17
March
2020
|
16:30 PM
America/Chicago

COVID-19 Update: Telecommuting Option Extended, Travel Restrictions Enhanced

The situation concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to change daily. As previously announced, all University of Houston-Downtown classes will switch to an online format starting Monday, March 23 through at least April 4.

Yesterday, the Provost’s Office distributed a message to faculty with details on how to effectively prepare for Monday. That message included information related to policies and resources available to faculty to assist them in successfully transitioning courses to an online format.

Further, over the weekend, faculty and staff were notified by Employment Services & Operations that telecommuting options were available for certain job types this week, subject to supervisory approval. At the direction of President Munoz, the telecommuting option is now extended through April 4 as Houston, Harris County and Texas are urging extreme caution in response to COVID-19. Policies and related forms are available on the new ESO COVID-19 resources page. Flexible scheduling options are being considered for employees working on campus. Additional information provided through this website includes detail on telemedicine and other resources available to University employees.

Another critical update for students, faculty and staff is that the University is enhancing its travel restrictions to include all domestic and international travel. This expanded policy has been implemented through at least the end of April, 2020 to safeguard the health and well-being of the UHD Community.

As a reminder, those who have traveled internationally since Jan. 1 are required to submit this travel form and will receive guidance regarding self-quarantine.

Everyone is well aware that COVID-19 is presenting our University, city, state and nation with many challenges. UHD’s leadership continues to monitor this changing situation and make decisions in the best interest of the institution and all of its constituents.

A follow-up message will be distributed by week’s end with updates and information regarding COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on the University and our community.

Updates, FAQs and previous communications related to COVID-19 can be found on UHD’s Coronavirus Website.

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.