Welcome back, Gators!

We resume the Spring Semester in an online format this week, and we’ve been working hard to ensure you’re prepared for this transition.

Although the semester continues (but not in the way any of us envisioned), we are in the home stretch. Stay focused on your classes, take advantage of the resources aimed at helping you succeed in an online learning environment, and most importantly, stay in touch with your faculty and advisors. We also ask that you take our survey to help us identify specific issues and opportunities.

Our faculty and staff at UHD and its off-site centers (UHD Northwest, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Lone Star College-CyFair) are just an email or phone call away. Many of you have questions regarding technology, admissions, financial aid, advising and other matters. Send those questions to coronavirus@uhd.edu.

And since our Student Life Center has closed, UHD’s expert trainers are prepared to help you de-stress and stay active through online workouts. And, members of the University’s Social Work program are hosting Zoom online support groups, including one focused on art as therapy (12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. -- meeting 828-136-9912). Both of the fitness and social work programs are available through Zoom (available to all UHD students, faculty and staff).

These are just some of the University initiatives focused on promoting physical, emotional and mental wellness. But staying healthy starts with you. Continue to practice preventative measures such as hand washing and social distancing, and stay on top of the latest news regarding COVID-19. UHD’s Coronavirus Website is updated regularly and offers a resources page.

We are working to ensure you have the answers you need, so you can focus on what’s important … your health and your academic success.

Today, Harris County and Galveston County have issued Stay at Home orders to help flatten the curve and further protect local populations. All of our Gators should do their part in abiding by this order and making smart, healthy decisions. More details on the Stay Home Order are available on ReadyHarris.gov.

It might seem like “Week 1” of a new semester, but we’re more than halfway through the spring session. With that in mind, stay focused, Gators. We all recognize the distractions we’re facing, but together, we’ll continue to adapt, adjust and overcome any challenge.

Stay strong, Gators.