COVID-19 Safety and Education

Update April 20, 2021:

UT students answered why they decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Update Sept. 10, 2020:

The COVID-19 task force answered students’ most frequently asked questions during a live Zoom session, including details on testing, housing and safety. Special guest Rapid-Trace provides information on contact tracing and isolation information.

Update Aug. 13, 2020:

Message from Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students:

Update Aug. 11, 2020:

Message from Mayor Jane Castor to UT Community:

Message from Mayor Jane Castor to UT Faculty and Staff:

Update July 28, 2020:

Virtual Spartan Community Conversation

Update May 4, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of Career Services:

Update April 21, 2020:

This is a message from Gina Firth, Associate Dean of Wellness:

Update March 27, 2020:

This is a message from David Gudelunas, Dean, College of Arts and Letters :

Update March 25, 2020:

Eric Freundt, Ph.D., presents COVID-19 Fact vs. Fiction to First-Year Seminar students at The University of Tampa.

Update March 23, 2020:

A message for UT alumni and friends from Vice President for Development and University Relations Keith Todd.

Update March 23, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students; a message from  UT's Student Government president, William White, and vice president, Amanda Barrie:

Watch video on YouTube.

Watch video on YouTube.

Update March 16, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students:

Watch video on YouTube.

Update July 19, 2021:

This is a message from the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Stephanie Russell Krebs:

As we prepare for the fall semester I want to take this opportunity to strongly encourage all students to get a COVID-19 vaccine prior to coming to campus. While our Spartan Shield plan has been updated and some restrictions have been loosened, we must remain vigilant about our personal health and the health of our greater community.

By choosing to receive a vaccine you are protecting yourself and your community and will have the benefit of not being expected to wear a mask on campus. Also, if you are identified as a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, being vaccinated means you will not have to quarantine. Avoiding a quarantine period means you will not have to miss class, student organization events, work or social gatherings with your friends. Protect your college experience and get vaccinated.

A recent Associated Press analysis of CDC data found that nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. are in people who aren’t vaccinated. Plus, the delta variant of COVID-19, which is highly contagious, is becoming a major concern. Fortunately, according to the CDC, people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus appear to have protection against the delta and other variants.

If you are not able to receive a vaccine prior to coming to campus, we will provide transportation to the Walmart on Kennedy Boulevard during Week of Welcome and throughout the fall semester to make getting a vaccine quick and easy. Feel free to contact wellness@ut.edu for more information about the Walmart vaccine opportunities.

Spartans, we can do this. Let’s come together to protect our community.

Update Nov. 6, 2020:

This is a message from the Spartan Shield Task Force Co-Chairs, and President Ron Vaughn:

Last summer, we shared with you the Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan, a comprehensive document meant to guide the UT community in living and learning through the COVID-19 pandemic, while still upholding UT’s institutional values and mission.

We know that it has not been an easy journey. We are navigating campus life in a new way, in person and remotely. New information comes forward that causes us to pivot and refine. And while we have new COVID-19 cases to report each week, we have remained a relatively healthy community, with very few employee cases. Thank you for your vigilance – our plan is working.

We wanted to come back to you now, as the end of the semester is approaching and we move to fully remote learning after Thanksgiving. It is vitally important that you keep living the Spartan Shield plan – not only for your own well-being, but for the benefit of others in the communities to where you will travel. As we move toward Thanksgiving, we offer the following guidance:

• Stay Healthy. Central to managing through the pandemic is attention to your personal health. That means plenty of rest, nutritious food, exercise, and, in general, self-care. Being the best physically, socially and emotionally is imperative as you enter the holiday season. Get your flu shot, too!
• Wear Your Mask. Depending on where you are, masks may not be mandated. But they are the best way the scientific community knows to prevent the spread of the virus. So, wear your mask when you cannot physically distance, regardless of what locale or situation in which you may be.
• Physically Distance. Six feet is good, more is better. If you are socializing, do as much of it outdoors as you can. You will need to be creative, of course, if you are moving to cooler climates. But, residents of countries who spend lots of time outdoors are doing better with mitigating spread than those who favor the indoors.
• Avoid large gatherings. We have seen example after example of unmasked, un-distanced persons in mass congregant events. And we know what happens a week to ten days later: we see spikes in positive tests. So students, think twice before attending or hosting large group gatherings that may result in suspensions and virus transmission. And help your family and friends re-think how winter holidays will be conducted this year. It’s time for new traditions that make it safe for everyone.

You likely know all this information, but please know that we want all members of our community back here in Spring 2021. We are on the same path of protocols for the foreseeable future, and we are counting on everyone to pitch in. Even if you are healthy and young and otherwise in a group that is likely to fly through the pandemic without a hitch, remember you are part of a broader group – your family, hometown, nation, and world – that needs all its citizens to be respectful of the potential nastiness and heartache that this virus can cause.

We wish for all of you a successful conclusion of this term. For our December 2020 graduates: Our congratulations to you! We love sending successful Spartans into the world as our newest ambassadors! And for our faculty, staff, continuing students, and educational partners: we will persevere through this.

Ron Vaughn, President
Linda Devine, Vice President for Operations and Planning, Task Force Co-Chair
Stephanie Russell Krebs, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Task Force Co-Chair
David Stern, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Task Force Co-Chair

Update Nov. 4, 2020:

This is a message from Stephanie Russell Krebs, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students:

Students,

We were informed by the Tampa Police Department of multiple off-campus large gatherings this past weekend, which directly violate the Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan and Student Code of Conduct. Students hosting such gatherings have been – and will continue to be – interimly suspended . Students who receive an interim suspension may no longer live in the residence halls, attend classes or set foot on the UT campus until their student conduct cases are resolved. Additionally, all students involved in these gatherings and those determined to be involved in any further incidents will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. 

I have been appreciative of the majority of students this semester who have abided by the Spartan Shield plan. It has allowed UT to provide the on-campus experience we all crave. However, do not become complacent. I urge you to refrain from gathering in large groups, on-campus or off-campus, and at bars and clubs where physical distancing cannot be met. We will continue to move swiftly to remove those from the community who endanger others and do not adhere to our Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan.

Also, as Thanksgiving break nears, I implore you to think about the risks associated with continued socialization to your families and loved ones back home. Your behavior in Tampa affects not only our UT community but also your community back home.

Update Oct. 8, 2020:

This is a message from the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Stephanie Russell Krebs:

UT Community,

I am grateful for the diligence of the majority of our students, faculty, and staff who are following the Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan. This resolve has enabled us to live and learn as a community.

However, while the previous two weeks we experienced a decline in student COVID-19 cases, we anticipate an increase this week. We attribute this uptick to general complacency regarding personal health and safety, especially off-campus – at bars, clubs and restaurants, house parties and city-wide events. 

The risk of our campus community being overwhelmed by the pandemic is still very real. Reckless off-campus behaviors impact our on-campus community, and threaten our ability to maintain a safe learning and living environment. While the pull of bars and clubs is strong, the vitality of the UT community is even stronger. Thanks to Tyler Whitsett ’22 and Maggie Bunting ’21 for their thoughts on protecting the UT community in the video below.

I urge everyone to be vigilant, and not be lulled into complacency. Wear a mask at all times indoors and outside when physical distancing cannot be met, practice physical distancing and assess your health daily. If you feel ill or are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to class, work, volunteering, the fitness center, etc. Stay home and make an appointment at the Dickey Health and Wellness Center as soon as possible. If it is during the weekend, or after hours, you can utilize Healthiest You Telehealth, CVS Minute Clinic or TGH Fast Track.

We are all in this together,

Stephanie Russell Krebs, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Co-Chief Diversity Officer

Update Oct. 1, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the President:

I want to thank all students, faculty and staff for your patience and unity as we navigate this unprecedented semester. I realize that we’ve all had to do things we never before expected – wearing masks, working behind plexiglass, quarantining as needed, keeping six feet of distance from others, limiting socializing in residence halls and off campus, etc. – but I believe our efforts are paying off. It has been a work in progress, which we are still tweaking, but we feel we’ve been able to uphold our mission to provide a top-notch education while keeping our COVID-19 cases at a manageable level.

Of course, we must expect that the coronavirus will remain a reality with all its constraints for the foreseeable future. We must continue adherence to the Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan, as it is our best way to contain the spread of the virus. We urge all students – those living on campus and off campus -- to wear masks, limit socializing and practice physical distancing. We need to continue making personal choices that best benefit our own health, and the health of those around us. 

As we look forward to Spring 2021, we plan to continue our implementation of the instructional continuity plan for how we safely offer instruction. Based on public health guidelines, we have adjusted the Spring 2021 semester schedule. We will start as planned on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and end final exams one day earlier. Rather than a full spring break week, we have scheduled non-instructional “reading” days each month, on Feb. 23, March 10, April 30 and May 7. We believe these days will provide a periodic break from classes, while negating the threat of virus transmission during a typical spring break scenario.

More details will be forthcoming regarding spring semester instruction, as well as accommodations for learning and working remotely.

We are currently in the process of planning the virtual December commencement ceremony. Please see your email for developments, or check the webpage at https://www.ut.edu/commencement/december-2020-virtual-commencement.

May commencement ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 8, 2021. We expect to make a decision about the format of May commencement early in the spring semester when more information is available about COVID-19 precautions. Until that time, we ask graduates and families to refrain from making any travel plans to attend an in-person commencement ceremony, as a shift to a virtual May commencement may be necessary.

I am grateful for the respect and care that you have shown for each other. Best wishes for the rest of the semester. 

Sincerely,

President Vaughn

Update July 21, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the President:

Dear Spartans,

I hope this message finds you, your family and friends well. I write today as a follow-up to the message I sent to students last week, providing some additional details about how we are moving toward a face-to-face fall semester start on Aug. 26.

We recognize that we are making difficult decisions. These decisions are made with attention to feedback we have received and consultation with experts in a variety of fields, and with faculty and administrative leadership. We have strived to balance the health, safety, and well-being of our community with our shared commitment to develop each student through learning engagements conducted in personalized settings that are enhanced through application. Though we plan to resume in-person teaching, we want everyone to understand that we will not pick up where we left off on March 16. We are implementing a broad variety of measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission, and many of them are detailed in the Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan. In short, we will be doing what we always do: delivering excellence in education. But we need the compliance of every Spartan to minimize our shared risk.

This pandemic has been all consuming and ever moving as the science around it becomes clearer. As we move forward, we will learn better ways, and we will implement those changes to strengthen the plan. Each week, beginning July 23, we will post the latest key updates to our work on the Fall 2020 landing page.  And, during the week of July 27 we will host several virtual Spartan Community Conversations. The dates and times and methods to register will be communicated as they are finalized. In addition, our FAQs have been recently updated, and we encourage you to explore those topics.

What follows are a number of adjustments in Spartan culture.

ORIENTATION

We conduct orientation online for many of our newest Spartans, including first-year and transfer students, as well as parents. This is not a new practice for first-year and transfer students, but one that is appropriate for the times. To learn about the specific orientation programs, visit Orientation. There are links to the many orientation experiences for students and families. Once students arrive on-campus they will be able to participate in our Week of Welcome that will offer limited in person programs and a variety of virtual offerings.

RESIDENCE LIFE

All new students who will live on campus need to sign up for a move-in time appointment. It is important that families and students arrive at the time and day of their selected move-in appointment to prevent congestion on campus. Students have been emailed appointment setting instructions. We strongly encourage that students do not arrange their travel until they have a confirmed move-in appointment time.  Students are limited to two persons to help them move in.

Prior to move-in, all rooms and commons areas within the residence halls will be cleaned and sanitized. Hand sanitizing stations will be placed in all residence hall lobbies, and an escalated sanitization schedule will be in place for each residence hall. Furniture in rooms will be set up to ensure six feet of physical distance is maintained within the space. As students are responsible for maintaining a clean-living environment within their suite or apartment, students are strongly encouraged to bring extra cleaning supplies. As is our practice, bathrooms will be cleaned by environmental services staff.

Of particular note, non-UT visitors will not be permitted in residence halls. This year may look different on campus, but it will still provide opportunities for success and growth. The Office of Residence Life will support students and continue to work diligently to plan for the academic year and provide on-campus housing in an adjusted environment.  Masks will be required in all common areas of residence halls.

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

The return to in-person learning will not be a return to the way things were before COVID-19.  The capacities of all classrooms, labs and studios have been adjusted so that a minimum of six feet of physical distance can be maintained at all times.  Of course, everyone will be required to wear a mask in addition to physical distancing, to provide a double safeguard.  There will be some exceptions in some classes in the arts, where other safeguards are in place.  The adjusted capacity in classrooms means that fewer students will be present with their instructor at any one time.  For most classes, this will mean that when students are not physically present they will participate via technology, usually synchronously.  We have made major investments in microphones and cameras so that these hybrid class using both technology and in-person instruction can function smoothly.  We are also working with students who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of illness from COVID-19 so that they can take their classes remotely, and are doing the same for students who are unable to enter or re-enter the U.S. because of travel restrictions.  And faculty will conduct their office hours and mentoring discussions with students using Zoom, so there is no need to meet in small offices that might increase risks for students and faculty alike.

DINING SERVICES

We are fortunate that Sodexo, UT’s partner and a worldwide provider of dining and facilities management solutions, has been through contagious pandemic conditions in Asia and Europe, and their standard operating procedures have been developed and revised for decades. Dining Services has an extensive plan in place, including staggering and minimizing the number of patrons and keeping people six feet apart; using floor physical distancing decals along with signage on the walls and countertops; adding visual cues or barriers to direct traffic flow and distancing; separating and clearly identifying entrances and exits; following government mandated capacity rules; separating all tables to be six feet apart and marking off unavailable seats; using contactless and cashless payment; creating a pick-up station for each location; and increasing to go options around campus. They will also be adjusting menus in some food venues so that service can be expedited.

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS, CLUB SPORTS AND INTRAMURALS

The Sunshine State Conference has suspended fall sports, although we hope to resume competitions in the spring. The opportunity for conditioning, strength training and other practice opportunities in all sports will be permitted, provided they follow established health safety protocols and conditions. Fall club sports competitions will also be suspended. At the time of this message, discussions are underway about the kinds of intramural activities that may be offered.

Recognizing that physical health is important to maintain, the Fitness and Recreation Center will be open with substantial modifications.  Equipment will be moved and some pieces of equipment will be unavailable to support physical distancing requirements.  Group fitness classes will continue with lowered occupancies and some classes will move outdoors to accommodate more participants.  Personal training will be offered using enhanced safety protocols.  In addition, cleaning and sanitization of the Fitness and Recreation Center has been accelerated with special attention on the locker room facilities. 

STUDENT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

We will provide a full suite of student activities this fall, and the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement will help organizations to work together in safe ways. One major addition is licensing of Zoom technology for student organizations. This will be very useful for many meetings and programs where physical distancing standards cannot be met. Fraternity and Sorority Life is planning for a virtual fall recruitment.

Currently we are working with Student Government and other student organizations to think creatively about how to engage and connect our students in these unusual times.  Our student involvement portal, Engage UT, has been enhanced this summer and is a great tool for students to learn what involvement opportunities are available.

LEARNING AND EVENT SPACES

Since March, Facilities Management has assessed every campus learning and event space. Capacity sizes were reduced in accordance with physical distancing practices. Heating and air conditioning systems were evaluated for air quality, and improvements are being implemented. Where reasonable, traffic patterns are being identified and marked with signage. Elevators will have passenger limitations.

Escalated sanitization of facilities is underway and will continue. Some facilities may close periodically during the day for deep cleaning, and those times will be posted.

In addition to reducing classroom capacity, additional technology is being installed to facilitate remote connections. Cleaning wipes for seats, tables, desks, and podiums will be in each room, and where needed, Plexiglas dividers are being installed.

HEALTH SAFETY – THE NEW NORMAL

As I mentioned early in this note, every Spartan must comply with our shared rules in the interest of preserving a reasonably safe environment for every member of our community.  These include:

1. Faculty, staff and students will be expected to become familiar with a general overview of COVID-19 including infection prevention and control measures individuals can employ such as, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, physical distancing and surface sanitizing procedures.
2. All Spartans will conduct daily self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms. If a non-residential community member is sick, they should not come to campus. Students will be advised to seek medical care to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19, recognizing these symptoms are not specific to COVID-19, and not return to campus until medical care has been received. Faculty and staff will be advised to stay home and seek medical attention to determine whether a COVID-19 test is necessary.
3. Faculty, staff, students and visitors, including vendors, are required to wear face masks/coverings in all common areas of campus facilities including classrooms, and outdoor campus areas where physical distancing is not possible. Exceptions are permitted for the use of dining facilities, participation in athletic practices and contests, the Fitness and Recreation Center, and instruction in selected fine arts. Detailed instructions on how best to navigate these activities will be provided by the respective areas that are overseen by Dining Services, Athletics, Campus Recreation and the College of Arts and Letters.
4. Physical distancing practices (at least six feet) should be followed in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
5. All are discouraged to share items that are difficult to disinfect or sanitize. Electronic devices, books, pens and other learning tools should not be shared.
6. Zoom technology will be utilized when possible if physical distancing measures cannot be met or to allow participation of higher-risk individuals who choose not to attend face-to-face meetings/activities.
7. Attendance at classes and events needs to be recorded should contact tracing become necessary.
8. Faculty and staff will limit non-essential travel in accordance with University policy. Student travel will be limited to experiences that are essential to the academic program or co-curricular activity. All student travel must adhere to CDC, local and state guidance, and adhere to physical distancing and safety protocols. All student travel must be approved in advance by the appropriate Senior Staff member.
9. We will use flexibility in attendance, including not requiring participation at any large scale events. Individuals who choose not to attend because they are in a high-risk group and/or are immunocompromised should not be penalized. Nor should individuals who choose not to attend out of personal caution.

To support Spartans in meeting these expectations, we have/will

1. Provide every Spartan with two branded cloth face masks. Directions will be provided as to how to obtain these masks.
2. Provide hands-free temperature screening systems in several strategic locations across campus to maximize utilization, complete with signage and videos.
3. Contract with locally-based contact tracers to support and enhance the work of the local health department. These persons will enable rapid identification of close contacts of individuals who might receive a positive test result. Contact tracing is an important part of infectious disease mitigation.
4. Adjust classroom delivery to preserve in-person interaction among students and between students and faculty while putting fewer students in a classroom at any one time.
5. Strictly adhere to the campus visitor policy that limits visitors to those who come to campus for limited periods of time to participate in educational programs and activities and/or to conduct business. Visitors must abide by UT health safety rules or they will be asked to leave campus. Family Weekend will be conducted remotely this fall to minimize the number of campus visitors.
6. Outside rentals of university facilities is suspended for the 2020-2021 academic year to maximize use of campus facilities for the Spartan community.
7. Rooms in Urso Hall and the Barrymore Hotel will be set aside for those residential students who may need to isolate or quarantine. Food delivery, medical and wellness check-ins will be provided, along with assistance in managing laundry and other daily needs.
8. Continue daily deep cleaning of all facilities, high traffic areas and high touch surfaces.
9. Provide sufficient personal protection equipment, supplies and other material to departments.
10. Support continuing education about COVID-19 and health safety practices and make videos and materials available to the Spartan community.

This list is not exhaustive but intended to provide general guidance on how we will effect change on campus in the interest of safety for all our members.  In case you’re tired of hearing about COVID-19, I have attached a brief annual report (PDF) on the just completed academic year, so you can read about some of our accomplishments. 

Certainly Fall 2020 will be different, but we are in a different world than 2019. As we learn to navigate learning this fall, we will be learning to navigate the larger world in safer ways. It is the ultimate expression of learning by thinking, learning by doing, upon which our mission rests.  We will keep you up-to-date on campus information through our web postings, emails, and town hall meetings. We know you are deep in decision-making, and we want to be as clear as we can, given the changing times. 

Sincerely,

Ronald L. Vaughn, President

Update May 14, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the President:

I hope that this note finds you and your loved ones well during these challenging and stressful times.  I want to begin by thanking you for the extraordinary work you’ve done to shift our entire mode of work during this health emergency.  The work that all of you have done has been praised many times by students, parents, trustees and others, and I am deeply grateful for it.  Because of your dedication and creativity, we will soon close this never-to-be-forgotten semester successfully, and we will have weathered the storm far better than many institutions.  

I know everyone is reading and watching the worldwide news that’s primarily focusing on COVID-19 and related stories.  I also know you are speculating about summer and fall enrollments, as well as how we will re-enter a face-to-face learning environment.  Daily conversations are occurring around these topics and we are employing many new tactics to stabilize and grow our enrollment of continuing and new students.  What follows is an update on our situation and observations on the dynamics of this year’s college decision-making processes that are underway. 

UT Update

It’s hard to realize that only eight weeks ago we were confronting the emergency choice to move to remote learning and student support.  To respond to the rapidly changing situation, we quickly took a number of actions to support our students and to preserve the strength of the university, so that we are able to resume its upward trajectory when conditions permit.  These actions include:

1. Prorated refunding of room and board for residential students for the remainder of the semester (cost $11.2 million);
2. Pausing construction projects except those well underway, e.g., the Ferman Center for the Arts and the Science Research Laboratories;
3. Reducing operational budgets for the remainder of this fiscal year;
4. Freezing most open staff positions and five open faculty positions;
5. Reducing operating budgets for FY21;
6. Refinement of Workday Students’ financial aid and registration as well as preparing for a quick transition to extensive remote learning and student support;
7. Moving all summer 2020 courses to remote teaching, with more courses and seats offered by faculty;
8. Working with the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and legislators on various funding initiatives and working with the Sunshine State Conference and NCAA on safety issues and economizations; and
9. Working on CARES Act funding of $6.94 million with half coming to the University and the other half going to current UT students as grants.   

I’m sad to say that we have also deferred raises for this year.  All of these financially prudent decisions are part of an all-out effort to avoid layoffs and furloughs like so many other schools and businesses are now implementing.  I believe it is important that we protect our employees and their families and that we keep our talented core of faculty and staff as a key institutional asset.  You are critical to serving our students and delivering our promise of an excellent UT educational experience.  I hope you understand and respect the reasoning behind these decisions.    

Other Next Steps

We fully intend and are planning a safe resumption of our face-to-face teaching, learning and campus life.  This is dependent, of course, on the directives of public authorities.  We will work hard to deliver the rich in person educational experience that is uniquely UT.  We are adding many safety adjustments and precautions to protect our campus community.  While we can’t eliminate all risk, we are working diligently to mitigate in every reasonable way the risks for students, employees and the broader community.  We will want both faculty and staff to be involved in developing as well as reviewing these plans and precautions.  We’ll provide further details on these plans in early summer.     

To this end, we will begin the traditional fall term one week later on Tuesday, Sept. 8 rather than on Aug. 31 to allow more flexibility for the fall campus move-in and for family travel around the Labor Day holiday.  To allow for extra classroom days as appropriate, the time allotted for final exams will be reserved for extra classroom days as needed.  Many of the fall start-up activities will also be delayed, concentrated or reimagined.  The new schedule for the various activities is now in development and will be distributed when ready.  We have created a webpage www.ut.edu/fall2020 that will provide updates and news about Fall 2020 opening plans.  Please check that site often.     

Finally, I’d like to advise all of you that a return to the campus work environment is not imminent.  We intend to be guided by public health officials regarding whether appropriate progress has been made and whether a phased return is ready to begin.  In the absence of such specific guidance at present, we can only speculate.  We are now working on a phased re-entry approach to normal campus life that would begin no earlier than Monday, June 1.  We will communicate again in approximately two weeks to outline the plan for returning to work at UT.  

I’d also like to brief you on some of the dynamics of this year’s college selection process.

College Selection

It is clear that this year’s college decision-making will be unlike other years as universities and families are dealing with much uncertainty.  Here are brief observations from a variety of sources:

• The American Council on Education estimates that the number of students on campus will decline by 15% leading to $23 billion in lost revenue.  The Century Foundation estimates that fall enrollments could be suppressed by double-digit percentages.  This projected weaker enrollment will further intensify competition.  
• According to Student Poll, about 16% of college eligible high school seniors are now contemplating a gap year, some indicated they might delay full-time attendance to spring (17%), enrolling part-time in a bachelor’s program (34%), attending a community college (16%), or pursuing full-time work (3%).  
• Only 20% of students are confident they will now attend their first-choice college.  The biggest reason is concerns about affordability or health concerns.  
• COVID-19 has also caused many students to seek a college that is closer to home (one national admission survey had 35% saying this, and a consultant that we use suggested 50% were thinking this way).  This is a concern as UT students come from an average distance of 900 miles compared to a national average of about 250 miles.  
• College visit and overnight stay disruptions, or, for athletes, an inability to try out or practice with a team have disrupted many from considering certain colleges.   
• Many colleges changed their deposit deadline for applying and still receiving a refund to June 1 instead of May 1 (like UT).  We currently have over 2,500 applicants on our wait lists and we can still select a few applicants from our wait list if needed, although most applicants are now making final decisions or have already done so.   
• In the Student Poll national survey, half of the respondents reported a parent or guardian had either lost a job, been laid off temporarily or were furloughed as a result of the pandemic.  Given the economic downturn and financial trauma, there is likely to be increased sensitivity to tuition prices and even more pressure on the need for financial aid (which we are already experiencing).
• In a typical year about 40% of families summarily dismiss the thought of attending an independent university.  Given the current financial impacts we believe that even more families will believe they cannot afford to attend an independent university.  Conveying UT’s relative affordability will be important.                                           
• Career Services and employment programs will be more important given job difficulties.  Families will pay even more attentions to these areas.  See Career Services’ recent video for students at www.ut.edu/coronavirus.  
• Due to a big economic downturn and decline in tourism, we’re expecting to see pressure on state budgets which may cause a reduction in EASE grants that support Florida residents who attend independent universities.  
• There is likely to be an increase in online or remote learning as some schools are considering remaining fully online and others are increasing the number of such courses.  Many students have accepted online or remote learning during the spring semester only because it was a mid-semester emergency.  
• The Student Poll also notes students planning to attend this fall found that most (67%) expect tuition to be reduced, not just room and board, if online learning is the primary learning approach.  Only 19% would be willing to pay the same tuition and fees if the campus was unable to be opened.
• Many traditional students who have temporarily transitioned to remote learning are eagerly looking for a return to face-to-face learning along with a vibrant campus life.  Surveys show that most students understand the value of the in-person campus experience and are very unlikely to enter an online degree program.  Only a handful (5%) are now much more likely or are somewhat likely (10%) to consider doing so.  If there is no return to face-to-face learning at their university this fall, it is expected that some students will transfer to where the face-to-face learning that they want is offered or perhaps transfer to a cheaper online alternative.  
• Many students and families will be evaluating if the campus environment will be safe.  It will be vitally important for us to detail sanitization protocols, explain new health resources, spotlight numerous new safety precautions and explain our plans to react should the virus reoccur.  A big plus is that Tampa General Hospital, the area’s only trauma hospital, runs the Dickey Health and Wellness Center, as this increases our access to important services and expertise.

With all of these uncertainties, our students – new and continuing – and their families, are still trying to sort things out.  Yet for the fall, new UT student enrollment deposits and early registration of continuing students both look good.  It is expected that college decision-making this year will occur later than normal due to COVID-19 uncertainties and family financial pressures, so we’ll closely monitor this situation.  Clearly we will be dealing with these issues for the foreseeable future.

While being “cooped up” we might tend to be less optimistic or more impatient, but I believe that the COVID-19 crisis is only a momentary storm on our bright future.  Please remain focused on the future, the improvements and progress that together we’ll continue to achieve.

Best Wishes and Be Positive,

Ron Vaughn

“Being challenged in life is inevitable.  Being defeated is optional.”
Roger Crawford – Author of How High Can You Bounce

Update April 21, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the President:

As we finish a month of remote learning, the UT community is practicing the resiliency and adaptability that a UT education promotes. UT remains committed to the community’s safety and well-being, while also providing students the best education possible. 

Faculty and students have risen to the challenge and clearly adapted to the remote learning environment. During a recent two-week period, including staff usage there were more than 8,438 Zoom meetings that totaled more than 4 million minutes, and included 98,458 participants. Registration for remote summer classes is currently underway, and this is an excellent way for students to catch up or get ahead on required courses. Accommodations have been made on electing satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading for Spring 2020 and deadlines have been extended to return course material, as well.

We look forward to congratulating UT’s Class of 2020 through a special virtual commencement, which will be held on May 9 at 11 a.m. May 2020 graduates are also invited to participate in December 2020 Commencement. #UTampaGrad 

We expect classes will be held on campus as scheduled this fall, as well as Week of Welcome. However, given the uncertainly of the impact of the crisis locally, nationally and globally, we will update the community as necessary.

Students are still encouraged to utilize virtual resources and information offered by student services departments including Career Services, Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, Health and Wellness, Residence Life and more.

We are all in this together. We urge everyone – faculty, staff and students – to check their UT email regularly for immediate updates that affect the UT community.

Update March 27, 2020:

This is a message from David Gudelunas, Dean, College of Arts and Letters :

Update March 26, 2020, at 4 p.m.:

This message was sent to UT residential students who have departed campus:

Good Afternoon Students,

As you recently departed the residence halls, you remain in our thoughts, and we aim to keep you as informed as possible for the remainder of the spring semester. Some of you may have moved out of the residence halls entirely. Others may still have personal belongings to retrieve. Please see below for important information to assist you.

Residence Halls Temporarily Closed: Hillsborough County has issued a “safer at home” directive, basically advising all residents to stay at home. Therefore, residence halls are temporarily closed for those retrieving their belongings.  Students, families and moving companies should not attempt to come to campus until the directive is lifted. We will notify you when this occurs. We have turned off card access to the halls for all students not approved to continue living on campus. Campus Safety and other staff may stop anyone who attempts to return and access the residence halls. For more information, visit  www.tampagov.net/emergency-management/safer-at-home.

Please keep in mind the Florida Governor’s Executive Order 20-80 directs all persons traveling from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut and entering Florida through airports to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry to Florida.

Personal Belongings: Please remember, there is no rush to retrieve your personal belongings and no penalty for not picking them up immediately. We only want you to return to campus when it is safe to do so. We will contact you when the Hillsborough County directive has been lifted and the residence halls reopened for retrieval of your personal belongings.  

Keys: If you still have your keys and you do not plan to return to campus, please use certified mail to send your keys to:

Office of Residence Life
401 W. Kennedy Blvd
Box 109F
Tampa, FL 33606

USPS Mail: Mail Services will begin closing out mailboxes for students no longer residing on campus. If you are longer on campus, please submit a forwarding form through SpartanWeb. The form can be found by going to Campus Life, Mail Services Box Information and filling out the form titled Forward your UT mailbox. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mail Services at  mailservices@ut.edu.

Refunds:  Housing and meal plan refunds will be applied to student accounts no sooner than April 1. The Financial Aid Office will review students with scholarships that pay for the cost of on-campus room and board before any refunds are issued. Should an actual credit exist on the student’s account, the Bursar’s office will issue a refund check. 

During this time of online instruction, we still want to engage with you. RAs and professional staff members may reach out to touch base with you through the end of the semester. Please email us with any questions or concerns. 

Thank you,

Nora Jarmon
Director of Residence Life

Update March 26, 2020, at 4 p.m.:

UT Residential Student Message

This message was sent to UT residential students:

Good Afternoon Residential Students,

While we navigate these unprecedented times, please know you are on our minds. Our Residence Life team is still actively working in the residence halls. We are here to support you, answer your questions and keep you as informed as possible.

Hillsborough County has issued a “safer at home” directive, which means you should only go out to perform “necessary activities” and stay six feet or more away from others. You can continue to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, medical appointments, restaurants for take-out or drive-thru, and go outside for recreation as long as you maintain six feet between you and others in the community. 

What does this mean for you as a residential student on campus?

• Dining Services remains open for grab-n-go breakfast, lunch and dinner. The most up to date hours can be found on the Dining Services  website .
• Mail Services remains open but does not include counter services.
• Medical Services remains open in the Dickey Health and Wellness Center.
• Counseling Services are continuing to serve students remotely through individual sessions, support groups, educational talks and crisis walk-ins to Campus Safety.
• You should practice social distancing (six feet between you and another person) at all times including while in common residential areas like lounges and common rooms.
• Making unnecessary visits to other student rooms is discouraged.
• Overnight guests are not permitted.
• Remember the Campus Living Policies and Student Code of Conduct remain in effect.

For more information, visit  www.tampagov.net/emergency-management/safer-at-home

Residence Halls will remain open  only for those that have been approved to stay. An “occupied” sign has been placed on your door. You should not remove this sign until you move out of the residence halls. This sign communicates with essential University staff that you continue to occupy the space until your departure. You are also expected to carry your Spartan ID card and keys with you at all times.

If you are locked out of your room, loan keys are not available and lock out assistance is limited for the remainder of the semester. Please see contact information below for who to call for lock outs. If you do not have a key, please report your key as “lost” in Residence by Symplicity to begin the lock change process.

During business hours, please contact Residence Life staff.

From 8 p.m.-midnight, please contact the RA on duty at (813) 363-2086.

As a precaution, facilities staff have not entered rooms for routine cleaning since spring break.  Normal housekeeping and maintenance will resume beginning Monday, March 30. If you have an immediate need, please submit a workorder by emailing  faciloffice@ut.edu.

During this time of remote instruction, we still want to engage with you. RAs and Residence Life professional staff members may reach out to touch base with you through the end of the semester.

You are invited to participate in our first online floor gathering! Residence Life staff will host a Zoom meeting to review this information and answer your questions tomorrow, March 27, at 8 p.m. Please join us at  https://utampa.zoom.us/j/454206944.

Please email us with any additional questions or concerns. 

Thank you,

Nora Jarmon
Director of Residence Life

Update March 23, 2020, at 7:20 p.m.:

UT Residential Student Message

This message was sent to UT residential students:

Good evening,

We have moved  COVID-19 Residential Student Status forms in  Residence by Symplicity to “draft” status.  This will allow you to make changes to the date you are returning to pick up belongings if necessary.  Changes must be submitted by 8am, Tuesday, March 24.  If you are unable to access the form, please email reslife@ut.edu with any necessary changes.  If you have not changed plans, you do not need to resubmit.

If you have indicated you are leaving by March 23 and requesting refund or if you have not responded at all, your building access and meal plan will be turned off tomorrow morning.

• You need to be out of the residence halls by tonight. Personal belongings do not need to be moved out of rooms until May 9, if it is safe to return to campus at that time. 
• Please return your keys to the Vaughn Information Desk drop slot. If you still have your keys and you do not plan to return to campus, please use certified mail to send your keys to:
  Office of Residence Life
  401 W. Kennedy Blvd
  Box 109F
  Tampa, FL 33606

If you have indicated you are staying on campus, your building access and meal plan will remain active.  You will continue to be billed for housing and meal plan until you complete your move out of the residence halls.

• An RA will place an “occupied” sign on your door tonight. Please do not remove this sign until you move out of the residence halls.

Review the FAQs below for detailed information.

We know this is an evolving situation and are aiming to be as flexible as possible with students and families for move out of the halls. Remember that health and safety are the top priority.  Please practice social distancing as extensively as possible. Check the UT COVID-19 webpage often for institutional updates.

Residence Life FAQs

• I have no other housing options and nowhere else to go. What should I do?
  • Students without other housing options may remain in the residence halls for the remainder of the spring semester, until May 9. However, campus services and dining options will be limited. The fitness center is also currently closed.  Students must indicate their intention to remain or leave the residence halls on the COVID-19 Residential Student Status Form by March 23, 2020.
• If I remain on campus, what policies and procedures are in place?
  • The Student Code of Conduct remains in effect for all students on- and off-campus. The Campus Living Policies also are in effect for students remaining in the residence halls.
  • Overnight hosting of non-student guests or visitors in the residence halls is prohibited. 
  • Guests and visitors are permitted in the residence halls to provide moving assistance only.
  • The majority of campus events have been cancelled and all students, staff, and faculty are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing.
  • The Office of Residence Life is unable to offer room changes and meal plan changes at this time. If staying on campus, students will remain in their current rooms for the remainder of the semester.
• What if I have not returned from Spring Break? How will I get my belongings?
  • You do not need to rush to move out your belongings, return your keys, or check out of the residence halls. You have until May 9, 2020 to remove personal belongings from your room. You can indicate your intention of when and who will remove your belongings on the COVID-19 Residential Student Status Form by March 23, 2020.
• What if I am currently still on campus?
  • All students should continue to exercise social distancing. You are not required to move out of the residence halls, but you may find an off-campus location with friends and family a more comfortable space to continue your academic study. You have until May 9, 2020 to remove personal belongings from your room.  You can indicate your intention of when and who will remove your belongings on the COVID-19 Residential Student Status Form by March 23, 2020.
• Will I receive a refund if I stay on campus for the remainder of the semester?
  • There will be no refunds for housing or meal plans issued to those students who remain in the residence halls. Dining services will continue operations on a limited schedule. For updated dining hours and locations, please visit https://dining.ut.edu/dining-near-me/hours.
• Will I receive a refund if I leave the residence halls for the remainder of the semester?
  • If a student leaves the residence halls by March 23, a 47 percent housing and meal plan refund will be applied to their student account no sooner than April 1. Personal belongings do not need to be moved out until May 9, 2020, assuming it is safe to return.
• Do I need to completely move out of the residence halls now?
  • Personal belongings do not need to be moved out until May 9, 2020, assuming it is safe to return. You can return your keys when you retrieve your personal belongings.  Residence Life staff will be available to assist with your check out from 10am -3pm and 8pm -10pm daily, including weekends. Please be patient as our staff may be assisting other students during this time as well.  An in-person express checkout option envelopes will also be available until May 9, 2020.
• Is packing, moving, or storage assistance available?
  • If you or someone you know is unable to remove your belongings, you can find information about moving and storage companies at https://www.ut.edu/campus-life/residence-life/off-campus-housing/off-campus-housing-map.
• Can someone else retrieve my personal belongings?
  • You must indicate this on the COVID-19 Residential Student Status Form by March 23, 2020.  This person will be required to provide identification before being granted access to a residence hall.
• What if I have already left campus and moved out?
  • Even if you have already left campus, you must complete the COVID-19 Residential Student Status Form by March 23, 2020 for your refund to be processed.
• How do I return my keys?
  • You can return your keys when you retrieve your personal belongings. Residence Life staff will be available to assist with your check out from 10am -3pm and 8pm -10pm daily, including weekends. Please be patient as our staff may be assisting other students during this time as well.  An in-person express checkout option envelopes will also be available until May 9, 2020. Express check out envelopes may be returned to the Vaughn Information Desk drop box beginning March 19, 2020.
  • If you still have your keys and you do not plan to return to campus, please use certified mail to send your keys to:
    Office of Residence Life
    401 W. Kennedy Blvd
    Box 109F
    Tampa, FL 33606

All keys must be received by May 9, 2020.

• Can I stay in the residence halls after March 23, 2020 and still receive a refund?
  • Students may request an exception for extenuating circumstances by emailing an appeal to reslife@ut.edu.
  • Students leaving after March 23, 2020 may be eligible for a weekly proration rate of housing and meal plan.

Update March 23, 2020, at 1:45 p.m.:

This is a message from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students; a message from  UT's Student Government president, William White, and vice president, Amanda Barrie:

Watch video on YouTube.

Update March 21, 2020, at 6 p.m.:

Watch video on YouTube.

Update March 20, 2020:

This is a message from Gina Firth, Associate Dean of Wellness:

Dear UT Spartans,

Today we learned that a student who resides off-campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is following protocol to identify and quarantine any individuals who have had contact with this individual.

The student who tested positive was on campus in the Dickey Health and Wellness Center on March 16, 2020. We understand that students who visited the Dickey Health and Wellness Center on this day may be concerned. If you visited the center on this day, we encourage you to call the Dickey Health and Wellness Center with any questions at (813) 257-3051. UT will continue to work with FDOH staff to identify any others that have been in contact with the student. FDOH will provide these individuals with guidance and will monitor them.

Please be assured that all necessary safety precautions are being used to keep students safe. The Dickey Health and Wellness Center remains open for medical and counseling services.

We sincerely wish our student, and any others who may be affected, a full and rapid recovery.

Please be aware that UT leadership is in continuous action, preparing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This public health crisis has tested all of us like none before, and we are heartened by the cooperation and support we are receiving from every part of our UT community. Please know that we recognize that these are challenging times in which uncertainty is a centerpiece. But in this worldwide tumult, we are witnessing the UT we know and value – a community of caring, thoughtful and resilient members who are using creativity and critical thinking to help us resolve many issues.

As a reminder, we have strongly encouraged all students to remain off campus through the remainder of the spring semester, if possible, and take full advantage of online delivery of coursework. UT departments have worked out schedules to allow remote work where possible and to ensure service delivery.
 
Please frequently check our COVID-19 resource page for information.

Update March 18, 2020:

Message from  Macdonald-Kelce Library Staff

For Students 

The Macdonald-Kelce Library Building will be closing its physical doors on Saturday March 21 ^st for the remainder of the Spring Semester. 

During these unprecedented times, the safety of UT’s community is our greatest concern, but please know that Library staff is still available to assist with your needs. 

We can be reached by  email,  chat or  Zoom, and you can also call us at 813-257-3056.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Although the Library doors are closed, our staff remains committed to providing excellent service to help all of our faculty, staff and students navigate the rest of the semester successfully.

For Faculty and Staff 

The Macdonald-Kelce Library Building will be closing its physical doors on Saturday March 21 ^st for the remainder of the Spring Semester.  However, Faculty and Staff may still access the building by making an appointment by way of the contact information listed below.

During these unprecedented times, the safety of UT’s community is our greatest concern, but please know that Library staff is still available to assist with your needs.  Please let us know what we can do to assist you in the delivery of your courses.

We can be reached by  email,  chat or  Zoom, and you can also call us at 813-257-3056.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Although the Library doors are closed, our staff remains committed to providing excellent service to help all of our faculty, staff and students navigate the rest of the semester successfully.  

Marlyn Pethe, Director
Macdonald-Kelce Library

Update March 17, 2020, at 1 p.m.:

Message from President Vaughn

Never has higher education been faced with such surreal and changing circumstances as it did last week, requiring decisions that had to balance the health and safety of students, faculty and staff with a commitment to academic excellence.

Today, after further assessment of the latest COVID-19 developments, public health concerns and academic realities, we have decided that online course delivery will continue through the rest of this semester.

This decision was not made lightly. We deliberated how this decision would affect the entire UT community, and feel this will most benefit students’ academic and personal success, which is of paramount importance. Based on information from federal, state and local authorities and health organizations, we believe COVID-19 will be a challenge for a lengthy period of time. By extending remote learning through the end of this term, we trust that this will lessen academic and personal stress levels by providing some certainty about instruction. While we expect students to continue their UT education at home, we are keeping residence halls open only for students without other options to stay on campus. Regardless of location, our students will have the benefit of services that they need to make academic progress.

I’m proud to be surrounded by faculty and staff who are engaged in UT’s mission and who have taken the lead in figuring out how to make our new, temporary reality work. We are all working hard to make the transition as seamless as possible, and I appreciate the commitment of both students and their parents during this difficult time.  

Our commitment to personalized, experiential education has prepared us well as we wade through this period of uncertainty. This temporary arrangement will be manageable and even rewarding if we stay passionate about learning, unrelenting about overcoming the distance between us and driven to solving unforeseen obstacles. We strive to teach students to think critically, be passionate, to solve problems and to be productive citizens. Now is the time to put that passion, productivity and problem solving into place. 

Lastly, to ensure we are protecting the welfare of our graduates, families, guests, faculty, and staff, the difficult decision has been made to cancel in-person commencement and related commencement activities for this term. While UT will still confer degrees in May, we are currently working on developing alternative plans to celebrate all of our graduates’ accomplishments. Therefore, students should continue to register for graduation by the March 24 deadline. 

Stressful situations such as these – whether hurricanes or other threats to higher education – have made us a stronger institution. We will overcome this by supporting each other, thinking creatively, staying connected and not forgetting what we value as a community. 

The following are additional UT updates:

• Residence halls will be open for the remainder of spring semester, until May 9, but will only be available for those current residential students without other housing options. All other students should exercise social distancing and go home.
• Residential students who did not return from spring break, or who move out of the residence halls for the remainder of the semester by March 23, will be refunded 47 percent of their room and meal plan costs for Spring 2020. If a student leaves the residence halls by March 23, a refund will be applied to their student account no sooner than April 1. Should an actual credit exist on the student’s account, the bursar’s office will issue a refund check. Residential students must communicate their decision to remain or leave the residence halls by March 23 in  Residence by Symplicity.
• All Residential students must communicate their decision to remain or leave the residence halls by March 23 by completing the required COVID-19 Residential Student Status form in  Residence by Symplicity.
• Residential students who are not staying in the halls do not need to remove their belongings immediately. However, the belongings will need to be removed by May 9, assuming it is safe to return. Students who choose to have local friends or family remove their belongings must indicate this on the required COVID-19 Residential Student Status form in  Residence by Symplicity to advise us of such arrangements.
• Additional information regarding obtaining personal belongings and returning keys to residence hall rooms will be provided by the Office of Residence Life.
• Students with scholarships that pay for the cost of on-campus room and board would need to be reviewed by the  Financial Aid Office before any refunds are issued.
• Commuter students with a meal plan who wish to receive a 47 percent meal plan refund must cancel their meal plan by March 23 on the COVID-19 Commuter Student Meal Plan Cancellation form in  Residence by Symplicity.
• Students who are not on campus and who believe that a package for them is in Mail Services can contact Mail Services directly for assistance at  mailservices@ut.edu.

Remember that health and safety are the top priority, and to please practice social distancing as extensively as possible. Patience and understanding are critical as we settle into new routines and processes.

I urge you to check the UT COVID-19 webpage often for institutional updates.

Update March 17, 2020

Residential Students Message

Update March 16, 2020:

This is a message from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students:

Watch video on YouTube.

Update March 16, 2020, at 5 p.m.:

As we finish our first day of online course delivery, we’d like to urge all students to check their UT email account often and respond as necessary to faculty and administrative requests. Please communicate by any means available. If you are having trouble contacting your professor, email  academicaffairs@ut.edu.

Additionally, if you are having trouble with technology, contact the Information Technology and Security Service Desk via  email or (813) 253-6293 for assistance. We encourage students to log into  MyUTampa, and then click on the “Service Desk” icon to find step-by-step instructions for many of the commonly used applications at UT, such as Blackboard, Zoom, Vidgrid and Workday.

We are actively updating this webpage with information and FAQs, so please check it often. We will provide updates as the need arises.

Update March 14, 2020, at 2:30 p.m.:

International Students Message

This message was sent at 2 p.m. to international students:

Dear Students,

With the announcment this afternoon from President Trump that the existing US travel ban would be extended to the UK and Ireland to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, it is imperative that you return home as soon as possible.  Please work with your resident staff to make plans to return home immediately.

When you have made travel plans, please fill out the UT Departure Form. The form is required to communicate travel plans to return home with UT.  Please email abroad@ut.edu when you arrive home. 
 
For assistance during open hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET), please contact the International Programs Office at abroad@ut.edu, or (813) 258-7433. If this is an after-hours emergency and you need to reach The University of Tampa, please call the emergency number at (813) 257-7777. Please visit The University of Tampa COVID-19 Resources and Updates webpage for updates.

Thank you, and please stay in touch.

The University of Tampa
International Programs Office