Archived COVID-19 Student Communications (2020)

This page contains archived email messages sent to students 3/3/2020-12/31/2020 related to decisions regarding COVID-19.

Archived Documents

State Report: Return to Campus Plan (Last Updated August 4, 2020)

Archived Emails & Announcements

12/18/2020 2:45pm

Guidelines For Students Going Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout the fall semester, Buccaneers have successfully navigated through the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have taken our shared responsibility seriously and exhibited an unwavering commitment to keeping each other safe and healthy. As many of us travel home for the holidays, we must remain vigilant and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The following protocols are vital to protecting our family and friends at home, especially those with chronic health conditions and older adults, and having a safe return to campus for the Spring 2021 semester:

  • While You Are Home

    • The most cautious approach upon arrival home is to quarantine for the first 14 days after arrival. This is especially important if there are vulnerable, higher-risk individuals living at home.
    • Quarantining in the home includes eating meals in a private space or outdoors with family at least 6 feet apart.
    • Use separate serving ware, utensils, glasses, and plates.
    • Use a separate bathroom from other family members. If not possible, disinfect the bathroom after each use.
    • Avoid physical contact, including hugging, kissing, and shaking hands.
    • Wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when in the presence of others.
    • Restrict movement within and outside the home.
    • If quarantine is not possible, stay physically distant from family household members, wear a face covering, and avoid close contact, including hugging and shaking hands, for the first 14 days home.

  • Medical And Mental Health And Well-Being While At Home

    • Reach out for help or guidance from your primary care provider, psychologist/mental health clinician, or FSW Mental Health Counseling if you feel sad, anxious, or hopeless or if you experience emotional distress of any kind. An on-call counselor will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the holidays. Students may access this service by calling 239-218-7116. You may also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 at any time.
    • Consult your primary care provider at home, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or develop any possible symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Students experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

  • Prior To Returning To Campus From Break

    • Minimize your risk of exposure and infection during the weeks leading to a departure from home to campus. Any exposure could disrupt plans to return to campus. If you become infected or if you are exposed to a person who is confirmed to be infected, you will need to isolate or quarantine before traveling. Travelers who are ill, are infected, or have recently been exposed to the virus will not be allowed to board airplanes and trains.
    • Reduce the number of people with whom you have close contact prior to the trip. Any close interaction with people outside the immediate household will present an opportunity for infection.
    • FSW recommends getting a COVID-19 test prior to traveling to return to campus.
    • Get a flu vaccine if you have not already done so.

  • Day Of Travel

    • Reduce the number of stops on the trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food/snacks for the car trip home.
    • Delay travel if sick or exposed. Anyone feeling ill, recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within 10 days), or exposed to someone with COVID-19 (within 10 days) should self-isolate and delay travel. Students should follow guidance from their healthcare provider regarding when recommended isolation/quarantine periods are complete, and travel can be resumed. Contact the Dean of Students if you are feeling ill or have been exposed to COVID-19. The Dean will instruct you regarding quarantine needs and assist you with contacting your faculty members if needed for the Spring 2021 semester and provide a referral to support services by FSW.
    • Take safety precautions during travel, especially if using public transportation. Wear a face covering at all times. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people; if not possible on public transportation, sit as far away from other passengers as possible. Carry and use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) frequently. Use a disinfecting/sanitizing wipe to clean any touchable surfaces in the vehicle in which you are traveling. This includes planes, trains, and other forms of transportation.
    • Recheck for any requirements or restrictions at your travel destination
    • The least risky option is private transportation by yourself or with your family members. If in a car with others outside the household, wear a mask and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving. If weather conditions permit, open the windows.

  • Additional Resources

    • The Dean of Students Office: If you feel ill or have been exposed to COVID-19, please complete the COVID-19 Reporting form. Additionally, the COVID-19 Case Management Team will instruct you regarding quarantine needs and assist you with contacting your faculty members for the Spring 2021 semester if needed and provide a referral to support services by FSW.

Consult the following CDC websites for additional information on travel and on safer ways to celebrate holidays with family and friends:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

We wish all of our Buccaneer's a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season!

11/23/2020 11:15am

Dear FSW Students,

I hope this finds you well and successfully balancing the stressors of the end of the semester. We thought it would be timely and helpful to send you reminders regarding COVID-19 as we head into Thanksgiving and the semester breaks. At FSW, we have taken our shared responsibility for health and safety very seriously and exhibited an unwavering commitment to keep each other to stay healthy. THANK YOU for this!

As many of us visit others or travel for the holidays, we must remain vigilant and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Please read the following:

Prior to Leaving Campus for Break

Minimize your risk of exposure and infection during the weeks leading to departure from campus. Any exposures could disrupt plans to go home.

If you become infected or if you are exposed to a person who is confirmed to be infected, you will need to isolate or quarantine before traveling. Travelers who are ill, are infected, or have recently been exposed to the virus will not be allowed to board airplanes and trains.

Reduce the number of people with whom you have close contact prior to the trip. Any close interaction with people outside immediate household or residence hall roommates will present an opportunity for infection. It may be helpful to get a COVID-19 test prior to traveling home and another prior to or immediately upon returning to campus following travel.

Get a flu vaccine if you have not already done so.

Day of Travel

Reduce the number of stops on the trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food/snacks for the car trip home.

Delay travel if sick or exposed. Anyone feeling ill, recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within 10 days), or exposed to someone with COVID-19 (within 14 days) should self-isolate and delay travel. Students should follow guidance from their healthcare provider regarding when recommended isolation/quarantine periods are complete and travel can be resumed.

Contact the Dean of Students if you are feeling ill or have been exposed to COVID-19. The Dean will instruct you regarding quarantine needs and assist you with contacting your faculty members and referral to support services provided by FSW.

Take safety precautions during travel, especially if using public transportation. Wear a face covering at all times. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people; if not possible on public transportation, sit as far away from other passengers as possible.

Carry and use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) frequently. Use a disinfecting/sanitizing wipe to clean any touchable surfaces in the vehicle in which you are traveling. This includes planes, trains, and other forms of transportation. Recheck for any requirements or restrictions at your travel destination. The least risky option is private transportation by yourself or with your family members. If in a car with others outside the household, wear a mask and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving. If weather conditions permit, open the windows.

Travel Guidance

Take safety precautions during travel, especially if using public transportation. Wear a face covering at all times. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people; if not possible on public transportation, sit as far away from other passengers as possible.

Carry and use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) frequently. Use a disinfecting/sanitizing wipe to clean any touchable surfaces in the vehicle in which you are traveling. This includes planes, trains, and other forms of transportation. Recheck for any requirements or restrictions at your travel destination. The least risky option is private transportation by yourself or with your family members. If in a car with others outside the household, wear a mask and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving. If weather conditions permit, open the windows.

Arrival at Home

The most cautious approach upon arrival home is to quarantine for the first 14 days after arrival. This is especially important if there are vulnerable, higher risk individuals living in the home. Quarantining in the home includes eating meals in a private space or outdoors with family at least 6 feet apart. Use separate serving ware, utensils, glasses, and plates. Use a separate bathroom from other family members. If not possible, disinfect the bathroom after each use. Avoid physical contact including hugging, kissing, and shaking hands.

Wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when in the presence of others. Restrict movement within and outside the home. If quarantine is not possible, stay physically distant from family household members, wear a face covering, and avoid close contact, including hugging and shaking hands, for the first 14 days home.

Medical and Mental Health and Well-Being While at Home

Reach out for help or guidance from your primary care provider, psychologist/mental health clinician, or FSW Counseling if you feel sad, anxious, or hopeless or if you experience emotional distress of any kind. An on-call counselor will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the holidays. Students may access this service by calling 239-218-7116. . You may also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 at any time.

Consult your primary care provider at home, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or develop any possible symptoms of COVID-19. Students experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

Additional Resources

Dean of Students Office- If you are feeling ill or have been exposed to COVID-19 you can submit a report here. A member of the Covid Case Management Team will instruct you regarding quarantine needs and assist you with contacting your faculty members and referral to support services provided by FSW. If you have any questions or concerns email Mark.bukowski@fsw.edu.

Consult the following CDC websites for additional information on travel and on safer ways to celebrate holidays with family and friends: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Sincerely,

Dr. Michele Yovanovich Vice Provost (Student Affairs, Enrollment Services, Athletics) 8099 College Parkway (Taeni Student Services Hall, S-207) Fort Myers, FL 33919 239-489-9099 or 239-433-6950 Michele.yovanovich@fsw.edu

9/10/2020 8:30am & 9/23/2020 2:00pm

FSW students: need financial help?

Apply now to receive emergency funds through the CARES Act! Emergency financial aid grants are now available to students enrolled in Fall 2020 classes. Even if you applied for CARES funding for spring 2020 or summer 2020, you are eligible to apply again for fall 2020 if you continue to experience financial hardship as a result of disruption due to COVID-19. These grants are intended to assist students in need and do not need to be repaid. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to eligible students. The Higher Education Emergency Funds assist students who incurred expenses in any of the following areas directly due to the disruption to campus operations caused by COVID-19.

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Childcare
  • Technology (assistance with internet access or purchasing computer hardware or software)
  • Course Materials

Visit www.fsw.edu/caresact for full eligibility information and to apply.

9/8/2020 12:00pm

FSW Zoom Rooms!

Need a place to access your Zoom class while on campus? FSW has created Zoom Rooms at every FSW service location.

  • Charlotte Campus Building B Room 116 M-R: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Collier Campus Building A Room 101 Check-in at A-100 M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Hendry/Glades Building A Room 108 Check-in at the front desk M-R: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Lee Campus Building U Room 102 M-R: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Students can additionally access computers in the library at each FSW service location.

8/24/2020 12:00pm

Welcome Buccaneers to the Fall Semester 2020! We are excited to start off the new academic year with you as part of the FSW family. There is no doubt that this year will look different than any before, whether you are taking online courses, blended or face to face classes. However, at FSW, we are committed to your safety and health while providing an excellent academic experience. While you may not see as many student activities and in-person experiences happening, we are still committed to providing a virtual college experience that will make you feel a part of our FSW community. At FSW, we are requiring face coverings, which cover your mouth and nose, inside all buildings, including classrooms, and following all CDC guidelines in regards to COVID-19. We ask that you wash and/or sanitize your hands numerous times throughout the day and especially after touching surfaces. FSW has also implemented extra cleaning and sanitizing throughout campus to help keep you safe. We also ask that if you feel sick, please stay home and communicate either by phone or by email with your professors to let them know that you are not feeling well and cannot come to campus; this helps to protect the entire FSW community. If you test positive for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have had close first-hand contact (more than 15 minutes at less than 6 feet) with someone who is COVID-19 positive, please complete the COVID-19 reporting form found at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?FLSouthWestern&layout_id=22. Once completed, a staff member from the Office of the Dean of Students will contact you to discuss the next steps. It is important that you stay off-campus at this time until further direction from the college. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus, either in-person or virtually, beginning August 24! Whether you are a returning student or a brand new Buccaneer, we hope that your educational journey with FSW will be rewarding, meaningful, and will become an important step in your life’s path.

Go Bucs! Dr. Mark Bukowski Dean of Students mbukowski@fsw.edu 239-489-9067

8/22/2020 10:00am

Welcome to the fall semester, FSW Buccaneers! Dear Students, On behalf of all the staff and faculty at FSW, I would like to welcome you to Florida SouthWestern State College and to what promises to be a semester like no other. Whether you are a returning or new student, taking classes in-person or online, I know you will discover at FSW what so many students have: a second home. Classes officially begin August 24, and while the start of a new semester during such uncertain times might seem daunting, I am proud of your commitment to your education. FSW faculty and staff have been busy creating resources to help you easily and safely navigate the start of the semester. I have included some of these resources in an attachment, and so much more is available on the FSW website. If you have questions or just want to say hello, reach out to us! All of the faculty and staff at FSW are here to help make your semester a success. Go BUCS! Dr. Jeff Allbritten President, Florida SouthWestern State College

Attachments: Resources for Your First Week.pdf

8/11/2020

Fall 2020 Course Instructional Methods (Modalities)

Dear FSW Student,

FSW faculty and staff have been busy innovating new ways to serve you while maintaining safety and academic excellence. This includes the development of new ways for you to take courses with instructional methods (modalities) that expand beyond the traditional face-to-face and online modalities. Faculty have selected the modality they felt would work best for their students based on teaching style and subject matter, and these new instructional methods now appear on the Fall class schedule. 

Watch the video below to learn more about FSW’s new course modalities.

How will I know if one of the courses I registered for has changed?

All students registered for any course that changes modalities will receive an email to their student email address (@bucs.fsw.edu) as soon as possible after the course is changed. You can confirm the instructional method (modality) for your courses in the FSW Student Portal:

  1. Student Academics tab
  2. Student Profile
  3. Registration and Planning
  4. View Schedule

Make sure to check your account balance and pay any additional fees incurred from different instructional methods as soon as possible or you may get dropped from all your courses (including those already paid for).

Clicking on each course will allow you to see the modality for the course under "Instructional Method" and/or "Schedule Type." Keep in mind that further changes may take place.

Can I switch courses if I do not like the new instructional method (modality)?

Yes! You can make schedule changes for Fall Full and Mini-A courses until the August 31st deadline. If you would like to search the class schedule by a particular instructional method (modality), click "Advanced Search" and select the modality for "Instructional Method" or "Schedule Type." You will also see the new modality listed under the class name or when you click the course name. Make sure to check your account balance and pay any additional fees the day you register or you may get dropped from all your courses (including those already paid for).

Do I need to do anything if I want to stay in the course with the new instructional method (modality)?

No! If you are happy with the new modality of your course, no action will be required to remain registered in the course.

7/7/20 2:51pm

Return to Campus Plan: Stage Two Begins July 13

FSW will enter Stage Two of the Return to Campus Plan on Monday, July 13. During Stage Two, students will be allowed to come to campus for enrollment services, and face coverings and social distancing will be required in all FSW buildings. For more information, visit www.fsw.edu/reconnect.

7/2/20 2:00pm

Fall 2020 Course Instruction Methods (Modalities)

Dear FSW Student,

Over the next few weeks, you may notice some changes to your Fall 2020 class schedule. FSW faculty and staff have been busy innovating new ways to serve you while maintaining safety and academic excellence. This includes the development of new ways for you to take courses with instructional methods (modalities) that expand beyond the traditional face-to-face and online modalities. Faculty are currently selecting the modality they feel would work best for their students based on teaching style and subject matter, and these new instructional methods will soon appear on the Fall class schedule. 

Watch the video below to learn more about the new course modalities.

When will the changes take place?

While we expect that most of the changes to course modalities will be completed within the next few weeks, additional changes are expected throughout the summer as faculty and staff continue to prepare for the fall semester.

How will I know if one of the courses I registered for has changed?

Students registered for any course that changes modalities will receive an email to their student email address (@bucs.fsw.edu) as soon as possible after the course is changed. FSW employees will also make an effort to call students impacted by the change.

While not all of the courses have been changed to their new instructional method (modality), to see the current instructional method (modality) for your courses in your FSW Student Portal, click on:

  1. Student Academics tab
  2. Student Profile
  3. Registration and Planning
  4. View Schedule

Clicking on each course will allow you to see the modality for the course under "Instructional Method" and/or "Schedule Type." Keep in mind that further changes may take place throughout the summer, and you will be emailed if a course for which you are registered is changed.

Can I switch courses if I do not like the new instructional method (modality)?

Yes! Students can make schedule changes for Fall Full and Mini-A courses until the August 31st deadline. If you would like to search the class schedule by a particular instructional method (modality), click "Advanced Search" and select the modality for "Instructional Method" or "Schedule Type." You will also see the new modality listed under the class name or when you click the course name.      

Do I need to do anything if I want to stay in the course with the new instructional method (modality)?

No! If you are happy with the new modality of your course, no action will be required to remain registered in the course.

6/23/20 10:12am

FSW Bucs,

There is no doubt that the events we have all experienced over the past 3 months have had an impact on every one of us. These events will impact each of us differently, there is no cookie-cutter guide for getting through this and processing how we are feeling. Whether it is stress about coming back to campus later this summer and fall, worry about what will happen with your kids’ school in August, fear for your friends and family in particular professions, or the feeling of helplessness or anger experienced as you watch events unfolding across the country….or maybe you can’t put your finger on it, but you know you just feel…..not like you used to. Even if counseling, or just “talking” is not normally your “thing”, if you are struggling and just want someone to talk to about how you are feeling, please do not hesitate to reach out for support.

We care about you as an FSW student. Whether you interact more with a favorite faculty member, one of our mental health counselors, a member of the Dean of Students Office, Bucs CARE member, Title IX and Equity staff, your Student Success Advisor, Resident Assistant or Peer Mentor, Financial Aid counselor, Student Engagement staff, Adaptive Services professional, Campus Police, or Librarian (in addition to the other many caring staff and faculty at FSW who are too numerous to list), we hope that you never feel alone.

Our Student Engagement team continues to plan workshops and discussions to help you stay connected and informed. Please remember to visit our Event Calendar for upcoming workshops and events to stay up to date on these offerings. Remember these resources, our goal is that you never feel alone.

  • ADAptive Services: Find your campus representative at www.fsw.edu/adaptiveservices/contact
  • Bucs C.A.R.E. (Student Health and Well-Being): bucscare@fsw.edu; 239-985-3448 (non-emergency) • 911 or FSW Police at (239) 489-9203 (emergency)
  • Mental Health Counseling: counseling@fsw.edu; 239-985-3448 (for non-emergency appointments) • 911 or the FSW Police at (239) 489-9203 (emergency). After hours (evenings, weekends, holidays only), on-call counselor 239-218-7116.
  • Title IX and Equity: equity@fsw.edu

5/12/20 10:17am

FSW ALERT FSW has extended remote operations with all locations closed to students through May 31. Visit www.fsw.edu/remote for more information about our remote operations.

5/1/20 10:00am

Dear FSW Students,

While we are unable to offer housing during the summer term due to the public health crisis, we look forward to the opportunity to welcome students to LightHouse Commons in the fall term!

Living on campus provides a supportive, safe, and engaging residential community that fosters student's personal development and academic success. While living on campus, the Office of Housing and Residence Life program aims to provide students with a caring community that is both intellectually and socially enriching, with an emphasis on student self-governance and a corresponding expectation of student accountability. If this type of community is something that interests you, and you have a desire to be part of an amazing on-campus living experience, our 2020-2021 Housing Application can be found online via the following link: www.fsw.edu/housing/apply

As a reminder, housing on campus is very popular, and availability is extremely limited, so please apply early!

IMPORTANT NOTE: The completion of the housing application and paying the $50 non-refundable application fee DOES NOT guarantee placement in LightHouse Commons. Those students who initially do not receive a housing placement will automatically be placed on a waiting list for the 2020-2021 Academic Year and will be contacted if and when a room becomes available. We appreciate your interest in on-campus housing! Please contact us should you have any questions.

Office of Housing and Residence Life Florida SouthWestern State College Email: housing@FSW.edu Phone: 239-432-7324

4/29/20 12:03pm

FSW ALERT FSW has extended remote operations with all locations closed to students through May 15. Visit www.fsw.edu/remote for more information.

4/17/20 3:45pm

If you were unable to attend the State of the College live today, please take a few minutes to review the recording provided below for the latest college updates including information on our plans for recognizing and celebrating graduates in place of traditional commencement. 

3/23/20 3:40pm

Hello, FSW Family! So here we are. Diligently staying home, keeping our social distance, eating all our snacks, starting our online learning journey. We know a lot has changed for you just since spring break. It is stressful. It is new. We want you to know that we are here to help.

If you are having any issues, we have a team of people to help!

The number one thing you can do right now is to maintain regular communication with your professors. They are your best resource whether in-person or online. The entire FSW team stands ready to help you finish the spring 2020 semester strong as you continue to conquer your goals!

3/20/20 4:00pm

Worried About Technology for Remote Learning?

This list of Technology FAQs for students has been assembled by the Office of Information Technology and eLearning team. If you have additional questions, please contact your professor or submit a Helpdesk ticket. We are experiencing a very high volume of tickets at this time so we thank you in advance for your patience as we respond to each one.

Bookstore Resources for Students

While the on campus FSW Bookstore’s may be closed, the Bookstores are open virtually and will be processing online orders with FREE SHIPPING. If you have any questions please email 0171mgr@follett.com. If you have questions about your Financial Aid balance or issues with book purchases online, please email BUCCard@fsw.edu.

Below are services the FSW Bookstore is providing to help improve and supplement the ELearning experience and support your online efforts:

  1. FREE SHIPPING FOR ONLINE ORDERS: Visit the campus store website https://www.bkstr.com/fswstore/home for FREE SHIPPING on all items with no minimum purchase required.
  2. ACCESS TO EBOOKS AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE: Visit the RedShelf website to gain access to eBooks at no additional charge by setting up an account with RedShelf, if you have not already. You can access up to 7 eBooks for the designated period free of charge.
  3. FREE SHIPPING ON RENTAL RETURNS & DEADLINE EXTENSIONS: The bookstore is offering free shipping return labels and is also extending the non-return period without penalty to assist with increased returns by mail. Click the COVID-19 message on the home page of the campus store website or http://bkstr.scene7.com/is/content/Bkstr/COVID-FAQspdf for instructions on how to print the return label.

Reminder: Campus Closures and Upcoming Events

All Florida SouthWestern State College Campuses/Centers will be closed to students through Friday, May 1. Additionally, all on-campus activities including informal gatherings are cancelled through Friday, May 1. Keep an eye on our event calendar for upcoming virtual events!

3/19/20 4:00pm

Academic Tutoring Support for Students - Online 24/7 Access!

3/31/2020 Update: Visit our student FAQ for more tutoring options.

  • You will continue to have course tutoring support by using Tutor.com’s 24/7 online support. Until further notice, the College has extended the hours available for you to access this service.*
  • You will access Tutor.com through your course(s) Canvas page and then by clicking on Tutor.com.
  • Go to www.fsw.edu/academicsupport/tutorcom for more details and video about Tutor.com.
  • You may contact Academic Support Program Director, Monica Moore, for additional information at mmoore12@fsw.edu.

*Florida SouthWestern State College reserves the right to limit or increase the time available for use of the service at any time based on the availability of funds.

Access to Library Resources During Campus Closures

Access to the physical collection of books will be impossible while the libraries are closed, but our FSW Libraries are ready to serve students with various online resources. Click here to learn how students can access eBooks, videos, articles, and more.

Reference and research assistance will be provided by FSW Faculty Librarians online via the Ask-A-Librarian chat link located centrally on the library homepage at: www.fsw.edu/library. Hours are listed below:

  • Monday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

Additionally, students may use the Email or Text Us links to communicate directly with FSW Faculty Librarians between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Fridays, and 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Students or faculty may still click on the “Live Chat” link for assistance from a State University or Florida College System librarian.

3/18/20 4:00pm

Campus/Center Closures

All Florida SouthWestern State College Campuses/Centers will be closed to students as of 5pm Wednesday, March 18th through Friday, May 1st. This will, in effect, cancel any on-campus events or gathering (with the exception of scheduled employee trainings) such as the Research Expo, concerts, plays, etc. until that time.

Spring 2020 Classes

Spring 2020 classes will continue online delivery through the end of the spring term.

Summer and Fall Registration

Summer and Fall 2020 course registration will begin as scheduled on the academic calendar. Face-to-face courses may still be listed on the schedule, and delivery methods for these courses will be assessed at a later date.

Students will NOT be able to register for classes on campus. All registration must be completed online. For any issues with registration, please email registrar@fsw.edu.

Student Service Department Operations

Student services will continue to provide student support remotely. More information will be available in the coming days regarding changes to interactions previously conducted in person.

Spring 2020 Full-Term Withdrawal Deadline Extended

The Spring 2020 Full-Term Withdrawal Deadline has been extended to March 25, 2020. More details can be found in your FSW email account and at www.fsw.edu/alert/coronaemployee.

Stay Informed

Please continue to monitor your Bucs email, Canvas, and the FSW webpage for further updates.

3/18/20 12:13pm

All Florida SouthWestern State College Campuses/Centers will be closed to students as of 5pm Wednesday, March 18th through Friday, May 1st.

Spring 2020 classes will continue online delivery through the end of the spring term.

Summer and Fall 2020 course delivery methods will be assessed at a later date.

Summer and Fall 2020 course registration will begin as scheduled.

Students will NOT be able to register for classes on campus. All registration must be completed online.

Student services will continue to provide student support remotely.

Please continue to monitor your BUCS email, Canvas, and the FSW webpage for further updates.

3/18/20 12:00pm

Dear Bucs,

As a result of the College suspending face-to-face classes March 16 – 22, the withdrawal deadline for spring 2020 full-term courses has been extended to March 25, 2020. This extension allows additional time for students to assess their progress in courses and make decisions regarding their ability to be successful based on changes in course format and other circumstances.

Students are encouraged to contact their Academic Advisor and Financial Aid Counselor prior to withdrawing to assess the effects a withdrawal may have upon their degree completion plan and current/future financial aid eligibility.

As a reminder, a student may withdraw without academic penalty from any course in a term by the withdrawal deadline. A student who officially withdraws from a class by the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade of “W.” The student’s GPA is not affected. Course(s) receiving a grade of "W" are included in attempted courses when determining a student’s standard of academic progress. A student is limited to two withdrawals per course. Upon the third attempt, the student will be charged a multiple attempt course surcharge and will not be permitted to withdraw; the student will receive a grade for the course. Withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline (Late Withdrawals) may be granted only through established institutional procedures. Fees are not waived (students do not receive a refund for a course from which they withdraw).

3/17/20 4:00pm

Commencement 2020 Updates

Please view this important announcement from FSW President, Dr. Jeffery Allbritten, and FSW Provost, Dr. Eileen DeLuca, regarding Commencement 2020.

In line with CDC guidelines related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) addressing large gatherings and for the health and safety of the Bucs Community, FSW has cancelled its May 1, 2020 Commencement Ceremony.

FSW recognizes commencement is an important part of your student experience, and we appreciate this decision may be disappointing for you and your family. We understand how hard you have worked to reach this milestone, and we congratulate you on your achievement. We are currently looking at alternative ways to recognize and celebrate your accomplishment.

Once the semester has concluded, your record will be reviewed for graduation completion. Diplomas will be ordered for eligible graduates and sent to the address on file. You should continue to check your FSW email for additional details and information in the coming weeks.

Student Service Department Hours

Student service departments including Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Cashier, and Registrar's Office have adjusted hours beginning Tuesday, March 17 until further notice.

  • Lee, Collier, and Charlotte: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
  • Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday

While these departments are open to serve students in-person as needed, students are encouraged to seek services by phone or email when possible.

Testing Hours/Services

For the health and safety of our students, FSW Testing Services is suspending all testing through April 3rd. This includes placement testing, make-up exams, other college testing, TEAS, CLEP, and certification exams. We will work with you to reschedule any exams that are being delayed following the suspension. Adaptive Services test proctoring will be administered via online methods following the faculty guidelines and approved accommodations will not be affected. Please contact adaptiveservices@fsw.edu if you experience any issues with your accommodations. Continue to watch the website for further updates. Any additional testing questions may be directed to leetesting@fsw.edu.

Transitioning Face-to-Face Classes to Online

Check your BUCS email and Canvas regularly this week for instructions and guidance from your professors on how you will transition from face-to-face to online classes next week.

3/16/20 4:00pm

In an effort to keep our FSW family updated on this ever-changing situation, please find the following recent developments in FSW's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Additional updates, if available, will be sent daily at approximately 4 p.m.

We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we continue to develop strategies to keep our students and employees safe. Please continue to check www.fsw.edu/alert/corona throughout the week for updated information.

Stay Informed

If you did not receive an FSW alert text message or phone call last Friday, login to the FSW Portal and update your cell phone number (in the cell phone field) by clicking "Personal Information."

Student Services Availability

Student service departments will be open to serve students. Students can call, email, or come in for assistance.

On-Campus Events and Activities

All on-campus events and activities (excluding faculty training) are suspended through Friday, April 3.

Transitioning Face-to-Face Classes to Online

Check your BUCS email and Canvas regularly this week for instructions and guidance from your professors on how you will transition from face-to-face to online classes next week.

3/5/20 4:45pm

Dear Bucs,

As FSW continues to monitor the Coronavirus/COVID-19, both nationally and within Florida, please remember some simple steps in the graphic below which can go a long way in keeping yourself healthy, as confirmed by the CDC (www.CDC.gov).

Please remember that FSW’s emergency notification system, FSW Alert, will keep you up to date with any important notices regarding college operations. For more information on FSW Alert, please see https://www.fsw.edu/alert/faq.

This is also a great time to be sure that your contact information is up to date with the college so that we always have a good way to contact you. This information can be updated in your student portal, by clicking on “Personal Information.”

Please note that in the event of any class cancellations or college sponsored events being canceled, notices will be posted on the FSW.edu website, sent out via the FSW Alert system, sent to your email address on file, and/or posted in your Canvas course.

As always, Be well.

3/3/20 4:10pm

Dear Bucs,

Our FSW team is closely monitoring the latest information related to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. At this time, no cases of the coronavirus have been reported at FSW.

While the immediate risk of COVID-19 to the American public is believed to be low at this time, we want to remind everyone to do their part in preventing the spread of germs.

It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, so it is good time to remind everyone to take these every day preventative actions. Some of these actions include, washing your hands with soap and water, covering your sneeze and/or cough with a tissue, and disinfecting commonly used surfaces. Please see the infographic below as a visual reminder for important daily virus prevention interventions.

COVID-19 spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing. Flu-like symptoms, including include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing, are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure. Anyone who has traveled in the past 14 days and is experiencing symptoms should visit their healthcare provider immediately. Please see the attached document for local community health resources.

Following guidance from Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, FSW requests all employees and students who return from travel to China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea to self-isolate and not return to campus for 14 days after their return.

During this time, we ask professors to work with any students who may need extra time to recover from illness.

FSW will share additional health updates as necessary, and we encourage all Bucs to take their personal prevention and preparedness seriously. Additionally, please stay informed by regularly checking updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the official U.S. government travel advisories.

To help ensure that we are also continuously keeping our on campus residents in LightHouse Commons safe from the spread of viruses, we will be placing additional hand sanitizer stations throughout the residence hall (beyond the main lobby) and our housekeeping team will increase their daily wipe-downs of high traffic areas throughout the residence halls such as main entry door handles, lobby restrooms, recreation room, and fitness center.

As always, contact Bucs CARE if you have any concerns, or obstacles keeping yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally well.

Questions about current guidance for FSW Study Abroad programs? Please contact Michael Messina, Director, International Education at mmessina7@fsw.edu or 239-477-3594.

Community Health Resources