All face-to-face instruction moved online for the summer semester.
Fall 2020 Opening
Information regarding Fall 2020 can be found by visiting ut.edu/fall2020. Students are urged to check their UT email account often and respond as necessary to faculty and administrative requests.
UT Community Expectations
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 situation, UT’s top priority remains the health and well-being of all and doing our part every day to reduce the spread of the virus.
1. Wash your hands frequently and properly.
Wash your hands with soap and water, vigorously rubbing together front and back for 20 seconds, and turn off the faucet with paper towel. If you are unable to wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering the full surface of your hands and rubbing hands until they are dry.
2. Staff, faculty, students and visitors, including vendors, are required to wear face masks/coverings in all common areas of campus facilities including classrooms and in outdoor campus areas where social distancing is not possible.
Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, your cloth face covering should:
Reach above the nose, below the chin, and completely cover the mouth and nostrils
Fit snugly against the sides of the face
Be made of multiple layers of fabric that you can still breathe through
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damaging the material or shape
Not be a surgical mask. Those are intended for healthcare workers and first responders. Many items you may already have in your home can be used to create face coverings
Not be worn by a child under age 2
These recommendations are directly from the CDC. For more information on cloth face coverings visit the CDC website.
3. Practice social and physical distancing by staying six feet apart and do not gather in groups.
Consider using Zoom, phone conferencing or email when you can, even if people are in the same building. If you need to meet, be sure to keep at least six feet between each other and wear a face covering should you be closer than six feet. Keep unavoidable in-person meetings short, in a large meeting room where distancing can be kept; avoid shaking hands and other physical contact.
4. Practice good health self-assessment practices.
Take your temperature daily. Do not come to class or work if you feel ill or are running a fever.
Students are urged to check their UT email account often and respond as necessary to faculty and administrative requests.
Symptoms
If students exhibit signs of illness, such as
fever or chills,
cough,
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
fatigue,
muscle or body aches,
headache,
new loss of taste or smell,
sore throat,
congestion or runny nose,
nausea or vomiting or
diarrhea
they can contact the Dickey Health and Wellness Center during regular business hours. The health center must follow certain protocols for suspected cases of COVID-19, so students should call the center prior to arrival. If students are displaying symptoms in the evening or weekend, they should call Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777.
Also, all students covered under UT’s student insurance plan have access to non-emergency telehealth (HealthiestYou). If you are experiencing symptoms and want to consult with a doctor, this is an excellent option as it is available 24/7. Students may also contact their own health care provider.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing a fever and cough, call TGH Urgent Care at (813) 925-1903. You must call first, as not all TGH Urgent Care locations are designated COVID-19 evaluation and testing sites.
The wellness center offers safety tips on what to do before protesting, during protesting and after protesting. Visit How to Protest Safely During a Pandemic for details.
Spartan Shield is a UT health safety initiative that offers guidance to all members and guests of the University community in the era of COVID-19. It encompasses the University’s plan for maintaining a safe and socially responsible environment within the confines of a beautiful campus, but also serves as a model for how UT Spartans will lead by example when they venture out into the broader Tampa community.
Visit the Spartan Shield Safety Plan for details on screening, testing and containment, physical and social distancing, sanitization, personal hygiene and personal protection equipment, and instructional continuity.
Student Mental Health
The University of Tampa recognizes this is a very challenging time for our community. We are here to support all of our students. Our Counseling Services are continuing to serve students remotely through individual sessions, support groups, educational talks and crisis walk-ins to Campus Safety.
For students wanting to start counseling, please call our Health and Wellness Center at (813) 253-6250, and you will be set up for a phone call with one of our counseling providers who will work with you to get services.
Support groups via Zoom are being offered for several of our populations. Support groups are forming for our seniors, our students adjusting to being back home, our international students, our athletes and we continue our woman of color support group. If you are interested in any of these support groups please email counseling@ut.edu. One of our counseling team members will respond with information about your group of interest. If you have a different need for a support group, please email counseling@ut.edu, and a counseling team member will respond.
Health educational talks are being created and will be listed on our UT daily calendar.
Crisis walk-in appointments are also available. Please go to the Campus Safety office, and you will be connected with a counselor via Zoom on your phone.
The Academic Success Center is here to support students with online coursework. To assist with your new learning environment, read tips and strategies for adjusting your study habits during this time. Academic support services are available online, including academic advising, major exploration, SOAR, tutoring and student disability services. To connect with the Academic Success Center, visit www.ut.edu/asc or schedule an appointment on Navigate in MyUTampa.
Student Disability Services
The University of Tampa fully supports the efforts and welfare of all its students. One such avenue of support lies in the provision of reasonable accommodations to eligible students who may have disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). UT is fully committed to act in compliance with all ADA mandated requirements.
The Information Technology and Security service desk provides technology support with assistance tailored to your specific needs. Visit the student service desk for more information.
Academic Dismissal for Academic Probation
The University is not going to dismiss students on academic probation who do not earn the required semester GPA of 2.0 or higher, unless they have any NF grades. If the student has any NF grades, then their transcripts will be reviewed for consideration for dismissal.
Faculty and staff who, at any time, experience symptoms similar to COVID-19 should take precautions by self-isolating, and call ahead to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or the local health department. Faculty and staff who are covered by the UT employee health care are also eligible to access non-emergency Teladoc. For additional information, contact Human Resources at (813) 253-6237.
As we return to campus, you may notice some changes in the way our workplace looks as well as new safety practices. We understand these changes may be difficult, and we are here to support you. Our goal is to collaboratively ensure you feel safe and secure so together we can navigate the complexities of our “new normal.”
Here are some things we are doing to help keep our workplace safe and to support you:
Extensive daily and hourly cleaning/sanitization
Access to hand sanitizer and cleaning products throughout the workplace.
Access to our employee assistance program (EAP) and other mental health resources (contact Tara Peters, benefits manager, at tpeters@ut.edu for details).
Staggered in-office work schedules so fewer people are on-site at one time.
More frequent communications on campus programming, projections, new guidelines and requirements for your health and safety, and measures we are taking to support you and our community.
New standards for people gathering in rooms, conference rooms and communal areas at one time.
Here are some things we expect you to implement to help keep our workplace safe:
Go home if you feel sick.
Stay at least 6 feet apart and wear a face mask or cloth face covering when around others.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Wash your hands often for the recommended 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use alcohol- based hand sanitizer.
Call, email, message or video conference as much as possible rather than meet face to face.
Speak with your manager or Human Resources if you have questions or concerns about being unsafe. To initiate a request for a COVID-related accommodation, contact Tara Peters, benefits manager, at tpeters@ut.edu.
Avoid nonessential travel.
Be understanding and considerate of your co-workers (remember, we’re all in this together).
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:
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:
Prorated refunding of room and board for residential students for the remainder of the semester (cost $11.2 million);
Pausing construction projects except those well underway, e.g., the Ferman Center for the Arts and the Science Research Laboratories;
Reducing operational budgets for the remainder of this fiscal year;
Freezing most open staff positions and five open faculty positions;
Reducing operating budgets for FY21;
Refinement of Workday Students’ financial aid and registration as well as preparing for a quick transition to extensive remote learning and student support;
Moving all summer 2020 courses to remote teaching, with more courses and seats offered by faculty;
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
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 Servicesremains open in the Dickey Health and Wellness Center.
Counseling Servicesare 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.
Residence Halls will remain open onlyfor 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 inResidence 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?
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:
UT has been notified that four UT students, traveling together and with other UT students during Spring Break, have tested positive for COVID-19. One of the students did not return to campus after spring break, and three returned to campus. All are self-isolating – the latter three on campus -- and none have been hospitalized. The Florida Department of Health is following its protocol to identify, notify and quarantine any individuals that have had contact with these individuals.
Be assured that all necessary safety precautions are being used. The Dickey Health and Wellness Center remains open for medical services, and counseling services are available remotely. If you are concerned about your health, please call the Dickey Health and Wellness Center at (813) 257-3051. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing a fever and cough, call TGH Urgent Care at (813) 925-1903. You must call first, as not all TGH Urgent Care locations are designated COVID-19 evaluation and testing sites.
Once again, we are instructing all students to leave campus through the remainder of the spring semester, unless they have no other options. Students that have not yet completed the required COVID-19 Residential Student Status form in Residence by Symplicity must do so immediately. As per UT’s normal protocol for limited access to residential facilities, building access and meal card will be turned off by Monday, March 23 unless students have filled out the form. Please be aware that residential services are limited, and campus food services are grab-n-go only as per state of Florida restrictions.
We sincerely wish our students, and any others who may be affected, a full and rapid recovery.
Update March 20, 2020:
This is a message from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs:
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 stfor 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, chator 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 stfor 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, chator 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
Following the most recent UTAlert message to the university community, you will find below additional information pertaining to your residential status and the process of collecting your belongings, returning keys and checking out of your residence hall room. We aimed to provide you options and flexibility with this process given the challenging circumstances of COVID-19. However, we also ask for your cooperation and partnership during the next few months as we assist students and families to obtain their belongings and move out of the residence halls.
Please review the following reminders:
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% 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.
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 inResidence 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.
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.
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% 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 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and 8 until 10 p.m. 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 will also be available until May 9, 2020.
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 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and 8 until 10 p.m. 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 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.
Remember that health and safety are the top priority, and to please practice social distancing as extensively as possible. Please check the UT COVID-19 webpage often for institutional updates.
Update March 16, 2020:
This is a message from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students:
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
Update March 13, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.:
Residential Students Message
This message was sent at 5:30 p.m. to students who live in UT's residence halls:
Good afternoon Residential Students,
The University continues to monitor COVID-19 and, as a precautionary measure, UT is encouraging students not to return to campus for now and to continue coursework online. However, all residence halls remain open for those who need to stay on campus.
Please note that the Student Code of Conduct remains in effect for all students, and for those students who choose to remain in the residence halls, the Campus Living Policies also are in effect. Hosting non-student guests or visitors in the residence halls is discouraged during this time.
During this time, we encourage all residents to be courteous neighbors. If you have any concerns about policy violations or need assistance this weekend, you may contact the resident assistants on duty in your building or Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777.
As part of our preparations and determining the need for campus services, all residential students must complete the Residential Student Location Form available through Residence in MyUTampa. This form will take less than five minutes to complete, and it serves to inform Residence Life about your plans during this period of online course delivery. For those who have already submitted, thank you and note that this form is now set to 'draft,' so you can resubmit if you need to make changes or adjustments to information you provided.
At this time, Ultimate Dining will remain open on limited spring break hours this week as previously scheduled. Check the Dining Services website for hours of operation; updated hours were also sent in a global message this afternoon.
The University will continue to closely monitor the situation and will post updates at www.ut.edu/coronavirus. We hope to resume all of campus life, residence life and face-to-face instruction as soon as conditions permit.
Sincerely, Nora Jarmon Director, Office of Residence Life
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Update March 13, 2020, at 5 p.m.:
The UT Emergency Operations Team (EOT) met today and updated the UT COVID-19 Resources and Update page, as well as added several new FAQs based on feedback from the UT community. We urge you to take the time to review the webpage and contact the appropriate University office if you have questions that are not addressed.
There are still no reported or confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus.
As spring break winds down, we reiterate that UT encourages students not to return to campus for now, if possible, and to continue coursework online. For those students who are on campus, we will provide campus services so you can fully engage in your online coursework with the proper support. Regardless of location, all students can access the services they need.
We particularly encourage you to review the sections on the webpage entitled “Student Health,” “Faculty and Staff Health” and “Students Returning from Spring Break.” These sections are particularly relevant if you traveled abroad or on a cruise ship.
As we transition to the temporary online learning format, understand there will likely be glitches and challenges. Professors, staff and academic advisors will be eager to help you if you need academic assistance.
Also, today the UT Athletic Department announced that all athletic events, including practices, will be cancelled, effective March 16.
We realize this is a fluid, evolving situation, and we appreciate the campus community for striving to find solutions to this unique, unprecedented situation. But, with your assistance we can help ensure the health and well-being of fellow Spartans and the greater community.
We will update the UT COVID-19 webpage as necessary, so please check it often. We will provide an update on Monday afternoon or sooner if the need arises.
Update March 12, 2020, at 6 p.m.:
UT Student-Athlete Message
This message was sent on Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m. to UT student-athletes:
Student-Athletes
The University of Tampa has decided to allow spring championship sports (baseball, men’s/women’s golf, rowing, softball, tennis, men’s/women’s track and field) to play and practice as scheduled for now. However, considering the serious nature of the current virus’ spread, we are proceeding with caution and understand an individual’s right to feel an elevated level of concern for their health.
Even though your season may continue, you are not obligated to continue to participate and may choose to discontinue participation without fear of repercussion. Our mission is to encourage a healthy lifestyle for all student-athletes at The University of Tampa and strive to offer all the resources required for you to participate as safely as possible. We continue to encourage you to practice the universal precautions listed on the attached education sheet and to contact either a member of the sports medicine staff or the Health and Wellness Center if you have any concerns.
This situation continues to develop rapidly, so please continue to check your UT email for updates.
Scott Brickett ATC, LAT, MS-ENS Assistant Athletic Director Sports Medicine
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Update March 12, 2020, at 5 p.m.:
The UT Emergency Operations Team (EOT) met today to focus on planned events and activities on the UT campus during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are aware of the concerns and added stress of participation in these engagements that are a part of campus life, and we want to balance this with the best available health and safety information.
The EOT will meet regularly to determine which events, meetings and activities will continue, be postponed, be cancelled or move online. We will endeavor to review them in two-week time frames – starting March 16 – recognizing that some engagements outside of that time frame will require more expedient review.
UT has hundreds of meetings, activities and events weekly. Please check the master calendar on ut.edu for event status, contact the event organizer or check the UT COVID-19 webpage.
Athletic games will continue as normally scheduled. However, only family members will be allowed to view athletic matches live as spectators.
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Update March 12, 2020, at 1 p.m.:
UT Residential Student Message
This message was sent on Thursday, March 12 at 1:35 p.m. to UT residential students:
Good afternoon Residential Students,
The University continues to monitor COVID-19 and, as a precautionary measure, UT is encouraging students not to return to campus for now and to continue coursework online. However, all residence halls remain open for those who need to stay on campus. Guests should not be with you in the residence halls and campus services will be limited.
As part of our preparations and determining the need for campus services, all residential students must completethe Residential Student Location Formavailable through Residence in MyUTampa. This form will take less than five minutes to complete, and it serves to inform Residence Life about your plans during this period of online course delivery.
At this time, Ultimate Dining will remain open on limited spring break hours as previously scheduled. Check the Dining Services website for hours of operation beginning March 16.
The University will continue to closely monitor the situation and will post updates at www.ut.edu/coronavirus. We hope to resume all of campus life, residence life and face-to-face instruction as soon as conditions permit.
Thank you for your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Nora Jarmon Director, Office of Residence Life
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Update March 11, 2020, at 10 p.m.:
UT Students in Europe Urged to Return
This message was sent on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:50 p.m. to UT students currently in Europe:
Dear Students,
It is imperative that you return home as soon as possible. President Trump’s urgent announcement that travelers from Europe will be blocked from entry into the U.S. after midnight on Friday, March 13 makes this an imperative that we need your help with now. The health of our students and loved ones is paramount. We request that you contact your resident director at your location and book a flight home immediately and no later than midnight Friday, March 13.
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.
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 401 W Kennedy Blvd. Box 70F Plant Hall – Room 300 Tampa, FL 33606 (813) 258-7433 abroad@ut.edu
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Update March 11, 2020, at 6 p.m.:
UT is carefully monitoring COVID-19, and assessing information from various organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Florida Department of Health.
Though we recognize that UT’s rich educational environment is one of its greatest assets, we also consider the campus community’s health and safety as a top priority. While there still are no reported or confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus, this is an extraordinary situation, and we have decided to move from face-to-face instruction to online delivery, effective March 16. We are taking this action to protect not only our campus community but the larger community as well.
We encourage students to not return to campus for now and to continue their coursework online. Campus residence halls will remain open for those who need to stay on campus, but we will discourage residence hall guests. We hope to resume the full array of campus life – including face-to-face instruction -- as soon as conditions permit.
Campus services will remain open and operational with limited or reduced services for students, such as dining, library and health services.
Faculty and staff are critical in helping transition coursework to online content and continuing campus operations. As such, faculty and staff are expected to report to work as normal, and are encouraged to review the technology tools that can be useful for functioning in remote locations if it becomes necessary.
An update regarding campus events and activities will be issued tomorrow, Thursday, March 12. Please visit the webpage for updates.
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Update March 11, 2020, at Noon:
UT’s Emergency Operation Team (EOT) continues to monitor the current outbreak of COVID-19.
There are no reported or confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus. At this time, the University has no plans to alter its academic calendar or cancel any spring events on campus. UT is focused on following the guidance of public health officials, practicing prevention measures, reducing our own exposure, avoiding non-essential travel and preparing for any potential impacts.
In the event that a community member is confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus and presents a contagion to campus, the University will take immediate actions, which will follow the protocol provided by the Florida Department of Health, including the individual being isolated, surrounding persons being quarantined and classes being moved to online delivery.
The following is the latest update from campus regarding COVID-19. Please visit this webpage regularly for updated information.
Student Health
If students exhibit signs of illness, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing they can contact the Dickey Health and Wellness Center during regular business hours. The health center must follow certain protocols for suspected cases of COVID-19, so students should call the center prior to arrival. If you are displaying symptoms in the evening or weekend, call Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777.
Also, all students covered under UT’s student insurance plan have access to non-emergency telehealth ( HealthiestYou). If you are experiencing symptoms and want to consult with a doctor, this is an excellent option, as it is available 24/7. Students may also contact their own health care provider.
Faculty and Staff Health
Faculty and staff who, at any time, experience symptoms similar to COVID-19 should take precautions by self-isolating, and call ahead to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or the local health department. Faculty and staff who are covered by the UT employee health care are also eligible to access non-emergency Teladoc. For additional information, contact Human Resources at (813) 253-6237.
Travel – Returning to Campus after Spring Break
The CDC issues guidance regarding travelers returning to the U.S. from countries that have a level 3 travel health notice. Presently, these countries include China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. Following CDC guidance, UT requires travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days from the time they left these countries.
Students who have traveled to or through level 3 countries within the past 14 days must call the Dickey Health and Wellness Center, prior to coming to campus, at (813) 257-3051 for risk assessment and further directives on social-distancing and self-monitoring.
Faculty and Staff who have traveled to or through level 3 countries within the past 14 days should notify Human Resources at (813) 253-6237.
UT community members who traveled by cruise ship over spring break, should, according to the CDC, monitor their health closely and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the U.S. If a case of COVID-19 was reported on your ship during the cruise, stay home and self-isolate during these 14 days and practice social distancing.
Remember, the status of countries or regions may change while you are traveling and affect airport or other travel processes. Stay connected to the CDC and U.S. State Department websites to ensure you have the latest information.
General Travel Restrictions
UT continues the indefinite suspension of all official and previously authorized travel for students, faculty and staff to China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. This restriction includes travel for university-related activities such as teaching, study abroad, conferences, internships, research, recruiting, business meetings and special events.
As of March 11, UT has also prohibited all University-sponsored, non-essential international travel for the foreseeable future. All personal international travel, including travel by cruise ships, is discouraged.
The University has canceled all study abroad programming in all countries for May term and all summer sessions. For questions, contact the International Programs Office at abroad@ut.edu.
Domestic, University-sponsored travel has not been restricted at this time, but community members are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel.
UT encourages all faculty, staff and students to consider their own health status and exercise caution and judgment in planning any travel.
Academic Continuity
Academic continuity and quality are of the utmost importance. Instructors have been asked, effective immediately, to prepare courses for online delivery, wherever possible. In the event that a community member is confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus and presents a contagion to campus, classes will be moved to online delivery.
No classes are changing to online at present. They will only change if UT has a confirmed case that is presenting a contagion to campus.
Preparation for Telecommuting
Staff members are encouraged to review the technology tools that can be useful for functioning in remote locations if it becomes necessary due to the presence of a contagion on campus. At present, UT is fully operational.
Student Housing
UT residence halls are open. UT is preparing in case there is a situation that calls for housing students that may be impacted by COVID-19. UT has a small number of rooms that can be utilized for social distancing or isolation. UT is also working with the Florida Department of Health for housing larger numbers of affected students in the event this impacted population increases.
Should we move to enact such social distancing or isolation using UT housing, we will also offer services, such as food, health monitoring, etc.
Facilities
Facilities Management continues to clean and disinfect all high traffic areas and environmental surfaces for residence halls and other facilities in accordance with CDC guidelines. We will continue to monitor this guidance and will update our cleaning protocols as appropriate. Facilities Management is increasing its frequency of cleaning high traffic areas as well.
Campus Events
UT is not limiting campus events at this time, consistent with the guidance issued by the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.
Again, we recognize this is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are making complex decisions armed with the best information available. We will continue to provide periodic updates on these matters to ensure you are aware of work that is underway.
For further questions regarding UT’s response to COVID-19, email wellness@ut.edu.
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Update March 10, 2020:
The UT Emergency Operations Team (EOT) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, consulting with the Florida Department of Health, meeting daily and discussing the situation via email hourly.
There have been no reported or confirmed cases on campus, and all campus operations, classes and events continue as normal.
The EOT will issue a more detailed message tomorrow (Wednesday, March 11) through a global email to faculty, staff and students, and will update this page following the global. This a rapidly evolving situation, and we are using all available resources to make informed decisions to best protect our community’s health and safety.
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Update March 2, 2020:
Considerations for Spring Break
The UT Emergency Operations Team is continuing to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) and review strategies to ensure the health and safety of the UT community. Currently, there are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida, one in Hillsborough County and one in Manatee County. The Governor of Florida has declared a public health emergency so the state can open up resources in order to be prepared for further cases if they occur. Please note that the risk to the general U.S. public continues to remain low. At this time, there are no confirmed cases on campus, and all campus operations, classes and events continue as normal. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, however, please continue to check the CDC website and this page for updates. The State of Florida has a hotline available for general questions at (866) 779-6121.
As spring break is almost upon us, we ask that you continue to take preventative precautions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness. If you are traveling, please check the CDC’s Travelers Page for updates and developments for your specific area. Due to the current public health situation, many countries have begun implementing strict screening procedures in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. These delays could affect your travel schedule and therefore, your studies at UT. All travelers are encouraged to think carefully about any planned travel, especially internationally, and to assess the risks both of their destination(s) and of traveling through domestic and international areas where the virus has been confirmed. Although there have not been any domestic travel warnings issued, the CDC website will also list these if they occur. At this time, anyone with a fever or other flu-like symptoms should not travel internationally, as they may be detained for further testing and observation.
For individuals choosing to travel outside the U.S. during spring break, there may be additional scrutiny upon your return to the U.S. It is beneficial to document any recent travel ahead of time in the event you are asked to provide proof of your itinerary or activities. Useful documentation may include your U.S. I-94 travel history (for those in the U.S. on a visa) showing your recent physical presence in the U.S., your detailed trip itinerary, hotel or other travel receipts, and other evidence related to where you were during any time abroad.
Tips for Staying Healthy
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70 percent alcohol.
Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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.
Avoid sharing cups, eating utensils, vaping and hookah devices.
For students staying on campus during Spring Break who are hosting friends from other states and countries, we urge them to be aware of their guests’ current travel history, monitor guests – and their own – health, and follow all tips for staying healthy. At this time, UT is not restricting visitor access to campus.
As we continue to monitor this evolving public health issue, it is also important to acknowledge that it is also flu season. Symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza can be similar, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. UT students with symptoms are encouraged to call the Dickey Health and Wellness Center at (813) 253-6250 to make an appointment. The health center must follow certain protocols for suspected cases of COVID-19, so please contact the center prior to arrival. If it is after hours, and you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled, call the Florida Department of Health at (813) 307-8010 for assistance. As always, if you are severely ill or it is an emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency department at a local hospital. Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or the county health department. If you become ill while traveling abroad, the CDC’s Find a Clinic is an excellent resource.
UT will continue to monitor and update the community as this situation evolves. For questions, please contact wellness@ut.edu
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Update Feb. 28, 2020:
The UT Emergency Operations Team is regularly meeting to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) and review strategies to ensure the health and safety of the UT community.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus, in Tampa or in the state of Florida. The risk to the general American public remains low. However, we realize this is a rapidly evolving situation, and we continue to work closely with the Hillsborough County Health Department and receive updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Study Abroad
The University has relocated two of its study abroad programs due to COVID-19. While there are no current plans for additional changes, the International Programs Office will announce any further program relocations. We urge UT community members who plan to travel abroad during academic holidays to observe travel advisories and/or public announcements set forth by the U.S. State Department, the CDC, and equivalent international organizations including the World Health Organization and U.S. embassies abroad. For more information regarding international travel, safety and security, contact abroad@ut.edu.
Symptoms
Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing
As we continue to monitor this evolving public health issue, it is also important to acknowledge that it is also flu season. Symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza can be similar, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. UT students with symptoms are encouraged to call the Dickey Health and Wellness Center at (813) 253-6250 to make an appointment. The health center must follow certain protocols for suspected cases of COVID-19, so please contact the center prior to arrival. Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare providers.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. CDC recommends preventive actions to reduce the risk of developing influenza and other respiratory illnesses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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.
While not effective against the coronavirus, the health center encourages the UT community to obtain a flu shot. A limited supply of the flu vaccine is available at the health center. It takes several weeks for the vaccine to provide the protection against the flu, so it is best to get your injection as soon as possible.
Information
UT will continue to monitor and update the community as this situation evolves. For additional information about the coronavirus and steps that UT is taking to protect the health and safety of our community, please email wellness@ut.edu or visit the CDC website.
Spartan Shield
Spartan Shield is a UT health safety initiative that offers guidance to all members and guests of the University community in the era of COVID-19. Learn about the Spartan Shield Health Safety Plan.
UT campus facilities and spaces will include Campus Signage that should be followed by UT community members and visitors at all times.
