Provost updates students on adjusted instruction and schedule

MARCH 11, 2020 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent via email today from Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy to all students:

I write to follow up on the message from President Eighmy earlier today announcing that UTSA is extending spring break for students through March 22, 2020, and resuming all classes in an online format beginning March 23.

As President Eighmy explained, these actions are being taken in response to recommendations from our public health agency colleagues to avoid bringing large groups of people together in close proximity for events and gatherings. In-person classes are examples of such events, and the sizes of our classrooms do not generally allow for effective social distancing.

 Our primary goal is to minimize disruption in your learning and ensure that you are able to conclude this semester successfully. That said, we appreciate your patience and understanding as university leadership, faculty and staff work together to resolve the many logistical challenges posed by these circumstances.

Virtual Learning

When classes resume on Monday March 23, face-to-face classes will no longer meet in person for at least the ensuing three weeks. Instead, you will participate in classes, assignments, tests, quizzes and any other classroom activities remotely. 

During your extended spring break, your faculty and academic departments will be offered training and tools to support the transition to online instruction and other virtual methods. 

If you do not have access to a computer or internet at home, you will be able to utilize the Air Rowdy WiFi network and the library, computer labs, and Student Union on both campuses. 

Changes to the Academic Calendar

Because of the extension of spring break, the academic calendar has been extended by three additional days. The final day of classes will now be May 8, 2020.

In turn, the exam schedule will be compressed to 5 days. Final exams will start May 11 and end May 15, 2020. As of right now, commencement will be May 16 and 17 as planned.

You should expect to hear from your faculty at some point during the week of March 16 regarding the specific revisions to the course syllabus, assignments, exams, etc. While you will not have any assignment due dates the week of March 16, faculty have been instructed to allow students to turn in any assignments remotely during this period. 

More details regarding this new academic schedule will be provided to you by the Registrar when available, sometime during the week of March 16. Please see onestop.utsa.edu for regular updates.  

Campus Services 

UTSA Libraries, Campus Recreation Center, Student Union, Student Health Services and Counseling & Mental Health Services will remain open. Services and offices that reduce hours for spring break will continue reduced hours during the extension week. 

For those who require housing during the extended spring break, UTSA residence halls will be open for those living on campus this week and will assume normal operations on Sunday, March 22. 

Meal plans will continue to work during the extended break. The Roadrunner Café will reopen on Sunday, March 15 and other UTSA Dining locations remain open on reduced hours of operation. For current hours of operation and available locations, visit utsa.campusdish.com. 

Parking services are unchanged. You may continue to park on campus in areas allowed by your permit and hourly parking is available in campus garages. The VIA U-Pass program continues to provide free transportation throughout San Antonio, including to and from the Main and Downtown campuses, at no charge to all UTSA students, faculty, and staff. 

The Runner will continue to provide transportation at the Main Campus on a reduced schedule. Route information will be posted on the Campus Services website in the coming days.

Student Support

Please be assured that your interests are our top priority. Your professors have been advised to provide maximal flexibility as they accommodate instructional changes. Our priority is to minimize the impact of progress toward your degree.

The University is working to mitigate the potential impacts to your success, including offering advising, peer mentoring, supplemental instruction and academic coaching by using virtual technologies.

To reiterate President Eighmy’s message, aside from in-person classes and large events, UTSA will remain open and operational and therefore you will continue to have access to your college, department, and other academic support offices as well as the Libraries, labs, and study areas. Good hygiene and social distancing practices should be followed at all times.

If you experience symptoms of a cold and flu, please stay home and seek medical attention.  Student Health Services is available, use the MyMed portal to schedule a consultation with a health care provider, or call them at 210-458-4142, Monday–Friday, 8–5 p.m. 

UTSA leadership will continue to work closely with public health officials to keep up to date on recent events regarding the virus, potential impacts to the UTSA, and in developing plans to mitigate those impacts. The latest information will always be made available at utsa.edu/coronavirus.

To ensure that we can reach you with additional updates, please keep your contact information updated in ASAP.

Finally, we recognize that these actions may create some challenges for you. We appreciate your patience, compassion, and cooperation as we move swiftly to do what’s best for our Roadrunner community.