By Jhoana T. Merino-Martinez
News Editor
President Christopher Capuano announced via email today, July 31, that the start of residence hall move-in dates is delayed till Sept. 4.
In a previous president’s update, students were told the start of the fall semester, Aug. 17, would begin with the first three weeks of virtual instruction to allow residents to move in.
With the delay, however, the period of remote instruction will also be extended another week. In-person classes are now set to begin Monday, Sept. 14.
This gives resident students 10 days to move in before classes begin.
The finalized plan for the fall semester stated that FDU’s reopening depends on when New Jersey enters Stage 3 of Gov. Phil Murphy’s “Road Back” plan. Many features of campus life are only possible within these parameters, such as indoor dining, critical in-person officework and entertainment activities with limited capacity.
New Jersey is currently in Stage 2, which only allows phased-in work in retail, some personal care and outdoor dining — all with reduced capacity.
Capuano stated that since the state has not reached Stage 3, FDU plans are also in a holding pattern for a few more weeks.
“The delay in reopening the residence halls will provide additional flexibility to address any new directives coming from the State in the weeks ahead,” Capuano said in the email.
He also stated that the additional time before in-person classes begin will be used for staff to prepare coronavirus testing and other arrangements.
“We will be adjusting our residence hall and meal plans for the fall semester in light of these changes, either through a reduction in fees or other appropriate measures,” Capuano said. “These plans are being finalized now and we will notify students shortly.”
Despite the newly announced changes, the end date of the fall semester will remain Nov. 24. Students are also expected to either be tested or be quarantined on or off campus for 14 days before returning, according to the fall plan’s screening and testing procedures.
“We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and keep you updated as we make final decisions concerning the fall semester,” Capuano said.
“You can expect to hear from me again on or before the start of the fall semester on August 17.”
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