'We understand': FSU announces new options after student criticism on Monday start
In the face of student criticism about classes resuming Monday, four days after the mass shooting, Florida State University President Richard McCullough announced new options for students for the end of the semester Saturday night.
"For some students that may mean not going back into the classroom," he wrote in his second note to students, teachers and staff in 12 hours. "For others, the idea of community and gathering, as well as the opportunity to focus on academics, may be beneficial."
Noting that there is "no single right answer for everyone," McCullough said the university wants "everyone to receive the support and help they need."
"We understand this is a difficult time for everyone," he wrote. "We have been working through a number of complex and challenging issues over the past few days. We appreciate your patience."
Under the updated plan, classes will still resume Monday with a remote option for many courses, though it may not be possible for some classes like labs. More information will be provided by instructors Monday evening.
The university has also waived all mandatory attendance policies.
"Students: If you decide not to attend classes this week, we understand," he wrote. "If you decide not to attend classes, please contact your instructor about how to complete any required coursework."
Students can also request an incomplete grade if they can't complete a course at this time.
He also spoke directly to faculty and instructors, telling them more information will be coming via a separate email later from the provost.
"Please review your course materials and provide your students the options appropriate for your class as soon as possible, ideally before the next class meeting, but no later than Monday evening," he wrote. "If your class is going to be delivered remotely, be sure to post that information through email and your Canvas course site."
He also asked teachers to update their gradebooks with students' current grades as soon as possible.
The email advises students to reach out to their instructors next week if they have questions. If their circumstances can't be accommodated, students can reach out to the Department of Student Support and Transitions at DSST@fsu.edu or call 850-644-2428
"We will do everything possible to accommodate your needs. Thank you again for your patience as we work through this difficult and challenging time together."
Within minutes of posting, the university's update on Instagram garnered a dozen comments like "thank you for listening."
Florida State University students slammed the administration after President Richard McCullough announced earlier April 19 that the Tallahassee campus would reopen the following Monday – just four days after a gunman killed two people and injured six at the student union.
"Thanks for giving us a week off for snow (in January) and one day off for a mass shooting. You guys really care," one person commented on the school's Instagram post.
Another said, "ARE YOU SERIOUS??? I RAN FOR MY LIFE AND NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK A FEW DAYS LATER????"
In his letter to the campus community, McCullough said he understood "it won't feel like a normal week."
"It's the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened," he said.
"Please take care of yourself. If you need time or support, reach out. Students should contact their instructors for help with classwork or accommodation. Faculty and staff should connect with their dean or supervisor. No one should go through this alone."
That didn't soothe Camilya Sanders, a graduate social work student and staff member at the FSU Testing Center in University Center C. She was working there when the shooting happened about a mile away.
Sanders, who is from Miami, said her friend's professor didn't push back a recorded class video assignment after the shooting.
"It's kind of hard to believe that we truly are going to be able to get more time to process what has happened, to grieve and to kind of focus on ourselves when it's just 'go back to class' and normal operations," Sanders told the Tallahassee Democrat in a phone interview.
She hadn't yet reached out to her professors, but said "I'm doing terrible right now and I know a lot of other people around me are just the same. They're devastated, they're shocked, they're heartbroken."
She said she did reach out to the School of Social Work but hasn't yet heard back.
"It's like, 'Oh, I'm sorry that you went through this and here are some resources, but you still have to go to class and work on Monday and finish out the rest of the semester.' I think that's inappropriate," Sanders said.
When reached for comment, FSU spokesperson Amy Patronis emphasized that McCullough said teachers and administrators would be flexible with students or employees who "need accommodations or are not ready to return."
But Alessandra Borges, an undergraduate student studying political science, law and philosophy, wrote an Instagram direct message to the Democrat that she "never" wants to hear McCullough "speak about the 'FSU family' again."
"As a student in HCB, the building right across from the Student Union, and I have barely slept without remembering the sound of gunshots, the sounds of students screaming, and the sight of blood on the walkways," she wrote.
All of her classes are in HCB and Bellamy near the union, "but they expect us to go back to those same classrooms" where she heard the first gunshot, and "where I called my family and boyfriend sobbing to say 'I love you,' not knowing if it would be the last time."
In a video posted moments after this story published, McCullough said "like many of you I am still grieving." He made it clear that professors and supervisors have been instructed to be "flexible and accommodating."
"Many of you are still processing what happened. We understand that. And we understand that some of you may not be able to return on Monday. It's okay. It's okay. We will be flexible and find a way to accomodate you. I promise."
Students who need mental health support should reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255).
In addition, the Victim Advocate Program provides free, confidential, and compassionate assistance to FSU students. Call 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320 or email Victims-Advocate@fsu.edu.
Employees who need assistance should contact EAP at (850) 644-2288 for free, professional counseling services.
William Hatfield contributed to this story. Jim Rosica, the Tallahassee Democrat's news director, can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State announces new class options after criticism, shooting
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