. In addition, early next week we expect to announce policies regarding remote work for certain duties.
Don’t Act on Rumors
One thing that caused confusion this past week was the constantly changing nature of information and advice in the media (especially social media). Please only pay attention to official announcements from the Center for Disease Control, the Governor of Florida and his agencies, and Florida State University. We will make sure that FSU information is provided to students, faculty, and staff on a frequent basis. Please see pc.fsu.edu or alerts.fsu.edu for continued information.
Partners
As we all begin to implement “social distancing” (a new term that I am sure will soon be in the dictionary), taking care of our health, getting plenty of rest, and washing our hands (20 seconds seemed like a much shorter period by the end of the week), please make sure that you check in on your loved ones, run an errand for the older folks, and call someone in the nursing home who can no longer have visitors.
We are all in this together. Let’s flatten that curve together. We will be your partner not only in making sure our students can achieve their academic goals, but also in helping to “flatten the curve”.
*A special thanks to Cloud Level Photo (www.cloudlevelphoto.com) for the right to use the photo. Cloud Level Photo is owned by a student at FSU Panama City