As the COVID-19 global pandemic challenges us in ways never imagined, rest assured that University leadership is actively developing a plan to return to campus while keeping your safety, security and well-being at the forefront of every decision.
To form a thorough Fall 2020 return to campus framework, I established a task force and subcommittees to focus on specific key areas that align with the reopening blueprint provided to us by the Florida Board of Governors.
We are exploring a variety of options for course instruction and will prioritize all decisions based on offering high-quality academic instruction and maintaining the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Thank you for your patience, adaptability, resiliency and continued dedication to the mission and vision of UWF in the midst of the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming our Argos back to campus and continuing our efforts to excel as a distinguished leader in higher education.
For all stories about the COVID-19 Coronavirus, visit the UWF Newsroom.
Return to Campus
Employees: Phase 1
The University of West Florida is beginning a phased approach for returning employees and students to campus, aligned with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Board of Governors. Phase 1 focuses on employees returning to campus and begins on June 15, 2020.
The safety, security and well-being of the University community will remain of the utmost importance during this process.
The health and safety on our campus is a shared responsibility for all involved. All employees, students, vendors and visitors will be subject to new guidelines and procedures designed to promote a safer and healthier environment for teaching, learning and working.
The University's plan strives to minimize potential exposure to the virus for returning employees and students and reduce opportunities for community transmission.
This plan will be monitored daily throughout the implementation period to determine success. Response and recovery actions may be altered as necessary.
Health, Wellness and Prevention actions are in place to provide a safer working environment and minimize risk but will not completely eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19.
UWF will provide a one-week notice prior to entering Phase 2 of this plan, in order to allow departments time to prepare.
Phase 1 Details:
Up to 25% of employees in a department area are permitted to return to the work location simultaneously, as approved by department heads.
Remote work continues to be the primary work arrangement for faculty and staff.
Vulnerable individuals must be permitted to continue working remotely.
Employees who are selected to return to the work location will be notified by their supervisor at least one week prior to the return date.
All building doors will remain locked for the duration of Phase 1.
Department heads must develop an implementation strategy based on the unique aspects of their operations and strategic priorities.
Employees in a shared office or cubicle must maintain six feet of social distancing.
If six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained, then actions must be taken to meet social distancing requirements:
Move furniture to allow for six feet of distancing.
Relocate to another office.
Continue remote work.
Rotate days in the office.
If there is a need to share critical equipment (i.e., fax, copy machine, etc.), you MUST disinfect after each use.
Guidelines for Employees Returning to Campus
All Employees:
All employees returning to their work location are required to participate in the COVID-19 Employee Training Module, located in MyUWF - SCOOP or found in Confluence before returning to campus. This module includes a video presentation with a quiz.
All employees returning to their work location are required to take a Daily COVID-19 Return to Campus Pre-screening each day prior to coming to their work location (details below).
All employees must place garbage cans outside of offices for the Building Services staff to empty daily.
Department Heads and/or Supervisors:
Department heads are responsible for determining which employees return to the work location.
Department heads should consult with vice presidents/deans/directors, as needed.
Department heads must designate an employee to update the Staff on Campus spreadsheet on a weekly basis that identifies the building and room number of returning employees to ensure those areas are being addressed by Building Services and University Police are aware of occupancy.
If an employee is visiting their work location for any reason, they must be included in the 25%.
Required Training Module
All employees directed to return to their work locations are required to complete the COVID-19 Employee Training Module in SCOOP.
Employees are not authorized to return to their work location until the COVID-19 Employee Training Module is completed.
Supervisors may use the following Tableau report to monitor who has completed the training. The certification ID to search by is “ECT.”
Required Daily Pre-Screening
All employees directed to return to their work location by their supervisors are required to take the Daily COVID-19 Return to Campus Pre-screening each day prior to returning to their work locations.
A daily reminder will be emailed to all employees.
The pre-screening will be accessible via computer or mobile device through MyUWF.
If a department has employees unable to access a computer or mobile device prior to work, the pre-screening must be completed prior to entering a UWF building via the official paper form.
In the event an employee is presumed to have contracted COVID-19, the employee will be contacted by Human Resources to set up a COVID-19 test.
Testing will be conducted on an as-needed basis and offered through the Baptist Health Care location on Nine Mile Road or alternative location if needed (contact Nicole McDonald or Jamie Sprague).
Contact tracing for on-campus employees will initially be handled by Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety. Employee contact information (name and phone number) will then be provided to the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County to continue contact tracing with the individual(s).
If employees would like to take the COVID-19 test on their own, they may visit an official testing site or contact their health care provider.
Health, Wellness and Prevention
Employees must visit the Health, Wellness and Prevention section of the Coronavirus webpage to learn more about steps they should take to avoid the spread of germs.
Face Coverings
The University is supplying each employee with a reusable face covering, as well as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, as they return to their work location.
Examples of shared indoor spaces include classrooms, laboratories, hallways, shared offices, open offices, restrooms, conference rooms, lobbies and lounge areas, retail spaces, museums, libraries and dining facilities. Anyone using a dining facility should cover their face until they sit down to eat and then put the face-covering back on immediately after.
Face coverings may be removed when inside of private building space, such as a single-use office or residence hall room. A disposable or cloth face covering is required inside all shared indoor spaces and in outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.
If a person is not wearing a face covering, the person will be asked to put one on or leave the area.
Face coverings will be available through each division’s COVID-19 Logistics Liaison. For a list of liaisons, visit the Return to Campus Resources section.
An employee who may need an ADA accommodation should contact Human Resources at 850.474.2694.
Return to Campus Resources
Face Coverings
The University has designed official UWF branded, reusable face coverings available for individual departments and units interested in ordering these items. To order these face coverings, visit uwf.edu/brand/promotional-items/face-coverings.
Health, Wellness and Prevention Resources
A variety of health, wellness and prevention promotional resources are available on the UWF Brand Portal. These resources include decals and signage to help promote a safer campus environment. To download templates for use, visit the Health, Wellness and Prevention Resources page.
Campus Map - What's Open?
The UWF map now has a feature to show which facilities, buildings and services are open and closed during the Return to Campus Phase 1. To access this feature, visit map.uwf.edu and select “What's Open at UWF?"
Sanitizing Stations
Campus-wide, UWF plans to provide sanitizing stations with sanitizing wipes and alcohol hand sanitizer, as determined by market availability, at the entrance to all main buildings.
COVID-19 Logistics Liaisons
Please work with your logistics liaison to acquire your face coverings and hand sanitizer.
Liaison will requests refills through Environmental Health and Safety envhs@uwf.edu.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
Campus Operations
Is the University of West Florida open?
The University of West Florida has remained open and operational throughout the entire COVID-19 situation by utilizing remote work procedures. Beginning June 15, the University will implement a phased approach for returning employees and students to campus, in alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Board of Governors. The safety, security and well-being of the University community will remain of the utmost importance during this process.
The University's plan strives to minimize potential exposure to the virus for returning employees and students and reduce opportunities for community transmission.
This plan will be monitored daily throughout the implementation period to determine success. Response and recovery actions may be altered as necessary.
All departments are expected to remain operational, with the priority of focusing on our students. Official construction projects on campus are still ongoing, as approved by appropriate Department Heads, Deans and Vice presidents.
UWF is offering online classes exclusively this summer.
About Coronavirus
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.
This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I do if I believe I have been exposed to COVID-19?
Anyone that may have been exposed to COVID-19 or is displaying symptoms should stay home, except to get medical care. You should contact your health care provider and visit the CDC’s website and answer the "self-checker" questions.
Students should notify instructors if accommodations are needed and contact Case Management Services at casemanagement@uwf.edu for assistance. Faculty are asked to be flexible with students as they navigate COVID-19 related challenges.
If an employee is presumed to have contracted COVID-19, the employee must notify Human Resources immediately. Testing will be conducted and provided through a local health care facility, as needed.
Is COVID-19 testing available on campus?
At the request of the Governor’s office, the direction of the Florida Department of Emergency Management with the support of the Florida Department of Health, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties opened a mobile testing site to the public at the University of West Florida Pensacola Campus. The mobile testing site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached, seven days a week. The drive-through test site is located at the SP2 parking lot, which is on the east side of campus, near the East Sports Complex. Individuals are asked to remain in their vehicles, and pre-screening is not required.
Have there been cases of COVID-19 in Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa Counties?
Updates on the virus, including the number of confirmed cases in each county, are available at floridahealth.gov.
What happens when there is a confirmed case on the UWF campus?
What steps should I take to prevent the spread of germs?
The CDC advises following these simple steps to prevent the spread of germs:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Wear a cloth or disposable face covering when you have to go out in public. Face coverings are highly recommended to be worn at all times when six feet of distance cannot be maintained or if you are in a large group setting.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing is the best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing refers to measures that are taken to increase the physical space between people to slow the spread of the virus. By maintaining a distance of six feet from others when possible, people may limit the spread of the virus. Social distancing also minimizes the number of interactions that provide the opportunity for the disease to spread. To practice social or physical distancing:
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
Do not gather in groups.
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
I am currently working on campus. What additional steps should I take?
Below are recommendations for UWF employees currently working on campus.
Clean personal items/areas before use (keyboard, chair, desk, etc.) daily.
Maintain and utilize a personal bottle of hand sanitizer.
Conduct all meetings virtually, unless critical to the function of the institution.
Maintain social distancing:
Stay six feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
What is UWF doing to protect the community?
The health and success of our community, on and off campus, is at the forefront of our decision making. Please know that we have been actively contingency planning for a range of operational scenarios. The University of West Florida is taking aggressive steps to prevent the spread of disease, such as COVID-19, by promoting healthy habits and enhancing its existing cleaning and disinfection practices.
In an abundance of caution, we have increased our scheduled custodial cleaning of facilities on campus. We are taking extra measures to disinfect frequently touched areas like doorknobs, stair rails, elevator buttons and other surfaces (such as exercise equipment and classroom AV equipment). High traffic areas such as student housing, libraries, dining halls, bathrooms, locker rooms, as well as recreation centers also receive more cleanings. Additionally, the UWF trolleys are being deep cleaned weekly.
A task force, composed of university leaders, emergency management, health officials and others meets frequently to discuss the situation and any changes that affect our campus.
If I become sick, how should I screen myself for COVID-19?
Please visit the CDC’s website and answer the "self-checker" questions.
Any employee feeling sick or displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 is directed to call their medical provider and notify Human Resources. Symptomatic employees are not allowed to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.
When can I discontinue self-isolation if I was diagnosed with COVID-19?
Per Escambia County Health Department and Florida Department of Health, at least 14 days from the date you completed your COVID-19 test or 14 days from date of last exposure to a lab confirmed COVID-19 positive diagnosed person.
When should I wear a face covering on campus?
A disposable or cloth face covering is required inside all shared indoor spaces and in outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.
Examples of shared indoor spaces include classrooms, laboratories, hallways, shared offices, open offices, restrooms, conference rooms, lobbies and lounge areas, retail spaces, museums, libraries and dining facilities. Anyone using a dining facility should cover their face until they sit down to eat and then put the face-covering back on immediately after.
Face coverings may be removed when inside of private building space, such as a single-use office or residence hall room.
UWF will provide one reusable cloth face covering and a bottle of hand sanitizer for every student and employee. Visitors will be provided a disposable face covering.
Remote Instruction
I am a faculty member and need assistance setting up my course. What do I do?
The Center for Global Online Learning and Development is available to assist faculty with making this transition. Resources and training are available at uwf.edu/gold. Canvas course shells for all sections already exist, but faculty may not have activated the shells. UWF Library services for faculty are conveniently located at uwf.edu/library/services_for/faculty--staff.
How can I best accommodate my students during this time period?
Communicate clearly with students regarding any changes in expectations or deadlines for coursework and class meetings. Be understanding whenever possible to those facing unforeseen, stressful circumstances, such as losing work/income or taking care of children home from daycare or school. Be prepared to accommodate students requesting to miss class sessions due to illness, clearly communicating opportunities and expectations around alternative assignments or makeup work.
Should students travel to campus for meetings with instructors?
During this time period, students are not to travel to campus for meetings with instructors. Faculty should host office hours virtually instead.
How can I contact faculty or utilize office hours?
Faculty and academic advisors will continue to be available to students remotely. They will use a variety of means of communication, which range from email, phone calls, google chat and video chat for office hours and to speak directly with individual students. Contact your course instructor via his/her campus email address or according to instructions provided on your course e-Learning/Canvas page to request an office hours meeting with them.
How are students that do not have a computer expected to complete online classes?
As a part of our efforts to make the transition to online learning as smooth and seamless as possible for students, the UWF John C. Pace Library is providing a limited number of laptops for students who do not have a computer to check out.
These laptops will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for those who fill out this form as soon as possible: https://bit.ly/3aVcqlC
This offer is only available to students at this time.
Summer Online
What percentage of courses does UWF typically offer online during Summer semesters?
Traditionally, UWF offers between 60 and 70% of courses in an online format during Summer semesters.
Does summer courses being offered online mean that the campus will remain closed to students?
UWF is offering summer courses exclusively online and campus will remain closed to students until further notice. Normal operations, including summer housing & residence life programs, are postponed until further notice. This also includes on-campus student services like the John C. Pace Library, dining services, the Health, Leisure and Sports Facility, UWF Bookstore, post office, UWF Trolley and other services.
University administration made the decision to offer courses exclusively online this summer as a proactive measure. This situation continues to change rapidly, and moving courses online ensures the best possible educational experience for our students, as it removes the possibility of a transition to remote instruction during the semester and allows faculty time to prepare and retool their courses for online delivery.
What if I need a course for graduation that is not typically offered online (field school classes, labs, etc.)?
University administration will closely review enrollments to ensure there are sufficient places for students in the summer semester courses that are needed to meet their educational goals. If you have a question about a potential course offering, please contact your academic advisor.
I planned to complete my required internship over the summer in order to graduate. How will online learning affect my progress?
Some internships may still be available. There may also be other options available to fulfill these requirements. Students should check with their academic advisors for guidance on these options.
Does summer courses online mean that university employees will continue working remotely through the entire summer?
At this time, UWF plans to operate remotely until further notice. Once this changes, the University will communicate with the campus community.
University administration made the decision to offer courses exclusively online this summer as a proactive measure. This situation continues to change rapidly, and moving courses online ensures the best possible educational experience for our students, as it removes the possibility of a transition to remote instruction during the semester and allows faculty time to prepare and retool their courses for online delivery.
Employees
Are UWF Employees reporting to work?
During Phase 1, up to 25% of employees in a department area are permitted to return the work location simultaneously, as approved by department heads. Remote work continues to be the primary work arrangement for faculty and staff. Vulnerable individuals must be permitted to continue working remotely.
Department heads are responsible for determining which employees return to the work location. They must develop an implementation strategy based on the unique aspects of their operations and strategic priorities. Department heads should consult with vice presidents/deans/directors, as needed.
Employees who are selected to return to the work location will be notified by their supervisor at least one week prior to the return date via email.
All employees returning to their work location are required to participate in the COVID-19 Employee Training Module, located in MyUWF - SCOOP or found in Confluence before returning to campus. This module includes a video presentation with a quiz.
All employees returning to their work location are required to take a Daily COVID-19 Return to Campus Pre-screening each day prior to coming to their work location.
Employees working remotely are expected to:
Work with their supervisors to receive approval in advance and develop a plan that allows them to meet deliverables and maintain communication, productivity and efficiency.
Fulfill all of their duties and work hours.
Ensure that they are connecting securely and following all University policies related to access, data security and data confidentiality. Employees should contact ITS for IT-related questions.
Supervisors that have approved employees working remotely are expected to:
Assign work, projects or professional development that can be performed remotely.
Monitor work and progress of all remote employees.
What guidelines are in place as employees return to campus?
Employees in a shared office or cubicle must maintain six feet of social distancing.
If six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained, then actions must be taken to meet social distancing requirements:
Move furniture to allow for six feet of distancing.
Relocate to another office.
Continue remote work.
Rotate days in the office.
If there is a need to share critical equipment (i.e., fax, copy machine, etc.), you MUST disinfect after each use.
Department heads must notify employees one week prior to the return date.
Department heads must designate an employee to update the Staff on Campus spreadsheet on a weekly basis that identifies the building and room number of returning employees to ensure those areas are being addressed by Building Services and University Police are aware of occupancy.
If an employee is visiting their work location for any reason, they must be included in the 25%.
All meetings, events, classes or other gatherings continue to be conducted virtually. If it is critical to conduct a meeting in-person, the number of attendees should be limited to no more than 10 so that those present can sit a minimum of six feet apart with all participants wearing face coverings.
When should I wear a face covering on campus?
A disposable or cloth face covering is required inside all shared indoor spaces and in outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.
Examples of shared indoor spaces include classrooms, laboratories, hallways, shared offices, open offices, restrooms, conference rooms, lobbies and lounge areas, retail spaces, museums, libraries and dining facilities. Anyone using a dining facility should cover their face until they sit down to eat and then put the face-covering back on immediately after.
Face coverings may be removed when inside of private building space, such as a single-use office or residence hall room.
UWF will provide one reusable cloth face covering and a bottle of hand sanitizer for every student and employee. Visitors will be provided a disposable face covering.
As a student employee am I required to work?
Paid student employees (Work Study, OUR Works, Contracts, Grants, etc.) as well as graduate students on assistantships are employed by the institution and are expected to work remotely during this time period. Supervisors are expected to provide assignments to employees. Employees working remotely are expected to fulfill all of their normal duties and work hours. If employees are in roles that do not traditionally accommodate remote work, supervisors must assign other work, projects or professional development that can be performed remotely.
Should high-risk individuals report to work?
On March 25, 2020, the Florida State Surgeon General and State Health Officer issued a Public Health Advisory for high-risk individuals. High-risk employees are defined as persons greater than or equal to 65 years old and those with serious underlying health conditions.
If you are considered a high-risk individual, please work with your supervisor to develop a remote work plan, if feasible.
Employees working remotely are expected to:
Work with their supervisors to receive approval in advance and develop a plan that allows them to meet deliverables and maintain communication, productivity and efficiency.
Fulfill all of their duties and work hours.
Ensure that they are connecting securely and following all University policies related to access, data security and data confidentiality. Employees should contact ITS for IT-related questions.
Supervisors with employees working remotely are expected to:
Assign work, projects or professional development that can be performed remotely.
Monitor work and progress of all remote employees.
If the job cannot be performed remotely, high-risk individuals should work with their supervisor on a case-by-case basis to devise a suitable solution. Supervisors should consult Human Resources for guidance.
If an employee is sent home, or stays home from work due to illness, how will they be paid?
The following options may be available depending upon the nature of the job responsibilities and the extent of the illness:
Use accrued leave; for example, Annual or Sick Leave.
Make up the work on an hour-for-hour basis during the same workweek for Non-exempt University WorkForce staff and OPS hourly employees with supervisory approval. UWF’s work week begins at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the following Saturday.
Faculty or Exempt University Work Force staff may make-up the work on an hour-for-hour basis during the same pay period with supervisory approval, or if absent for a full work day, may use accrued leave.
Work from home with supervisory approval.
If an employee is out for 3 or more days in a 30 day period, the employee should apply for Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA or Medical Leave).
Request a leave of absence
Note: OPS employees do not receive pay for time not worked. OPS employees do not accrue leave or paid time off days.
If I have to self-isolate, who should I contact?
Any employee who has to self-isolate should notify HR (hr@uwf.edu) to be put on administrative leave.
I do not have enough leave to cover my absence from work due to illness. How can I afford to stay home until I am completely well before returning to work?
To minimize the potential exposure to others, it is very important that you do not return to work until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever, or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, a doctor’s note is required to return to work.
The following options are available although not all options will be available in all situations depending upon the nature of the job responsibilities and the extent of the illness.
Make up the work on an hour-for-hour basis during the same workweek for Non-exempt University Work Force staff and OPS hourly employees with supervisory approval. UWF’s work week begins at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the following Saturday.
Faculty or Exempt University Work Force staff may make-up the work on an hour-for-hour basis during the same pay period with supervisory approval, or if absent for a full work day, may use accrued leave.
Work from home with supervisory approval.
If an employee is out for 3 or more days in a 30 day period, the employee should apply for Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA or Medical Leave).
Request a leave of absence
I’m not sick, but I don’t want to come to work for fear of becoming ill. Is my supervisor required to approve my request for time off?
You may request to take Annual Leave; however, your supervisor is not required to approve your time off request, especially if your department is short staffed. It is important to educate yourself about the virus and its transmission via the resources provided on this webpage.
My child’s school/day care is closed due to COVID-19; my child is not sick. However, I have no other child care arrangements and must stay home with him/her. How will I be paid?
Promptly notify your supervisor of the reason for your absence and your anticipated return to work date. In this situation, the following options are available, although not all options will be available in all situations, depending upon the nature of your job responsibilities:
Use accrued annual leave or sick leave hours
Use accrued compensatory time
Adjust workweek with supervisory approval
Work a flexible schedule with supervisory approval
Request a leave of absence without pay
Does the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) apply if I contract COVID-19? Does FMLA apply if my spouse and/or child contracts COVID-19, and I must stay home to care for them?
First, you must meet the following criteria for eligibility for FMLA:
You must have worked 12 months for the university and
You must have worked 1,250 hours in the preceding 12 months
If the above criteria for FMLA are not met, the following options are available, although not all options will be available in all situations, depending upon the nature of the job responsibilities and the extent of the illness or care provided:
Use accrued leave hours in the following order:
1st – sick leave
2nd – annual leave or compensatory leave
3rd – request a leave of absence without pay
Adjust the workweek with supervisory approval
Work a flexible schedule with supervisory approval
Telecommute with supervisory approval
Working Remotely
What are the guidelines for working remotely?
Employees working remotely are expected to:
Work with their supervisors to receive approval in advance and develop a plan that allows them to meet deliverables and maintain communication, productivity and efficiency.
Fulfill all of their functions, duties and work hours.
Ensure that they are connecting securely and following all University policies related to access, data security and data confidentiality. Employees should contact ITS for IT-related questions.
Supervisors that have approved employees working remotely are expected to:
Assign work, projects or professional development that can be performed remotely.
Monitor work and progress of all remote employees.
If the job cannot be performed remotely, employees should work with their supervisor on plans to take accrued leave, leave without pay or devise a suitable solution that supports social distancing (such as rotating shifts, flexible schedules, etc.). Contact Human Resources at 850.474.2694 or hr@uwf.edu for assistance.
Can I continue my research?
Limited on-campus and field research activities are being considered for action after June 15, 2020. UWF faculty may submit a request for UWF employees (faculty, staff, and student) in their research group to return to on-campus or field-based research activities; all volunteer research efforts remain prohibited at this time.
All employees who are approved to return to on-campus or field-based research activities are subject to all of the requirements of the UWF Phase 1 Return to Campus plan.
If I am approved to continue my research, what guidelines must I follow?
If more than one person is working in a lab space, then all parties in that room must wear a face covering at all times. Face coverings are not required if staff are working alone in a lab space with a closed door. If the lab includes annex rooms with a door that can be closed (i.e., a sub-room), then face coverings need not be used if only one person is working in the sub-room. Face coverings must also be worn in all public spaces on campus, including hallways, stairwells and elevators.
If traveling in a car, then proper social distancing (six feet between persons) must be maintained at all times (e.g., sitting in different rows of a departmental van). If that is not possible, then consider alternate transportation (e.g., driving separately) or all parties must wear a face covering while traveling.
ITS has kicked off a project to help the campus move their files from their H: Drive to Google, so they can be accessible to you much more easily from anywhere. Please read more about the Google Drive for work project, and submit a request today, and we’ll get working on moving your files, which will not only benefit you but allow us to shrink our file storage needs on campus, which helps all of us.
Can I take equipment home (e.g., monitor)?
Your local equipment is owned by your department. Check with your department for its policy on taking equipment home. With supervisory approval, employees may check out equipment from the University to use during telecommuting and must follow procedures described in the Property Guide in Confluence’s Business Process Library including completing and submitting the Equipment Check-Out Form. Supervisors must maintain the Department Equipment Check-Out Log.
Can I have UWF work-related shipments delivered to my home address?
The University does not permit goods shipped to a home address during normal business operations, and this policy is still in effect for COVID-19. If you are working remotely, you are not authorized to have shipments delivered to a home address. The UWF Post Office and Central Receiving remain open and are accepting deliveries. As all buildings are locked during our COVID-19 situation, external delivery services (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) have been contacted and are automatically delivering their items to the UWF Post Office, Building 22. Large items and shipments are being delivered to UWF Central Receiving, Building 95. Additionally, routine office supply vendors (e.g. Office Depot, Staples, etc.) are automatically delivered to the UWF Post Office.
Only under extenuating circumstances will a shipment be permitted to a home address. This requires written approval from a dean, director, or higher authority. These requests must be submitted to Procurement for evaluation before the purchase. Each will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with a final decision made by the vice president of finance and administration. Any comments or questions can be sent to UWF Procurement at procurement@uwf.edu.
Students
I have never taken a course online. How can I be successful?
The best way to be successful in online courses is staying connected with your instructor. Follow your typical morning routine, as you normally would with on-campus courses. Build a support system of family and friends to encourage you to keep up with lectures and assignments. UWF has created a page that allows students to better understand online learning
You can also search for other resources to help you be a better online student. Here are two examples:
What would happen if a student living on campus becomes presumptive-positive?
Students have been encouraged to return home. For remaining students, UWF officials in partnership with the Department of Health will follow appropriate guidelines to address any possible presumptive cases. Student health and well-being is our top priority as is providing regular communication to students and families in that event.
How can I access tutoring during this time period?
Connect with Tutoring and Learning Resources via email at tutoring@uwf.edu or call 850.474.3176 and leave a message. Messages will be returned during normal business hours.
Virtual Tutoring for most subjects will begin on Tuesday, March 17. Please see our tutoring schedule for updates about subject-based tutoring services that are available virtually.
For online resources related to strategies and resources for how to be successful in an online course, general study skills, time management, subject based skills, etc., students may enroll in the online Academic Success Course through Canvas.
Academic coaching students: Your coach will be emailing you with information about how to have a virtual meeting through Google Hangouts.
How will students know when/if their classes for the next semester have been approved?
Course registration will continue as normal. When a student registers for a course, they will automatically know if they are registered or placed on the waiting list. Wait list communication will continue as normal.
Numerous service providers are providing free internet service for a limited amount of time to customers who qualify, such as Cox, Comcast and Spectrum. Please check for other providers offering free access in your area.
Additionally, University of West Florida students can access the national Eduroam system at no charge in many places across the United States. There are 97 sites in Florida alone, including many campuses of the State University System. Please see the map indicating all the Eduroam sites in the U.S. If you can get a WiFi signal at any of these sites and your device has already been configured for Eduroam, it will automatically connect to the Eduroam network. Otherwise, please visit Configuring Your Device For Eduroam for configuration instructions.
If you have any issues with internet access, please contact your instructors and ask them to help you develop a plan of action.
Will students be given the option to convert courses to Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading for the summer semester?
No, the temporary modification to give undergraduate and graduate students the option to convert courses to Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory grading was only available for the Spring 2020 semester.
Am I still supposed to report to my internship?
Co-op and internship students are expected to report to work as scheduled unless otherwise instructed by your supervisor.
All student university-sponsored international travel is suspended through Summer 2020. This suspension of student international travel includes athletic programs and events, research, internships, study abroad, exchange and faculty-led programs.
What should I do if I decide to leave my co-op or internship?
If you decide to leave your current co-op or internship position or your employer implements measures that discontinue your employment due to this unprecedented situation, you must complete the following:
Co-op:
Inform your co-op faculty member through email and this form.
Request an evaluation from your supervisor and send it to your co-op faculty member. Your co-op faculty member will assess your grade based on your performance at your position up to the point you leave.
Internship:
Inform your internship advisor through email.
Request an evaluation from your supervisor and send it to your internship advisor.
Will the University consider grade appeals for hardships due to COVID-19?
The University of West Florida will follow established processes for grade appeals. Students are encouraged to communicate with their faculty about any hardships they are experiencing in class that may impact their grades. Additionally, students are encouraged to work with their academic advisors and faculty to understand course withdrawal deadlines and policies.
How do I apply for CARES Act emergency financial aid?
The University of West Florida will distribute CARES Act funding in a way that prioritizes students with the greatest demonstrated need and ensures that funds are distributed as widely as possible. If you have not previously submitted a scholarship application, you must first submit the general application. Students must submit a UWF CARES Act Emergency Aid Application in the UWF Scholarship Portal. Applications will be processed by the UWF Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. For more information, visit uwf.edu/cares.
Where can I find Fall 2020 enrollment guidance for international students?
Will the effects of COVID-19 affect admission decisions?
This situation will not affect admissions decisions. However, some deadlines have been extended, and special events and orientation are being held virtually. Please see below for more details.
Application Information
Applications: Fall 2020 Undergraduate Admissions applications will remain open throughout the summer. Completed applications typically require two to three weeks to be processed for an admissions decision.
Application Decisions: Applications are currently being reviewed, and admissions decisions are being mailed twice per week.
Submitting Documents: We are continuing to receive application documents. Please note that any physical transcripts sent via U.S. mail may be delayed in being applied to an application. Students should also consider the possibility of delays when requesting documents from their previous colleges or high schools. As a result, a student’s application status in my.uwf.edu may be delayed in showing documents as received.
Dates and Deadlines
Important UWF admissions dates and deadlines have been extended where possible. UWF's admissions application deadline for freshmen wishing to enter UWF in Fall 2020 has been extended to July 15, 2020. The May 1 freshman confirmation deadline has been extended to July 30, 2020. There is no cost to confirm your plans to attend UWF.
Admissions Counseling
UWF admissions counselors are here to help ensure your questions are answered. You can reach them by emailing admissions@uwf.edu or request a virtual one-on-one meeting at uwf.edu/contactus.
Admissions Visits
Experience UWF from anywhere, anytime with the virtual tour at uwf.edu/visit, or select “Undergraduate” to book a personalized guided virtual tour from a Student Admissions Representative (StAR). Your StAR will guide you and your guests virtually around UWF's 1,600 acres and inside our facilities. Plus, they'll share their experiences and answer your questions about what the Argo Life is really like.
Admissions Events
Join UWF’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions for a Live Q&A WebEx event on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. CDT. Admissions counselors will answer all of your admission-related questions — new dates and deadlines, admission requirements, procedures, etc. Please register for this event. We look forward to meeting you.
New Student Recruitment Visits and College Fairs
All travel for UWF staff is prohibited until further notice; therefore, the UWF recruitment team will not be visiting or attending any off-campus visit or recruitment events. In the meantime, if you have questions, please email admissions@uwf.edu, or schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with your admissions counselor at uwf.edu/contactus. The UWF Recruitment Team will be monitoring and responding to emails throughout remote operations. Please allow 2-3 days for a response, as we are receiving a high volume of emails.
Admitted Student Information
Any admitted student may continue to access their next steps toward enrollment by visiting uwf.edu/nextsteps. Should any student have questions or concerns, they can find their Admissions Counselor contact information at uwf.edu/contactus.
All new-student orientation sessions this summer will be virtual. Orientation is still mandatory for all first-time-in-college students attending UWF in the summer or fall.
Transfer Orientation: Online transfer orientation has not changed. All new transfer students are encouraged to complete their virtual orientation session before classes begin. Registration instructions are available at uwf.edu/orientation.
Freshman Orientation: All first-time-in-college students must register in advance for a two-day orientation session. Sessions have been scheduled throughout the summer. Each session will close when full or two days before the session start date, whichever comes first. The following updates apply to freshman orientation:
Session dates have not changed. Students who registered previously are still registered for their selected orientation date.
Appropriate fee reductions have been made. The new virtual orientation experience will be $50. For those who paid any student and guest fees before the reduction, UWF will issue a refund for the amount in excess of $50. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is working diligently on a refund process and will provide additional information in the coming days.
UWF will still honor any orientation fee discounts based on financial aid status. These will be applied automatically during registration for eligible students who previously submitted their FAFSA.
Students will be added to their online orientation class in the online learning platform Canvas the first morning of their session. The platform is available by searching "Canvas" in MyUWF.
Students will have the two days of their session to complete orientation.
What should I do if I have traveled internationally, to a location within the U.S. with known community outbreaks or been on a cruise ship?
If you are returning from international travel, cruise ships or a location within the U.S. with known community outbreaks, or if you have been in contact with someone from that has, the University asks that you self-isolate for 14 days and avoid contact with others, except to receive medical care. During the isolation period:
Students, please notify Student Health Services that you are required to self-isolate by emailing healthservices@uwf.edu.
Students, contact your instructor for alternate assignments and accommodations during this time period. You can contact case management at casemanagement@uwf.edu. UWF Employees are to contact their health care provider.
Upon Completion of the 14-Day Self-Isolation:
Submit a completed 14-Day Symptom Monitoring Sheet AND a note from your private physician, the Department of Health or UWF Student Health Services which states that you are able to return to class and are not manifesting signs of COVID-19 to Student Health Services by uploading your documents to . A statement of compliance will release you to return to classes and other campus activities.
Provide a diagnosis from a physician to Student Health Services.
Upon recovery or confirmation that you do NOT have COVID-19, provide Student Health Services a note from your private physician, the Department of Health or UWF Student Health Services which states that you are able to return to class and are not manifesting signs of COVID-19 to Student Health Services by uploading your documents to Med Proctor. A statement of compliance will release you to return to classes and other campus activities.
What should students, faculty and staff with scheduled study abroad programs for the summer semester do?
All student university-sponsored international travel is suspended through Summer 2020. This suspension of student international travel includes athletic programs and events, research, internships, study abroad, exchange and faculty-led programs. Faculty and staff who have concerns regarding international travel for scheduled study abroad programs may contact the Office of International Affairs at international@uwf.edu.
All UWF students who are currently abroad on university-sponsored travel are required to return immediately to the U.S. and are advised to self-isolate and practice social distancing. The Office of International Affairs is working one-on-one with students who are actively studying abroad about their plans to return.
What should I do if I have recently traveled internationally or on a cruise?
Any students, faculty or staff who have returned or will be returning from any international travel or travel on cruise ships since March 6, 2020 are not permitted to visit any campus location until notified otherwise and should self-isolate upon return to the U.S. The institution will communicate when this restriction is lifted.
Impacted students should notify Student Health Services by emailing healthservices@uwf.edu.
If you are an impacted international student, please contact Rachel Hendrix at rhendrix@uwf.edu for special accommodations.
If you are an impacted student who lives on campus and do not have a permanent residence that you are able to return to, please contact Neil McMillion at nmcmillion@uwf.edu for special accommodations.
Impacted faculty and staff should work directly with your supervisor and Human Resources at 850.474.2694 to ensure proper designation of leave.
The University strongly recommends all students, staff and faculty refrain from personal domestic and international travel except for emergency purposes.
What should I do if I have recently traveled in the U.S?
Out of an abundance of caution, if you have recently traveled to a location within the U.S. with a known community outbreak please self-isolate.
Has UWF put any travel restrictions in place?
All university-sponsored domestic (U.S.) and international travel (business-related travel, study abroad, exchange, faculty-led programs) is prohibited until further notice, unless approved by a University vice president. Only travel deemed essential by a vice president will be approved.
All university-sponsored domestic travel that was previously approved, must be reevaluated for approval by your respective University vice president.
Any new university-sponsored domestic or international travel requests must be approved by a vice president.
The University strongly recommends all students, staff and faculty refrain from personal domestic and international travel except for emergency purposes.
If I have a conference that is canceled because of COVID-19, what should I do?
If your conference is canceled, follow the refund procedures that the conference communicates to you. For airfare, as of March 4, 2020, several airlines are offering no change fees or cancellation fees on travel. Each airline is unique in their offerings. If travel was booked through Concur, we recommend you contact World Travel staff at 800.778.0907. If you booked airfare directly through an airline, or other travel booking agent, please contact them to assess your options.
What is the CDC’s and FDOH's latest travel guidance?
For more information on the CDC’s travel guidance, please visit:
Summer housing is not available. Only those students who stayed on campus for extenuating circumstances in the Spring and have signed a summer housing contract will be allowed to continue living on campus during the summer.
What precautions is UWF Housing and Residence Life taking to protect residents?
Housing and Residence Life is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our residents. Staff are deep cleaning common surfaces in residence halls (door knobs, desks, tables, etc.) more frequently and we have a plan in place for housing residents that need to self-isolate or need to be isolated per medical practitioner.
When can I gather my belongings from my residence hall?
The guidelines for social distancing led us to create a schedule for those of you who need to return to campus to remove ALL of your belongings. This designated schedule has passed. If you still have not moved your belongings out of your on-campus space, please contact housing@uwf.edu to make arrangements.
When can I gather my belongings from my residence hall?
The guidelines for social distancing led us to create a schedule for those of you who need to return to campus to remove ALL of your belongings. This includes bikes you may have on campus as well. Please remember to clean your space and remove all food from refrigerators and dispose of trash before leaving.
We will have limited carts available for moving belongings. It is recommended you bring your own carts and hand trucks if needed to facilitate an easier move. Please contact Housing at housing@uwf.edu for your designated move out time.
How can I check out after I’ve moved my belongings?
To keep things easy for our residents, we are implementing a simplified check-out process. Please pick up a check-out envelope at your front desk, fill out the label, seal your key in the envelope and leave it in the key drop boxes located near the main entrance.
Did Housing and Residence Life and Dining Services provide refunds?
To help ease the unexpected burden you may be experiencing, the University is refunding a prorated amount of housing and meal plans.
You will receive a refund notification via BankMobile. Once you receive the BankMobile notification, your refund will be available during the below time frames, depending on your processing selection:
BankMobile Vibe Account: immediately
Direct deposit: Within 1-2 business (depending on your financial institution’s policies)
Please check your student account for your refund.
Housing and Residence Life Refunds*
Room Type
Refund Amount
Residence Hall Single
$1,300
Residence Hall Double
$1,175
Apartment 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Apartment 4 Bedroom
$1,300
*Because the majority of students vacated your residence halls by March 15, 2020, the refund amount has increased to provide you the best benefit during this challenging time.
Meal Plan Refunds: Meal plan refunds are prorated on an individual basis and calculated on the unused portions of each student’s plan.
Please contact stuacct@uwf.edu if you have questions or need further assistance.
As a reminder, students with no relocation options are not required to check out of housing and should contact housing@uwf.edu for special accommodations. Residents who are on the list of special accommodations and residing on campus after March 30, 2020, will not receive a housing grant.
Are housing work orders still being processed for those living on campus?
Yes, all work orders will be processed as usual. Please understand that there may be a delay due the unusual circumstances, but we will do our best to get to you very quickly.
I am moving out of my residence hall and I need to forward my mail. How do I do that?
If you utilize campus postal services/post boxes, you may request that your mail be forwarded by completing the Change of Address form. Only USPS domestic mail and packages can be forwarded. FedEx and UPS packages may be picked up at the Postal Services back door (at loading dock). If they cannot be picked up they will be given back to the driver and returned to the sender. Sometimes you can contact the sender directly and have a package rerouted. For additional information, please call UWF Postal Services at 850.474.2436 or 850.474.3211.
Events and Activities
How should University events and meetings be hosted?
All university-sponsored events are postponed, canceled or being virtually conducted until further notice. The UWF Virtual Tour remains available.
Will UWF athletic events continue?
The Gulf South Conference has decided to officially cancel all athletic competition and championships in the Spring 2020 season. Other countable athletic related activities are suspended through the end of June.
Recent guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the NCAA’s requirements for waivers for affected-student athletes were significant factors in this decision by the league’s board of directors.
Are athletic trainers available?
Athletic trainers will be on campus for athletes undergoing rehabilitation and/or surgery.
Is UWF planning to hold Spring Commencement at a later date?
The Florida Board of Governors announced a directive to all Florida institutions to postpone all summer commencement ceremonies, including the spring ceremonies that were rescheduled due to COVID-19. As a result, the August 1, 2020 ceremony for our spring graduates is cancelled. We can assure you that we will find a way to celebrate you. We are already working on alternative plans.
If you haven’t already viewed it, please take a moment to watch this video from our faculty and staff congratulating our graduates on this wonderful achievement. While it in no way replaces the in-person ceremony, it illustrates our pride for our students and our commitment to their continued success.
We will keep you updated in the coming weeks on the new plan to celebrate you. In the meantime, stay well and know that your fellow Argos are cheering you on from afar.
The ITS Help Desk is operating at full capacity remotely, and are able to take calls, emails and Jira tickets. ITS is also working closely with your Local Support Providers (LSPs), as we all are met with new challenges each day to help you all be productive from home. ITS has created ITS Security Guidelines for Enterprise-wide Remote Access as a reference for technology support professionals in ensuring work-at-home can be done safely and securely.
How can I access library resources if the library is closed?
In order to access library resources from off campus, you'll need to be sure you are logged in using your Argonet username and password (the same one you use for eLearning and your UWF email). You can double check to see if you are logged in by looking at the Access tab on the Libraries homepage. These resources are available at University of West Florida Libraries.
What if I need help from a librarian on a research assignment?
Library staff and research librarians will be available via email, chat, and text to answer any questions or concerns regarding library check-outs, technology, and equipment beginning on Monday, March 16th at 8:00 am. Please use our Ask-a-Librarian service located here: https://uwf.edu/library/research_help/ask-a-librarian/
Please visit UWF Libraries' website for up-to-date information on library hours and services: https://uwf.edu/library/
If I have library books due during this time period, am I required to return them?
All library fines and late fees are currently suspended until UWF Libraries resumes regular operations. You are not expected to return any materials or technology that you currently have.
I can't afford to buy my textbooks and the library doesn’t offer a PDF version online. What do I do?
We advise students to reach out to your instructor to make a faculty request for textbook digitization.
The UWF Libraries purchases physical copies of all required textbooks for all undergraduate courses offered in a semester. To support faculty and students during the mandatory shift to online instruction, library employees will digitize instruction relevant portions of our physical holdings and will make these items available to users via their Canvas courses. Please visit https://uwf.edu/library/forms/On-Demand-Digital-Textbook-Reserves-Placement/ to submit your request.
If we have items in our semester carrels how can we get them out?
Students who need access to essential materials in their semester carrels should contact Michelle Finley at mfinley1@uwf.edu to coordinate the retrieval of their essential items. Please note that you must make an appointment.
What do I do if I want to order my textbooks but I am not on campus to pick them up?
To facilitate better access to course materials and general merchandise, the UWF Bookstore will provide free shipping of online orders to the U.S. and Canada.
How do we return rental books from the Bookstore?
Free shipping labels will be sent to students with their rental return reminder emails.
How will the textbook buy-back process be handled?
Buybacks will be handled in store and online. Students can bring their books in during the Bookstore’s adjusted hours or can use the link "Sell Your Books" on the bookstore website to sell their books.
How do we access our online textbooks?
You can access course textbooks virtually through our online library resource. These resources are available at uwf.edu/library.
How can I purchase or exchange graduation tassels?
2020 Graduates may purchase Tassels available in the UWF Bookstore for $13.00. Undergraduate students can also exchange tassels if they have that need.
Now that the August 1 commencement has been canceled, what options do I have to return my graduation regalia?
Graduation regalia and accessories purchased in-store after June 4th, 2020 are not eligible for returns.
What services are being offered by Student Health Services?
Student Health Services is offering telehealth services to current students. Telehealth appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Appointments can be made online or by calling 850.474.2172.
Telehealth services will be offered though Spruce Healthcare and can be accessed through your desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Complete instructions will be provided when appointment is made.
Unfortunately, there are some issues that cannot be handled by telehealth. This will be at the discretion of the provider. In those situations, for your health and safety, you may be directed to contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent-care center or emergency room for a face-to-face evaluation.
*Due to legal restrictions, students participating in Telehealth must be physically located within the state of Florida.
Is Counseling and Psychological Services Open?
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) remains committed to supporting student well-being and resilience. CAPS acknowledges the impact on UWF students related to COVID-19 and recognizes it is typical to experience anxiety, worry or fear. In light of the campus transition to remote delivery, as well as recommendations from the CDC and the Florida Board of Governors to limit personal contact to reduce the risk of infection, all CAPS appointments will take place over the phone. There will be no in-person appointments during this time period.
All CAPS groups, including Meditation Meetup, are suspended during this time. Group participants with questions may reach out to their group facilitator by phone.
For all students:
All students still have access to counselor consultation and crisis consultation via telephone. We are unable to provide traditional therapy over the telephone.
All students have access to a counselor 24/7 by contacting CAPS at 850.474.2420 and following the prompts.
All students are encouraged to utilize Therapy Assistance Online to strengthen skills to cope with anxiety, depression, stress management and more. TAO is an interactive web-based self-help program that is available 24/7. Access TAO anonymously at uwf.edu/TAO
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For faculty and staff:
We appreciate your ability to be supportive of students' well-being.
Should you need to consult with a counselor about supporting a student(s), please call and request a call back at 850.474.2420.
Therapy Assistance Online: Therapy Assistance Online is a web-based program that offers engaging, interactive modules to teach life skills and help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. TAO is confidential, free and available to all UWF faculty and staff.
Aetna Resources for Living: UWF has contracted with Aetna Resources for Living to provide an Employee Assistance Program for employees and their family members. The Employee Assistance Program helps employees resolve personal and work problems through professional assistance. Employees may contact Aetna directly by calling their toll-free number 800.272.7252. All services and calls are strictly confidential between the employee and Aetna. Their website provides services that are available for employees, as well as informative articles and information. The user name and password for University employees and family members is UWF (must be in all capital letters). Brochures are also available through the Human Resources department.
Employee Assistance Program: COVID-19 response is bringing a lot of changes to our lives, including stress and anxiety. The Employee Assistance Program has put together national resources, including articles, videos and infographics, to help you cope during this challenging time.
Managing Stress During Distance Learning – How Faculty Can Support Their Students: Faculty play an important role in the lives of college students, especially during times of uncertainty. As colleges and universities navigate the constantly evolving changes in response to COVID-19, we recognize that there is much stress and anxiety that instructors need to manage whether they were already teaching online or were recently required to shift to online modes of content delivery for students. This webinar explores how faculty can provide support for their students during distance learning while keeping in mind the needs of particularly vulnerable student populations.
The Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs and its services, events and programs will be modified while campus facilities are temporarily closed. A list of all services and links to provide more information on how to access services remotely is available here: https://uwf.edu/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/
Who can I contact if I am experiencing a personal hardship that could interfere with my education?
Case Management Services provides support to students needing to overcome financial obstacles in order to continue their education at UWF. Students experiencing financial hardship can seek assistance through the emergency grant, emergency loan or the student emergency support fund. Assistance is available as funding permits. Please contact Case Management Services at casemanagement@uwf.edu for further information.
Visitors
UWF’s goal is to reduce the number of people on campus—including visitors—in order to slow the potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus and protect vulnerable populations from exposure. All members of the UWF community are asked to help in this effort.
To learn more about visitor guidelines and protocols, visit the Visiting UWF webpage.
Faculty and Staff Experts
COVID-19 Experts at UWF for Media Outlets
Infectious Diseases
Dr. Wes Farr, Lecturer, Department of Public Health, physician with specialties in Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Aerospace Medicine, who continues part-time work in Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Ashok Srinivasan, William Nystul Eminent Scholar Chair and Professor, Department of Computer Science, who heads the Viral Infection Propagation Through Air-Travel project which researches how infectious diseases are transferred through air travel.
Hospitality Industry
Dr. Ali Green, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Global Hospitality & Tourism Management, who is researching the coronavirus effects on local and global tourism.
Small Business Industry
Kelly Massey, Regional Director, Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF, whose areas of consulting include business and strategic plan assistance, financial and capital access assistance and market/sales growth assistance.
Dorian Zwierewicz, Associate Director, Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF, whose areas of consulting include business and strategic planning, cash flow management and start-up.
Coping and Support
Dr. Michele Manasseh, Executive Director, Counseling and Wellness, spent 20 years in the Public Health industry providing mental health services and is an expert on coping mechanisms.
Dr. Athena DuPre, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Communication, author of “Communicating About Health: Current Issues and Perspectives” with expertise on the importance of people staying healthy by communicating while isolated.
International Affairs
Rachel Hendrix, Executive Director, International Affairs, oversees UWF student abroad programs, regional leader for the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers: Association of International Educations and board member for the Florida Association of International Educators.
Dr. Jacob Shively, Associate Professor, Department of Government, with expertise on how COVID-19 is impacting U.S. and foreign government operations.
Remote Instruction
Dr. William Crawley, Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies, longtime advocate for online teaching and is in discussions with local school districts about ways to transition during this dynamic situation.
Dr. Amy Crawley, Assistant Professor, Department of Movement Sciences and Health, instructs 40-plus students in an aging class that she moved to virtual coaching in response to COVID-19. Students partner with a senior citizen and they have developed a revised workout plan for the senior citizens to use at home.
Dr. Susan James, Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education and Educational Leadership, research expert on improving students’ reading and writing skills who taught in the classroom for 17 years and served as a high school guidance counselor in Florida.
Dr. Holley Handley, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Instructional Design and Technology, who teaches her courses online at UWF and as a former high school teacher and administrator in Florida is an expert on the challenges K-12 schools face in transitioning to remote instruction.
Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, Director, Center for Cybersecurity and Professor, Department of Computer Science, expert on how to stay cyber secure while working or learning remotely.
