The four-phase COVID Transitional Operations Plan was developed based on guidance from public health officials, including the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Florida Department of Health and Gov. DeSantis’ plan to reopen Florida.

Four teams were created to assess needs and complete specific action items during each phase. Their comprehensive work focuses on:

• Making adjustments to EFSC Campus facilities to ensure the safest possible environment for returning students, employees and visitors.

• Ensuring that Eastern Florida State College provides students with well-structured educational opportunities that allow students to achieve their desired educational objectives in a safe and effective manner.

• Keeping students, staff, faculty and visitors safe now that campuses have reopened.

• Providing the needed communication tools so students, staff, faculty and visitors have the information and knowledge needed to promote the safest campus environments.

Specific CDC Guidance included the following Resources for Higher Education:

• Interim Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education
• Students Participating in International Travel or Study Abroad Program
  
• FAQs for College and University Administrators
  
• Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education

Phase 1: June 1, 2020

This Preparation Phase is already under way with a focus on preparing the college environment for safe operations that include social distancing measures.

Phase 2: July 20, 2020

This Employee Return Phase would include the return to campus of general service staff members, except for those approved to continue working remotely or on leave.

Phase 3: August 3, 2020 - current

This Students Partial Return Phase includes the resumption of some on-campus student services, with many Fall Term classes being held online, limited in-person classes and safety measures in place to protect against COVID-19. See details in the Health-related FAQ.

Phase 4: Date to be determined

This Normal Operations Phase includes plans for EFSC to fully reopen with all in-person classes and services available, and the full resumption of events and activities.

Each phase of the reopening plan is dependent on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and is subject to change if necessary.

As EFSC responds to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, officials are carefully balancing course delivery options that meet students' academic needs while protecting their health and well-being.

The Fall Term 2021 Course Delivery options include even more on-campus options, with the continuation of smaller class sizes to allow for social distancing to continue. Fall online courses are the traditional Eastern Florida Online, asynchronous format. As of May 19, 2021, masks are optional and not mandatory on EFSC Campuses based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear facial coverings. Visit the Fall Term FAQ page to see more information about academic-related issues and course delivery.

The Spring Term 2022 Class Schedule is currently scheduled to post on Monday, September 27th, with online registration for spring courses beginning on October 25th. Courses taking place on campus will be designated as "Face to Face" or "Hybrid," and class size limits will remain in place for Spring to allow for social distancing protocols to continue. The online course option for Spring  will be the traditional "Online Course" designation on the Class Schedule, delivered through Eastern Florida Online, using an asynchronous format (no live lectures and no specific meeting times). View details on Spring Course Delivery methods.

Key areas of the College are open for public access, including financial aid, admissions, advising and the cashier's office, with many services available on a walk-in basis and some (such as placement testing) by appointment only.

While you'll still find measures in place that promote social distancing, as of May 19, 2021, masks are optional and not mandatory on EFSC Campuses based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear facial coverings. However, masks are strongly encouraged as a way to control the spread of the disease.

We will also continue to provide remote services as we know there are people who have underlying health conditions that require them to avoid going out in public. Review our Student Services guide for more on those options and also how to make an appointment for on-campus services.

Flexbility will be key as we stand ready to adjust as needed based on the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from public health agencies.

Parking permits ARE required and are on sale. See details for how to purchase a current permit.

You can receive a parking ticket if you do not have a current decal on your vehicle or motorcycle.

Yes. EFSC Security Offices are issuing identification cards for EFSC students and employees. There is also information on the Security Office doors about how to contact them if you arrive and the door is locked. Visit the ID card web page for information on what you must bring with you.

Visit the main security page for locations and phone numbers.

As of May 19, 2021, masks are optional and not mandatory on EFSC Campuses and in all EFSC facilities based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear facial coverings. While masks and vaccinations are not required, they are strongly encouraged.

In public areas, expect to see the addition of floor markings that promote safe, social distancing and the addition of physical barriers, such as sneeze guards.

During each phase, College staff is reviewing such needs and ensuring the required safety protocols and safety signage are in place.

If a course is approved to meet on Campus, classroom spaces will be adjusted to allow for the CDC recommended distancing between students, including the removal of some seating to limit numbers.

Under EFSC safety protocols, in some cases if physical contact is anticipated, disposable gloves will be provided.

See additional information on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Health and Safety FAQ accordion.

If the Centers for Disease Control declares the public threat to be diminishing, the implementation date for Phase 4 may be accelerated. The College is also prepared to adjust quickly if the CDC announces a more aggressive spread of the virus is detected.

As of May 19, 2021, masks are optional and not mandatory on EFSC Campuses and in all EFSC facilities based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear facial coverings.

The Campus Assessment Centers have reopened for on-campus services, by appointment only, including the PERT College Credit Placement Test.

Remote testing options also remain in place for some tests.

View the latest dual enrollment placement testing information for public/private school students and the process for home education students.

EFSC’s Athletic Director and other college staff have developed a Student Athlete Safety Plan for athletic programs and events, which have resumed. Athletic events are conducted in keeping with scheduling decisions made by the NJCAA, the national governing body for junior college sports, and with social distancing measures in place.

Events have resumed at the King Center for the Performing Arts on the Melbourne Campus with social distancing measures in place. Outdoor events have been held at the Cocoa Campus Amphitheater and limited events, with very small audiences may ve held at the Simpkins Center on the Cocoa Campus, such as student music recitals.

EFSC held in-person graduation ceremonies for Spring Commencement on May 13 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Three ceremonies were held at 10:30 AM, 1 PM and 3:30 PM at the King Center for the Performing Arts on the Melbourne Campus. Eligible graduates who RSVPd to take part in commencement when they applied to graduate could each have two guests seated inside the King Center, with tickets required. Read full details about commencement.

Update: Due to space limitations, the three ceremonies recently announced to be held on May 13,2021 are for eligible Spring Term 2021 graduates only. Plans are underway to offer commencement make-up opportunities at a later date for 2020 graduates who were limited to drive-through celebrations due to the pandemic. Those options will not be announced until COVID-required precautions have lessened.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to also convert the on-campus Fall 2020 commencement ceremony to a virtual celebration online, EFSC has been unable to hold a rescheduled in-person event for Spring Term 2020 graduates. We regret the impact of the pandemic on these large events and your College family continues to celebrate your achievement. You also can still view the Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement.

Spring 2020 graduates who could not attend the drive-through event in May were invited to the Dec. 17, 2020 drive-through events held on each campus in December to pick up a diploma cover and take photos in front of a celebratory banner.

Yes. Work-study jobs are available on each campus.

The Office of Financial Aid has released details about work-study eligibility and continues to post job openings.

EFSC has resumed holding select on-campus student life events and also continues to hold remote and virtual student events. Information about both is available via the Titan Virtual Hub. Any face-to-face events will require social distancing in keeping with recommendations from the CDC and local health officials.

Student areas, such as the Student Union on the Melbourne Campus, are open with social distancing measures in place, including reduced indoor seating.

We are also assessing which items can be used in student lounge and study areas, and we’ll also develop and post a cleaning protocol so that shared items, such as television remotes and keyboards, can be sanitized before and after use.

The new Student Housing Facility opened in early August 2020 and remains open. Visit the Housing FAQ for more information related to student housing.

Limited Food services have reopened on select Campuses. Visit the food services web page for more details.

During Phases 1 and 2, College staff will work to assess which indoor fitness areas can be opened and when.

EFSC’s outdoor Tennis Center on the Melbourne Campus and Golf Driving Range on SR 524 near the Cocoa Campus, have reopened. Read more about the availability of those facilities.

Limited, small group on-campus tours have resumed to meet the needs of prospective students. Such events requiring an appointment/RSVP. Prospective students can also schedule virtual or on-campus appointments to discuss enrollment at EFSC.

Walk-in and by-appointment advising for prospective students is available. Virtual services for prospective students, such as remote advising, also continue as an option.See more about on-campus and virtual services in our  Student Services Guide.

Prospective students also can use EFSC’s Virtual Tour to familiarize themselves with each Campus.

College Libraries and Campus Bookstores are open.

In the meantime, both continue to provide online services to support the academic needs of students.

The Libraries have numerous online resources, including research guides, databases and online materials, plus the free Ask-a-Librarian service via chat and email.

The EFSC Bookstores are open for on-campus services, except for the Titusville Campus store which is closed. Titusville course materials are available on the Cocoa Campus and also through online ordering.) Please check hours before visiting. Rentals can be returned by mail, plus there are digital options for many course materials.

Essential positions are being advertised and filled as needed and can be viewed on the College’s Job Opportunities page, which includes the employment application link.

Beginning with Phase 4, which has not yet begun, the public rental of school facilities may be approved if in the best interest of the College. Some exceptions may be made to rent facilities earlier than Phase 4 if in the best interests of the students, providing CDC recommendations are adhered to by attendees.

All study abroad trips during the 2020-21 academic year which runs through Summer Term 2021, were canceled due to the uncertainty about international travel. Visit the Study Abroad section for updates about rescheduled trips as they are available.

Current or prospective students, please click here for a form to submit your question for follow up from the appropriate person.

If you are an EFSC employee, please see the Faculty/Staff FAQ and reach out to your supervisor or the HR Dept. as needed.

As of May 19, 2021, masks and other facial coverings are optional and not mandatory on EFSC Campuses and in all EFSC facilities based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear facial coverings.

While masks and vaccinations are not required, they are strongly encouraged.

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.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated at two weeks after the second shot in a two-dose regimen or two weeks after a one-shot regimen COVID vaccine. Those not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are recommended to continue wearing masks, according to CDC guidance.

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.

View the new CDC guidelines.

Students who need to request an accomodation related to a COVID-19 issue should start that process by contacting the Student Access for Improved Learning (SAIL) team. Employees should contact their supervisor.

Gloves are no longer required when handling paperwork, however, hand hygiene recommendations, in keeping with CDC guidance on hand santizers, remain a recommeded method for preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially if unvaccinated.

If special circumstances in a classroom or work environment mean gloves remain recommended or required, then they will be provided, such as gloves that have always been provided for healthcare-related environments.

Expect to see increased hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campus, including the entry and exit points of buildings and common areas such as restrooms, large conference rooms and auditoriums. The college also plans to provide hand sanitizer at workstations where employees need to frequently sanitize their hands.

Employees are permitted to supply their own hand sanitizer at their expense providing it meets the CDC guidelines for effectiveness. See the CDC Informational Bulletin on Hand Sanitizer Use.

The reopening plan includes detailed requirements for enhanced cleaning of campus restrooms and high-touch areas such as payment station, handrails and door handles throughout normal business hours. The plan also requires full, deep cleaning each evening. College facilities personnel have acquired special sanitizing equipment that enhances the ability to sanitize larger areas more quickly and effectively.

As part of a College partnership with GEE Resolutions, we provide EFSCares, a free, confidential student counseling service available to all part- and full-time enrolled students. Visit the EFSCares web page for information on how to access the assistance.

EFSC also offers student assistance with food and select essentials through the Titan2Titan program on each campus.

May 2021 Important Update for Pell Grant Recipients: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education is reaching out to Pell Grant recipients about eligibility for a monthly discount on broadband internet service under a temporary program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through the Universal Service Administrative Co. Learn more about the discounted internet program and how to apply.

Under EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure, if an on campus student advises faculty or staff that the student either has symptoms of COVID-19, has received notification that they have tested positive for COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, they will be instructed by the faculty or staff member to move to an area that is socially distanced from others, wear a mask and await a security officer to assess the situation. The faculty or staff member will then contact the security office and advise they need an officer to respond to a COVID-19 situation. The faculty or staff member should be prepared to provide information regarding the student’s name and current location.

If an employee is on campus when they learn they have symptoms of COVID-19, have received notification that they have tested positive for COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, will be instructed to socially distance from others, continue to wear a mask and contact security. The employee and security officer will agree on where to meet although it may be preferable to meet the employee at their personal vehicle while they await the C19-RO. If a personal vehicle is unavailable, the employee and campus security officer should meet in a mutually agreeable outside location.

See more details about reporting and tracking on the COVID tracking process web page for students, faculty and staff who are impacted by a positive COVID-19 test. The process is also explained in a case tracking procedure PDF.

If the student or employee is very ill and needs immediate assistance, 911 should be called. No student or employee of the college may transport an ill person to a healthcare facility. Emergency services can be contacted on an EFSC office phone by dialing 911, 9-911 or 8-911.

In all situations involving an extremely ill or injured person (even when that person does not wish to be transported by ambulance), 911 shall be called. Although an ill person has the right to refuse 911 medical transport, they cannot prevent the calling of emergency medical personnel who can assess the situation and provide guidance on how to proceed.

If an infected person has been on campus, EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure goes in effect and guides the response, including the decision on when the person can return to campus.

College staff will coordinate the response with local health officials (Brevard County Health Department), and work with them to determine next steps, which could include the cancellation of classes and the closure of buildings and facilities when necessary.

Depending on the circumstances, responses could range from alerting persons who were in contact with an infectious individual and watching for symptoms — to immediately dismissing persons for two days or more in cases where transmission of the virus was likely due to non-compliance with CDC guidelines.

It is important to remember that all persons should comply with CDC guidelines so that when college officials learn someone on campus tested positive for COVID-19, the possibility of transmission remains very low because of others following CDC guidelines. Adherence with CDC guidelines will often allow the continuation of educational services without interruption if all persons comply as requested. Upon investigation, if it is determined persons failed to comply with CDC recommendations, more aggressive actions may be necessary, including options such as temporary dismissal from the work or school environment and follow-up COVID-19 testing.

EFSC's COVID reporting and tracking process is also explained in a case tracking procedure PDF.

When appropriate, College staff or local health officials will notify those on Campus who may have had contact with an infected person following the process outlined in EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure.

In a circumstance where there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on Campus, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the specific student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, HIPPA regulations and FERPA. As a result, persons may be given a general advisory that someone in their class or workspace tested positive for the virus and that they need to monitor themselves for symptoms. In cases, where local health department contact tracing indicates the infected person had direct, unprotected contact with an individual, local health officials may require that individual be dismissed for a period of time and undergo a test for the virus.

Under EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure EFSC Security should be contacted and will prevent access to the area until it can be cleaned appropriately by facilities or custodial personnel. A customized response plan is being developed by the College's Facilities Department to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection in such circumstances, while also ensuring the safety of custodial and facilities staff.

With the exception of pre-existing medical conditions not related to COVID-19 or other infectious disease, students who have any of the symptoms below should follow the process outlined in EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure.

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches or body aches
• Change in smell or taste
• Vomiting or diarrhea

The student should advise a faculty or staff member that they are not feeling well, who will then contact Campus Security in keeping with the Case Tracking Procedure.

Under the plan, an employee also needs to self-report if they experience COVID-19 symptoms by contacting Darla Ferguson, Associate Vice President, Human Resources at 321-433-7080 or fergusond@easternflorida.edu

These individuals may return to work or the classroom in keeping with the process outlined in EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure. Students must not return to Campus until they have been cleared through an official "Authorization to Return to Campus" form.

Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID 19 in the last two weeks must satisfy the following criteria before returning to work or the classroom on campus:

• Generally must remain home for 14 days and monitor self for symptoms, and/or
• Must coordinate the return with EFSC's COVID-19 Response Officer.

The process is outlined in EFSC's COVID-19 Case Tracking Procedure.

Under the plan, College staff will monitor and plan for absenteeism and are reviewing student attendance and employee sick leave policies.

Students, faculty and staff should not attend class or work when ill and are allowed to stay home to care for ill household members. If possible, the College will make accommodations (e.g. extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments, etc.) for individuals who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control Website for the most up to date information on COVID-19 symptoms and how to protect yourself.

Visit the 211 Brevard information website for local vaccine and testing options.

The Florida Department of Health Coronavirus Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM at 1-866-779-6121.

Florida Department of Health Website

Brevard County Emergency Management Center COVID-19 Information

Also review these CDC Videos.

• CDC Video: Answering 20 Questions About COVID-19
• CDC Video: How Does COVID-19 Spread?
• CDC Video: 6 Steps to Stop the Spread
• CDC Video: What Can I Do to Protect Myself?
• CDC Video: How COVID-19 Can Spread in a Community
• CDC Video: Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?
• CDC Video: What Older Adults Need to Know
• CDC Video: Social Distancing
• CDC Video: Managing Anxiety and Stress
• CDC Video: Series for the Hearing Impaired (ASL)
• CDC Video: What You Need to Know About Hand-Washing

Visit the One Florida website for information about federally funded rental and utilities assistance options.

May 2021 Important Update for Pell Grant Recipients: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education is reaching out to Pell Grant recipients about eligibility for a monthly discount on broadband internet service under a temporary program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through the Universal Service Administrative Co. Learn more about the discounted internet program and how to apply.

CareerSource Brevard also has information about employment assitance and job opportunities related to COVID-19.

Please also be aware that United Way Brevard and 211 Brevard have partnered as a resource to all persons suffering financial hardships and may be able to direct you to additional financial assistance. Please call 211 in Brevard County for assistance.