Classes and business operations at FSU to resume Monday, school president says: "Won't feel like a normal week"
Classes and business operations at Florida State University will resume on Monday, just days after a gunman opened fire on campus, the school's president said.
In a social media post shared Saturday, FSU President Richard McCullough shared that classes and business operations will resume on April 21, acknowledging that it wouldn't feel like a "normal week" for many students and staff.
"It's the last week before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened," he said in his message. "Please take care of yourself. If you need time or support, reach out."
McCullough continued, saying that students should contact their professors for help with classwork or need accommodations, while faculty and staff should connect with their deans and supervisors for any support they may need.
"No one should go through this alone," he said.
McCullough also shared various support resources and helplines for students and staff that they could reach out to for further help.
"We will get through this by leaning on each other," he said. "FSU is strong because of its people – and I believe in this community with all my heart."
In two follow-up posts on social media, FSU clarified that while the classes and business operations will resume on Monday, they will be offering flexibility to those who "may not be ready to return."
"We will be flexible," McCullough said in a video address Saturday. "If you need time, or support, please reach out to one of the many services we have available. We are here to help."
In the second follow-up post, FSU said it will be offering remote options for many of its courses, with the exception of those that "might not make sense," such as lab classes.
"Information about any additional options for your specific class seciton will be provided by your instructor by Monday evening," the school said.
For students who decide not to return to class, FSU said it will waive all mandatory attendance policies that affect grades and a letters of support from the university's case management department are not required. The school continued, saying that students who decide not to attend should contact their professors about how to complete any required classwork and for those who feel they cannot complete a course at this time will have the option to request an "incomplete grade," FSU said.
For faculty and staffer, FSU said a separate email from the provost with additional guidance will be sent to them. Instructors are asked to review their coursework and provide their students the appropriate options for their classes as soon as possible and no later than Monday evening. If the class will be done remotely, instructors are asked to email their students and add that information to FSU's Canvas course site. Instructors are also asked to update their gradebooks to ensure students can see their current grades.
"Thank you again for your patience as we work through this difficult and challenging time together," signed McCullough in the latest release.
Thursday's tragedy
On Thursday, two people were killed and six other people were injured when an armed student stormed FSU's campus in Tallahassee.
The gunman, believed to be 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was shot by police on campus, taken into custody, and transported to the hospital as well, police said.
Authorities have not released the names of any victims. However, family members have identified the victims as Robert Morales, a university dining worker, and Tiru Chabba, a campus vendor.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed Friday that two patients were expected to be discharged, three others have improved and were in good condition, and one remained in fair condition, according to a Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare spokesperson. One of them was eventually discharged on Saturday, the hospital said.
FSU canceled classes and operations through the weekend
Shortly after the shooting, FSU shared on social media that all classes and university events, including athletic events, scheduled for Thursday had been canceled.
Later Thursday, McCullough shared at a press conference with law enforcement and other officials that all classes would be canceled Friday and all university and campus events would be canceled through Sunday.
He added that the safety and well-being of FSU students and staff are his top priority, and that the school will offer on-site counseling to everyone affected and employee assistance programs for staff working at the time.
"This is a deeply emotional time, but we're all here to support each other," McCullough said. "... we'll get through this together."
McCullough also said that the school is fully cooperating with the investigation.
