University provides update on spring semester operations

JANUARY 14, 2021 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent today via email from President Taylor Eighmy, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy and Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs Veronica Salazar Mendez to all faculty, staff and students:

As we embark on a new semester we extend a warm welcome to all of you. For those of you who are new to UTSA, we are grateful that you have chosen to become part of our vibrant, growing community. For those who are returning, we want to encourage you to build on the hard work and determination you exhibited during the fall semester. You have all shown persistence and resilience in the face of the daily uncertainty and many unique challenges brought to bear by the pandemic.

While vaccinations offer an abundance of hope for brighter days ahead, escalating COVID-19 rates locally and nationally continue to be a very serious concern. UTSA is staying the course with all the same operational and academic adjustments we implemented this past fall under the guidance of our Public Health Task Force.

• The majority of our spring courses are online, and campus operations are limited. The 2021 spring semester academic calendar remains as published, including Spring Break, which runs March 8–12, 2021. Looking ahead, we expect that our summer term will be the same as this spring, with course modalities and campus operations primarily online, and research activities continuing as they are currently. As always, our plans are adaptable, and we will keep you updated as things evolve.
  
  
• Regardless of whether you spend any time physically on our campus this semester, your health and well-being are our first priority. We encourage all Roadrunners to be diligent about getting tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are symptomatic. On-campus testing will continue to be offered this semester.
  
  
• Do Your Part and stay vigilant about the Roadrunner Pact and our Five Principles. Remember that face coverings are required on campus.
  
  
• We understand that many Roadrunners are likely eager to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. UTSA will continue to coordinate with the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding the administration and availability of vaccines, and will follow all guidelines provided by DSHS and the CDC. In the meantime, we encourage all Roadrunners to continually assess opportunities to receive a vaccine from community sources, such as local health departments and private health care providers.
  
  
• Late last year University Technology Solutions initiated a systemwide change that required all employees to reset their UTSA passphrase. Passphrases used prior to December 21 have expired, so it may be necessary to select a new one if you have not reset yours or are experiencing log-in issues. Contact the Tech Café at 210-458-5555 if you need any assistance.

As we continue to weather this storm we understand not all Roadrunners are impacted in the same way. We cannot emphasize this enough: Please remember to take care of yourself and reach out for support when you need it.

We are grateful to all of you for the work you do in service to our students and our university. Thank you for your perseverance!