Aug. 21, 2020
Dear Longhorns:
I hope you are enjoying your last days of summer before classes begin. We are ready for you! Many of our facilities, including Recreational Sports, University Unions and University Housing and Dining, began a phased open earlier this week. Longhorn Welcome began yesterday with Mooov-In, and our residence halls are humming. Many of you are packing up to come back to Austin; others are already here. Longhorns take care of each other, and by self-quarantining at home, either in or outside of Austin, for 14 days prior to your physical arrival on campus, you are doing just that. Thank you!
To help you prepare for your return to Austin and campus, we’ve created a checklist that includes information on what to do before you come back and what to pack. One of the most important things you can do is to develop a plan with your family in the event that you become ill. Here are some things to consider: Will you be able to go back home to self-isolate, or do you need to consider alternate arrangements? Do you have a list of your emergency contacts?
Also, if you haven’t already, please connect with your roommates now to discuss how you will safely live together. Sharing a space during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges and considerations. You might be wondering: what should you do if someone you live with gets sick? What if your roommate has a job and is around a lot people? Safety advice can often be confusing. Click here for information to help you navigate staying healthy while sharing your living space with roommates. It includes special considerations for individuals sharing sleeping spaces such as a bedroom or residence hall room.
Keep in mind that everyone you encounter will have a different risk tolerance, so it’s important not to make assumptions. Some people may have a condition that puts them at higher risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19, or may live with someone who does. Those with a high risk for severe illness need to follow extra precautions. You can help protect the most vulnerable by wearing your recommended protective face mask, keeping your distance and washing your hands often.
I also encourage you to join the Commitment to Protect Texas Together, a voluntary code of conduct and a statement of shared purpose to encourage behaviors that will help protect our community, protect each other and protect ourselves. Some actions include wearing recommended protective face masks; avoiding large gatherings where social distancing can’t be achieved, and adhering to city orders that prohibit these gatherings; monitoring symptoms; washing hands; and following campus guidance, including checking for COVID-19 symptoms daily using the Protect Texas Together App or other recommended means.
Through this commitment, we will protect and treat all members of the Longhorn community with compassion, care and respect. We all share a responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, to keep our campus as safe and healthy as possible. It’s up to each of us to protect those who are now or who may become vulnerable, to further our success as students, faculty and staff.
You can count on us to keep you updated through messages and the Protect Texas Together website; check the website to stay up-to-speed on what’s happening for our reopening. Please also contact us if you have any questions.
Stay safe, stay healthy and Hook ‘em!
SONCIA REAGINS-LILLY
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students