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Start the New Year Safe, Smart with Spring Semester Guide

UT Dallas’ spring semester will start Tuesday, Jan. 19, and the last day of classes will be Saturday, May 8.

With spring classes set to begin at The University of Texas at Dallas on Tuesday, Jan. 19, there are lots of resources — from updated health and safety information to online learning tools — to help Comets succeed and stay united this semester.

Campus Operations

While in-person classes and labs, as well as a variety of student services, will resume on campus this semester, UT Dallas will continue to follow guidelines, including social distancing, to mitigate COVID-19 risks and help create a healthy environment for work, study and research.

Daily health screenings: All students, faculty and employees who are currently receiving the daily health check (DHC) should continue to complete their daily screening through the spring semester. If you are not enrolled in the DHC and plan to be on campus at any time in the spring semester, please reach out to the Dean of Students or contact your supervisor. Completion of a daily health check before reporting to campus is a requirement. There are no exceptions.

A sign in the Student Services Building that reads, face coverings must be worn in this facility.

Masks and cleaning supplies: Face coverings must be worn over the mouth and nose by all on campus when in the presence of others and in public settings where social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Hand-sanitizer stations have been installed across campus. Facilities Management provides University departments with masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies for employees on campus. Staff and faculty can learn more on the supplies request webpage. University Housing provides students living on campus with masks, hand sanitizer and informational cards. Masks for students also will be available Jan. 19-29 at the following locations: Visitor Center and University Bookstore atrium, Naveen Jindal School of Management building atrium, Engineering and Computer Science West building atrium, and Dining Hall West lobby.

A student working in a lab wearing mask, goggles and lab coat.

Grading Policies

UT Dallas has made temporary exceptions to grading policies that will apply to the spring semester. Learn more on the grading policy webpage.

COVID-19 tests: The Student Health Center offers COVID-19 tests for students who have symptoms consistent with the coronavirus. All campus housing residents are required to take a test upon moving into their residence hall or apartment. Weekly testing for employees on campus will be available and encouraged. Additional details will be forthcoming on the Comets United website. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who has, please fill out a COVID-19 self-report form.

Classrooms: Seating capacities have been reduced in each classroom to ensure that a distance of 6 feet or more is maintained between individuals. Learn more on the classroom safety webpage.

Research: Research operations have transitioned to limited research activities. Learn more on the research continuity webpage.

Housing: Occupancy limits, distancing requirements and sanitation protocols can be found on the Comets United campus housing webpage.

Taco Bell Cantina sign on the side of a building.

Dining: Dining Hall West, Taco Bell and the American Tap Room are now open. In Dining Hall West, staff members serve diners at each station, and seating has been reconfigured for safety. On Jan. 19, The Market in Dining Hall West, Panda Express, The Pub and Papa John’s will reopen, and Starship robot delivery service will resume. Venue hours and locations can be found on the UTD Dining webpage.

Parking and transportation: The University eliminated the need for physical parking stickers after implementing a license plate recognition system. Virtual parking permits must be purchased through the parking portal. There are also 12 electric vehicle stations on campus. Comet Cabs, the campus shuttle service, will not be operating. For accessible cart service, students can submit a request, which must be approved at least one week before the service is required. Staff and faculty can email [email protected] to arrange service.

DART shuttle bus design with UTD branding.

Comet Cruiser, the DART Route 883 buses that serve the University, will run on a normal schedule. No pass or identification is needed to ride the bus. Masks are required for all riders over the age of 2. Hand sanitizers and masks will be available on board, and passengers may be asked to enter through the rear door of the bus. Buses will be sanitized after each route cycle is completed. Review the route maps and schedules for the latest information. Students also may get free Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) passes via the DART mobile app. Learn more on the Parking and Transportation website.

Bookstore and Tech Store: The bookstore and tech store are both open. In-store customers must wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance from everyone else. To limit the amount of time students are in the bookstore, they will check in at the front of the store. Staff will use a mobile device to pull textbooks and course materials while students wait. Students are highly encouraged to pre-order their materials. Lines for walk-ups and pre-order pickups are clearly marked at the store.

Eugene McDermott Library: While the building remains closed, the library offers touch-free, curbside pickup of materials. Students, faculty and staff should submit requests online.

Masked student playing pool in the Student Union.

University Recreation: The Activity Center and Recreation Center West will reopen for students only on Jan. 19. Patrons will need to make a reservation for a fitness workout through the IMLeagues mobile app. The SPN Wellness Center remains closed this spring. Learn more on University Recreation’s webpage.

Updates: Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to monitor their University email, UT Dallas’ primary social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) and news outlets (UTD Today and News Center) for any significant changes to campus operations. For updates about the University’s response to COVID-19, visit the Comets United webpage.

Helpful Links

Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].