The last few days have brought many changes to national and local guidance and expectations for addressing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These changes are especially relevant for Barry University given the recent community spread of the disease in South Florida. Most notably, the expectation that individuals should work remotely has intensified, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines indicating gatherings of 50 people or more should be suspended for at least the next eight weeks.
Following these changes, the Command Decision Team is implementing additional measures to protect the health and safety of our University community and to assist in slowing the progression of the virus throughout the wider community.
- Today, we have determined the remainder of the semester will be taught remotely. We believe this will be helpful to students as they plan to return home, and to faculty as they coordinate their teaching schedules for the semester.
While residence halls will remain open to students who meet specific criteria to remain, resident students are urged to return home immediately. Basic services will be provided for those who are unable to leave.
- Given increasing restrictions on travel, we strongly urge all students able to safely return home to do so as soon as possible.
- Individuals who cannot return home, or who feel they need to remain on campus, can notify Residence Life of their request to stay. More specific guidelines will follow shortly in a communication to resident students.
- Meal service will continue, with modifications to schedules and dining options, in order to accommodate remaining residents while also protecting overall health.
- The Facilities team will continue enhanced environmental cleaning protocols. The closure of most of the Miami Shores campus will allow the team to focus on residential areas.
- A select number of computer labs will remain open to accommodate resident students.
- Student Health Services will provide telehealth services. Additional information will be available to students who remain on campus.
- The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services will provide remote services. Additional information for accessing these services will be sent to all students.
- The University has protocols in place should the need to isolate students arise.
- Any students who remain on campus will be required to self-report any travel utilizing mass transportation to Student Health Services (305-899-3750 or healthservices@barry.edu) as well as any known potential exposure to COVID-19.
The situation continues to change at a rapid pace, and we are committed to remaining in direct alignment with the very latest guidance from federal, state and local authorities. Those students who decide to remain should be prepared for significant disruption of daily life, including the potential of government mandated restrictions that would apply to on-campus living.
Remote learning will continue as planned, officially starting on Thursday, March 19; however, campuses are also transitioning to remote work operations beginning no later than Thursday, March 19.
- The majority of faculty and staff will transition to remote work by Thursday in order to best protect community health and allow for social distancing.
- The transition to a remote working environment includes the suspension of Federal Work-Study. Federal Work-Study students will be paid for the remaining scheduled hours for the semester even though they are unable to complete the work requirement. The payroll department will facilitate this process.
- Student employment is also suspended, with exceptions for remote work granted on a case-by-case basis by supervisors. Student employees will be paid for all hours worked through today.
- Clinical rotations are being transitioned from direct patient contact activities to virtual activities. Your program director and faculty will guide you during this transition.
- The Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine Foot and Ankle Clinics are temporarily ceasing operations until further notice.
- Fieldwork, internships and Law School clinical programs are being addressed on a case-by-case basis determined by individual facilities and specific locations.
- As of Friday, March 13 competitions and activity for all University athletic programs was suspended indefinitely.
- All on campus meetings and events are cancelled until further notice. Effective immediately, all meeting organizers should arrange for meetings to occur remotely.
- Daily and Sunday Mass is suspended until further notice.
It is imperative that all students update their contact information with the University, using the Emergency Contact feature in WebAdvisor. You can find step-by-step instructions here. This is an evolving situation, and we need to be able to communicate with you quickly and efficiently as things change.
As mentioned throughout, University leadership is continuously implementing measures designed to minimize risk on campus and within the community. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to navigating this together, always with health and safety at the forefront of our decision making. Thank you for your continued flexibility during this unprecedented set of circumstances.