Protocols: Protect Yourself and Respect Others
As a Texas public institution, UTRGV cannot require you to get vaccinated against COVID-19, nor can the university require you to wear a face covering on campus. Because of these policies, UTRGV urges all campus community members to consider the consequences of each decision we face and how they may affect ourselves, our colleagues, students, and loved ones. Doing so is especially important as new variants of the virus continue to emerge.
Below are some proven and effective ways to mitigate your risk of contracting COVID-19:
Campus
DAILY SELF SCREENING
Each day, prior to visiting any UTRGV campus/off-campus facilities, all University students and employees must review the current version of the COVID-19 Daily Self Screening questions regarding COVID-19 related symptoms.
If you are exhibiting COVID-related symptoms, do not come to campus. Instead, stay home, notify your instructor or supervisor, and utilize the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine what to do next.
GET VACCINATED
All active students and employees can receive the vaccine by calling any Student Health or Employee Health clinical location (Brownsville, Edinburg, or Harlingen). If you have not received your second dose or booster, this is your reminder! Please remember to update your vaccination status in the UTRGV Vaccine Portal after each dose (including boosters).
WEAR A FACE COVERING
Regardless of vaccination status, the use of face coverings in university buildings is strongly encouraged.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social distancing is encouraged (whenever possible) and highly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems.
Travel
The CDC recommends that all people delay travel until they are fully vaccinated, as travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
Overall, UTRGV strongly encourages all campus community members to follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Business Travel
Domestic Travel
UTRGV business-related travel is allowed. It is highly recommended that travelers receive all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible, prior to traveling. Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended while traveling.
International Travel
All international travel is still considered “High Risk”. As such, all international travel is still not allowed.
However, requests for exceptions to international travel for educational, medical, research, or business purposes can be made. All requests must be reviewed and approved by the International Oversight Committee (IOC) before travel can be booked. Each request will be reviewed according to its own merits and risk mitigation planning. Please critically consider any travel request in terms of:
- COVID-19 infection rates in the destination country or region
- Category of traveler (i.e., undergraduate student, graduate student, faculty, staff)
- Timing of proposed travel
- Ability to enter the destination country
- Safety and suitability of quarantine facilities outside the USA
- Potential for additional expenses (ex. Cost of adding up to several weeks of quarantine abroad)
- Ability to undertake proposed activities and return to campus safely
- On-the-ground support outside the USA, including the destination country’s health infrastructure, logistical arrangements, and all other associated risks.
For UTRGV owned/leased/rented passenger vehicles:
- No more than two travelers are allowed per vehicle for local travel of a duration of 15 minutes or less.
- If all passengers in the vehicle are up to date on their vaccinations (have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible), two or more travelers may travel no matter the duration of the trip.
- Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended while traveling.
Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
Personal Travel
Domestic Travel
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
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
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.
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.
Our main concern continues to be the health, safety, and security of our UTRGV community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we work through this unprecedented situation.
Events
Recommended for Events- If an event must stay indoors, please be mindful of our masking recommendations.
- Effective March 30, 2022, catering is no longer required to be "grab-and-go" (pre-packaged). Event organizers may decide at their discretion how food and beverages are packaged, distributed, and consumed during an event.
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 or in the event of inclement weather/emergency.
- 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 Events@UTRGV.edu.