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We hope you have had a safe and successful week on campus, at home, or wherever you’ve been logging on.
Just like temperatures across Texas, COVID-19 cases continued to fall this week, with all indicators signaling that we have passed the peak of this latest surge caused by the Omicron variant. Though infections are trending down almost as quickly as they rose, we all must remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread, especially as new variants emerge.
Mental Health Services
If we’ve learned anything over the past two years, it’s that pandemics affect almost every aspect of our modern lives. But, while much of the focus over this time has been on physical health, protecting our mental health is equally important. That’s why being aware of all the robust mental health and wellness resources UTRGV offers is so critical.
Whatever challenge you may be facing, there's a healthier way to address it. Chances are, you may find just what you need in the UT Employee Assistance Program (Username & Password: UTRGV) or with the UTRGV Counseling Center. Some of the services available to active students and benefits-eligible employees include access to trained professionals during in-person or virtual counseling sessions, self-guided app-based practices, or other web-based resources — free of charge. For more on what is available to you, visit our Welcome Back website.
Vaccine Incentives: Students and Employees
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, the vaccine’s ability to prevent infection and protect us against the virus may decrease due to changes in the variants and over time. However, getting a booster shot improves our immune system’s ability to fight the virus and dramatically lowers the likelihood of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even from Delta and Omicron. Simply put, if you want to give yourself the best chance to stay safe and healthy over the coming months, get vaccinated and get a booster as soon as possible.
UTRGV recently announced two new incentive programs — one each for Students and Employees — to thank and encourage all campus community members for doing their part. To qualify for this *bonus, enrolled students and active employees must receive a COVID-19 booster or third dose by April 8, 2022, declare their booster status in the UTRGV Vaccine Portal, and upload an image of their updated vaccine card to their portal profile.
*Qualifying students will receive $100; Qualifying employees may choose between $100 (subject to payroll tax) or a UTRGV Swag Pack ($100 value).
Social Distancing
This week, traditional and hybrid classes resumed their in-person meetings for the first time in over a month. And while the holiday break and two-week delay we took at the start of the semester helped reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus, we realize that not everyone may be in sync with our campus protocols.
As a reminder, social distancing is not currently enforced on campus but is encouraged (whenever possible) and highly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems. All classrooms and public spaces can accommodate pre-pandemic capacities, and everyone is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, boosted, and wear a well-fitted face covering (especially indoors).
Event Protocols
The UTRGV community celebrates Black History Month and Homecoming in February, and there will be several events and celebrations taking place on campus over the next few weeks. While in-person events are allowed on campus, we continue to recommend online or outdoor events (whenever possible). If an event must stay indoors, please be mindful of our masking recommendations and consider a larger space that can allow for social distancing. Please send any questions to the Return to Campus Events/Gatherings Committee at Events@UTRGV.edu.
On-Campus Food Services & Vending Machines
If you’ve been on campus this week, you may have noticed that some of your favorite food vendors may not have been open. Though most of our vendors are currently operating, several that occupy spaces in lower-density areas will delay opening until pedestrian traffic near those locations increases. Visit the Campus Services page on our Welcome Back website for up-to-date information on University dining operations and other services.
Additionally, campus vending machines are currently getting refilled. However, if you see one that’s empty in the future, please alert Campus Auxiliary Services by emailing aux@utrgv.edu.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure every member of our UTRGV community has the safest, most successful campus experience possible this spring and beyond.
V’s Up!