MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: Fall 2020 opening plan

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

I have good news. Our Fall 2020 Opening Plan has been approved and we will be opening under UHCL’s Code 1. There is one meaningful change to instructional delivery: all bi-modal classes, labs and art-studio courses are to be offered as scheduled.   We will also be opening under Phase III of Governor Abbott’s Open Texas plan, which placed return-to-work occupancy up to 50% with those who could perform their duties virtually continuing to work remotely.  As an agency of the State of Texas and a public institution of higher education, we are under the directives of the Office of the Texas Governor. Please keep in mind that the pandemic continues to evolve, which can result in changes.

We also are a community of care.  We recognize that each of us is managing a personal set of circumstances. If you are faculty or staff and need accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources. If you are a student needing accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Support Center.  We will continue to demonstrate compassion for one another and flexibility in the way we collectively perform the important work of our university.  We will continue to advance our purpose and there is no institution with more committed members than UH-Clear Lake.

I have scheduled a two-hour town hall for Monday, August 17 from 3–5 p.m.  At that time, the vice presidents, emergency manager, and I will provide more details about the opening plan and how to safely return to campus.  We will also be available to answer questions.

I genuinely appreciate your dedication to UH-Clear Lake. Without it, and your unwavering work ethic, our community could have faltered in our mission, vision, and commitment to be a transformative university.  I know that uncertainty and sudden changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have been a challenge for one and all. This includes the University System.  I applaud all who have worked diligently to ensure our plans to return to campus are right for our system and right for UH-Clear Lake.  It has taken time and a great deal of effort to craft a plan, thoroughly vet it, and get approval.  Through this process, we have done well. Moreover, the collaboration between administrative, faculty, staff, and student leadership has made our university and all who help lead it stronger.  I am grateful for the teamwork, which is also the Hawk Way!

Ira K. Blake, Ph.D.
President