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

Presidential Communications

TTUHSC Safe

TUHSC Office of the President Logo

 

 

Greetings TTUHSC Students,

 

Over the past few weeks, we have seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across Texas, including several TTUHSC campus communities. Our leadership team continues to monitor the ever-changing nature of this pandemic as we make decisions to keep our faculty, staff, and students as safe as possible.

With this in mind, I wanted to share our current academic plan for the fall semester. Please note these plans could change in response to federal, state, and local requirements or significant changes in case numbers in local and campus communities.


Academic Instruction for Fall 2020

  • Schools will offer academic courses using a combination of (1) face-to-face, on-campus instruction; (2) interactive video technology (e.g., TechLink, Zoom); and/or (3) online instruction.

    In collaboration with Regional Deans (if applicable) and program faculty, each school's Dean will decide on instruction delivery methods based on CDC guidelines; federal, state, and local requirements; and individual program needs.

    TTUHSC faculty will keep in mind the possibility of a surge in COVID-19 cases this fall. For this reason, they will plan certain on-campus activities early in the semester when feasible. Doing so will allow them to better support on-time student progression if a resurgence of cases makes it necessary to deliver academic instruction online.
  • Students will continue to participate in experiential learning activities (e.g., clinical rotations, community-based experiences) in collaboration with participating sites, under guidance by program accrediting bodies. Students must abide by specific site requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Students will participate in normal research activities in collaboration with laboratory personnel, as permitted. Students must abide by specific lab requirements for PPE.
  • Study spaces, meeting rooms, student centers, libraries, and other common areas will remain closed to students throughout the summer. TTUHSC leaders will determine in early August if these areas will be open to students for fall 2020. These decisions will be contingent on the COVID-19 status in each of our campus communities at that time.

To reiterate, the fluid nature of this pandemic may require us to change plans quickly and unexpectedly. However, we are committed to notifying you of any changes as soon as possible. You can expect specific guidance from your school and program leaders in the coming weeks, but do not hesitate to contact your program director if you have additional questions.


Facial covering requirement and what you need to know before you come to campus:

  • All students, faculty, and staff who report to campus for academic activities must complete daily self-screenings, appropriately wear facial coverings in public spaces, practice physical distancing, and follow recommended hand hygiene practices.
  • Familiarize yourself with TTUHSC's requirement to wear facial coverings on campus. Refer to the TTU System Facial Covering Policy for complete guidelines.
  • Visit TTUHSC Safe, which I introduced to you in my last email. This is a comprehensive plan that includes health and safety procedures for our TTUHSC community that go above and beyond the minimum standards established by local, state, and federal regulations.

Our commitment during this pandemic is to keep our TTUHSC students and team members safe. By implementing these procedures, we can help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and set an example for others throughout our campus communities.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lori Rice-Spearman 

 

 Lori-Rice Spearman Signature

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