UTSA provides March 24 digest of coronavirus-related updates

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.

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The first week of remote teaching and telecommuting for work at UTSA is well under way, and for the most part, feedback indicates that operations are running smoothly. But remember, ’Runners, we’re all in this together, so if you’ve had concerns expressed by students or your peers about how to improve their remote experience, please do your utmost to find someone to give them assistance.

Here is your daily digest of updates and tips.

CAMPUS OPERATIONS

OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS: In response to yesterday’s orders 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 campus services to virtual operations. Limited campus operations would be for public safety and to support students granted exceptions to remain in campus residence halls.

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 are closed, 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.
  
  
• FOOD SERVICE: Roadrunner Café will remain open only to on-campus residents for take-away meals. And 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.
  
  
• RESEARCH: Only essential and critical research operations will continue, with designated research facilities accessible, as outlined in an email from Bernard Arulanandam, vice president for research, economic development and knowledge enterprise. Researchers may contact Associate Vice President for Research Integrity Michelle Stevenson at 210-668-3313 or stevenson@utsa.edu with any questions.
  
  
• OTHER CLOSURES: Other campus buildings will be locked. Learn more about essential operations and available services.

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ONLINE LEARNING & ACCESS 

GET TEACHING HELP: Academic Innovation is presenting webinars focused on helping faculty convert and teach their courses for an online environment. If you can’t attend a webinar, recordings are posted afterward. 

RESEARCH GUIDANCE: The Office of Research, Economic Development and Knowledge Enterprise is regularly posting notices from federal agencies on conducting research. 

Additionally, the office has a FAQ to assist with continuity and management of research operations. 

GRANT DEADLINES EXTENDED: REDKE has extended the deadlines for the GREAT and Connect seed grant programs:

• GREAT forms are now due April 7
• Connect forms are now due April 14

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 staff or faculty, share documents and more, you can check out UTSA’s available Technology Resources for students to find the best choice for you.

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HEALTH 

TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME

• Maintain regular hours.
• Create a morning routine and a plan for your day.
• Set ground rules with the people in your space.
• Schedule breaks.
• Pick a spot in your home where you will work and make it free of distractions.
• Move throughout the day. Take stretch breaks, walk or do an online exercise video.
• Stay connected often with your colleagues through Microsoft Teams, email, phone, WebEx and messaging apps.
• Eat healthy snacks. Find ideas from the American Heart Association.
• At the end of the day, put your work away as a signal that it’s time to rest and recover from the day’s work.
• Contact the Employee Assistance Program or Deer Oaks for helpful information and 24/7 counseling services for you and your family to manage stress and adapt to change. Alternatively, call 866-327-2400.
• Check out the Wellness Resource Guide from the Rowdy New U program at UTSA about working from home and social distancing.

REACH OUT: Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Counseling and mental health services are available through Deer Oaks at 888-365-6271. 

Additionally, the UTSA Behavioral Intervention Team is a multidisciplinary team that responds to reports of distressed and concerning behavior for students, faculty and staff. The website includes a form to report behavioral concerns to the team. If behavior indicates an immediate safety concern, please contact UTSA Police at 210-458-4911. 

FEELING ILL? Call the Occupational Risk team at 210-458-4038, seek medical support from your health care provider or a virtual doctor via MDLive.

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