Campus Operations
Campus Open Status
The university regularly monitors and determines the level of operations for classes, housing, research and other events and activities using an established framework. Levels of operations range from a closed campus to fully open. Levels within this range include various combinations of online and in-person classes, class size densities, on-campus housing availability, and expanded or reduced research activities. Additional details about Decision Triggers for Campus Closure.
Potential indicators of the need to change the university operating level at any given time include numerous community and campus considerations including but not limited to:
- Significant, applicable actions by public officials
- Number and trends of COVID-19-related cases
- Number and trends of COVID-19-related hospital admissions
- Testing capacity
- Availability of personal protective equipment
- Availability of isolation facilities
- Trends among other comparable institutions of higher education
Staff’s Vital Role
Educating the Campus
Educate the UT community about proper social distancing and hygiene protocols.
Promote Social Distancing
Promote social distancing at 6 feet apart. For example, clearly mark unavailable areas and manage high-traffic transition periods.
Clean Common Spaces
Clean all classrooms, research spaces and common areas regularly, adhering to recommended protocols.
Limit Occupancy of Common Spaces
Limit elevator and restroom occupancy to maintain social distancing.
Re-occupancy Certification
Facilities must have certification and inspection on file to support re-occupancy efforts.
Facilities Readiness Checklist
The Facilities Readiness Checklist addresses major building systems such as HVAC, water, electrical, security and access systems.
Workspace Navigation Checklist
The Workspace Navigation Checklist addresses preparing the spaces and rooms within a building to accommodate behavior in office spaces, and preparing classrooms and other common spaces.
Safeguarding Facilities
Elevator, stairwell, hallway and restroom access will be limited based on facility square footage. Location-specific signage will provide guidance, with restroom capacity generally limited to 50%.
Meetings and Events
For now, organized events and gatherings are not generally permitted on campus. We will be reassessing event guidelines before the fall semester as we monitor the state of COVID-19 and federal, state and local guidelines. If the university permits events this fall, organizers should consider holding them online. When that is not feasible:
- Notify participants that events can be canceled at any time, depending on how the pandemic evolves.
- Design events to ensure proper social distancing and hand hygiene.
- Keep a log of all attendees.
- Adhere to face covering guidance. Provide face coverings to those who do not bring their own.
- Clean event spaces regularly — at least daily.
- Ensure that non-local attendees review and adhere to UT travel restrictions
