March 3, 2021
Dear Longhorns,
You have worked hard since the semester began on January 19, devoting hours to classes, labs and studies. You’ve even had to deal with a winter storm of epic proportions, and let us not forget about a global pandemic. Now it’s time for a break! And I encourage each of you to put the “BREAK” back into spring break. A break from instruction, assignments, deadlines and exams. A mental health break. Give yourself a breather, step away and clear your mind. It is time to reward yourselves for your collective efforts!
We encourage you to make good decisions during spring break, just as you did during winter break, and follow the university’s public health guidance: wear a mask (double up!), avoid gatherings (especially indoors) and try to limit your contacts.
If you are planning on staying in Austin, get out and enjoy the beauty of this city in a safe fashion during your “staycation.” And make plans to join us for “Destination Spring Break,” a week of fun, safe events on campus March 14–19. We will have five areas of campus converted to resemble popular spring break destinations, with great activities and a signature meal. You can enter prize drawings at the events, and students who attend a certain number of events throughout the week will be entered into a larger prize drawing! We will have larger-scale events on the weekends at the beginning and end of the break. Follow us @LivingtheLonghornLife on Instagram where we will share details soon!
If you are planning travel, we encourage you to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel guidance for domestic and international travel. Recent research has also revealed how airflow inside a car may affect COVID-19 transmission risk. If you are traveling with others in a car, consider asking passengers to wear a mask and ride with the windows down to promote airflow.
Recommended testing information (before leaving and after return):
- Get tested 1-3 days before your trip. If using the UT Proactive Community Testing program, allow for 24-48 hours prior to travel to receive your results.
- Do not travel if you test positive. Immediately isolate yourself, and follow public health recommendations.
- Get tested again 3-5 days after you return. Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, please stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
You and the rest of our campus community deserve a great deal of credit for successfully managing the spread of COVID-19 so far this academic year. We can continue to do so after spring break with your mindfulness to follow the university’s health guidance.
So please go relax, refresh and recharge – while staying vigilant. And as always, the university will continue to monitor the situation in Austin and in Texas. We will keep you informed if we need to alter our event plans due to changing conditions.
Stay safe, stay healthy and Hook ’em!
Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students