FEBRUARY 28, 2020 — Editor's note: The following message was sent today on behalf of Dr. Lisa Montoya, vice provost for global initiatives and senior international officer, to all faculty and staff.
As you are likely aware, the coronavirus outbreak has continued to impact people and countries around the globe. UTSA is carefully monitoring the situation with the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff as our highest priority.
While there are currently no UTSA faculty, staff or students who have reported symptoms or a diagnosis of coronavirus, worsening conditions in Europe could result in countries closing their borders to travel with little advance warning as the outbreak spreads.
For that reason, we have determined that it is in the best interests of our community to recall students from the UTSA International Studies Center in Urbino and from Rome for the remainder of the spring semester.
Over the next few days, we will be working closely with our students and faculty in Urbino and our students in Rome to arrange travel back to the United States. We are communicating with airlines and have requested that they waive change fees for the students’ flights.
⇒ See UTSA's information page with regular updates on coronavirus monitoring.
Upon return to the United States, students and faculty will be required to consult with and receive a wellness evaluation from UTSA’s medical director, Dr. Beth Wichman, and, out of an abundance of caution, to self-isolate for the next 14 days. We will be working closely with students who need assistance in finding housing in San Antonio.
Students will continue their academic coursework online upon their return and, after spring break, may return to campus for completion of their studies provided they are symptom-free.
We recognize the impact this decision has on those who are studying abroad and the personal disappointment that comes from not being able to complete studies in Italy. This decision has not been made lightly — we are exceptionally proud of the programming offered through our Study Abroad program and of the students who have taken advantage of the opportunity. However, our decision is based on the best guidance from The University of Texas System, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Italian government.
We will continue to provide updates to our campus community as additional information becomes available.
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All UTSA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are invited to march with the UTSA delegation in San Antonio's 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March. Free transportation will be provided from the Main and Downtown Campuses.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King, Jr., San Antonio, TXWarm up with a hot cup of coffee or a hot chocolate with Wellbeing Services to kick off the start of the Spring Semester! The Wellbeing team will be in the Window Lounge to welcome you to the first day of classes and highlight our events and programs for the semester.
Dreamers Resource Lounge, Main CampusJoin us for Coffee with Vets, a casual social event where veterans can come together, connect, and share camaraderie over a cup of coffee. This is a perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow veterans, and build community in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Veteran Lounge (JPL 4.03.04,) John Peace Library, Main CampusStop by to ask questions or learn about how you can become involved in Wellbeing Services events and programs.
Window Lounge (SU1.02.00C,) Student Union, Main CampusArt of Wellbeing is a weekly workshop provided by Wellbeing Services! Join us as we use different art mediums each week as a way to improve our overall wellbeing!
Magnolia Room (SU2.01.30,) Student Union, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
