Saint Leo releases update to COVID-19 prevention guidelines
The Saint Leo University COVID-19 Incident Command Team has published new COVID-19 prevention guidelines for the university community that take effect immediately. The stage three Framework for Advancing the Pride reflects the latest health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Health, and other medical and health experts.
Students, faculty, and staff should plan to fully read the guide to understand how the university will operate in the months ahead. As this COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the university may update this guidance to reflect new research or findings.
Here’s a summary of the updates contained in the Framework for Advancing the Pride:
What is changing?
What is staying the same?
What action do you need to take?
Saint Leo University announces fall plans for in-person classes
Saint Leo University is pleased to announce that it fully intends to resume in-person classes for the Fall 2021 Semester at University Campus and all education center locations. At this time, the University plans to discontinue Hybrid and Connected Classroom learning options following the completion of summer courses.
“With the increased availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the decline in the overall number of cases, we believe we can safely bring our community together again in the ways we have traditionally done prior to the pandemic,” said Saint Leo University President Jeffrey Senese. “There is no replacement for the learning that happens when we are physically and socially engaged together, and it is time that we get back to that.”
In the months ahead, the university will be developing plans that will allow the community to safely begin the new academic year in person at its University Campus and education center locations. This will include updates on many of our traditional activities, Dining Services, student events, athletics, as well as opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine on-site. We will be issuing new, updated guidelines for our Return to the Pride. Some changes may go into effect during the summer for students studying at education centers.
“On behalf of the COVID-19 Incident Command Team, we are grateful for the support and commitment that faculty, staff, and students demonstrated during this past year to keep our community healthy and safe,” said Dr. Melanie Storms, senior vice president. “We remain optimistic that next academic year will be one in which we can be together again and engage in many of the activities that we have traditionally enjoyed at the university.”
Students, faculty, and staff should continue to check their university email and the Protect the Pride website for updates relating to the start of the new year in the months ahead.
If a campus student in residence is experiencing symptoms of illness and is concerned about possible COVID-19 infection (fever over 100.4, other symptoms of illness), they are asked to immediately self-isolate and contact the Health Center in DeChantal Hall at (352) 588-8347. After hours, they can contact University Safety at (352) 588-8432 for the on-call nurse. Online and education center students, are asked to immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider and notify your center director or advisor of your illness. Staff and faculty should do the same and also contact their supervisor and human resources business partner.
Learn about Saint Leo's reopening plans and hear messages from university leadership.
