Frequently Asked Questions
To submit a question for FAQs, please email WelcomeBack@utrgv.edu.
The answers to FAQs may change over time. Please consult this FAQ page for the most up-to-date information.
Campus Operations
Following current medical guidance, we are safely operating and offering courses on campus to better serve our students, faculty, and staff.
Accelerated Online Programs
Accelerated online courses: These fully online courses in the Graduate College continue as normal and follow their own academic calendar, which can be found here.
Online Asynchronous Classes
These courses are delivered fully online. There is no designated class meeting time for real-time instructor/student interaction, which gives students the flexibility to engage with the course materials as best fits their daily schedule. Learning is guided by the digital presentation of the course content (e.g., recorded lectures, presentations, outlines, notes) and scheduled assignments. Instructors provide students with feedback on assigned work, communicate with students electronically, and are available to meet as defined on the course syllabus.
Online Synchronous Classes
These courses are delivered fully online. There is a designated class meeting time for real-time instructor/student interaction, which is conducted remotely via online platforms from the safety of the student's home. This real-time interaction may be supplemented by the digital presentation of course content. Instructors provide students with feedback on assigned work, communicate with students electronically, and are available to meet as defined on the course syllabus.
Hybrid Classes (Online + On-Campus)
These courses combine online delivery and on-campus instruction. This mode of delivery is particularly well suited for the type of learning that requires in-person instructional methods or the use of specialized equipment (e.g., practicums or hands-on science laboratory work).
Because part of the course is delivered online, students spend much less time on-campus than in a traditional face-to-face course. The instructor provides the details in the course syllabus.
During the limited time that is spent on campus, all present course participants are encouraged to follow our Campus Protocols as appropriate during all on-campus activities. Exact procedures for these classes vary depending on the course, on-campus space, instructor, and across disciplines, and are shared on or before the first day of class.
Traditional Face-to-Face Classes
This is the course format that most students are already familiar with. Students enrolled in traditional face-to-face courses attend class in-person, on-campus, and on set schedules — the traditional way. Safety measures are maintained, and the use of face coverings is encouraged, as well as following all other current Campus Protocols as appropriate.
Interactive Video Classes
These classes are administered via live video feed and combine aspects of online synchronous and traditional face-to-face modalities. Students in interactive video classes attend in-person and follow a set schedule with real-time instruction from faculty. Instructors interact simultaneously with students in specially equipped classrooms across UTRGV campus facilities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
During the Fall 2021 semester:
- 66% of all courses are in the traditional (face-to-face) and hybrid modalities.
- 31% of classes are conducted completely online (asynchronously/synchronously).
As more information on the development of COVID-19 continues to be released, rest assured that our Infectious Disease Outbreak Committee, comprised of health and safety experts at the local, state and UT System level, is closely monitoring the situation and will recommend adjustments based on the safety and health of our campus community.
There are no local, state or federal health mandates that the university can enforce, but we are strongly encouraging all students, faculty and staff to follow these Campus Protocols that are proven to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, including the delta variant. Following these protocols are your best defense regardless of what those around you, including colleagues and students, choose to do.
Additionally, UTRGV continues to:
- Provide vaccines at all student health locations.
- Provide COVID-19 testing at all student health locations.
- Stock high-traffic buildings with hand sanitizer and sanitation wipe stations.
- Conduct daily enhanced cleaning of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces.
- Modify and/or upgrade all UTRGV buildings, based on ASHRAE COVID-19 Building Readiness and Reopening Guidelines, to address the potential for aerosol dispersion by HVAC systems.
For more information, view the Protocol for building ventilation and air conditioning systems.
No, you may not. Under Executive Order GA-38, neither vaccinations nor proof of vaccination can be required for learning or working on campus. While Executive Order GA-38 does not directly prohibit asking about vaccination status without requiring proof, UTRGV has determined it is in the best interest of the campus learning and working environments to promote a balance of personal responsibility and trust that honors each person’s right to privacy and to self-disclose based on their comfort level. We believe our students, faculty, and staff will be responsible, will carefully consider their actions and how their choices affect others, and will do their part to mitigate risk of contracting COVID-19.
No, social distancing is not being enforced, and spaces have returned to full capacity. We highly encourage all campus community members to get vaccinated and to wear face coverings to help mitigate COVID-19 exposure.
No. As a state public institution, UTRGV may not require/mandate anyone to wear a face coverings. However, the university strongly encourages students, faculty, staff and visitors to continue wearing face coverings, particularly to help slow the spread of the delta variant. Being vaccinated and wearing a face covering is your best defense regardless of what those around you choose to do.
Yes, you may ask and strongly encourage, but everyone has a right to choose not to do so because we cannot require the wearing of face coverings. If a person refuses to wear a face covering, you can still protect yourself by wearing your own face covering and by getting vaccinated.
That decision does not impact UTRGV or UTRGV’s Math and Science Academy. UTRGV, as a state public university, cannot mandate face coverings but continues to strongly encourage them.
Reusable face coverings and hand sanitizers may be purchased at the nearest vending machine for a nominal cost. Listed below are the buildings that have vending machines with reusable face coverings and hand sanitizers:
| Brownsville Campus | |
| BLHSB 1st floor | 6 |
| BLHSB 2nd floor | 6 |
| BMAIN 2nd floor | 1 |
| Edinburg Campus | ||||
| EHABE | 44 | ESTAC 1st floor | 14 | |
| EHPE I | 29 | ESTUN 1st floor | 17 | |
| ELABS 1st floor | 34 | ESTUN 2nd floor | 17 | |
| EMEBL Library | 59 | EUREC 1st floor | 61 | |
| ENGR 1st floor | 21 | Heritage Hall | 26 | |
| EREBL (SOM) Lobby | 58 | Unity Hall Lobby | 50 | |
| ESCNE 1st floor | 31 | University Library | 33 | |
| ESSBL 1st floor | 11 |
Reference the building numbers on our Brownsville and Edinburg campus maps.
Note: Departments may request COVID-19 supplies (including disposable face coverings and hand sanitizers) through iShop for departmental use.
We are focused on cleaning all high-contact public spaces and surfaces, like entrance door handles, doorknobs, light switches, counters, faucets, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, toilet partition latches/handles, stair handrails, open seating areas, benches, and elevator controls.
Additionally, disinfectant wipes are available at each academic space to clean your personal area.
In addition, the services under Standard Cleaning Procedures remain:
- Daily Service: General cleaning continues via standard procedures.
- Trash pickup - Common areas such as classrooms, lobbies, break rooms, conference rooms, hallways, breezeways, etc.
- Sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming of all common areas.
- Restrooms - cleaned and serviced.
- Clinical locations - cleaned and serviced.
- Inspect and service all wall mounted sanitizers and portable wipes stands. Refill as needed.
- Provide on-call service for campus emergencies and/or department needs.
- Weekly Service: Private/personal spaces such as offices and cubicles.
- Empty trash cans and remove material labeled as trash.
- Sweep and/or dust mop hard surfaces.
- Vacuum and spot clean carpeted floors.
- Dust all furniture, countertops and shelves not obstructed by paperwork.
- General wipe downs/spot cleaning of all doors, frames, and entry glass.
- Monthly / Quarterly
- Window cleaning.
- Floor waxing and polishing.
- Carpet extractions.
Enhanced Cleaning Procedures
Enhanced cleaning procedures have been added to help disinfect high touch surfaces more frequently.
- Daily - Additional focus is spent on all high contact public spaces and surfaces such as entrance door handles, doorknobs, light switches, counters, faucets, paper towel, soap, and toilet paper dispensers, toilet partition latches/handles, stair handrails, open seating areas, benches, and elevator.
- Nightly - General cleaning of areas, such as clinics and/or high traffic contact areas in all campus buildings occurs during evening.
If you have questions about the sanitation of classrooms as we make efforts to continue guarding our campus community against the pandemic, contact Facilities at one of the email addresses or phone numbers below.
Edinburg campus: ED-FBS@utrgv.edu; (956) 665-2748
Brownsville campus: BR-FBS@utrgv.edu; (956) 882-5900
To address the potential for aerosol dispersion by HVAC systems in UTRGV buildings, modifications and/or upgrades are being implemented in all UTRGV facilities, based on ASHRAE COVID-19 Building Readiness and Reopening Guidelines.
For more information, please view the Protocol for building ventilation and air conditioning systems
Brownsville Campus
Visit the TSC Recreation Center to learn more about the programs and services offered.
Edinburg Campus
University Recreation follows all UTRGV recommendations and guidelines. All adjustments to UREC programs and services are subject to change. Changes will be communicated to all our UREC members.
- Fitness equipment remain 10 feet apart.
- Staff clean hourly and disinfect twice a day.
- Cleaning is a team sport. Users are encouraged to clean machines before and after use.
- UREC continues to offer a variety of in-person, hybrid, and virtual programming. Hybrid and in-person programming require pre-registration via IMLeagues for Intramural Sports and Group Exercise.
- Follow our social media pages, where you can find virtual content such as the Outdoor Adventures YouTube page @UTRGVUREC.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at (956) 665-7808 or email urec@utrgv.edu.
Please see the list of Campus Services for more information.
Consistent with UTRGV protocols and federal privacy laws, anyone identified within our university community as being at risk of exposure from those who have tested positive will be notified by our COVID-19 Response Team and will be instructed to be isolated or tested.
The COVID-19 Response Team is responsible for identifying and contacting others who may have been at risk. In addition, areas of exposure are thoroughly disinfected and cleaned as needed.
In addition, UTRGV is providing weekly updates of confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus/off-campus facilities on this webpage.
Follow our Campus Protocols, which are based on strategies known to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Yes, you may travel to/from UTRGV campuses.
The CDC recommends, that because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, that you delay travel until you are fully vaccinated.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people:
- Fully Vaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
- Unvaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html#unvaccinated-people
Business Travel
Domestic Travel
UTRGV, following CDC guidelines, business related travel within the state of Texas is allowable for those vaccinated or unvaccinated and outside the state of Texas for those fully vaccinated (14 calendar days since your last vaccine dose).
International Travel
UTRGV is still not allowing international business travel.
For UTRGV passenger vehicles and trucks:
- No more than two travelers are allowed per vehicle for local travel of a duration of 15 minutes or less. Trips of more than 15 minutes should only have one traveler per vehicle.
- If all passengers in the vehicle are fully vaccinated (14 calendar days since your last vaccine dose), two or more travelers may now carpool no matter the duration of the trip.
Failure to follow the CDC guidelines when engaging in domestic business travel may lead to disciplinary action. Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
Personal Travel
Domestic Travel
Personal travel inside and outside Texas does not require the completion of the self-reporting travel form. Travel to the United States’ five permanently inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, U.S., Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) is considered Domestic Travel. Prior to traveling, please check to see if there are any State travel restrictions.
International Travel
Individuals conducting personal travel outside the United States are no longer required to complete and submit the travel self-reporting form.
If an employee chooses to travel internationally and is required to self-isolate upon return to the US, per CDC guidelines, the employee will need to utilize Vacation Leave during this isolation period, if not approved to work remotely.
Prior to returning to campus, please complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form, which is managed by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team (CRT) for case management, testing, and scheduling.
The CRT will then formally release you to campus after the quarantine period has elapsed and the testing has been completed and the results reviewed per the CDC guidelines.
Living in or commuting from border cities?
Members of the UTRGV community who reside or must make frequent trips to Mexico border cities abutting the Rio Grande Valley Counties are not required to complete the travel form. Personal International Travel guidance should be followed for travel beyond the border cities.
Questions?
For any questions regarding University-related travel, please contact Travel Services Office at travel@utrgv.edu (956) 665-2161, 665-2612, 882-3822.
Yes, in-person meetings are allowed. Meeting organizers are encouraged to be flexible and offer a virtual option. Meeting attendees should be encouraged to follow our Campus Protocols.
Indoor and outdoor in-person events hosted by UTRGV are allowed.
- The In-person Event Review Form is NOT required for in-person events scheduled after August 23rd.
- Occupancy: The university has transitioned all space types to 100% occupancy for the Fall semester.
- Catering: If catering will be provided, it must be grab and go (pre-packaged) until further notice, in one of the following manners:
- Attendees can pick-up their meal and leave the venue
- Individuals who are vaccinated may opt to eat alongside with others who are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals should plan to practice social distancing protocols.
- The event organizers can plan for a meal break and regroup after the meal.
At all times, a department hosting an in-person event is responsible for:
- Being prepared to transition to virtual, postpone, or cancel the in-person event if the threat of COVID-19 community spread increases.
- Promoting compliance with our Campus Protocols found on the UTRGV Welcome Back website.
For questions, please contact the Return to Campus Events/Gatherings Committee at UniversityEvents@UTRGV.edu.
Screening and Testing for COVID-19
No. Based on guidance from our medical community and Infectious Disease Committee, it was decided that a single, point-in-time test that could be invalid immediately after testing would not substantially protect the campus community. We highly encourage the campus community to complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form if they:
- Have symptoms associated with COVID-19
- Were in close contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19
- Were tested for COVID-19 and did not previously report it (includes all tests conducted at non-UTRGV sites within the past 90 days)
- Traveled outside the U.S. (beyond the RGV border region) and are required to quarantine or get tested before returning to campus.
Once you complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form, a member of the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team will contact you via phone within one business day of submission and provide further instructions.
Please see below for COVID-19 testing sites for submissions medically screened by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team:
Edinburg
UT Health RGV Employee Health
(956) 296-1731
1214 W. Schunior St.
Edinburg, TX 78541
UT Health RGV Student Health
(956) 665-2511
613 North Sugar Rd.
Edinburg, TX 78541
Harlingen
UT Health RGV Employee Health
(956) 296-1519
2106 Treasure Hills Blvd #1.326
Harlingen, TX 78550
Brownsville
UT Health RGV Student Health
(956) 882-3896
Cortez Hall, Suite 237
Brownsville, TX 78520
- Review and answer the current version of the COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening Questions regarding COVID-19-related symptoms.
- If you answer "yes” to any of the screening questions on the COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening Questions, complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form. Your completed Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form will be sent to and reviewed by a member of the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team. Based on the review of your submission, you will be contacted to determine the appropriate plan of action and told to either quarantine, isolate, get tested, or return to UTRGV premises.
- Do not access the campus/off-campus facilities until you are cleared by a member of the COVID-19 Response Team.
- Communicate with your instructor/supervisor (If you are a student employee, please communicate with both your instructor and supervisor.)
For more information, please visit the COVID Response Team website.
If you test positive for the virus:
- Do not access campus.
- If you have not done so, fill out the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form.
- You will receive a call from the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team who will investigate the case and identify any close contacts.
- Contact your Primary Care Provider immediately for continued care.
- If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or other severe symptoms, go directly to a hospital emergency department.
Any individual testing positive must self-isolate and will not be permitted to return to in-person activities until they are released by a member of the COVID-19 Response Team.
No. We have both the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team and the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form to handle every submission on a case-by-case basis. We protect and value your privacy and health concerns and strive to treat every person with the compassion and respect and balance the health and safety concerns of the campus community during this pandemic.
If you have tested positive, please be sure to fill out the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form, so the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team makes timely contact with you.
- If you are a student, please discreetly communicate with your instructor if you need to make any arrangements for your coursework.
- If you are an employee, please communicate with your direct supervisor about your situation.
When you complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form, a member of the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team will reach out to you personally and privately to obtain essential information to best handle your case and get you back to campus as safely and timely as possible. Any information obtained will help the timely contact tracing and is only used for those purposes. The UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team does not communicate these details with supervisors, instructors, or classmates, but quickly and discreetly works to manage cases and situations to keep everyone safe.
After submitting a Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form, and it is determined that testing is required by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team, the COVID-19 Response Team will direct you to one of the UTRGV designated testing locations. You will not be presented with any charges.
If the COVID-19 Response Team determines that a test is NOT "medically necessary" (e.g. you are not presenting any symptoms, are not a close contact, or did not participate in business related international travel) and you get tested anyway, you will incur a charge.
"Close contact" means that a person has been within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, even when wearing a mask.
If you are fully vaccinated, and you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine but are recommended to be tested 3-5 days after your exposure.
If you are not fully vaccinated, please follow the UTRGV Employee/Student Self-Screening & Reporting Process.
Individuals engaging in domestic travel (business or personal) are not required to self-isolate or quarantine as a result of their travel, unless they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
UTRGV, following CDC guidelines, allows business related travel:
- within the state of Texas for those vaccinated or unvaccinated.
- outside the state of Texas for those fully vaccinated (14 calendar days since your last vaccine dose).
Failure to follow the CDC guidelines when engaging in domestic business travel may lead to disciplinary action. Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Please visit the current Travel Protocols for guidance and reporting processes.
Students and faculty arriving from or departing to campus from international destinations will need to complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form per the current Travel Protocols for guidance and reporting processes.
If an individual conducts personal travel internationally and is required to self-isolate upon return to the United States, per CDC guidelines, the individual will need to:
- complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form prior to returning to campus, which is managed by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team for case management, testing, and scheduling. The CRT will then formally release you to campus after the quarantine period has elapsed, the testing has been completed, and the results have been reviewed per the CDC guidelines.
- utilize Vacation Leave during this isolation period, if the individual is an employee and not approved to work remotely.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Please visit the current Travel Protocols for guidance and reporting processes.
Business international travel continues to not be allowed at UTRGV.
Students and faculty arriving from or departing to campus from international destinations will need to complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form per the current Travel Protocols for guidance and reporting processes.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Please visit the current Travel Protocols for guidance and reporting processes.
All students, faculty and staff who answer “yes” to any of the questions found on the current version of the COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening Questions must complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form. Completing the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form allows UTRGV to help each individual receive the proper guidance, care, and testing to protect themselves and those around them.
Advise the student/employee to fill out the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form.
If this person is your student/employee, you should make arrangements to help the student/employee complete their academic requirements/work assignments. A member of the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team is responsible for identifying and contacting others who may have been at risk.
For more information, please visit the UTRGV COVID Response Team website.
Student FAQs
- Visit my.utrgv.edu.
- Click Class Schedule under the Resources section.
- Select the term you wish to view in the Search by Term drop-down menu and click Submit.
- Search for the class you want to view.
We are prepared to alter our plans if the medical guidance suggests we do so. UTRGV will do its best to keep everyone safe and maintain course modalities.
If you are concerned about being on-campus, we strongly encourage you to follow our Campus Protocols, which include getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering at all times, to help ensure your health and safety on campus.
As always, if you have a documented health or medical condition that impacts a major life activity requiring academic accommodations, please reach out to Student Accessibility Services at 956-665-7005 / 956-882-7374 or ability@utrgv.edu.
Based on our institutional protocols, an individual who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and therefore needing to get tested should submit the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form and not access campus until they are released by a member of the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team.
If the individual is a student, they should contact their instructor or supervisor to request arrangements while they are not able to access campus. Instructors are encouraged to exercise flexibility, work with the student to make up any missed class assignments, and not count the absence against their attendance policy.
If the individual is an employee, the employee is encouraged to talk to their supervisor to make arrangements.
The student should visit with their instructor(s) first.
The student may also reach out to the following resources for assistance:
- The Office of Student Success offers:
- Express advising via Zoom, through which undergraduate students can get their questions answered on the spot.
- A student may schedule an advising appointment.
- A student may also speak with one of our Success Gurus via Zoom, from Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., to be connected with our various campus resources.
- The Office of Student Life and Dean of Students offers virtual office hours.
- The student's respective College Dean.
Contact your program director to inquire if your respective clinical site has specific requirements related to COVID-19 testing, being vaccinated, and the use of a face covering. Requirements are determined by each clinical site, so reach out to your program director for guidance.
Note, all health students participating in health care under conditions where they may be exposed to blood or body fluids or in close contact (under 6 feet) for more than 15 minutes, will need student health insurance. For questions about health insurance, the students should contact their program director.
View the Resources for Working Remotely for information on computer labs, map of WiFi access points, and more.
Below are locations on campus that can accommodate students who need a place to log on and attend an online class.
Please respect others who may also be attending class online in the vicinity by using headphones and muting your microphone unless otherwise needed for course participation.
Brownsville Campus Map
|
Location |
Building Code |
Map Code |
|---|---|---|
| Cavalry - Lounge | BCAVL | 13 |
| Interdisciplinary Academic Building - Lobby | BINAB | 29 |
| Music, Science & Learning Center - Lobby | BMSLC | 28 |
| Student Union PlainsCapitol Bank - El Comedor | BSTUN | 8 |
| Student Union PlainsCapitol Bank - La Sala | BSTUN | 8 |
| University Library - Study Rooms | BLIBR | 3 |
Edinburg Campus Map
|
Location |
Building Code |
Map Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering - Lobby | EENGR | 21 |
| Interdisciplinary Engineering & Academic Building - Lobby | EIEAB | 67 |
| Interdisciplinary Engineering & Academic Building - Study Rooms | EIEAB | 67 |
| Medical Education (School of Medicine) - Study Rooms | EMEBL | 59 |
| Science Building | ESCNE | 31 |
| Student Academic Center - Study Lounge | ESTAC | 14 |
| Student Union - Food Court | ESTUN | 17 |
| University Center - Atrium | EUCTR | 15 |
| University Library - Study Rooms | ELIBR | 33 |
Harlingen Campus Map
|
Location |
Building Code |
Map Code |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Education Building - Ramirez Library Study Rooms | HCEBL | HCEBL |
Outdoors
Outdoor public spaces (i.e. courtyards, lawns, etc.) are also available, provided students can sufficiently access their course(s) and perform all requirements in such locations.
Visit our Study Spaces on Campus page for a full list of available locations.
Please visit the COVID-19 Financial Aid FAQs.
Due to COVID-19 considerations, the UTRGV Graduate College will temporarily suspend GRE and GMAT test score requirements for most graduate programs until Spring 2022. The Ph.D. in Business Administration, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and the MS in Communication and Science Disorders are not participating in the temporary suspension. Visit the Admission Accommodations page for detailed information.
All students, including those who are commuting from Mexico, were able to choose face-to-face, hybrid or online courses based on the overall course offerings of the university.
Please see ICE Guidelines for Academic Year 2021-22 for international students.
As per the Student Travel policy (STU 01-300), student travel that is sponsored by UTRGV and located more than 25 miles from the campus from which the travel originated, must be approved by the Office of the Dean of Students before any trip can take place.
Student travel as defined by this policy, must have a designated travel coordinator. They are responsible for submitting all travel documents and reporting incidents that may occur.
The following documents must be completed and sent to the Office of the Dean of Students for review:
- Authorization for Student Travel Request Form.
- A Release and Indemnification Agreement for each student attending.
- If more than ten (10) students are in attendance, a group roster should be included.
In addition, please be advised that all travelers must comply with URTGV protocols related to COVID-19. Failure to follow the CDC guidelines when engaging in domestic business travel may lead to disciplinary action. Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
* NOTE: STU 01-300 does not apply to a student:
- Engaging in class assignments, student-teaching, internships, practicums, observations or research,
- Attending an out-of-town athletic event (unless associated with the athletic team),
- Participating in travel related to their university employment.
To learn more about the Student Travel policy, procedures, and necessary forms, click here.
Accommodations for Students
Accommodations will be determined on an individual basis. For in person or hybrid courses, accommodations may include, but are not limited to, attendance flexibility and remote participation, unless it would be a fundamental alteration. A fundamental alteration is a change that significantly alters the essential course or program requirements.
At Risk Students - Students who by diagnosis are immunosuppressed or, because of a medical treatment plan, including medication, may have a suppressed immune system. Current CDC guidance for elevated risk from COVID-19 includes those at high-risk for severe illness. According to the CDC, high-risk for severe illness includes those of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as individuals with:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic Lung Diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart Conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
- HIV Infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Liver Disease
- Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
- Substance use disorders
Please refer to the CDC website for frequently updated information.
A student considered at risk and seeking accommodations should include documentation from their medical provider that describes the impact of the condition and risk factors and limitations due to COVID-19.
For more information, contact Student Accessibility Services.
A positive diagnosis of COVID-19 or being requested to isolate or quarantine by a health professional is not in itself sufficient to meet the definition for receiving ADA accommodations. It may be possible for a student to continue their education remotely while they isolate or quarantine, wait for results, recuperate if asymptomatic, or experience minor symptoms that do not alter one or more life activity. However, this can be addressed based on each instructor’s attendance policy, which can differ depending on the course, so please check each course syllabus. Instructors may excuse absences, provide the opportunity to complete assignments, and provide a reasonable time to complete the assignment(s) in order for the student to make up the work that occurred during the missed class period(s).
If a student encounters health or medical complications as a result of COVID-19 that impact the student’s ability to continue his/her education, medical documentation which indicates impact on a major life activity as a result of the diagnosis should be provided to Student Accessibility Services so that reasonable accommodations can be evaluated for each course. The student should submit a request for accommodations through the mySAS portal located at www.utrgv.edu/mySAS.
An instructor can require documentation that the student was sick and could not come to class, however, an instructor should not ask for a diagnosis. There are other illnesses that a student may have and other reasons for excused absences besides illness, including absences for official university activities. If an absence is excused, students should be given the opportunity to complete the missed assignments, quizzes/examination or other class work and provided a reasonable time after the absence to do so.
Faculty FAQs
We are prepared to alter our plans if the medical guidance suggests we do so. UTRGV will do its best to keep everyone safe and maintain course modalities.
If a student is concerned about being on-campus, we strongly encourage the student to get vaccinated and wear a face& covering at all times.
As always, if the student has a documented health or medical condition that impacts a major life activity requiring academic accommodations, the student should reach out to Student Accessibility Services at (956) 665-7005 or (956) 882-7374 or ability@utrgv.edu.
The student should visit with their instructor(s) first.
The student may also reach out to the following resources for assistance:
- The Office of Student Success offers:
- Express advising via Zoom, through which undergraduate students can get their questions answered on the spot.
- A student may schedule an advising appointment.
- A student may also speak with one of our Success Gurus via Zoom, from Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., to be connected with our various campus resources.
- The Office of Student Life and Dean of Students offers virtual office hours.
- The student's respective College Dean.
Advise the student to fill out the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form and to not access campus. A member of the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team will reach out to the student to provide guidance. You should not disclose this information with others, including your Chair or Dean.
The instructor should encourage all students to maintain best practices of refraining from attending class when sick, notifying their instructor, and to complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form. Additionally, the instructor may reach out to the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team to work with them to determine appropriate contact with anyone needing screening or guidance. The UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team maintains privacy and confidentiality and works with individuals to provide them guidance to safely return to campus.
For more information, please visit the UTRGV COVID Response Team website.
As with all situations where students experience extended illness or other emergencies, we encourage faculty members to consider an incomplete for students who are on track with coursework prior to falling ill when there is no way the student can complete the remaining work in the allotted time frame. If the faculty member is unable to get in contact with the student, the faculty member should reach out to the Dean of Students Office for guidance, as they may have access to additional context relevant to the student's case. In some limited situations, the student's best interest might be best served by requesting a medical withdrawal from all courses in a given semester. Please know that a medical withdrawal may result in the student owing financial aid funds.
The risk for an individual faculty member is very low. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, UTRGV and its employees are immune from tort (negligence) claims, except in instances where physical injury or death occurs as a result of the negligent operation of motor-driven vehicles or equipment, or as a result of the use of tangible personal property. Further, if a suit is filed against a UTRGV employee based on conduct within the scope of their employment, the suit should be considered to be against the employee in their official capacity only, and UTRGV will act to make sure the institution (and not the faculty member) is named in the suit.
Social distancing is not being enforced, and classroom capacity has returned to 100%. If you are concerned, we strongly encourage you to follow our Campus Protocols, which includes getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering at all times, to help ensure your health and safety on campus.
Social distancing is not being enforced, and classroom capacity has returned to 100%. If you are concerned, we strongly encourage you to follow our Campus Protocols, which includes getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering at all times, to help ensure your health and safety on campus.
Unfortunately, introducing a synchronous component at this late date causes potential conflicts in students’ schedules. Faculty should work with their students to ensure that they understand that real-time interactions such as office hours or study sessions are not required and that they will set up alternatives for students if those things conflict with other commitments the students have.
If a faculty member is able to work remotely, they should work with their immediate supervisor to make any necessary arrangements.
If the faculty member needs to take leave to care for themselves or a dependent, then the faculty member should make sure that their immediate supervisor is informed as soon as possible. Their immediate supervisor will work with their department and/or dean’s offices to make sure the appropriate leave is applied to the faculty member’s time away, and that a back-up instructor temporarily covers the class while the faculty member is on leave.
Yes, you may ask and strongly encourage students to wear face coverings in class, but everyone has a right to choose not to do so because we cannot require the wearing of face coverings. If a person refuses to wear a face covering, you can still protect yourself by wearing your own face covering and by getting vaccinated.
Office hours must be available for students and clearly posted on your syllabus. The modality for those office hours is up to the faculty member. The faculty member may elect to meet students and other visitors in the classroom, a conference room, outdoors, or online.
Contact your departmental administrative support staff/requester, who can request COVID-19 supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable face coverings, and re-usable face coverings) via iShop using the "Return to Work Supplies" form.
Departmental administrative support staff/requesters, submit a separate requisition per campus (Brownsville and Edinburg) and use the following accounting codes when completing the iShop cart(s):
Commodity Codes:
53131626 - Hand sanitizer
46182001 - Masks or accessories
47131803 - Household disinfectants
The "Return to Work Supplies" form allows requesters to choose from which Central Receiving location they would like to pick up the supplies. Once the request is approved in iShop, the supplies may be picked up from Central Receiving within the requested dates.
For questions about ordering COVID-19 supplies, contact ishop@utrgv.edu or (956) 665-2161.
Technology
The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) offer resources for faculty regarding how to teach safely in hybrid and face-to-face learning environments.
Visit the Faculty & Success Diversity or Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) webpages to learn more about current offerings. There is also a Teaching Continuity site with information and video recorded training.
Larger classrooms (100+ seats) have a wireless mic that can be used. Sanitizing materials are available.
Microphones are available to loan to faculty. To request:
- Fill out a Service Request (utrgv.edu). IT has a very limited supply which can be loaned out for the semester on a first come, first-served basis.
- Contact your department to request a portable microphone. Here is a portable microphone that departments or faculty may purchase for their use, either through departmental funds or out-of-pocket.
For support, please contact: Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology
Specific classroom technology and maximum seating capacities for the classrooms can be found through the Classroom Technology Equipment Inventory link.
For classroom support, please call (956) 665-2020 or (956) 882-2020, or go to Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology.
Though all classrooms have connectivity, there are 90 classrooms scheduled for enhanced Zoom upgrades and these will have moveable webcams for the podium. Due to distribution issues, this is taking longer than expected, but we are installing them as soon as possible.
All other classrooms with podiums have non-moveable webcams at the podium and can be used for Zoom. A list of rooms that will be equipped with webcams, as well as the seat capacity, can be found here: Classroom Technology Equipment Inventory.
Please call or go to Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology for classroom support.
Classroom support is provided for day and evening classes.
For support, please contact the 24/7 Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) Help Desk at:
Brownsville
Casa Bella (BCASA) 613
(956) 882-6792
(956) 882-2020
Edinburg
Education Complex (EEDUC) 2.202
(956) 665-5327
(956) 665-2020
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Yes, all UTRGV faculty, staff, and students are automatically granted access to utilize Zoom online video and audio conferencing. For additional information on Zoom and its capabilities, please visit the UTRGV Zoom for Instructors resource webpage.
Yes, there is guidance on teaching and learning in online environments. The Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) and the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) both offer support for best practices in developing learning environments. Additional information related to proctoring and recording classes online classes can be found in the following links:
- The Online Education Taskforce offers guidance in the Online Learning Student Privacy & Related Issues FAQ, which does not supersede institutional policies.
- Recording of Classes – Considerations and Guidance
View the Resources for Working Remotely for information on computer labs, map of WiFi access points, and more.
There are 5,000 concurrent VPN connections allowed. Connection is first come, first served. Please see knowledge article on how to create a VPN connection. All UTRGV laptops should have DirectAccess which negates the need to manually create a VPN connection. UTRGV desktop computers being used off campus can also have the DirectAccess policy applied by having the user submit a Service Request, including the computer name and asset tag number.
For more information and guidance, please visit Continuity Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students for COVID-19 Situation.
Accommodations for Faculty
Workplace accommodations are granted to assist an employee to perform their essential duties in accordance with ADM 03-200: Accommodations for individuals with Disabilities. If your doctor recommends working remotely as a possible accommodation, it will be reviewed by Human Resources during the ADA process.
Age alone is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Amendments Act (ADA/ADAAA) and would not qualify you for a workplace accommodation to work remotely. We encourage employees who have a disability or serious health condition to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or to request accommodations.
Employees should discuss their circumstances directly with their supervisors to determine if a remote work arrangement is possible. Supervisors are expected to evaluate the situation, discuss the issue with Human Resources, if needed, and communicate the decision with the affected employee. For leave questions, contact leave@utrgv.edu.
For additional questions, please contact hrpartners@utrgv.edu.
It is imperative that requests to help or care for a family member with a serious health condition be filed as a request for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). If approved, FMLA allows you to take time off work to care for your family member. It will not provide approval for you to work remotely to avoid possibly contracting COVID-19 at work. However, you may submit a request to your supervisor to work remotely.
For any leave related questions, please contact leave@utrgv.edu.
Faculty should address any questions and/or concerns primarily with their immediate supervisor. If additional support and guidance is needed, they may contact the Office of the Faculty Ombuds at facultyombuds@utrgv.edu. For questions about workplace accommodations, please contact HRpartners@utrgv.edu.
Accommodations for Students
Accommodations will be determined on an individual basis. For in person or hybrid courses, accommodations may include, but are not limited to, attendance flexibility and remote participation, unless it would be a fundamental alteration. A fundamental alteration is a change that significantly alters the essential course or program requirements.
At Risk Students - Students who by diagnosis are immunosuppressed or, because of a medical treatment plan, including medication, may have a suppressed immune system. Current CDC guidance for elevated risk from COVID-19 includes those at high-risk for severe illness. According to the CDC, high-risk for severe illness includes those of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as individuals with:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic Lung Diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart Conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
- HIV Infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Liver Disease
- Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
- Substance use disorders
Please refer to the CDC website for frequently updated information.
A student considered at risk and seeking accommodations should include documentation from their medical provider that describes the impact of the condition and risk factors and limitations due to COVID-19.
For more information, contact Student Accessibility Services.
A positive diagnosis of COVID-19 or being requested to isolate or quarantine by a health professional is not in itself sufficient to meet the definition for receiving ADA accommodations. It may be possible for a student to continue their education remotely while they isolate or quarantine, wait for results, recuperate if asymptomatic, or experience minor symptoms that do not alter one or more life activity. However, this can be addressed based on each instructor’s attendance policy, which can differ depending on the course, so please check each course syllabus. Instructors may excuse absences, provide the opportunity to complete assignments, and provide a reasonable time to complete the assignment(s) in order for the student to make up the work that occurred during the missed class period(s).
If a student encounters health or medical complications as a result of COVID-19 that impact the student’s ability to continue his/her education, medical documentation which indicates impact on a major life activity as a result of the diagnosis should be provided to Student Accessibility Services so that reasonable accommodations can be evaluated for each course. The student should submit a request for accommodations through the mySAS portal located at www.utrgv.edu/mySAS.
An instructor can require documentation that the student was sick and could not come to class, however, an instructor should not ask for a diagnosis. There are other illnesses that a student may have and other reasons for excused absences besides illness, including absences for official university activities. If an absence is excused, students should be given the opportunity to complete the missed assignments, quizzes/examination or other class work and provided a reasonable time after the absence to do so.
Staff FAQs
We continue to safely return our workforce back to campus. Divisional leads and supervisors are working together to best determine when and how employees return to campus.
We understand that some employees may need to continue working from home based on a variety of factors, such as specific health conditions. Please work directly with your supervisor regarding your unique circumstance or contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@utrgv.edu.
The Office of Human Resources provides information and guidance for issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on appointments, benefits, employee assistance, wellness and leave, visit the HR COVID-19 Resources page.
Contact your departmental administrative support staff/requester, who can request COVID-19 supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable face coverings, and re-usable face coverings) via iShop using the "Return to Work Supplies" form.
Departmental administrative support staff/requesters, submit a separate requisition per campus (Brownsville and Edinburg) and use the following accounting codes when completing the iShop cart(s):
Commodity Codes:
53131626 - Hand sanitizer
46182001 - Masks or accessories
47131803 - Household disinfectants
The "Return to Work Supplies" form allows requesters to choose from which Central Receiving location they would like to pick up the supplies. Once the request is approved in iShop, the supplies may be picked up from Central Receiving within the requested dates.
For questions about ordering COVID-19 supplies, contact ishop@utrgv.edu or (956) 665-2161.
View the Resources for Working Remotely for information on computer labs, map of WiFi access points, and more.
There are 5,000 concurrent VPN connections allowed. Connection is first come, first served. Please see knowledge article on how to create a VPN connection. All UTRGV laptops should have DirectAccess which negates the need to manually create a VPN connection. UTRGV desktop computers being used off campus can also have the DirectAccess policy applied by having the user submit a Service Request, including the computer name and asset tag number.
For more information and guidance, please visit Continuity Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students for COVID-19 Situation.
Accommodations for Staff
Workplace accommodations are granted to assist an employee to perform their essential duties in accordance with ADM 03-200: Accommodations for individuals with Disabilities. If your doctor recommends working remotely as a possible accommodation, it will be reviewed by Human Resources during the ADA process.
Age alone is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Amendments Act (ADA/ADAAA) and would not qualify you for a workplace accommodation to work remotely. We encourage employees who have a disability or serious health condition to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or to request accommodations.
Employees should discuss their circumstances directly with their supervisors to determine if a remote work arrangement is possible. Supervisors are expected to evaluate the situation, discuss the issue with Human Resources, if needed, and communicate the decision with the affected employee. For leave questions, contact leave@utrgv.edu.
For additional questions, please contact hrpartners@utrgv.edu.
It is imperative that requests to help or care for a family member with a serious health condition be filed as a request for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). If approved, FMLA allows you to take time off work to care for your family member. It will not provide approval for you to work remotely to avoid possibly contracting COVID-19 at work. However, you may submit a request to your supervisor to work remotely.
For any leave related questions, please contact leave@utrgv.edu.
Employees should reach out to their supervisor, who will work with the employee to see if a remote work arrangement can be made. We encourage employees who have a disability or serious health condition to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or to request accommodations. Please contact HRpartners@utrgv.edu for more information.
Internal Portal
Completing the form takes less than one minute. Submit yours now at utrgv.edu/vaccineportal or update your profile if you need to change something.
Completing your profile not only helps us measure vaccine demand — it also helps us track our progress toward "Herd Immunity" within our campus community, a critical step in our return to more in-person operations.
For those wishing to receive the vaccine, the vaccine portal is your first step. Once eligible and supply is available, your portal registration code will serve as your key towards selecting an appointment through our online scheduling platform.
Current UTRGV students can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at Student Health locations in Edinburg and Brownsville, while employees can get theirs at Employee Health locations in Edinburg and Harlingen, and at Student Health in Brownsville.
Walk-ups are welcome, though if you prefer to make an appointment, you may do so by registering via the UTRGV Vaccine Portal.
Family members cannot use the UTRGV portal since it is exclusively for UTRGV students, faculty and staff. However, your friends and family (depending on their age) can register for vaccination with UT Health RGV using the following links:
- Children aged 12-15: https://uthealthrgv.org/minor-registration/
- People aged 16 and older: https://uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/
At this time, the UTRGV Vaccine Portal is only accessible to current UTRGV students, faculty, and staff. All incoming Freshmen, transfers, and graduate students (i.e. future-UTRGV students) who want the vaccine should register through the public-facing platform at uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/ when it reopens. The form is also available in Spanish. For reference, UT Health RGV is receiving and administering 2,300 doses each week.
Now that all people in Texas aged 12 and older are eligible for vaccination, the main goal is to secure an appointment as soon as possible. We encourage everyone to accept the first vaccination opportunity you can get from an authorized distributor, even if it is not from UT Health RGV.
Please use this map that tracks COVID-19 vaccine availability in Texas to help you find an authorized vaccine distributor who can serve you now.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to promote the safety and success of our entire UTRGV Family.
YES! As of May 12, ALL people aged 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. Completing the form through the Vaccine Portal (utrgv.edu/vaccineportal) is quick, easy (takes less than one minute) so we recommend you fill it out now if you haven't already. Doing so will help the University gauge how many campus community members have been vaccinated, regardless of where you received it.
YES! As of May 12, ALL people aged 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated and completing the form through the Vaccine Portal (utrgv.edu/vaccineportal) is quick and easy (takes less than one minute). Completing a vaccine portal profile is crucial to gauging how many campus community members have been vaccinated or want the vaccine.
YES! We still need you to indicate this through the Vaccine Portal (utrgv.edu/vaccineportal), as it will allow the University to gauge how many campus community members have been vaccinated or want the vaccine.
Public Registration
All people age 12+ are able to get the COVID vaccine (people ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.
We must all continue taking safety precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes wearing a mask (especially if unvaccinated), frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and physical and social distancing.
To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.
No. Please DO NOT submit the appointment form multiple times as doing so only hinders our ability to schedule those who currently qualify for vaccination.
No. In fairness to the general public and to those who have already registered, we are not allowing registrants to trade or "donate" their appointments.
No. All vaccines are administered by appointment only.
UT Health RGV is a clinical enterprise. As such, we require all persons choosing to get vaccinated with us to register as our patient, just like any other private physician’s office would require.
Distribution Process
All People Age 12+ are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine (people ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.
No, no one will be denied a vaccine by UT Health RGV based on residency or immigration status.
Yes. As a participant in the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program, UT Health RGV is required to request certain information from patients, including a Social Security Number (SSN) and, if unavailable, a driver’s license/state ID number, solely for the purpose of confirming health insurance coverage. However, patients are NOT required to provide this information and no information will be shared with other government agencies (such as immigration authorities) or used for any other purpose.
Our attempt to collect this information allows the federal government to reimburse vaccine providers for services rendered to uninsured patients, which helps ensure UT Health RGV’s ability to sustainably serve the public during this unprecedented vaccination effort.
Yes. Having a social security number is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and no one will be denied their shot if they choose not to provide such information to UT Health RGV.
No. All vaccines are administered by appointment only and must be received by the registrant. All registrants should bring a photo ID (i.e. Driver’s License, school or workplace ID, etc.) and your health insurance card (if you are insured). There is no charge to the patient for the vaccine.
To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others
- Avoid crowds
- Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
- Wash your hands often
Get more information about these and other steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
All patients who receive their first vaccine dose at a UT Health RGV site will be required to get their second dose at a UT Health RGV site.
While it is recommended that high-risk individuals get vaccinated, those who are currently COVID-19 positive are advised to wait at least 90 days before receiving the vaccine.
You must complete your quarantine and be cleared by your respective county health department before you may receive your first or second dose of vaccine. If you are a UTRGV student, staff, or faculty member, you must be cleared by the COVID-19 Response Team before returning to campus for any reason, including your second dose. Delaying the second shot does not seem to affect its efficacy, and you do not need to restart the vaccine series. Please contact UT Health RGV to reschedule your appointment after you are cleared from quarantine.
The FDA is currently reviewing data and may soon authorize COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. Until then, UT Health RGV is following the CDC's current recommendations and administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 12+.
Note: All minors (children under age 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
No, children aged 12-15 do not need to provide a photo ID but must provide their date of birth.
Yes, UT Health RGV requires a parent, legal guardian, or adult family member to accompany all minors during their COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
A parent or legal guardian must sign the vaccination consent form.
Accompanying adult person need only present a valid form of photo ID (i.e employee ID, library card, or driver’s license) and proof of insurance (if insured).
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:
- Charge anyone for the vaccine.
- Charge anyone directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance.
- Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network.
- Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination.
- Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
However, COVID-19 vaccination providers can:
- Charge health insurance plans (if vaccine recipient is insured) a vaccine administration fee.
- Seek reimbursement for uninsured vaccine recipients from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
- Appropriately bill for any additional healthcare services that may be provided during a vaccination appointment.
Vaccine Facts
Yes. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
Providers can find specific information about giving a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time in the 2021-2022 FAQ section for Health Care Providers.
No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development or in use in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. While there are several different types of vaccines in development, the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.
To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others
- Avoid crowds
- Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
- Wash your hands often
Get more information about these and other steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose, some vaccines (i.e. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) need two shots to be most effective. That said, we don’t fully know how effective a single shot for the vaccine would be in the long run or how long the immunity would last.
Yes. However, we recommend that pregnant individuals always consult their obstetrician before making any health-related decision.
For more information, visit this CDC page about the COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
All people age 12+ are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine (people ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.
Learn more about how these COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are made.
Yes. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended people aged 16 years and older who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions get the COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals in these high-risk categories (Phase 1B) are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. Please see COVID-19 Vaccine Phases for more information.
No. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation; those without symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The vaccines meet FDA’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA).
Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines will undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. This monitoring includes using both established and new safety monitoring systems to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are safe.
Yes. CDC recommends that during the pandemic people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact with others outside your household, when in healthcare facilities, and when receiving any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove a mask without assistance should not wear a mask. For more information, visit considerations for wearing masks.
The number of doses needed depends on which vaccine you receive. To get the most protection:
- Two Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses should be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart.
- Two Moderna vaccine doses should be given 1 month (28 days) apart.
- Johnson & Johnsons Jansen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine requires only one dose.
If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, you should get your second shot as close to the recommended interval as possible. However, your second dose may be given up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose, if necessary. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.
People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses.
We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.
Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
Related page:
All three vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) were found to be very effective with no serious safety concerns in clinical trials. The vast majority of people who have been vaccinated report experiencing mild side effects common in most vaccines, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache.
Each vaccine recipient will be monitored by a medical provider for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine is administered. For the most up-to-date information on possible side effects after getting a COVID-19 Vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long vaccine-induced immunity lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.
Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
No, you do not have to pay to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:
- Charge you for the vaccine.
- Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance.
- Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network.
- Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination.
- Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
However, COVID-19 vaccination providers can:
- Charge your health insurance plan (if you are insured) a vaccine administration fee (though providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill.)
- Seek reimbursement for uninsured vaccine recipients from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
- Appropriately bill for any additional healthcare services that may be provided during your vaccination appointment.
While the vaccine is not currently mandatory, it is highly recommended. The vaccine is expected to help protect those who receive it and slow the spread of COVID-19.
No, you cannot choose which vaccine you'll receive. All vaccines are administered based on availability and we encourage you to take the vaccine that is currently being offered. All three of the vaccines that have been authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) may be administered to people aged 18 years and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently authorized for people aged 12 years and older.
The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection.
Regarding vaccination, we won’t know how long immunity lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works. Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
Post Vaccination
As a Texas public institution, regardless of vaccination status, the use of face coverings in university buildings are strongly encouraged but cannot be required.
Additional recommendations for when you’ve been fully vaccinated can be found on the CDC’s website.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after receiving the second dose in a 2-dose series (i.e. Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or
- 2 weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (i.e. Johnson & Johnson vaccine)
If you don't meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
According to CDC guidelines, vaccinated persons exposed to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals may not have to quarantine if they meet all of these criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., = 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or = 2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
- Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
- Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure
For more information about this and other post-vaccination recommendations from the CDC, click here.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can:
- Resume domestic travel (within the United States) and do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
- Do not need to get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination) or self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
However, fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
- Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people aged 12+ receive an additional dose of either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 28 days — or 4 weeks — from second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna.
This includes people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
CDC is also currently recommending booster shots (third doses) of the Pfizer vaccine for the following groups:
- Anyone aged 65+ (at least 6 months after second dose of Pfizer)
- People aged 18-64 with any underlying medical condition (at least 6 months after second dose of Pfizer)
- All people aged 18+ who feel at increased risk for severe COVID-19 because of frequent institutional or occupational exposure (at least 6 months after second dose of Pfizer)
At this time, people who were previously vaccinated with the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines do not need boosters, though the FDA and CDC is reviewing data and may soon recommend boosters of each vaccine.
Boosters and Additional Doses
Anyone aged 18+ who feel at increased risk for severe COVID-19 because of frequent institutional or occupational exposure (at least 6 months after second dose of Pfizer) can get a booster, while anyone aged 12+ who is moderately to severely immunocompromised and at least 28 days — or 4 weeks — from their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna can get an additional dose of either vaccine. UT Health RGV is currently only administering doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Please Note:
- People who were previously vaccinated with the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not currently eligible for boosters, though people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) can get an additional dose of either vaccine.
- People aged 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
If you want a booster or additional dose, go to https://uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/
The easiest way for active students, faculty, and staff to get a booster is through the UTRGV Vaccine Portal. After indicating your interest in a booster, you will receive a call from 1-833-888-2268 (1-833-UTVACN8 ) and a UT Health RGV representative will guide you through your options and schedule your appointment. Please save this phone number to avoid missing that call.
Members of the public or external community members can get COVID-19 boosters via UT Health RGV by registering online at https://uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/. You may receive a call from 1-833-888-2268 (1-833-UTVACN8 ) from a UT Health RGV representative if more information is required to complete your registration. Please save this phone number to avoid missing that call.
We kindly ask that all patients present their COVID-19 vaccine card when getting a booster. However, if you received your initial two doses at a UT Health RGV site and do not have your COVID-19 vaccine card, we can confirm your status in our system. If you did not receive a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card at your first appointment, contact the site where you got your first shot or the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to find out how you can get a card.
Similar to the primary 2-shot series, the most commonly reported reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot so far are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Overall, side effects are mild to moderate. Like the primary 2-shot series, serious side effects are rare but may occur.
Yes. According to the CDC, everyone is still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-shot series (Pfizer or Moderna), or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "a booster shot is administered when a person has completed their vaccine series and protection against the virus has decreased over time," while "additional doses are administered to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems." Per CDC, "this additional dose of an mRNA-COVID-19 vaccine is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series."
Flu Shots
According to health and medical experts, the 2021-2022 influenza (flu) season could be much worse than it was in 2020-2021. However, like every flu season, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this year is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
For more on the flu and vaccines, visit the CDC’s FAQs about the 2021-2022 flu season.
All active UTRGV students and benefits-eligible employees can get a flu shot for FREE by calling for an appointment or walking in and presenting a student ID or insurance card at any of the following UT Health RGV locations:
UT Health RGV Employee Health (Edinburg)
Research Education Building (EREBL) 1st floor, Suite #58
1214 W. Schunior St.
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 296-1731
UT Health RGV Multispecialty/Employee Health (Harlingen)
2106 Treasure Hills Blvd. #1.326
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 296-1519
UT Health RGV Student Health (Brownsville)*
Cortez Hall, Suite 237
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 882-3896
V Express Care by UT Health RGV at H-E-B plus! (Brownsville)
2155 Paredes Line Rd.
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 296-2925
V Express Care by UT Health RGV at H-E-B plus! (Mission)
2409 East Expressway
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 296-2935
*In Brownsville, flu shots are available to all UTRGV employees, active students, and their enrolled dependents.
Yes! Both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines — including boosters — can be administered at the same visit without regard to timing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP).