11
March
2020
|
17:13 PM
America/Chicago

President's Message: COVID-19 Update for Faculty & Staff

Dear Faculty and Staff,

You all are aware of the developing situation concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the City of Houston’s Emergency Health Declaration. The ongoing news regarding the virus has left our community concerned, but I want to encourage vigilance and confidence.

I would also urge all of you to offer reassurance to our students as they return from Spring Break. We are midway through the semester, and their safety and success should be our top priorities.

I, along with members of the University’s leadership team, are monitoring news and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Texas Department of State Health Services to assess this developing situation surrounding the Coronavirus and make decisions that support the welfare of the UHD Community.

Although no cases have been reported at UHD, it is imperative that everyone continue to practice good hygiene and healthy habits. Wash hands regularly; use hand sanitizer (available at stations throughout campus) when necessary; avoid others who are sick; and very important, stay home if you are sick.

It also is critical that faculty and staff update their personal information in PASS and sign up for Campus Notifications.

To minimize the risk of COVID-19 at UHD:

  1. The University is restricting all international travel through at least the end of March, 2020.
  2. Faculty and staff who have visited any country designated by the CDC with a Level Two or Level Three Travel Warning since January 1, 2020 are required to register through UHD’s Travel Reporting Form.
  3. Faculty and staff who believe they have been in direct contact with a carrier of the virus should contact ESO at benefits@uhd.edu.
  4. Faculty and staff returning from any country designated by the CDC with a Level Two or Level Three Travel Warning are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Written approval will be required in order to return to campus.
  5. Faculty and staff also must complete this travel form if they are planning to travel internationally.

It also is recommended that members of the University Community limit domestic business-related travel through the end of March. Faculty and staff should consider the risks when before traveling and make decisions that ensure personal and community safety.

As a reminder, policy updates and general information on COVID-19 are on the University’s Coronavirus website. University Community members also can contact a State of Texas COVID-19 call center at 1-877-570-9779. The call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, the Texas Nurses Health Line is providing access to information from registered nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 713-338-7979 or 1-855-577-7979. Bilingual services and interpreters are available.

The well-being of our UHD Community is of the utmost priority, and you will be notified as soon as further information is available.

Sincerely,

Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz, UHD President

 

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.