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The University of Texas at Arlington

 

May 6, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

As we near the end of the spring semester and the outlook on the pandemic improves, the COVID-19 Executive Task Force has developed the COVID-19 Summer 2021 Campus Operation Plan to guide our health and safety practices and inform our on-campus presence this summer.

The summer semester will include a mix of online and on-campus classes, and we are optimistic about the resumption of predominantly in-person courses, activities and events in the fall. To support this progression, the updated Campus Operation Plan outlines a phased approach for gradually returning to on-campus work and dictates the precautions we will continue to take to protect the wellbeing of employees and students this summer.

Key points of the plan are outlined below. Please view the plan for complete details.

  • Phased Return to Campus: UTA is planning a phased return of employees starting with Phase 1 (June 1 – July 12), which includes the return of largely administrative positions that are needed on campus for campus safety or operations, or some jobs that cannot be effectively completed from home. During Phase 2 (July 13 – August 18), all University offices will return to campus in some capacity. Department heads will decide their on-campus staffing needs.
  • Face-Covering Protocol: Our face-covering protocol remains in effect until further notice. All students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors, suppliers, and visitors are required to wear an acceptable face covering while on campus.
  • Daily Self-Monitoring: UTA continues to advise that all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, perform a health self-screening before coming to campus each day. The UTA mobile app provides a convenient, confidential tool to assist with conducting a daily self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Testing for COVID-19: UTA encourages all Mavericks to be tested frequently to help curb asymptomatic spread in our community. Information about testing options available to you are continually updated on our website.
  • COVID-19 Vaccinations: Students and employees are strongly encouraged to participate in COVID-19 vaccinations. Details regarding on-campus vaccination availability, UTA-affiliated vaccination locations, and/or community vaccination availability are available through our COVID-19 Vaccination Information and Resources.

Employees are encouraged to take a look at the updated Campus Operation Plan to familiarize themselves with guidance for specific workplace scenarios, staffing options, and recommended personal safety practices.

As has been the case over the past year, our plan remains flexible so that we may adapt to changing circumstances in the interest of preserving our ability to provide a safe work environment and safe educational experience. The plan outlines retrenching indicators that will guide any decisions to decrease our on-campus presence or make modifications to the plan.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but our work in ending this pandemic is not over. Please join us in maintaining a commitment to following UTA’s health and safety protocols. Your partnership continues to be vital as we look ahead to being reunited on campus.

Sincerely,

John Hall
Vice President for Administration and Campus Operations
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Executive Task Force

Lisa Nagy
Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Executive Task Force

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The University of Texas at Arlington

701 S. Nedderman Drive • Arlington, TX 76019