By Elizabeth Scalzo
News Editor
President Christopher Capuano today announced via email that FDU will continue online-classes-only through the end of the spring semester. The email blast, dated March 20, has many announcements for students, which include suspending all face-to-face classes and on-campus activities until the end of the semester. The email asked any students that remain on campus should leave — if at all possible.
Students will have a pass/fail option for grading. Provost Gillian Small sent additional information to students regarding this option:
Students have until April 10 to switch some or all of their spring courses to a Pass/Fail grading system or remain with the traditional A-F grading system. Students must inform the respective instructor in writing by this deadline for each course they decide to elect the Pass/Fail option, otherwise they will continue to be graded by the A-F system.
Whatever the choice, all classes will still count for their respective requirements. We need to emphasize that a ‘P’ grade does not affect a student’s GPA, but any grade of ‘F’ will be calculated into a GPA, except for grades excluded by the Undergraduate Repeat Policy
Students who still have items in the residence halls are assured that their rooms will stay locked and secured and that students will receive an email about moving out once the time of social distancing is over. Another big announcement in the email is that there will be room-and-board refunds. Those details will be coming soon, President Capuano wrote.
For those graduating this semester, the commencement ceremony, scheduled for May 18 at MetLife Stadium, has been canceled. However, the university is looking at options for a virtual ceremony to help celebrate graduates while keeping students and their families safe.
The email also said that all university study-abroad trips through the end of July are canceled.
Make sure to stay tuned for future updates regarding how FDU is handling COVID-19.
