The University of Texas Permian Basin is ready to welcome our students back this fall! Recent months have been hard, but we are proud of how our students, faculty, and staff have adjusted. Although the semester ahead will look different, our commitment to providing a quality education remains the same. We know that having an on-campus collegiate experience is important even as we carefully navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.
“During this uncertainty, our University has learned so much about our capabilities and we’ve made adjustments along the way. The tools and innovations we have put in place have really prepared us for what lies ahead,” said UT Permian Basin President, Dr. Sandra Woodley.
While students left campus, our work began behind the scenes. A task force, made up of University stakeholders from all areas of campus and student leaders, researched and determined the best approaches for minimizing risk as our campus re-opens. When students walk throughout the University this fall, they will notice extra cleaning and sanitation measures, news signs encouraging social distancing, requirements for face coverings, plexiglass safety barriers, and other protocols aimed at minimizing risk.
“UT Permian Basin is truly made up of an amazing community. Resiliency and an innovative spirit are part of what makes being a Falcon so special,” President Woodley added. “We are ready to welcome students to our campus, but we will also be diligent about adhering to safety protocols”
So what changes are on the horizon? Here’s a summary of what students, faculty, and staff can expect:
- UTPB will offer a full selection of courses for Summer II and Fall 2020.
- This fall the University will have educational options: on-campus face-to-face classes with additional safety modifications; fully online options; hybrid options.
- Dates for the fall semester remain the same: students will begin classes on August 24 and instruction will continue through December 11.
- Students will not be required to return to campus after the Thanksgiving break. All instruction after Thanksgiving will be virtual.
- Masks and social distancing will be required on campus for students, faculty, and staff. The University will provide UTPB branded masks.
- On-campus housing and dining will be available with new processes and safety plans.
- A strategic and flexible approach will be used as our Falcon staff return to campus beginning July 6th.
Our top priority remains the same: the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. You can learn more about our commitment and the specific guidelines that are being put in place for classrooms, housing, dining, and more here.
