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Panthers get answers to COVID-19 concerns, repopulation efforts at SGA student forum

Panthers get answers to COVID-19 concerns, repopulation efforts at SGA student forum

March 23, 2021 at 11:00am


Student Government Association (SGA) President Alexandra “Alex” Valdes led an SGA student forum with top university leaders and administrators to discuss students’ concerns about repopulation efforts and COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, SGA has maintained a dialogue between students and university administrators, as well as ensured that Panthers remain as informed as possible.

For the first time since the university reopened, students had the opportunity to attend an in-person forum and ask questions directly or join virtually and pre-submit their concerns.

“The good news is that we’re beginning to see the end of this tunnel,” President Mark B. Rosenberg told attendees.

However, Rosenberg cautioned students, “We can’t let up yet.”

Dr. Eneida Roldan, CEO of the FIU HealthCare Network and professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, reminded students that the most important thing to do right now is prevention by continuing to wear masks, maintain social distancing and wash hands.

“We will continue to fight to get ahead of this virus and not behind it,” she said.

The hour-long discussion and Q&A covered topics ranging from vaccine accessibility to students, on-campus restaurant openings, what classes will look like for summer and fall, as well as student services and resources currently available.

View a recording of the SGA Student Forum.

UPDATES AT A GLANCE:

Vaccines & repopulation guidelines

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that beginning Monday, March 22, anyone age 50 and older will be eligible to receive a vaccine. In addition to the age requirements, vaccines are eligible now for individuals 16 and over with a signed Florida Department of Health form certifying extreme vulnerability. 

Learn more about FIU's repopulation efforts.

Dining options opened on campus

Pollo Tropical is now open.

Panda Express is expected to open on March 29.

Vicky Café and Chick-fil-a (MMC) will open soon.

To see what’s open and current hours of operation, visit Shop FIU.

Student Food Pantries 

Don’t go hungry! FIU student food pantries serve Panthers in need. You can access the pantry once a week and take up to 10 pounds of food each visit. The food pantries are located at WUC 256 (BBC) and GC 319 (MMC). For more information, click here.

Class modalities 

In the fall, 75 percent of class sections are expected to have in-person components—that’s either fully in-person or hybrid. For individual questions concerning class types available, Ask Charlie.

In-person on-campus events 

The Division of Academic and Student Affairs is hosting several events throughout the semester to help you safely socialize and stay engaged with fellow Panthers. Click here for a list of fun events taking place in-person on campus.

Mental Health & Physical Wellbeing

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing both in-person and telehealth appointments. Call to make an appointment at 305-348-2277.

Healthy Living Program has various upcoming events, workshops and live sessions to help you cope with stress. Don’t miss Zen Fest on March 25th.

Wellness and Recreation Centers will no longer require reservations beginning the summer semester. For now, reservations are still encouraged to use the facilities.

Study Spaces 

Reservations are no longer required for study spaces. Please keep in mind food and drinks are not allowed in the libraries with the exception of GL 1st floor. Additional hours and spaces may be added throughout the semester. Be sure to visit the library’s website for updates and expanded hours of operation. 

Graduation Celebration Events 

Commencement events are for Spring 2021 grads and 2020 grads.

Commencement Caravan: Tuesday, March 30, and Wednesday, March 31, from 9:30 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., FIU will host a car caravan between the Blue and Gold garages. Panthers will get the opportunity to walk across a mini-stage, get a congratulatory diploma from Roary, and take a physically distanced photo with President Rosenberg and Roary. This is the only event where graduates will have a photo opportunity with the President. Registration is NOT required for this event.

Grad Walk: On Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 18, from noon – 5 p.m. at the Graham Center lobby and pit, graduates will have the opportunity to take a photo on stage while wearing their regalia as two guests cheer them on. Registration is required for this event. Register for a timeslot using this link: go.fiu.edu/SpringGradWalk. Regalia is also required for this event. Only two guests per graduate will be allowed.

Commencement: Commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, at the Riccardo Silva Stadium at MMC. The system to register for the ceremony and obtain 3 complimentary guest tickets is set to open on Wednesday, March 24, at midnight and is set to close on Wednesday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. No additional guest tickets will be distributed as there's a strict capacity limit in respect of CDC guidelines.

For more information, click here.