Quick Links

School of Nursing Dean Finalists

January 28, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

This Monday (January 31), traditional and hybrid courses will return to their regularly scheduled in-person meetings. And as our campuses prepare to welcome you and our students back for in-person classes and activities, please know that we remain committed to the safety and success of our entire campus community.

Though it appears that the current surge of infections caused by the Omicron variant may have peaked here in Texas, daily case totals and infection rates continue to be high. Our decision to move courses to remote/virtual learning platforms the last two weeks has helped reduce COVID-19's ability to spread on campus and gave everyone more time to get vaccinated or boosted. We could not have made such a shift without your hard work, and I thank you for your continued commitment to the safety and success of our students.

Furthermore, the availability of on-campus vaccines, vaccine boosters, testing, and case management coupled with proven mitigation protocols allow us to deliver our courses and services in a face-to-face and hybrid environment safely.

That said, our work is not done. Now more than ever, everyone must follow UTRGV’s protocols to continue mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

UTRGV’s evidence-based protocols, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest guidance, have been in place for more than a year. During that time, our protocols have helped to ensure the safety and success of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. However, they only work if each of us utilizes them properly. That’s why I want to make sure that everyone, including our students to whom I am sending a similar message, understands what is expected of them during Spring 2022.

Below are answers to the top questions we have received from faculty and staff regarding UTRGV protocols during this latest transition in our academic operations:

What should I do if my student/student employee has tested positive for COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-like symptoms?

  • First, instruct your student to go or stay home and refrain from accessing any UTRGV campus or off-campus facilities.
  • Then, instruct them to complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form if they have not yet done so.
  • Next, organize a plan to help the student complete their academic requirements/assignments and/or job duties. Your student will not be allowed to return to in-person classes/activities until they have been released by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team. Due to privacy laws, it is each student’s responsibility to remain in contact with you about their case, though they are not required to share certain health information.

What should I do if I tested positive for COVID-19 or am experiencing COVID-like symptoms?

  • Stay home and DO NOT access any UTRGV campus or off-campus facilities.
  • Complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form if you have not yet done so.
  • You will receive a call from the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team who will investigate the case and identify any close contacts.
  • Depending on when you tested positive or when your symptoms started and what kind of test it was (PCR or rapid antigen test), you may be directed to re-test or get tested.
  • If testing is needed, the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team will refer you to a UT Health RGV testing site and expedite your testing process.
  • Communicate your situation with your supervisor/department chair especially if it affects your ability to fulfill work responsibilities.
  • You will not be allowed to return to in-person classes/activities until you have been released by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team.

Am I allowed to ask students if they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or ask for proof of diagnosis?

No. While you can require the standard medical clearance documentation and/or documentation from the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team that a student was sick and unable to attend class, you cannot ask a student for proof of a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis. There are other illnesses that a student may have besides COVID-19 and other reasons for excused absences, including absences for official university activities. If an absence is excused, students should be given an opportunity to complete the missed assignments, quizzes/examinations or other class work and provided a reasonable time after the absence to do so.

Is UTRGV doing anything to help increase vaccination rates within the campus community?

Yes. Last week, UTRGV launched an incentive program that rewards students $100 if they have received their booster/3rd dose and report their status on the UTRGV Vaccine Portal. So far, more than 4,000 students have reported receiving their booster/3rd dose and another 1,600 have requested appointments to get boosted. For more information on the student incentive program, click here.

Additionally, we are finalizing the plans for an employee booster/3rd dose incentive program that will launch very soon.

Where can I find additional FAQs about UTRGV protocols and operations?

All updates to campus operations, including FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and university protocols can be found at utrgv.edu/welcomeback.

This information is not new, but it is more important than ever. UTRGV’s protocols are in place to ensure every campus community member has an opportunity to successfully learn, work, and grow in a safe environment. If we all uphold these protocols, each of us can take pride in knowing we did our best to protect the future of our university, our students, and our loved ones.

Sincerely,

Janna Arney, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost