Yesterday, following a directive from the Board of Governors of Florida’s State University System, FAU announced in-person classes would move to remote instruction beginning Monday, March 16, for a period of two weeks. At this time, we expect in-person classes to resume March 30.

If you are a student, please pay close attention to messages from faculty and staff regarding your classes. Many people across the university are working hard to minimize the disruption to your schedules during this challenging period. Students with general questions should contact the Dean of Students office at 561-297-3542 or deanofstudents@fau.edu.

Also, in accordance with the Board of Governors’ directive, we requested students not return to campus from spring break during the period of remote instruction. Residential students at home for spring break are encouraged to remain off campus if possible. Students who need to remain on or return to campus should contact the Housing and Residential Education office at 561-297-2880 or housing@fau.edu.

Students currently on campus should inform their area desk or office. Until further notice, guests are not permitted in the residence halls. Essential services will still be provided, such as dining, counseling, health services, library services, etc., potentially on a limited basis or remotely. Residential students should monitor their FAU email or visit their area desk or office for specific information on Housing and Residential Education.

Despite these changes, the university will remain open, and all faculty and staff should report for work as normal.

I realize these are uncertain times for everyone. FAU has a dedicated website that contains a wide array of information and resources to help you stay informed about the COVID-19 virus, more commonly called coronavirus. Also, our Emergency Management team meets regularly to assess the situation and is in close contact with the appropriate local, state and federal agencies.

So far, the areas around FAU’s campuses have experienced comparatively few confirmed cases. Further, no cases of the virus have been reported involving a person affiliated with the university. However, it is important we all stay mindful of the health concerns this outbreak presents. If you are feeling unwell, and especially if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please seek medical attention as soon as you can.

In other updates, our Karen Slattery Educational Research Center for Child Development and A.D. Henderson University School will continue normal operations at this time. Rest assured that staff at both locations are continually monitoring their statuses.

However, all operations associated with our Osher Lifelong Learning Institute locations are suspended from Friday, March 13, until further notice.

Colleges now have the discretion to cancel events that involve guests outside of the FAU community, but cancelling is not mandatory at this time. For events that do proceed, extra cleaning measures must be taken, and social distancing is strongly recommended.

Decisions on university-based events as a whole will be made if circumstances change, and this will be communicated to everyone.

In athletics, Conference USA today announced that the basketball championships are canceled and that all spring sports competitions are suspended until further notice.

The health and safety of FAU’s students, faculty and staff remains the top priority of this university. Should the circumstances locally related to the spread of the coronavirus drastically change, the university will not hesitate to make the necessary changes to its operations.

In the meantime, I am extremely grateful for everyone’s ongoing patience and understanding, and I will continue to keep you updated.