Florida's public universities to plan for campus reopenings this fall
Florida's public universities to plan for campus reopenings this fall
Florida’s public university campuses will reopen in the fall, state higher education leaders announced Monday, but details won’t be known until later. Some specifics will be discussed May 28 at the State University System’s Board of Governors meeting, where a task force will present guidelines for reopening. Representatives from each of the 12 schools in the system will share individual plans about a month later, on June 23. Read more from the Tampa Bay Times and the Center Square.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Judy Genshaft is a Florida Icon
The former USF president tells us: "When I arrived in 2000, USF was at a point where it was moving in a horizontal- line trajectory, and if someone didn’t pick it up and move it, the line was going to fall. So, I immediately put the emphasis on research and teaching and service to the community." [Source: Florida Trend]
Distance learning taking toll on Florida teachers
Florida teachers are stressed, concerned about student engagement, and fearful of budget cuts. That’s according to a new survey by the state’s teachers union. More than half of the 12,800 teachers and educational staff that took the survey said they’re stressed. Roughly the same worry about budget cuts to education and three out of four are also concerned their students are falling behind. [Source: WFLA]
Florida universities get grants to boost telehealth training
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded $15 million in grants nationwide, including to Florida universities, to increase training in telehealth as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth involves using the internet and other technology to provide care remotely. The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More from WUSF and CBS Miami.
Florida Department of Education announces teacher of the year
The Florida Department of Education named Sarajean McDaniel 2020 Principal of the Year. Governor Ron DeSantis praised her on Twitter saying, “Congratulations to Ms. Sarajean McDaniel, Florida’s 2020 Principal of the Year." McDaniel will be awarded $3,500. Sarajean was named the 2020 Putnam County Principal of the year in October 2019. [Source: WCJB]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› University of Miami aims test program at Miami Beach shoreline [Miami Today]
A University of Miami interdisciplinary team is seeking permits from the State of Florida and US Army Corps of Engineers to deploy three “hybrid” structures in waters off Miami Beach to gather evidence on how best to protect the shoreline from damaging wave energy.
› Coronavirus sends 7 Florida schools to Gainesville Raceway for graduation [KIRO]
On the quarter-mile strip where Don Garlits, John Force and Kenny Bernstein once ruled, seven Florida high schools will speed through graduation ceremonies in early June. Gainesville Raceway, the home of NHRA’s Gatornationals, will be the site of graduation ceremonies during a three-day period beginning June 8. Alachua County Public Schools announced.
› Challengers hang tight in uphill battle for Pasco superintendent job [Tampa Bay Times]
An election deadline quietly passed on May 11 that no one running for Pasco County school superintendent met. Not one declared candidate submitted voter petitions to place their name on the Aug. 18 primary ballot without having to pay a filing fee. But that doesn’t mean that the race to run the largest district in the nation with an elected chief executive will necessarily be quiet.
› Florida Gateway College reopens to students [WGFL]
Florida Gateway College has reopened for students, as part of the next step to their phased reopening. Staff was able to return to campus last week. All summer classes will continue online for students, but the campus is open again for students to meet with advisors, financial aid, and use the library or other resources.