The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University Updates/Resources Related to COVID-19
Opening UTRGV: Face Covering
Dear Campus Community:
The task force charged with developing a university-wide plan to gradually and safely open UTRGV continues to work diligently on the university’s behalf. The plan, which will provide general safety and health protocols, is expected to be finalized in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, to coincide with the beginning of the Summer Semester on Monday, June 1, and the opening of several on-campus student services, the task force has recommended an immediate university-wide protocol that has been approved by the Office of the President.
Effective immediately, UTRGV has implemented a new face covering protocol which requires the wearing of face coverings when entering a campus building to protect others and themselves to create the safest possible campus.
New required protocols, which apply to everyone on campus, including but not limited to all students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors, suppliers and visitors, are as follows:
- Anyone entering a campus building must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose.
- The covering must be worn in all hallways, public spaces, research labs, teaching/computer labs, libraries, classrooms, automobiles with a passenger, stairwells, elevators and common areas, as well as office spaces. In office spaces, when social distancing of 6 feet is possible and maintained, face coverings may be removed.
- Face coverings also are required in outdoor settings, if safe social distancing and gathering practices are not possible.
- Individuals may supply their own face covering. If a face covering is not available, a washable/reusable covering will be provided.
- Face coverings protect others around you and prevent you from unintentionally spreading the COVID-19 virus to others.
- All individuals on campus are expected to practice robust personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing and sanitation of shared surfaces.
- Failure to comply with these procedures may result in disciplinary action through the appropriate processes.
As always, we thank the members of our task force for their hard work and dedication to the university’s safety and health. We also thank you for your patience during this extremely fluid situation. Our primary concern continues to be the health, safety and security of our UTRGV community.
If you have questions, please reach out to your supervisor for guidance or email coronavirus@utrgv.edu.