First Week of Classes

Dear FSU Community,

As we prepare to kick-off a semester unlike any other in Framingham State University’s history this week, I’d like to provide you with some important details and statistics on our campus operations this fall.

  • Housing: As of the most recent update, with move-in underway we have 790 students assigned to live in our residence halls, which represents 40% of our total capacity. Of this total, 738 are from Massachusetts. The majority (451) are coming from communities color coded green or grey in the state’s data map breaking down the risk of spread. Of the 52 students coming from out of state, 37 are from lower risk states (CO, CT, DE, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, VT, WV). Those not coming from lower risk states had to have a negative test within 72 hours of arrival in MA and produce results upon request, quarantine in MA for 14 days before coming to campus, or be quarantined upon arrival until a negative test result is received. Out of state and in state resident students are also required to take part in the campus testing program.
  • In-person courses: A total of 1,226 students are taking at least one course on campus. About 15 percent of the University’s courses this semester are being offered in-person, versus 85 percent offered remotely. As of now, we have a total of 52 faculty members and 158 staff working on campus. The remaining two-thirds of our employees will continue to work remotely.
  • Testing: The University has contracted with Broad Institute to perform our COVID-19 testing this semester. The contract with Broad requires them to return results of tests back to the University within 24 hours of receiving the sample from FSU. We have received no indication to this point that the Broad Institute will be unable to comply with this contractual agreement.
  • Testing Results: Onboard testing of students, faculty and staff is ongoing. Test results will be updated regularly on the University’s COVID Response site starting no later than September 1st. Below are the University’s initial results:

 

DATE 

Total # of Tests 

# of Positives 

 

 

 

8/21 

 51

 0

8/24 

 63

 0

8/25 

 95

 1

8/26 

 104

 0

8/27

191

0

8/28

211

0

8/29

171

0

 

  • Positive test rate: 1%
  • # of students in quarantine: 0
  • # of students in isolation:  1 (at home)

We cannot stress it enough, in order for us to remain open in this limited capacity, it will require everyone to carefully follow our safety guidelines. That means:

  • No large gatherings on or off campus. The University will be strictly enforcing this policy and those in violation will face student conduct charges up to and including removal from campus.
  • Social distancing when around others.
  • Wearing your face coverings indoors at all times and outside when social distancing is not possible.
  • Carefully monitoring your health every day and remaining home or in your dorm room if you have any COVID-related symptoms. Contact the Health Center immediately if you believe you do.
  • Practicing good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, sneezing or coughing into your elbow, and avoid touching your face.

We have done everything in our power to provide you with some semblance of a normal semester in the safest possible environment. Please don’t risk your health and the health of others by violating these rules. 

I’m truly excited to see those of you on campus this week - even if it’s from behind a mask and at a distance.

Sincerely,

Javier Cevallos, Ph.D.

President