COMMUNITY UPDATE: Fall 2021 return to campus

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Let me begin by welcoming everyone back to the upcoming fall semester at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. I look forward to a positive, thriving, and healthy in-person campus environment and to another academic year of significant achievements. As you know, the Greater Houston area is experiencing a considerable rise in COVID-19 cases. This has given rise to a new round of anxiety, fear, and concern. I understand that many of you are interested in knowing how this impacts UH-Clear Lake as we approach the fall semester. UH-Clear Lake leadership and I monitor the situation and assess our plans daily. If you have questions, an online resource hub with important information about what to expect as we return to campus has been created. Through this hub, you will find answers to various questions ranging from safety protocols to resources and support services. Please also check your UHCL email, social media, and text messages regularly for additional updates or changes necessitated by the COVID virus and/or its variants.

As we transition back to campus, UH-Clear Lake remains committed to protecting students, faculty, and staff remaining consistent with new guidance provided by the CDC and state and local health departments.

Fall Classes 

For those classes currently scheduled face-to-face we are providing faculty the option to reduce their classroom density (in-class attendance) by at least 50% for the first two weeks of the semester while preserving the in-class experience for all students.

• For classes that meet once a week, half of the students may be assigned to attend in-class while the other half learn either synchronously or asynchronously. The following week the students will rotate.
• For classes that meet twice a week, half of the students may be assigned to attend in-class on the first meeting day while the other half learn either synchronously or asynchronously. On the next meeting day, the students will rotate. This will continue for two weeks.
• For classes that meet three times a week, one-third of the students may be assigned to attend in-class on the first meeting day while the other two-thirds learn either synchronously or asynchronously. On the second meeting day, the next one-third of the class may be assigned to attend in-class while the other two-thirds learn either synchronously or asynchronously. On the third meeting day, the remaining one-third of the class may be assigned to attend in-class while the other two-thirds learn either synchronously or asynchronously. This will continue for two weeks.
• Assignment of the students will be at the faculty’s discretion and they will notify students of their in-class schedule before the first day of class. This also applies to the small number of classes that meet four days per week.

The Provost will follow up with another communication giving faculty teaching face-to-face classes further details about determining whether they wish to employ the reduced classroom density option and how to communicate to students.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations 

COVID-19 testing remains available on campus and at no cost to the individual. While not mandatory, I highly encourage those who have any concerns to utilize this valuable resource.

UH-Clear Lake strongly encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. I am pleased to report that HEB will be providing vaccinations on campus. This will make getting vaccinated easy for all who have yet to do so. Details regarding vaccination hours and locations will be forthcoming. To get more members of our university community tested and fully vaccinated, UH-Clear Lake will be launching an incentive program for current students, faculty, and staff that get tested and/or fully vaccinated. Additional details regarding the program will be shared in the coming days.

Face Masks and Other Protective Efforts 

UH-Clear Lake strongly encourages wearing face masks while in public indoor settings, especially for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. We have placed new signage at the entrance to every building to encourage masking and making masks available for those who need them.

In addition, plexiglass shields will be installed in classrooms for faculty, in highly trafficked externally facing offices, and other locations for an added layer of protection. Masks, wipes, and hand sanitizer will continue to be available near classrooms, laboratories, and offices at UHCL, UHCL at Pearland and at our TMC site.

Finally, UH-Clear Lake has upgraded its air filtration to MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) 13, which the CDC recommends to help combat COVID-19. These upgrades have been made on both the Clear Lake campus and the Pearland location to improve safety.

I would also like to remind you that those who test positive for COVID-19 should report their diagnosis through the employee reporting form and the student reporting form. These reports go directly to the COVID-19 coordinator to ensure confidentiality and quick response, including cleaning and contact tracing when appropriate. It is important that we remain well-informed about the status of our campus. You can find additional information about UH-Clear Lake’s health and safety protocols and preventative strategies on our ‘Stay Healthy, Hawks’ website.

As we return to campus in advance of the fall semester, let us continue to keep all Hawks safe and healthy so that we can keep our campus fully operational. Rest assured, your leadership team will identify ways to continually improve our health protocols and practices. I have no doubt that we will successfully navigate these challenges and enjoy a healthy and productive campus experience.

Sincerely,

Ira K. Blake, Ph.D.
President

Message retrieved from UHCL email communications

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