Fall 2020 FAQ

Masks/Face Coverings

Will masks or face coverings be required on campus?

Masks or face coverings must be worn by all on campus when in the presence of others and in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., common work spaces, meeting rooms).

Will masks or face coverings be provided to all students, staff and faculty?

UT Dallas will provide disposable masks or cloth face coverings to all staff and faculty asked to return to work in campus facilities.

How will use of masks and face coverings be enforced?

All employees working at UT Dallas facilities are expected to comply fully with the protocols and guidelines outlined. Failure to do so may result in further action in accordance with the appropriate disciplinary policy.

What should I do if I’m unable to wear a face covering?

Students who are unable to wear a face covering in accordance with the policy should contact the Dean of Students office (DOS) at [email protected]. The DOS will provide guidance regarding the process for submitting an exception request, and will review submissions to make a determination on a case-by-case basis. Documentation from the treating physician will be required for medical exceptions.

Classes

How many students will be permitted in a classroom or lab at once?

Seating capacity for classrooms and common areas will vary based on conformance with social distancing guidelines.

How will classroom social distancing be enforced?

Students will only occupy classroom seats that conform with social distancing guidelines. Other seats will be removed from the classroom or will have markings that clearly indicate they are not to be used.

What does hybrid learning mean? Will students rotate between being in the classroom and attending class online? Or will certain classes be offered online and certain classes offered in person?

Hybrid courses involve a mix of in-person (face-to-face) and online instruction, either synchronous or asynchronous. This option could include face-to-face instruction that divides course rosters into student groups with separate groups attending in person in a rotation pattern, e.g., day by day or week by week. Some courses will be offered in person, and some will be offered online. Faculty members who teach in person also will be prepared to deliver course material asynchronously, so each student will be able to choose how they engage with the course.

What percentage of classes will be offered online?

The percentage of fully online courses is not yet known. All classes will have an asynchronous learning option.

Is UT Dallas ending the semester at the Thanksgiving break? Will finals be held remotely or completed before then?

The last day of classes is Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Finals will occur Wednesday, Dec. 2 – Tuesday, Dec 8. Finals will be online or take home. Students will not be required to return to campus for finals.

Common Areas/Services

Will dining areas, residence halls, library, recreation areas, etc. be sanitized regularly?

Yes.

Will services such as advising and counseling continue to be offered online for those attending class remotely and/or wanting to limit exposure?

Yes

Events/Activities

Will some regular campus events be held in the fall?

Yes, events will be held on campus in the fall. We will follow guidance from local, state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with social distancing protocols. Additionally, we are exploring ways to expand virtual programming and services.

Will there be spectators at sporting events?

It is unknown whether spectators will be permitted at sporting events. We will follow guidance from local, state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with social distancing protocols.

Health/Safety

What health monitoring practices will be in place for students and/or employees?

Employees who have been instructed to return to their workplace will be asked to conduct symptom monitoring and complete a screening questionnaire before reporting to work each day. They must be free of any symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 to be eligible to report to work. Those affiliated with the University should stay home if they are sick.

What is the University’s plan for faculty, staff or student cases of COVID-19?

Any member of the University community suspected of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 will be asked to self-isolate in their home or in on-campus housing until they receive a definitive diagnosis through testing or are asymptomatic for a period recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals who test positive should isolate themselves according to CDC guidelines and follow the instructions of their primary health care provider.

What is the procedure for a positive case of COVID-19 in on-campus housing?

If a resident is suspected of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 they will be asked to self-isolate, if possible, in their home or in designated on-campus housing until they receive a definitive diagnosis through testing or are asymptomatic for a period recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals who test positive should isolate themselves according to CDC guidelines and follow the instructions of their primary health care provider.

What is the cleaning procedure for a positive case of COVID-19?

Custodial crews will disinfect any areas occupied by an individual with a positive case of COVID-19.