State universities in Florida are in for a major change at least for now.
The State University System of Florida is recommending that on-campus classes not go on for the time being as the state tries to stop the coronavirus from spreading.
Universities with students who have already returned from spring break are switching to remote instruction on Monday. They are also encouraging students to return home for at least two weeks.
Schools, including Florida Atlantic University where students are currently on spring break, will not have students return to campus for at least two weeks once spring break ends.
"Because you have the ability to do distance learning. They will be able to do that and not miss, not miss a huge beat," Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
FAU will go to 100 percent online classes starting next Monday, including the campuses in Boca Raton, Fort Pierce and Jupiter.
"They're prioritizing our health. which is by far the most important thing we should be worried about right now," FAU student Maria Campos said.
Student Darwin Romules says it may not work for everyone especially courses that require lab work.
"Kind of courses where students need to physically be there yeah it's going to impact the instruction in that case," Romules said.
When it comes to counseling, health services or other essentials like dining, the state university's system will continue to provide help. Schools will also work on housing for students who must remain on campus.
Universities with students who have returned from spring break include Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida Polytechnic University and the University of Florida.
Besides FAU, schools on spring break or are going on spring break later this week are Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida State University, New College of Florida, the University of North Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of West Florida.
The 28-school state college system, which includes Palm Beach State, has not made a decision on classes. A spokeswoman with Palm Beach State told WPTV the schools' chancellors had a phone meeting Wednesday to discuss the situation.
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