COMMUNITY UPDATE: End of semester plans and safety reminders

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

The holidays and end of the semester are quickly approaching. To help you prepare, we are sharing some important information about what to expect.

Post-Thanksgiving Plans

UHCL plans to complete the fall semester operating in Code 2. This means that the courses you are currently enrolled in will continue in the same mode after the Thanksgiving holiday break (Nov. 25-28). Services will remain available online or with limited hours in-person.

If health conditions are not considered safe, classes and student support services will shift online, as needed.

Spring 2021 Semester

We will continue to monitor health and safety conditions. For now, we will plan to begin the spring semester in the same mode that we end the fall semester, unless health conditions are not considered safe. Please know that we will communicate with you accordingly via email, websites, and the appropriate social media outlets.

Registration for spring semester is now open. Classes are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. You can find more information about spring 2021 enrollment and important dates online.

Staying Safe

There are indications that another surge of infections is underway, and with the cooler weather and holidays approaching, the risk of exposure increases. With these items in mind, please continue to practice healthy habits:

• Wear your mask.
• Keep your distance.
• Don’t go out if you feel ill.
• Avoid large gatherings.
• Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed.
• Report symptoms, confirmed positive close contacts, and respect quarantine procedures.
• Get a flu shot.

Reporting COVID-19

If a UHCL employee or student should develop symptoms, or be exposed within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of a positive COVID-19 person, they must stay home, or go home immediately. They must also report exposure or diagnosis within 24 hours for any COVID-19 reason (exposure within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, development of symptoms, etc.) so that appropriate notifications may also be made for others needing to quarantine and areas needing additional cleaning. UHCL respects the privacy and confidentiality of those reporting.

• Students: Report of Diagnosis/Symptoms | Report of Exposure
• Employees: Report Exposure, Symptoms, or Diagnosis

Mental Health Support 

Stress and anxiety are common during this time. Here are ways to cope and promote well-being:

• Pause. Breathe. Notice how you feel.
• Take breaks from upsetting content.
• Take care of yourself, and exercise daily.
• Be understanding and accepting of yourself and what you’re going through at this time.
• Reach out and stay connected.
• Seek help if overwhelmed, or unsafe.

Contact UHCL Counseling Services at 281-283-2580 (press 2 for after-hours crisis services). Counseling Services is currently finalizing a new virtual Holiday Stress resource for students. Be on the lookout for more information via e-mail, on our website, and social media.

More info: CDC – Managing Stress | UHCL Counseling Services | Employee Mental Health Benefits | COVID-19 Coping Mental Health Care Package

Your safety is still our top priority, and we are here to support you. Remain diligent in following our community standards both on and off campus. Be sure to check the UHCL website, your email and social media regularly for updates.

The Signal posts community updates on a regular basis to keep the campus updated on events, deadlines, policy changes and other important happenings around UHCL. Community updates can be submitted by any individual or organization here.