Message from the President
February 19, 2021
Dear UTRGV Family,
This past week has been anything but normal for us here in South Texas. The unprecedented winter storm across our state has uniquely disrupted our lives even further and left leaders at every level wondering what went wrong. But, while most of us have had our electricity and internet restored, many of our community members continue to lack food, shelter, water, and/or warmth.
This disaster, much like last summer's Hurricane Hanna, compounded the damage done by the pandemic. While so many of us did not have access to utilities for some time, some people lost their lives and loved ones. With so many in our community struggling, we need to recall our shared values as UTRGV employees, students, and people. It is important for all of us to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic with one another, especially during this period of great suffering and need.
What happened this week is the latest challenge in what has been a most difficult year - but it too shall pass. I want to thank you for your patience, resiliency, and strength and wish everyone a safe and healthy weekend ahead of our return to normal operations on Monday, February 22.
If you are still in need of assistance, please reach out to your faculty members, your department chairs and/or supervisors. For those without power, and anyone in need of warmth, warming stations are available at locations across the Rio Grande Valley and state: https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/. You can also call 2-1-1 for additional assistance and resources.
Access to Campus
While campus is closed Friday, those faculty and staff who want to access their office/workspace Friday or over the weekend may do so. All campus buildings have had electricity and running water restored and only a few buildings are experiencing issues with internet access.
During times like these, new developments occur quickly, which makes staying informed even more critical. You can find the latest updates regarding campus buildings, closures, and other safety-related details at utrgv.edu/alert.
Student Success support
Many of our students rely on our university in various ways, including financial support, academic assistance, or a sense of community. And while many of our students may be anxious about what lies ahead, we want them to know the university’s commitment to their safety and success will never waver.
Our faculty shares this sentiment along with our staff and administration. Students who are having trouble completing assignments by the deadline or who are unprepared for an exam because they need to take care of issues associated with the winter storm should notify their professors as soon as possible and share their situations. Please remember that faculty members were also affected by the storm and its aftermath. We must all be patient with one another and remain flexible over the next several days as essential services are restored throughout the area.
Students who need help - academic or otherwise - or are concerned about their situations can also email StudentSuccess@utrgv.edu. We are here for you and will do everything we can to connect you with available resources.
Vaccinations
Our supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines were also affected by the winter storm. And though we expect normal operations to resume next week, we want to remind everyone of the importance of completing UTRGV Vaccine Portal profile.
The Vaccine Portal is currently open to only faculty, staff and student employees, and we hope to make it available to the entire student body as early as next Thursday or Friday, based on the vaccine supply we receive next week.
Your safety and well-being are our primary concern, and the vaccine is the best way to ensure our campus community remains healthy. Even if you have already been vaccinated, are unsure about receiving the vaccine, or don’t want the vaccine, you still must complete your profile. Completing your profile not only helps us measure vaccine demand - it also helps us track our campus community’s progress toward "Herd Immunity," which will help expedite our return to in-person operations this coming fall.
In closing, you are essential to UTRGV’s success. Please know that our hearts are with you, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure you have the support you need to grow as a student and professional, now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President