Update on Reopening in the Division of Student Affairs

Aug. 6, 2020

Dear Student Affairs Team:

The summer is almost over, and in just three weeks we will welcome students back to campus like never before. I am anxious and also excited about this flurry of activity as students Mooov-In to the residence halls, and we transform the residential experience.

Many of you have been working diligently to help us welcome students, faculty and our colleagues back to campus as safely as we can to “Protect Texas Together.” I am grateful that you are making the fall semester a reality. I also recognize your feelings of stress and anxiety about our collective health and that of your family when and if you return to campus.

The university has been inspecting all facilities to ensure safe conditions and to ensure systems are functioning properly for limited occupancy. The university is also testing the safety of the water quality and air circulation levels. Our teams are rearranging their interior spaces for social distancing. Signage is being created for each building to help navigate hallways and stairwells, and to manage occupancy in elevators. All of our efforts are based on health and safety guidance.

While some of you have been working on campus already, others are preparing for the transition back to the office. It’s critical that we all practice protective behaviors, not only to keep yourself safe, but to keep others safe as well. If you are coming to work on campus, we ask that you please do the following:

  • Wear a recommended protective face mask indoors, a requirement of the university. Some departments will be providing personal protective gear related to specific job requirements. Please check with your supervisor.
  • Wash your hands well and often. Carry your own hand sanitizer and surface wipes.
  • Avoid touching your face and your recommended protective face mask.
  • Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others whenever possible.
  • Participate in daily symptom screening using the Protect Texas Together app.
  • Keep your hands clean: 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.
  • Stay home if you are sick.

Wearing a recommended protective face mask is a positive, health-related requirement. I know you are very committed to taking care of each other; one of the best ways to show that is to wear a mask. For those who do not comply—faculty, staff and students—disciplinary action may result.

Screening, testing and contact tracing will be critical to a successful fall semester. Interim President Jay Hartzell’s message on Tuesday outlined a comprehensive campus strategy for symptomatic, contact (exposed individuals) and proactive community testing. For those returning to campus for work, you will need to track your symptoms each day. The Protect Texas Together app, designed with privacy in mind, will provide a daily campus pass for those without COVID-19 symptoms. The app will launch in mid-August, so stay tuned for details.

Please know the university will continually monitor the public health environment and adjust plans as needed in response to changes. While all desire a return to “normal,” it may be a while before that happens. However, I have strong faith that we will all get through this together!

Stay safe,

SONCIA REAGINS-LILLY

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students