Presidential Communications | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC students walking through Lubbock campus courtyard.

Presidential Communications

TUHSC Office of the President Logo

 

 

TTUHSC Students,

 

The past few weeks have brought a roller coaster of events. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through a very uncharted situation. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's disruption of everyday life may have changed how we interact; but it does not change what we do. We are committed to remaining a leading academic health care institution, and our focus is on supporting you.

 

Current Academic Status
We've taken unprecedented measures to ensure your safety. As you know, all on-campus academic classes will be delivered online beginning March 30. I have been in continuous communication with each of the Deans, and they assure me our faculty are prepared. Please reach out to your faculty and/or respective program director if you are needing additional information to assist you in this transition.

I know many of you have been impacted in your clinical placements. We are evaluating each case and working in collaboration with the respective accrediting bodies to identify options. I can imagine the uncertainty is truly unsettling. However, the results may prove to be viable opportunities that benefit our programs in years to come.

As you return to your studies, please keep in mind preventative measures such as proper handwashing and social distancing. We are closing many of our buildings, including the libraries, for this very reason. Until further notice, we strongly encourage you not to come to campus. However, at this time the following locations may be utilized for students to access the internet if needed.

  • Abilene - Determined on a case-by-case basis; contact Molly Minze at molly.minze@ttuhsc.edu
  • Amarillo - Student Center (basement of the School of Medicine/School of Health Professions)
  • Lubbock - 1st and 2nd floor of the Academic Classroom Building (ACB) lobbies
  • Midland - Student lounges in the Physician Assistant building

Points of entry will be limited on each campus, so you will need your badge to access the facilities. If you do not have access to internet services, please contact your program director. For general IT issues, contact your school's respective IT representative or the university's IT Help Desk at 806.743.1234 or itsolutions@ttuhsc.edu.


Graduation
Spring commencement ceremonies are postponed at this time based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that prohibit large gatherings. Students who have successfully completed all degree requirements will receive diplomas at the end of this semester. We are currently exploring alternate opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, and we are committed to finding the best solution possible to recognize the TTUHSC Class of 2020.

Despite these unique circumstances, your degree still represents the quality of education you received at TTUHSC, which carries a worldwide reputation of excellence.


Helpful Resources
This is a stressful time in your academic career and now you are facing additional changes. Please reach out as needed to the TTUHSC Counseling Center for support by email counselingcenter@ttuhsc.edu or call 806.743.1327 or 800.327.0328. For additional information on services, visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/centers-institutes/counseling/default.aspx

TTUHSC is fortunate to also have Our Legacy Now Student Foundation. This is a student-led organization that provides emergency financial assistance to students who are experiencing unanticipated hardship. Applications are available at: https://app4.ttuhsc.edu/olnf/

If you feel ill, or you know you have been exposed to the coronavirus, please call the TTUHSC Nurse Hotline at 806.743.6877 (743.NURS) or your health care provider. Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other health care facility without calling first. Your provider may require special measures to protect other people in the clinic.

Please visit the student FAQ section on our university's COVID-19 web page for additional resources and answers to commonly asked questions.


University Update
This week we began transitioning the majority of our university workforce to work remotely. At this time our clinics will remain open but are enhancing measures to ensure the safety for our patients and health care providers.

I am truly honored to be part of the TTUHSC community. Thank you for your patience as we work through some of these challenges. It's going to take innovation, ingenuity and true West Texas grit. However, I know that we will persevere as ONE TEAM.

 

Warmest regards,

 

 Lori-Rice Spearman Signature

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