The University of South Florida is preparing for a full return to pre-COVID in-person course delivery and on-campus student activities beginning with the fall 2021 semester, USF President Steve Currall announced today in a message to students, faculty and staff. In addition, USF intends to significantly increase the number of in-person classes and student activities offered on all campuses in summer 2021, especially during the summer session B that is scheduled to begin on June 28.
In his message, Currall emphasized that the university will continue to be guided by the scientific advice of public health and infectious disease experts, along with government agencies, and USF will be ready to adjust plans to changing conditions if needed.
“The University of South Florida continues to closely monitor public health data and to prioritize the health and safety of our university community,” Currall said. “As we navigate these next important steps, I wish to express my thanks for the many ways that USF continues to demonstrate a commitment to community. I’m grateful for the hard work, dedication and continued vigilance of our students, faculty and staff.”
In the coming weeks and months, USF will actively work with employees to develop a flexible framework to return to in-person duties and responsibilities.
Similar to the years prior to COVID-19, USF will also deliver an array of quality online classes for students who find them more convenient and to ensure access and progress to timely graduation.
“We are encouraged by the latest information and modeling that provides an increasingly optimistic outlook for a return to more in-person activities sometime this summer and by the fall,” said Donna J. Petersen, chair of the USF COVID-19 Task Force and dean of the USF College of Public Health. “While it makes sense to plan for the summer and fall semesters now, in the coming months we must remain vigilant and committed to safe practices, including wearing face coverings and physical distancing, in order to get ahead of the virus and drive down the numbers more quickly.”
Currall’s full message is available here.