UTSA provides March 20 digest of coronavirus-related updates

MARCH 20, 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 daily digest of campus updates. 

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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT EIGHMY

A special message of support and encouragement to everyone at UTSA as the Roadrunner community returns after spring break. 

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COMMUNICATION

EMAIL YOUR STUDENTS: UTSA held a virtual Student Town Hall this week for students, and some of them asked questions about plans for how virtual instruction will commence next week. Faculty, please communicate with your students as soon as possible about any specifics for your courses related to the upcoming transition to online classes, which resume Monday.

GET THE ANSWERS: If you couldn’t attend the virtual town halls this week for faculty and staff about UTSA business operations, telecommuting and online instruction, the broadcasts are online.

• Watch the Faculty Town Hall video recording.
• Watch the Staff Town Hall video recording.

GET READY FOR NEXT WEEK: We will have a special Sunday edition of the Daily Digest this weekend to help you get prepared for the week ahead of online instruction. Keep an eye for it in your email inbox.

GRAD SCHOOL PREP: To accommodate students who may encounter problems in taking standardized tests due to COVID-19 related issues, The Graduate School is temporarily suspending the use of GRE and GMAT test scores as a criterion for admission considerations to all our graduate programs until further notice.

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ONLINE LEARNING & ACCESS 

VIRTUAL UTSA: As the university moves to online instruction and a remote workforce beginning Monday, Academic Affairs and Business Affairs have shared guidelines with faculty and staff on how to transition to telecommuting.

TECH HELP: Need to help to hold meetings, share documents or deliver online instruction? Review UTSA’s inventory of available Technology Resources for faculty and staff to find the best choice for you. Also, remember to contact 210-458-5555 for help if you need it.

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CAMPUS OPERATIONS 

LIBRARY ACCESS: UTSA Libraries will have new hours starting Monday, March 23, as the university begins online instruction and its move to a primarily telecommuting workforce. Both the John Peace Library and Downtown Library will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These services will be available:

• Access to computers, complete with internet and web browsers, Microsoft Office, SPSS, Adobe Creative Cloud and other productivity software
• Access to the AirRowdy wireless network
• Access to PrintSpot printing
• Access to KIC scanners
• Access to the Adaptive Technology Computer Lab

• Group study rooms
• Group spot A & B
• Faculty Center common seating area
• Physical circulation of materials, including reserves and tech gear
• In-person reference
• Faculty Center reservations and events

The AET Library, Special Collections Reading Room and Special Collections Library at Hemisfair Campus will be closed to the public. Visit UTSA Libraries for a full schedule of hours and to view available resources. 

DOWNTOWN HOURS: Downtown Campus offices will close daily at 6 p.m. and will be closed on weekends.

MAIL AND SHIPPING SERVICES: Central Receiving and Mail Services will remain open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for pick-up and drop-off of mail and packages. Deliveries to offices will be unavailable.

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