We’re going virtual…but for how long?
As announced last week, teaching and instruction at UTRGV will temporarily be conducted via remote/online platforms, starting Tuesday, January 18 through Friday, January 28. And while this may seem familiar, things are a bit different this time around.
Below are answers to some of the most pressing questions you may have about University operations during this latest surge in the pandemic.
Q: How long are classes going virtual for and when will they return to campus?
A: Spring 2022 courses will begin as scheduled on Tuesday, January 18, though most courses — including in-person (Traditional) and Hybrid/Reduced Seating courses — will meet and be conducted via remote/online platforms through Friday, January 28, 2022. Some classes with certain clinical, field and/or research components, labs, art studios, performance and ensemble classes are required to meet in person and will continue to do so during this temporary shift. Instructors of these courses will contact their students to notify them of such requirements.
All courses will resume according to their currently assigned modality on Monday, January 31, 2022.
View President Bailey’s full message.
Q: Will UTRGV campuses be open on January 18?
A: Yes. The temporary change in our academic operations only affects the way courses will be taught over the first two weeks of the Spring 2022 semester (January 18-28). All campuses, facilities, and services will remain open during this period.
Q: How can I get tested for COVID-19 or report that I tested positive?
- First, 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 normal in-person activities.
If you tested positive for COVID-19 at a non-UTRGV site:
- Stay home and DO NOT access any UTRGV campus or off-campus facilities.
- Report your positive test (includes any test taken within the past 90 days) via the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form if you have not yet done so.
- 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. Otherwise, STAY HOME!
- Communicate your situation with your instructor/supervisor, especially if it affects your ability to fulfill work or academic responsibilities.
IMPORTANT:
If review of your submission determines that testing is needed, the COVID-19 Response Team will direct you to a UT Health RGV testing site and expedite your testing process. Your test results will be available in your Athena patient portal within 24-48 hours.
Per UTRGV protocol, 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.
Q: How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?
A: All active UTRGV students and employees can get vaccinated for FREE by calling and scheduling an appointment at Student Health and Employee Health locations, or by calling 1-833-888-2268 for the most current list of UT Health RGV clinical locations offering vaccines. Also, please remember to update your UTRGV Vaccine Portal Profile after each dose you receive (including boosters) so that we can continue to measure the overall protection of our campus community.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit utrgv.edu/vaccine.
Q: What is the current protocol for events?
A: Events should be held online or outdoors whenever possible until January 31.
- If an event must stay indoors, please be mindful of our masking recommendations and consider a larger space to allow for social distancing.
- Decisions about whether to go forward with events will be made by college, school, or departmental leadership.
View UTRGV’s complete event protocol.
For questions, please contact the Return to Campus Events/Gatherings Committee at Events@UTRGV.edu.
Student Organizations:
Designated officers who have completed the reservation training requirement can continue to submit event requests on behalf of their organizations via VLink. All requests will be reviewed by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) reservations team. Any students with questions can contact csi@utrgv.edu.
Q: Will the University provide N95 or KN95 masks for those who want them?
A: UTRGV is providing fit-tested N95 masks only to medical workers. Everyone receiving a UTRGV-issued N95 must adhere to the NIOSH-required fit testing program.
UTRGV is also administering KN95 masks (upon request) to students and employees who work in high-traffic or enclosed areas such as libraries and labs. KN95s do not require fit testing.
Q: What kind of mask or face covering should I wear to protect myself and others?
A: Throughout the pandemic, CDC has consistently recommended the proper wearing of masks and face coverings and says you should “wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you can wear consistently.”
View the types of masks and respirators CDC currently recommends wearing to protect against COVID-19.
For the most current information, including FAQs and resources related to Spring 2022, visit utrgv.edu/welcomeback.