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
COVID Screening Process
- Follow the CDC’s guidance for determining if/when to isolate and take other precautions.
- Contact your primary care physician or reach out to Student Health or Employee Health Services for care and guidance, especially if you have a specific health concern.
IMPORTANT:
In all cases, you must communicate with your supervisors or instructors as soon as possible should the situation impact your ability to fulfill work or academic duties. As always, if you are sick or feeling ill, stay home and do not come to campus!
Students should also seek guidance from their instructors on how to successfully complete coursework if quarantine, isolation, or illness causes absences. Faculty and supervisors are advised to be flexible with their students and employees and provide support, as needed.
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 up to date with your vaccines, this is your reminder!
WEAR A FACE COVERING
Regardless of vaccination status, using 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 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
Business travel to countries that meet the following criteria must be reviewed and receive approval by the International Oversight Committee (IOC) prior to travel:
- Countries with a Department of State Travel Advisory Level of 3 and above.
and/or
- Countries with a Travel Health Notice of 3 or above.
- Countries with a CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendation of Level 3 and above.
Please Note:
Each request will be reviewed according to its own merits and risk mitigation planning.
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.