Urgent Message COVID-19 Updates »

Last Updated: Aug. 6, 2020

Latest Updates

The University of Texas at Dallas is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Monitor the confirmed cases within the UTD campus community.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who has tested positive, please fill out our COVID-19 self-report form. The form is available in both English Opens in a new tab. and Spanish Opens in a new tab..

  • Following approval from their leadership, supervisors must submit a Return to Campus Electronic Form to elect employees to return to campus. Please see these steps.
  • fall 2020 registration information page has been added to the Comets United Students Guide. It details the five ways classes will be taught.
  • The Comets United page contains guidelines for staff and faculty, and for students choosing to return to campus for fall 2020.
  • Emergency aid is available to students through the federal CARES Act and the UT Dallas Student Emergency Financial Assistance Program. UT Dallas has established a website with more detailed information about each of these funds, as well as other resources for students in need of assistance.
  • President Richard C. Benson announces that UT Dallas will be open and educating students for the fall semester Opens in a new tab..
  • Instruction for all of the summer semester will be online. In addition, the following student fees for the summer semester have been waived: athletic, transportation, medical services, recreation facility and the student union.
  • All research laboratories have either greatly decreased or suspended on-site activities. More information regarding research operations can be found on the research continuity page.
  • Updates to University housing for current residents can be found on the housing website. Payments for residence halls or dining plans will be credited or reimbursed for unused portions.
  • All other campus events have been canceled, virtualized or postponed until further notice. Questions about previously scheduled events should be referred to the event sponsor. Event sponsors should consult with the appropriate dean or vice president for further input on cancellations.
  • Access to the Eugene McDermott Library, the Activity Center, Rec Center West, and most other academic, administrative and research buildings has been restricted to employees who are necessary to maintain the physical plant and research enterprise and to provide essential support services.
  • To minimize the spread of COVID-19, students, faculty and staff should follow the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Opens in a new tab. to avoid becoming sick.
  • Students, faculty or staff asked to self-quarantine for a 14-day period should follow these quarantine guidelines.

Outreach

At UT Dallas, faculty, staff, students, alumni and researchers are doing their part to meet the challenges of a global pandemic. The following highlights the efforts taking place at the University:

Professor Helps Launch Platform for Online Developmental Psychology Studies

UT Dallas psychologist Dr. Candice Mills is one of six scientists from six U.S. universities coast to coast who joined forces to launch the Children Helping Science project, which is designed to increase participation in online developmental psychology studies. (07/17/20)

New Fellowship Program Bolsters Research Opportunities for Master’s Students

The Office of Research and the Office of Graduate Education partnered on the Master’s Research Fellowship Program, which awarded grants to 56 students across a wide range of disciplines.
(07/15/2020)

See more outreach efforts at UT Dallas.

Travel Advisory Updated 7/22

Domestic Travel

  • The State of Texas has lifted domestic travel restrictions, however, institutional restrictions on University-related travel remain in place.
  • There are several states that have travel restrictions for individuals traveling from Texas. Follow state and local travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or local health department where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination. While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking for updates Opens in a new tab. as you travel.

International Travel

Our Commitment to All

This is a stressful time replete with worry for ourselves and our loved ones. Sadly, there are reports from around the country of people choosing to express their fear with hostile words and actions toward others solely because of their nationality, race or ethnicity. In light of these disturbing incidents, UT Dallas reaffirms its focus on our long history of respect for and support of people from around the world. It is essential to reaffirm that our University welcomes all, regardless of their country of origin, race, heritage or ethnicity.

Health and Safety

According to the CDC, fever, cough and shortness of breath are among the most-common COVID-19 symptoms Opens in a new tab. which may appear in two to 14 days after exposure. If you or anyone you know has traveled to countries designated as Level 2 or higher Opens in a new tab. — where widespread transmission has occurred — or has been in close contact with a traveler to one of these countries and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we advise that you follow guidelines recommended by the CDC Opens in a new tab..

The health of our campus is very important. As with any communicable illness, we encourage students, faculty and staff to always take precautions to avoid becoming sick. Please review CDC guidelines on preventive measures:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue; then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • CDC recommends Opens in a new tab. wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Faculty and Staff: As always, if you have any concerns that affect your ability to work, contact your supervisor. Also, before you or your employees report to campus, please familiarize yourself with these steps.

About COVID-19

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services Opens in a new tab.; CDC Opens in a new tab.