Northwest Florida State College Announces Plan to Re-Open Campuses and Centers
July 6, 2020
NICEVILLE – Northwest Florida State College administration has been working diligently to prepare for campus re-opening and is striving toward a safer, healthier campus environment so that we can continue offering high-quality education and fulfill our mission of improving lives on the Emerald Coast. The safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. Working closely with our local Department of Health, the Florida Department of Education and other state government agencies, the College has developed an institutional plan to increase students’ access to instruction and services in order to provide them with every opportunity to succeed. NWF State College is re-open with limited access to students and pre-approved public events.
Temperature checks will be conducted prior to entering all campus/center locations. Those with a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be asked to return home and not revisit campus until being fever-free for 24 hours with no medication. Masks must be worn while moving around campus and in spaces where social distancing is challenging, i.e. one-on-one office meetings. NWFSC personnel will have masks available if you do not have one.
At the Niceville campus, the Main entrance will be the only point of access. Raider Central is providing enhanced safety protocols for in-person admissions, registration and advising services at all campus and center locations. Our Navigators are spaced six feet apart and have a clear plexiglass shield in front of their open workstations. For the time being, access to our self-service computer terminals is restricted and use of personal computers is encouraged. There are designated entrances, exits and seating areas to ensure social distancing guidelines are respected. All student services are still being offered in a fully virtual format, and to further safeguard the health and wellbeing of our staff and students, we have established additional guidelines:
- Appointments must be scheduled by phone or live chat.
- All students/guests will be encouraged to schedule virtual appointments.
- All in-person advising will be by appointment only and handled on a case-by-case basis.
- In-person drop-in services are suspended until further notice.
- At the Fort Walton Beach Campus and all distance Centers, students/guests will be required to wait in their cars for appointments. Waiting rooms will be closed.
- Masks will be required during the entirety of the meeting by the student and the Navigator.
- In-person appointments will be limited to one person at a time (other family members must wait in their car).
- Students/guests will be encouraged to bring their own computers, if needed.
The fall schedule will include an expansion of online and hybrid offerings that support social distancing. Our goal is to promote a healthy learning environment. Academic support services will continue to be offered virtually.
Now is the time to double down on healthy habits and set the example. By diligently wearing your mask and washing your hands, you can truly have a significant impact on our greater community. Northwest Florida State College is committed to helping our students reach their educational and career goals, and we are striving to do so in the safest way possible.
College administration will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and provide regular updates via our website at www.nwfsc.edu/coronavirus and social media channels.