UTSA leadership provides update and interim guidance regarding Executive Order GA-48

DECEMBER 5, 2024 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent via email to all faculty and staff from UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley and Executive Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Enterprise Development Officer Veronica Salazar.

On November 19, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-48. This order creates additional requirements for Texas public education institutions and other state agencies regarding activities involving China, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Russia and Venezuela.

In response, we’ve launched a working group to review the order in detail and provide guidance to leadership on ensuring compliance. As that work continues, this communication provides interim guidance on the portions of the Executive Order most directly applicable to you.

Pursuant to Executive Order GA-48, all UTSA personnel:

1. are prohibited from accepting any gifts, regardless of value, from an entity associated with the countries listed above;
2. are prohibited from traveling on behalf of UTSA to the countries listed above; and
3. must notify UTSA of any personal travel to the countries listed above prior to that travel and submit a post travel brief outlining the details of the trip, including the dates and purpose of the travel. We have created an online form to facilitate this process.

We understand this order may affect ongoing or planned activities, and we are committed to working with you to navigate these changes. If you have any questions, please contact UTSA’s Office of Global Initiatives at global@utsa.edu or 210-458-7211.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure UTSA fulfills our commitment to fostering global collaboration while ensuring compliance with state directives and protecting the security of our institution and the state.