Updates for March 24, 2020

UTSA is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak with a commitment to supporting the safety of the university community while enabling the academic progress of students.

The first week of remote learning and virtual operations at UTSA is well under way, and for the most part, feedback indicates that things are running smoothly. But remember, ’Runners, we’re all in this together, so if you or someone you know needs help, reach out to Tech Café staff, your professors or even another of your peers. We’re all here to do our utmost to make this new online learning experience a success.

CAMPUS OPERATIONS

OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS: In response to yesterday’s order from Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff, President Taylor Eighmy sent an email to all university employees and students about transitioning most of the remaining on-campus services to virtual interactions. Remaining, limited campus operations would be for safety and to support students granted exceptions to remain in residence halls. Here are new operating guidelines: President Eighmy also sent out a video address about further changes to campus operations. Watch it and read about the new operating guidelines:

LIBRARIES: The John Peace Library and Downtown Library buildings will close, although library resources and chat assistance will continue to be available online. Students needing internet access can reach out to the Tech Café. Additionally, the AET Library, Special Collections Reading Room and Special Collections Library at Hemisfair Campus are closed. HEALTH RESOURCES: Student Health Services, Counseling & Mental Health Services and Student Disability Services offices will remain open only for those students remaining in on-campus housing. However, telephone and virtual consultations are available for all other students remotely. [See contact information in HEALTH, below.] FOOD SERVICE: Roadrunner Café will remain open only to on-campus residents for take-away meals. The Roadrunner Pantry on Main Campus will remain open for students facing food insecurity. The university will work with local officials to evaluate alternative locations and a plan for continued operation. For more information on the Roadrunner Pantry, please email RoadrunnerPantry@utsa.edu. OTHER CLOSURES: All Student Union buildings, recreation facilities and the Child Development Center are all closed. Other campus buildings will be locked and available using card security access. Learn more about essential operations and available services.

LEARNING & ACCESS

REMEMBER TO REGISTER: Registration for fall 2020 is open. You can talk with a One Stop counselor online to get answers about holds, registration and any financial aid related questions via the new UTSA One Stop chat feature. Counselors are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays).

GET TECH ASSISTANCE: Tech Café is staffing phone lines, email and online chat to help you out with your tech issues. If you need support weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., call 210-458-5555, email techcafe@utsa.edu  or connect with a Tech Café team member online. The Tech Café has increased training sessions for Webex and Jabber to help students, faculty and staff with tools for remote learning and working.

KNOW HOW TO COLLABORATE: Need help to collaborate with fellow students, share documents and more? You can check out UTSA’s available Technology Resources for students to find the best choice for you.

GRADUATE PROGRAM ADMISSIONS: To best accommodate graduate program applicants, in consultation with all colleges and with the approval of UT System, the Graduate School will temporarily suspend consideration of the following materials for admission to its graduate programs until further notice: GRE and GMAT test scores Official TOEFL test scores: instead, applicants will be asked to use other means of demonstrating English proficiency Official transcripts: instead, unofficial transcripts must be submitted with application materials followed by official transcripts before the end of the first semester of registration In the absence of test scores and official transcripts, graduate admission committees will holistically review each application and temporarily modify the weights applied to the remaining admission criteria. The same overarching goal must be maintained to admit students whose application materials demonstrate a likelihood to be successful in the graduate program and, ultimately, in their chosen career.

HEALTH

TIPS FOR LEARNING FROM HOME Avoid distractions. Dedicate a space for your work or studies that is away from noisy areas. Your physical environment can be key to your success. Take care of yourself physically. Staring at a computer screen all day can be unhealthy. Get up, walk around, limit your time online and make sure that your work area is conducive to your health (proper chair, desk, lighting, etc.). Don’t procrastinate. This causes unnecessary stress and anxiety in an already stressful environment around COVID-19. Start ahead and stay ahead in case something comes up unexpectedly. Plan ahead. Remember, reaching out via email or phone takes a bit of extra effort versus stopping by your professor’s desk after a class or your colleague’s office.

REACH OUT: Counseling and Mental Health Services is offering telephone and virtual consultations for all students remotely. Follow CMHS on Twitter at @CounselingUTSA and on Instagram at utsa_counselingservices to get the latest updates on services. Additionally, online self-help and stress management tools are available to all students through the TAO app. It provides modules on depression, anxiety, communication, relationships and more that are self-paced and immediately available.

>> Stay up to date on UTSA operations on our Coronavirus Updates website. >> For real-time updates, follow @UTSA on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook. >> Keep up with university news on UTSA Today .