March 8, 2020
Dear Longhorns,
As we begin the final week of class before spring break, I know many of you are concerned about the news surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the city’s recent decision to cancel South by Southwest. There are still no confirmed cases in Austin, and the university is working to protect the health and safety of our students and making preparations as the situation evolves.
I want to continue to stress the importance of prevention measures, including washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, keeping your hands away from your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and using verbal forms of greeting in lieu of handshaking. And if you are feeling ill, it is important to stay home from class, events, and your work. Division of Student Affairs offices are coordinating with your professors to ensure you are supported if you need to stay home. We are also developing steps to help you continue to participate in class and to limit possible disruptions to your academic work. And we will consider academic accommodations for students who think they are exhibiting the symptoms of COVID-19.
To request academic accommodations, submit this request to Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students. You do not need any documentation or doctor’s notes for requests related to COVID-19. The university has also notified professors to provide academic accommodations to students requesting them.
As spring break approaches, we encourage you to consider how travel plans could be affected by the spread of the virus and urge you not to travel to countries that have been designated as CDC Level 2 and 3. Please take precautions and monitor the UT Restricted Regions list if you are going to travel internationally.
The university is in frequent communication with and following recommendations of public health officials. Your health and safety are our highest priorities and will continue to be at the forefront of our decisions moving forward.
I look forward to seeing you on campus tomorrow.
Take care,
Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students