<div><iframe title="FHSU plans for fall Semester" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jbprz-decb54?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAfter the sudden departure of students from Fort Hays State University during the onset of COVID-19 precautions in the spring semester, the university is preparing plans for students to return in the fall.But while they are optimistic students may return to campus, plans are being made that will ensure university operations and classes continue in one form or another."The business of the university is to delivery globally engaged citizens and that comes through relationships and academic challenge,"&nbsp;said Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications officer."So we are focused on being back in full force in the fall, in whatever shape or form we can to continue that mission."Cason said the school is looking at multiple options, contingencies and planning based on what happens with COVID-19 and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Ellis County Health Department."About two weeks ago, President Mason produced a plan that is called 'The phased plan for FHSU employee return and university reopening,' " Cason said. "It's a complicated title, but it really speaks to the complexity of the plan."Phase one of the plan began June 1 with select staff members returning to campus that work in positions that could not be completed remotely, like university police and maintenance staff, he said."People like that are all pretty much back at work if they can only do their job on-campus," Cason said.The second phase is anticipated to begin on July 1."It really will be driven by the successful implementation of phase one," Cason said. "If things go well in phase one, we can move into phase two."That phase will bring more people on campus and aligns with Gov. Laura Kelly's Ad Astra reopening plan and the transition scheduled for June 22. "We will make decisions on the transition between phase one to two on June 24," Cason said.The third phase is then set to begin on Aug. 1."Phase three is what we are all looking forward to," Cason said.In that phase, the university will look at all current information and decide if students will return to campus, but other options like hybrid delivery are being considered if needed for the safety of the campus community."It's a complex set of plans that are going on right now, but it's all geared toward that Aug. 1 reopening of campus," Cason said.A part of the plan includes safety precautions for students that will implement measures including educating students and staff in distancing practices, handwashing and mask use."This plan has to ensure the health and safety of all of our faculty, staff, students and visitors," he said. "We don't want to mess up on that — that's the most important guiding principle in our plan."

🎤FHSU plans for student return in fall; safety a priority