HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

We are committed to your health and wellbeing.


UTSA is committed to fostering a safe learning, working and living environment for our Roadrunner community. As part of our shared responsibility to do our part, the university’s Recovery Operations Team coordinates the universities operational response to COVID-19 and is expanding to oversee the response to the Monkeypox outbreak.

The Recovery Operations Team continually assesses local risk levels. Under guidance from resources including the CDC, State of Texas, UT System and San Antonio Metro Health, the team makes recommendations for adjustments to campus operations, protocols and procedures as needed. UTSA Housing and Residence Life leadership are active members of the Recovery Operations Team.


Here are updated operations and policies for the 2022-2023 academic year.

 
UTSA-managed housing facilities will remain open to all residents regardless of the method of instruction and will continue to follow public health and safety directives issued by UTSA. UTSA will make policy adjustments and implement additional measures as necessary. Any updates to housing policies will be posted to this webpage.

DO YOUR PART

We have a shared responsibility to take steps to minimize the spread of infectious disease and infections on our campus. COVID-19 and Monkeypox are two currently active examples, but this applies to the spread of many public health risks. This means adhering to national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements, as well as those measures we deem safe and appropriate for UTSA. Every member of our Roadrunner community – including you – must do their part.

Visit the Recovery Operations website for information regarding COVID-19 and Monkeypox.

RISK REDUCING STRATEGIES

  • In residential buildings, face coverings are strongly encouraged in public areas, particularly when social distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Maintain good hygiene habits.
  • Maintain social distance according to CDC guidelines.
  • Carry a personal hygiene pack containing a face covering, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and tissues.
  • Clean and wipe down surfaces with suitable cleaning agents after use.
  • Practice physical distancing while doing laundry in the laundry room. Clean and wipe down surfaces with suitable cleaning agents after using equipment.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS


Visit Recovery Operations for information regarding COVID-19 as well as Monkeypox.

  • Step 1 – Immediately begin practicing Risk Reducing Strategies, particularly avoiding direct contact with roommates.
  • Step 2 – Stay home from school.
    • Housing and Residence Life encourages residents to isolation / quarantine off-campus at home or alternative location whenever possible.
  • Step 2 – Test!
  • Step 3 – Follow guidance from your health care provider.
  • Step 4 – Wear a face mask and avoid direct contract with others.
  • Step 5 – Stay home and follow CDC isolation guidance.

MONKEYPOX INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. While symptoms are similar to smallpox, they are typically milder and rarely fatal. Visit the Monkeypox Information and Resources page for updates regarding monkeypox signs, symptoms and how monkeypox spreads.

  • UTSA will work on a case-by-case basis with individuals diagnosed with the monkeypox virus.
  • Residents testing positive for monkeypox should plan to isolate off-campus at home or at another location for the duration of the illness. Isolation typically lasts two to four weeks. While we are recommending isolation at home, UTSA will try to assist students that are not able to isolate away from campus.
  • If you are unable to remain fully isolated throughout the illness, follow the CDC’s prevention practices for each stage of the illness.
    • Wear a well-fitting disposable mask over nose and mouth
    • Cover any skin lesions with long pants and long sleeves or bandages
    • Use trash bags to store soiled clothing and linens.
    • Store trash securely in trash bags and deposit bags directly in waste receptacles.
  • Return to campus / resume activity only after all symptoms have resolved. Notify Housing and Residence Life to update your status at the end of isolation.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT COMPLY

  • Each student is responsible for reviewing and abiding by the policies in place at UTSA.
  • Students found to be non-compliant with the any UTSA Policies, including public health operating procedures or requirements, may be referred to the Student Conduct Process.

QUESTIONS

Email housing policy questions to Housing & Residence Life at studenthousing@utsa.edu.