July 31, 2020
Dear Longhorns,
Whether you join us to learn web-based or in-person, we are planning, planning and planning to welcome you back. We miss the energy you bring. The student experience will look and feel different for sure; with that in mind, we need your help. I am counting on you to help prove us right! Help us prove that young Longhorns are caring and responsible and accept the role of making the Fall semester a healthy success! Help us prove that Longhorns realize all the ways their decisions and behavior impact the health of their friends, family, faculty and staff. Please self-isolate before you arrive--the first step as we “Protect Texas Together.”
If you are coming to campus to attend class, study, exercise, safely meet friends, dine or work, whatever the reason, you must do the following:
- Wear a recommended protective face mask indoors.
- Wash your hands well and often. Carry hand sanitizer and surface wipes.
- Keep six feet (two meters) of distance between yourself and others whenever possible.
- Participate in daily symptom screening using the Protect Texas Together app.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and open doors without your hands if possible.
- When possible, meet online or outdoors and in larger common areas, not private offices or small enclosed spaces.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling sick, stay home and call the University Health Services’ Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877, available 24/7, 365 days a year. You should also contact Student Emergency Services to complete the absence notifications for class.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, follow the City of Austin’s Stay Home Save Lives Order and the Governor’s Orders. While the orders and guidelines continue to evolve, parties (whether on or off campus) put peoples’ health and safety at risk and raise anxiety levels. No parties on or off campus are allowed.
The Office of the Dean of Students has identified health and safety behaviors for students that will be enforced by the Institutional Rules. Please review these rules and FAQ for more information. Remember that it is mandatory to wear a recommended protective face mask at all times when inside university buildings, except when you are alone in a private office, seated and eating in a campus dining facility, or in your own residence hall room. Recommended protective face masks are encouraged outdoors.
We know you know this, but do not put others at risk of contracting the virus by coughing on, spitting on, sneezing on, and/or purposely invading the personal space of others. Sanctions (including suspension) will be assessed based on the severity of the incident.
You can click here to report a COVID-19 violation. The university will take all reported violations seriously; however, you may not be notified of the outcome of a reported student's behavior due to federal privacy laws known as FERPA.
Please read the University President’s message on Wednesday; we are requesting that you self-quarantine for 14 days prior to arrival in Austin. You can learn more about how to self-quarantine here.
For information and updates on our Fall 2020 reopening, check the university’s Protect Texas Together website, which provides specific guidance for students, and answers many frequently asked questions. Please also email us your questions.
While navigating the pandemic has been the most challenging time in my professional career, I am optimistic and looking forward to a great semester built on mutual trust and respect.
I know we can do this--prove me right! I am counting on YOU!
Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students