April 30, 2009

To the University Community:

In recent days there has been heightened awareness, concern, and activity regarding the H1N1 influenza virus.

The safety and well-being of our University community is our top priority. I want to assure you that the University has been fully engaged in monitoring and responding to this flu outbreak. It is important to know that to date there has been no indication of the illness among members of the University community.

Our Crisis Management Team is fully engaged and has been in constant communication with local, state, and federal officials to keep abreast of the latest developments. We have a detailed plan for crisis management, which includes a separate plan for pandemic influenza. I am meeting formally with senior administrators on at least a daily basis to share information and to be prepared to make decisions, as necessary.

I want to assure you that we are taking every measure and precaution necessary to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all members of our University community. To that end, effective immediately, there should be no travel to Mexico on University business until further notice.

At times like this, what's most essential to a community is clear, consistent, and accurate information. Throughout this week, we have been notifying the University community regarding the University's preparations and status — via e-mail updates (MavWire for faculty and staff and MavMail for students), our Web site, and the Emergency Information Hotline.

We will continue to keep our students, faculty, and staff informed of the latest developments and information regarding H1N1 flu and its impact on our campus community:

• The latest information will always be posted on the University's Web site.
• Major updates will be distributed via special editions of MavWire and MavMail.
• Abbreviated information will be available on the Emergency Information Hotline, 1-866-258-4913.
• During an emergency, critical information and instructions will be communicated via the University's MavAlert system, which employs a vast network that includes automated text messaging, cell and landline calls, e-mails, and Web site postings. Now would be an excellent time for all students, faculty, and staff to log on at www.warnsignup.com/mavalert and be certain your contact information and preferences are current.

Each of us has a role to play in curbing the spread of this influenza, including exercising good hygiene. Any students who experience flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headache, or cough, are urged to contact the UT Arlington Health Services Center immediately at 817-272-2771. The center is located at 605 South West Street. Physicians can administer a rapid nasal swab test that is the initial step in testing for H1N1 influenza. Faculty and staff members who are experiencing symptoms should contact their primary care physician.

Additionally, we are aware of the impact the sudden closing of the Fort Worth Independent School District has had on some of our employees. All managers at the University are asked to exercise sensitivity and flexibility for employees who are having issues related to child-care as a result of school closings.

This has been a busy and productive year, and we have much to be proud of. As our University community approaches the end of the spring semester and commencement, we will do everything possible to maintain smooth operations and limit interruptions to our schedules.

Sincerely,

James D. Spaniolo
President