Current Update

January 14, 2021 - 9:00 a.m.

FAU Students, Faculty and Staff,

Today’s “ 21 for Spring 2021 ” email highlights the remaining categories of information about FAU’s spring semester.

Events

All event organizers are encouraged to review the Guidelines and Framework for Events and Gatherings document prior to planning any on-campus activities.

Maximum attendance for indoor/outdoor events and gatherings is 50 persons or 25% of venue capacity (whichever is lower) and all events must operate per the University’s safety triad of face coverings, physical distancing, and hand/surface sanitization. Additional requirements or limitations may be in place for specific FAU units or per venue managers.

• Depending on the venue layout and space available to ensure physical distancing of attendees, the maximum attendance could be less than 50. Venue managers have the latitude to set lower maximum attendance capacities.
• Food and beverage are permitted if served and consumed only when attendees are seated.
• Organizers of events or venue managers must produce a roster with contact information for each event attendee and maintain the information for a minimum of one month after the date of the event. (Does not apply to campus visitors entering public facilities such as museums or galleries).
• Communications advertising events must include a statement encouraging individuals at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (including older adults and people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions) to avoid such events and gatherings and, when available, direct those individuals to virtual participation options.
• On-site event signage placed in prominent locations must address mandatory face coverings and physical distancing protocols.

Visit the Student Union website for information on hours and other events.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation facilities are open (watch video). All patrons are required to wear a face covering indoors and outdoors at all times and stay at least six feet away from others. Lockers and restroom facilities are available, although showers are closed. Water fountains and bottle filling stations are also closed.

The capacity for the Fitness Floor has expanded from 50 individuals to a maximum of 75 at any one time. Advanced registration is no longer required. Members may check the facility occupancy and availability via Owlrec.fau.edu. Upon entry, members must swipe Owl Card or scan key tag.

Visit the Campus Recreation website for additional information.

Travel

All new domestic university travel requires pre-approval by the appropriate vice president, or dean in the case of a college, before expenditures/commitments are to be made. The approving authority should determine that the proposed travel is essential before it is approved.

Essential travel is defined as travel which is essential to FAU’s mission and operation that can only be completed by physically being present and doesn’t create an unacceptable health hazard. Essential travel includes traveling to a workshop linked to ensuring accreditation, attending a conference where you are a presenter on behalf of FAU, or any other travel associated with ensuring the successful delivery of a critical mission area of the university.

All other travel is considered non-essential and may not be approved. Examples include attending a conference where you are not a presenter.

Any exceptions to the requirement that university travel be deemed essential will be at the discretion of the respective vice president or dean.

FAU will continue to follow travel guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Research

The Division of Research supports university faculty in their pursuit to answer novel research questions, creative endeavors and scholarly work. As conditions change during the COVID-19 pandemic, the division continues to monitor the situation and make recommendations. Research activity can resume if conditions outlined in FAU’s COVID-19 Spring 2021 and Health and Safety plans are met.

Visit the Division of Research website for detailed information.

FAU Cares

This application is used to consider students for multiple funding sources all of which can assist with financial hardship. Students must be enrolled and degree seeking for the current semester to be considered for funding. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA with FAU’s school code (001481) before completing this application, so that we can determine eligibility for all possible sources of support. The FAU Cares Fund is a scholarship for currently enrolled degree seeking students who are experiencing financial hardship due to an emergency. The fund can be used for educationally related expenses such as room, board, tuition, and personal expenses. A 2020-2021 FAFSA is not required but is strongly encouraged for this fund. Click here to apply. 

Visit the Office of Financial Aid website for additional information.

Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid via phone, email or live chat. Documents may be securely uploaded at owlfiles.fau.edu. Contact Information, additional updates, resources, and live chat are available at fau.edu/finaid.

Athletics

Visit the Department of Athletics website for news, team schedules, ticket information, and other details.

Remember to Protect Your Owl Family. Following safety protocols and public health recommendations will limit COVID-19 on our campuses, as well as locally and across the country.

Students and employees need to continue reporting to Student Health Services (561-297-3512, after hours select option 3) if experiencing COVID-19 or flu symptoms, are exposed to COVID-19 (even if out of the area) or test positive for COVID-19.

General questions related to the COVID-19 situation should be directed to FAUCOVID19@fau.edu. All feedback is shared with applicable departments across FAU campuses to ensure adjustments as necessary. Visit the FAU coronavirus website for additional information.

University Updates