MASK REQUIREMENT ENDS
Dr . Jim Richey sent an email to everyone at the college on May 18 to inform them the mask requirement was ending and becoming optional based on CDC guidance .
Dear Students , Faculty and Staff : In light of new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), as well as recent Florida legislation and executive orders , EFSC will make masks optional and not mandatory for students , faculty , staff and guests at all our campuses and facilities , effective immediately .
The CDC guidance states : “ If you are fully vaccinated , you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic . Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing , except where required by federal , state , local , tribal , or territorial laws , rules , and regulations , including local business and workplace guidance .”
COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available in Brevard County and the CDC continues to urge those who have not been vaccinated to do so . Students , faculty and staff who still need to be vaccinated can visit the 211 Brevard information website for local vaccine options .
We understand it may take time for all persons wanting a vaccine to obtain one . As a result , we have set up our classrooms and Student Services areas to continue to accommodate social distancing .
Faculty and staff should continue to allow mask wearing for anyone who wants to wear one . In addition , faculty and staff should refrain from requiring proof of vaccination .
The mask policy change is an important step forward as we move toward resuming normal pre-COVID operations . We will provide you more information soon , including plans for employees who are not already working on campus to return to in-person assignments this summer .
While we are encouraged by the progress we are making , we will continue to closely monitor the pandemic and take any steps necessary to safeguard our college community should it become necessary .
Words cannot express my deep appreciation for how all of you have met the challenges posed by the pandemic . The dedication and care of faculty and staff has been extraordinary as has the resilience of students .
As we look forward to a new academic year , we can ’ t wait to see the amazing things you will accomplish in the future .
Sincerely ,
RETURN TO ON-CAMPUS ASSIGNMENTS
Dr . Jim Richey notified college staff on May 26 that remote work was ending and they should report back to their oncampus assignments in preparation for the Fall Term .
Dear EFSC Staff : Effective Monday , July 5 , 2021 , Eastern Florida State College will transition back to normal campus operations .
That means all employees who have been working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be expected to return to their regular on-campus work assignments and no longer work from home on that date .
As our enrollment returns to pre-COVID levels and large numbers of students return for in-person Fall Term classes , it is important we are at full strength on campus to meet their needs .
This move is another significant step on our journey to return to full operations and follows our announcement last week that masks are optional for students , faculty and staff as well as guests to our campuses and facilities .
I want to again thank you for your superb efforts in successfully meeting the many challenges we have faced the past year . Your dedication made the difference , allowing us to stay focused on students and keep their educational goals on track .
I look forward to seeing you back on campus and with it renewing the vibrant collegiate experience that makes EFSC such a special place .
Sincerely ,
Dr . Jim Richey , EFSC President
EFSC COLLEGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS | PAGE 5
Dr . Jim Richey , EFSC President