April 17, 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. Here is your digest of university news and tips.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES UPDATE: The new Financial Assistance Resources for UTSA Students page includes an application for the Student Technology Assistance Fund, established to assist students who do not have the resources to purchase technology needed for remote courses. If you know a student facing financial hardship who needs funds to purchase a computer and hotspot, please have them apply.

GIVING RECOGNITION: For this year’s University Excellence Award program, the Staff Senate will recognize staff who have gone above and beyond during this COVID-19 time. To nominate a staff member or department for recognition of exceptional service during our transition to work-from-home, fill out the survey for Rowdy Remote Recognition. See the nominees in all categories in this morning’s article on UTSA Today.

EMPLOYEE ACCESS: To support your health and well-being, Human Resources’ COVID-19 updates site provides you with related HR information, resources and support. Get details on the Families First Act, emergency FMLA, and extended training, professional development and employee engagement opportunities.

FIND TOOLS TO SUCCEED: Telecommuting for work has been a first-time experience for many ’Runners, so Human Resources is also providing the UTSA Learning Zone. Available to all faculty, staff and student employees, the platform has a set of self-paced courses geared toward working remotely, including using Microsoft Teams, overcoming virtual challenges, managing stress and being productive in your personal life.

PICTURE PERFECT: If you’re missing campus, we’ve created some campus-inspired and spirit-themed virtual backgrounds for Zoom to help you feel connected with other Roadrunners while taking courses or working remotely.

HONE TELECOMMUTING SKILLS: The Staff Senate’s Remote Resources page includes video sessions and links to articles related to being part of a remote workforce. You can also follow the Staff Senate on YouTube and Facebook.

STAY ENGAGED, STAY ACTIVE: Divisions across the university are holding virtual meet-up events and tutorials each week where you can exercise, stay mindful or advance a skill set. Explore the opportunities on the Events calendar on UTSA Today. And if your team is producing events for students, staff or faculty, let us know with the Submit an Event form.

ACCESS HEALTH SOLUTIONS: Rowdy New U is offering webinars by Blue Cross Blue Shield UT SELECT health insurance. All UTSA employees, retirees, spouses and dependents age 18 and above who are covered by the UT SELECT Medical Plan are eligible to participate.

• Omada: Tools and support to help you create healthy habits that stick. It’s an approach shown to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Wednesday, April 22, 10–10:30 a.m.
• Livongo: Resources to help manage your diabetes or hypertension digitally with the support of a certified coach and many other resources. Tuesday, April 28, 11:30 a.m.–noon.

»  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.