UTSA provides April 8 digest of remote-operations news and tips

APRIL 8, 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.

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COVERING UP
Beth Wichman, UTSA’s chief medical officer and the executive director of Student Health Services, explains the CDC’s recommendations for wearing a cloth face covering while in public. Also check out our new Nonmedical Face Coverings webpage to view tutorials on how to make your own mask.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

TRAVEL UPDATE: To continue to protect the health of our campus community, the current restrictions for university-sponsored travel have been extended through May 31, 2020. During this time, no university-sponsored international or domestic travel is permitted unless deemed mission-critical or health-critical as approved by university leadership.

PASS/FAIL PROCESS DETAILS: Faculty, inform students this week whether your course has been designated as eligible for the credit/no credit grading option (“pass/fail”). Beginning April 20, students will see the course(s) with CR/NC option in ASAP and will need to make their choice to opt in by 5 p.m. CDT on May 8, the last day of classes; otherwise, they will receive the traditional letter grade for the eligible course. The university has created a FAQ with more details. 

TACKLING THE PANDEMIC: We’ve created a dedicated webpage to highlight the work of faculty members who are conducting innovative research on COVID-19–related topics. Faculty are making themselves available to peers and the media to discuss the impact of the virus in their areas of expertise, which include infectious disease, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and disease modeling, national security, cybersecurity, and mental health and wellness. 

STUDENT REFUNDS: We’ve created a refunds information page that details how the university will refund students for housing, parking permit and meal plan charges on a prorated basis. The decision regarding reimbursements is consistent with the actions that will be taken at all University of Texas System institutions.

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VIRTUAL EVENTS

BE YOUR BEST: Join our virtual town hall meetings this week, designed to help you stay mentally and physically fit.

• Well-being in the Midst of a Pandemic: Learn some tactics for settling your nerves and calming your worries during this time of uncertainty and change.
  Wednesday, April 8, 2–3 p.m.
• Staying Healthy: Learn tips for and the importance of being aware of your total well-being in the midst of shelter-in-place and social distancing rules.
  Thursday, April 9, 2–3 p.m.

Stay on top of other training sessions, town halls and webinars by UTSA experts on the Trainings and Town Halls page.

STAY FIT FROM HOME: Gyms may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get and stay fit from home—with a little help. Faculty and staff who are Campus Rec members can sign up for a one-on-one 15-minute consultation with a #UTSARec personal trainer for guidance on kick-starting your very own at-home workout plan. Visit the Campus Recreation online for details and to sign up.

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