University of Texas at San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy announced Monday that his campuses would reopen “broadly” this fall, but cautioned students that “campus life will look different when we return.”
“At this moment the exact nature of how our campuses will open is yet to be determined, but we intend to make final decisions about our plans by the end of June,” Eighmy announced in an email to all faculty and staff.
Last week, UT System Chancellor James Milliken asked all system schools to begin planning for a fall return to campuses.
Eighmy assured staff that the school would work with the university system to implement best practices to prioritize the health of students. He floated a few ideas of how instruction could be delivered, mentioning a blend of in-person and online learning and a gradual phase-in of in-person classes.
“Many of these decisions will depend on the use of personal protective equipment, any trends or resurgence in the virus’ spread, the capacity for testing and revisions to social distancing best practices,” Eighmy wrote.
UTSA leaders will appoint tactical teams to develop proposals for a fall reopening, addressing residence halls, student activities, large gatherings, and athletics.
Employees who are telecommuting to work will be able to do so until July 31, but some staff could come back to campus sooner if plans call for their return, Eighmy said.
In late April, Texas A&M University – San Antonio and St. Mary’s University announced plans to reopen in the fall, also noting the state of reopening would depend on public health factors.
