CORONAVIRUS

More Updates

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY

UTA always recommends our community members follow CDC and public health guidelines, which are similar to what is recommended during cold and flu season, including:

  • Stay home if you are sick and seek medical attention.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.

The Office of Facilities Management has increased its sanitization of public spaces on campus, including focused sanitization of touch points such as handrails, door handles, common spaces, common area seating and tables, etc. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed across campus as well.

We understand some of these measures will be an inconvenience to some members of our community, but we take the health and safety of our Maverick family seriously. There will be many questions and challenges that we will need to resolve together during this unprecedented situation. We will continue our efforts and implement new procedures and guidelines as warranted. We appreciate the work of our faculty and staff as they prepare to protect our campus and assist our students to complete the semester successfully.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a rapidly evolving and emerging situation. UTA will provide updated guidance and information, including the actions the University is taking and the latest health, safety and travel recommendations based on information from UT System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State.

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View the COVID-19 FAQs for additional information on UTA’s changes and guidelines related to the coronavirus outbreak.

ONLINE INSTRUCTION TO CONTINUE THROUGH SUMMER 2020

To ensure the health and safety of UTA students, faculty and staff, the University will continue all instruction in an online format through Maymester and the Summer 2020 Term. There will be no in-person instruction during this time.

SPRING 2020 COMMENCEMENT

All spring 2020 commencement ceremonies are postponed. Graduating students will receive their degrees as scheduled. We understand the significance of this moment to walk across the stage and hear your name called. Students will still be given this opportunity.

While we await the postponed commencement ceremonies, we invite graduates, families, friends, alumni and the entire UTA Community to celebrate on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. CDT with Interim President Teik Lim and Student Body President Gavin Mitchell. Watch the Spring 2020 Virtual Celebration

CAMPUS OPERATIONS & EVENTS

As an additional measure to increase social distancing and mitigate the health risks for our community all campus tours, events, and activities are cancelled through the end of the spring semester. This includes student organization-sponsored campus events.

In line with national health guidelines, we strongly encourage all students to stay at home, and/or return home and access facilities through online means.

Specially designed, socially distant computer labs on campus are available to students that need computer facility access to complete their courses. Information about these labs, as well as other resources for students, can be found on UTA Remote. Additionally, the UTA Library has prepared information about available services to support students during this time.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE & DINING SERVICES

Living in campus residence halls and participating in campus dining programs will be limited to students who do not have a suitable alternative. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to serve students who require this accommodation while observing social distancing practices.

Information on move-out procedures will be distributed by UTA Housing directly to residents. For all housing and residential questions, please contact housing@uta.edu.

FACILITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES OPERATING HOURS

While we encourage students to remain at home, we understand that we have some students remaining on campus. Therefore, beginning March 16, the following hours of service are in effect to support those students who are on campus:

  • Central Library: Effective March 24, the University of Texas at Arlington Central Library is closing to all but laptop lending, while also highlighting and expanding its virtual services. Beginning March 24 and through March 27, the UTA Central Library will be open only for laptop lending from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Beginning March 30, laptop lending will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. College libraries remain closed.
  • Maverick Activities Center: closed
  • CAPS: remains available to students during these unprecedented times. Services are performed remotely. Please call at 817-272-3671 to schedule a time to connect with a counselor regarding your concerns. If this is an Emergency please call 911 or the MavsTalk 24hr Crisis Line at 817-272-8255. We also encourage the UTA community to use CAPS online resources for accessing information related to emotional well-being and mental health support.
  • Health Center: will observe normal operating hours. Limited services are available at this time. Call 817-272-2771 if you need to be seen by a healthcare provider. If you have fever and respiratory symptoms, have had recent international travel or contact with an individual known to have the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) please call before coming to the health center.
  • Research labs and academic buildings: will remain open to faculty and staff.
  • Dining Services: Carry-out meals will be available at the Market in the University Center only Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will be the only food option available on campus until restrictions are lifted.
  • UTA Bookstore: open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bookstore will limit the number of people in the store to no more than 10 at one time to comply with the social distancing limit Tarrant County has instituted. Online customers are still welcome. Follett is continuing to offer free shipping to all customers.
  • Starbucks: Location adjacent to the bookstore will continue to operate as a grab-and-go store 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

STUDENT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND

UTA students with a temporary hardship as a result of the impact and disruption caused by the coronavirus may apply for financial help from the UTA Emergency Assistance Fund.

The Emergency Assistance Fund is possible through the generous contributions of supporters. If you are interested in supporting our students in need, please consider giving to the Emergency Assistance Fund.

CARES ACT EMERGENCY GRANTS FOR STUDENTS

Thanks to federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), UTA will use nearly $10.6 million to directly support eligible students needing financial assistance. UTA will disburse the funds in a manner that provides a meaningful amount of assistance to a maximum number of Mavericks.

The CARES Act Emergency Grants are for students who have experienced additional expenses due to COVID-19. Read the FAQs and learn how to apply.

FACULTY AND STAFF RESOURCES: TELECOMMUTING, RESEARCH, AND POLICIES

UTA has established a coronavirus resource center for faculty and staff that includes operations and support information from Human Resources and Business Affairs.

The University is strongly encouraging telecommuting to the maximum extent possible for faculty and staff in order to minimize the need to be on campus. For additional information about telecommuting, please reference the telecommuting FAQs.

The Vice President for Research encourages all faculty and staff to work with their department heads to make the necessary accommodations and modifications that permit working remotely. Research activities may continue should it be able to be completed via working remotely or in limited social interactions as described by the CDC, or if it is necessary due to the nature of your work.

The VPR has established a website with updates and information specific to research during this evolving outbreak.

The Provost has prepared FAQs about academic policy changes in response to COVID-19.

REPORTING CLOSE CONTACT WITH COVID-19 PATIENT(S)

If a student, faculty, or staff member comes into close contact (within six feet) with an individual who has been tested and diagnosed with COVID-19, you are required to complete the Close Contact form.

Individuals who have been in contact with anyone who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be expected to self-isolate at an off-campus location for 14 days and receive clearance by a medical professional before returning to campus for any reason. UTA Health Services will be in contact with further directions related to daily quarantine check-ins and release to return to campus.

WHAT TO DO IF EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient, the CDC and local health authorities have advised to call your health care provider to discuss symptoms or contact history. Do not go to a clinic, UTA Health Services or other, if experiencing symptoms without first calling.

In the event of an emergency, call 911 and inform the dispatcher of COVID-19 concerns.

UTA students can contact UTA Health Services with concerns during office hours at 817-272-2771. Outside of normal business hours, call the Tarrant County Public Health hotline at 817-321-5939.

UTA Health Services information is available at uta.edu/healthservices.

Please know that even though the faculty and staff of CAPPA are working remotely this week, we are thinking about you and preparing for the resumption of all classes in an online mode on March 23. Our mission, as always, is to see you achieve your goals, and this commitment remains unchanged and stronger than ever as we face the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 (the coronavirus).

Even though we are not seeing you face-to-face and hope that you are practicing social distancing, CAPPA is still a community, and being a member of the community sometimes includes obligations. Everyone who is part of the CAPPA community – students, faculty and staff – has an obligation to monitor their personal health for possible symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, please follow the directions from UTA’s coronavirus webpage https://www.uta.edu/announcements/coronavirus, especially the two directions below:

1. If you come into close contact (within six feet) with an individual who has been tested and diagnosed with COVID-19, you are required to complete the Close Contact form, which you will find on the website listed above. You also must notify CAPPA Dean Adrian Parr by sending her an email at parr@uta.edu. Individuals who have been in contact with anyone who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be expected to self-isolate at an off-campus location for 14 days and receive clearance by a medical professional before returning to campus for any reason. UTA Health Services will be in contact with further directions related to daily quarantine check-ins and release to return to campus.

2. If you are experiencing symptoms, call your health care provider to discuss symptoms or contact history. In the event of an emergency, call 911 and inform the dispatcher of COVID-19 concerns. UTA students can contact UTA Health Services with concerns during office hours at 817-272-2771. Outside of normal business hours, call UTA Health Services information is available at edu/healthservices. Below is information about COVID-19 testing that we hope you will find helpful.

COVID-19 Testing Instructions from Texas State Health Services: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/

Public Health Testing (free)

  • Testing criteria: these include having fever, cough, shortness of breath PLUS:
    • have had close contact with a confirmed case,
    • have traveled to a location with ongoing transmission of COVID-19,
    • have risk factors for getting very sick from COVID-19, or
    • are hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms even if you do not have any risk factors.
  • If you meet the testing criteria above, call the Tarrant County Public Health hotline at 817-321-5939. If you live in Dallas, Denton or Collin county, call the appropriate number below:
    • Dallas County: 214-819-2101
    • Denton County: 940-349-2900
    • Collin County: 972-548-5500

Private Lab Testing (cost depends on the lab)

Can someone with no health insurance get tested for COVID-19? Yes, people with no health insurance have the option of getting tested at a public health lab or at a private lab. If you need a healthcare provider, dial 211 – they will direct you to low- or no-cost providers in your area. Providers for uninsured people may also contact public health to facilitate if testing is appropriate.

County Health Department Websites:

Tarrant County Public Health: https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control—prevention/coronaviruas.html

Dallas County Health and Human Services: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php 214-819-2101

Denton County Department of Health: https://dentoncounty.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Denton-County-Public-Health/Epidemiology-Notifiable-Conditions/Novel-Coronavirus 940-349-2900

Collin County Health Care Services: https://www.collincountytx.gov/healthcare_services/Pages/news.aspx 972-548-5500

We care about your health and safety and are very much looking forward to seeing you back in the building sooner than later.

INTERNAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Please contact your school director or department chair for program-related queries:
Architecture and Interior Design – Director Bell: bbell@uta.edu
Landscape Architecture – Dr. Jones Allen: Diane.Allen@uta.edu
Public Affairs & Planning – Dr. Coursey: David.Coursey@uta.edu

For advising assistance please contact Cheryl Donaldson: cdonald@uta.edu

To contact the Associate Dean of Faculty & Graduate Affairs contact Dr. Douglas Klahr: klahr@uta.edu

To contact the Assistant Dean of Facilities & Undergraduate Affairs contact Rebecca Boles: rboles@uta.edu

For enrollment, queries contact James Brown: james.brown2@uta.edu
To contact the Dean please reach out to her Executive Assistant Caroline Stultz: caroline.stultz@uta.edu

We appreciate your cooperation during this challenging time. Please stay healthy.