Presidential Communications

 

 

Dear TTUHSC Students:

 

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questions during Tuesday’s (April 14) Town Hall. If you were not able to join the live event, please take a few minutes to view the recording. Based on the questions you submitted, communication is at a heightened interest, undoubtedly justifiable, during this unprecedented time. With this in mind, I want to highlight key topics discussed during the Town Hall.

Academic Instruction Update
On-campus
Online instruction will extend through June 2020 for on-campus academic classes. At this time, TTUHSC leadership is evaluating projection models to determine the feasibility of safely resuming on-campus classes on July 6. Any updates to this projected return date will be communicated on Monday, May 25.

Distance learning
Schedules for existing distance learning courses and programs remain unchanged.

Clinical Rotations and Research Functions
Students engaged in clinical rotations, practicums, externships, or essential research functions as part of their degree requirements should continue to communicate with their direct supervisors or program directors. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis regarding those activities. Several factors influence those decisions, including student safety, clinic capacity, program accreditation guidelines, and local, state, and federal requirements.

Celebrating Our Graduates
Please mark your calendars for May 20 for a live-streamed tribute celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating class. We will be sharing more details as the date nears. We chose this type of event in lieu of a virtual graduation ceremony based on the responses to a survey of all graduating students. Individual schools are also planning memorable events for their graduates. Even amid this pandemic, TTUHSC remains committed to honoring our students' major milestones!

I truly appreciate the flexibility you have demonstrated as we seek to make these critical decisions. Being transparent with you is very important to me as I strive to live our INTEGRITY value. I am committed to open, timely communication as this situation continues to evolve.

 

 

Warmest regards,

 

 

 

 

Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.
Interim President and Provost
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center