Health & Shared Responsibility
The health and wellbeing of our Roadrunner community is central to our academic year, and our intent is to provide a learning, living and working environment that is actually much safer than what is found in the general community for the heightened protection of all Roadrunners.
The public health safety measures described below are based on direction from UTSA’s Public Health Task Force, along with guidance from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, UT System and aligned with city, state and federal health directives.
These measures may be updated or adjusted over time as new information becomes available.
All Roadrunners must do their part
We have a shared responsibility to take steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections on our campus. This means adhering to national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements, as well as those measures we deem safe and appropriate for UTSA. Every member of our Roadrunner community must do their part by abiding by the Roadrunner Pact and our Five Principles.
Testing is available on campus
Student Health Services provides on-campus testing for students who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms and who have been advised to be tested after conducting a telehealth visit. In addition, UTSA partners with Livingston Med Lab to offer testing to all students, faculty and staff, regardless of whether they are symptomatic. Results are typically received within 24 hours.
Planning is underway for safe on-campus instruction and activites for fall 2021
The fall 2021 semester will feature more in-person learning experiences for students. Later this spring, our Public Health Task Force will make recommendations for a safe return to campus this fall after considering the latest public health best practices, testing protocols, community vaccination levels, vaccine availability and the status of COVID-19 variants. Soon after their report is released, the task force will host a town hall to invite community dialogue, questions and feedback.
COVID-19 vaccine strongly encouraged once available
UTSA strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you are eligible. The vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial to winning the fight against COVID-19. UTSA is coordinating with the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding the administration and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more here.
Vaccine eligibility continues to expand
On March 15, the State of Texas began Phase 1C of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. This opens vaccine priority to individuals 50 to 64 years of age. Other eligible populations include: healthcare workers, people age 50 and older, people with chronic health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, and childcare & school personnel. All eligible faculty and staff who are interested in obtaining a vaccine have an opportunity to schedule an appointment.
Face coverings at UTSA
UTSA is continuing all campus COVID-19 protocols—including our face coverings requirement—subsequent to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-34 which took effect on Wednesday, March 10. Face coverings are required in all public and common spaces on UTSA's campuses. Indoors, face coverings are required while in campus buildings. Outdoors, face coverings are required only when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained. UTSA is providing a face covering to every student, staff and faculty member. >> More information about face coverings on campus
Roadrunners are expected to closely self-monitor their health
UTSA offers a health daily self-assessment tool, which is accessible from both the UTSA and LiveSafe mobile apps. All students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors are highly encouraged to conduct daily health assessments and carry a personal hygiene pack which includes items such as hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues and at least one extra face covering.
Roadrunners were required to complete compliance training at the start of the academic year
The mandatory training thoroughly covers the Roadrunner Pact and Five Principles. It also includes information on self-screening, testing, reporting, accommodations for both students and employees, campus wellness resources, and steps to mitigating the spread of the virus.
Contact tracing is in place
Those who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 are being identified and tracked.
Campus Cleaning & Disinfection
Students are asked to limit unnecessary social interactions
In order to help prevent COVID-19 infections on our campus and within the local San Antonio community, we recommend that students limit unnecessary social interactions throughout the fall semester. Students are encouraged to stay in their residence except for essential business (groceries, medical visits), and avoid non-essential public places.
Protective barriers have been installed in high traffic areas around campus
Protective plastic barriers have been placed in high-traffic areas where social distancing is difficult, such as circulation/information desks and food service counters.
We are supporting vulnerable members of the Roadrunner community
We are offering flexible working and learning conditions for individuals at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and those who live with or care for individuals at higher-risk, including workplace modality options and flexible alternatives for in-person learning activities.
Social distancing and physical space occupancy limits are required throughout campus
All Roadrunners must stay six-feet away from others while on campus, and abide by occupancy limits within all rooms and common areas. Signage is posted throughout our campuses to indicate occupancy limits.
