Aug. 27, 2020
Dear Longhorns,
Welcome back to our new rhythm! I hope you had a wonderful first day of class whether you are learning remotely or here on campus. For our new incoming students, I hope you are enjoying Longhorn Welcome and taking advantage of all the rich opportunities to get to know campus.
Earlier this week, you received an email explaining that the university requires all students, faculty and staff to complete an online, interactive training program called Staying Healthy in a Changing Environment. This important training provides and reinforces valuable information for navigating the presence of COVID-19 during the fall semester; please complete this course by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Let’s all do our part to Protect Texas Together.
With this pandemic, we want to ensure the safety of our community as student organizations plan for programs and events on campus. Please make sure to get familiar with and follow the university’s event guidance and checklist. A campus event is defined as an in-person gathering that takes place on the UT Austin campus, which is not part of an academic course published in the university course schedule. Campus events include indoor and outdoor gatherings, conferences, meetings and other programs. Campus events are currently limited to 10 participants, with a few exceptions. If you have questions, please contact Student Activities in the Office of the Dean of Students.
As you gear up to study on campus, make sure to check a new campus map of student resources that provides some of the essential fall semester location information, including indoor study spaces, student resources, COVID-19 testing sites, mask and hand sanitizer purchase locations, campus flu shot locations, etc.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy. Please remember to:
- Check for COVID-19 symptoms daily using the Protect Texas Together App or other recommended means.
- Stay home if you don’t feel well. If you need to miss class, complete the absence notification request with Student Emergency Services.
- Wear a recommended protective face mask.
- Wash your hands well and often. The university has installed 3,000 hand sanitizer stations across campus for your use.
- Avoid LARGE GATHERINGS where social distancing is not possible, and follow city and state orders that prohibit these gatherings.
- Participate in the UT Proactive Community Testing Program (PCT).
If you have any COVID-19-related questions or want to report COVID-19 concerns regarding students, faculty or staff, please call the recently-expanded Behavior Concerns and COVID-19 Advice Line (BCCAL) at 512-232-5050, or submit your COVID-19 questions or concerns online.
Finally, to all of our students impacted by Hurricane Laura, know that we are here to support you. Contact Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students for support services and to fill out the absence notification request. We realize some impacted students may not have power or internet access and will be unable to provide advance notice of their absence. We will do our part to inform faculty about students registered in their classes who live in impacted areas. The university encourages faculty to accommodate affected students.
While we are in uncharted territory, we have what it takes. Here’s to a great semester!
Stay safe, stay healthy and masks up!
SONCIA REAGINS-LILLY
Your Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students