Health & Safety Protocols

We are committed to your health and well-being.

In UTSA Housing and Residence Life, we are committed to fostering a supportive and healthy living environment for all students in our communities. We believe well-being is key to academic and personal success, and we aim to create spaces where students feel safe and cared for.

Our residential staff provide resources, guidance, and a compassionate ear to ensure students get the support they need. From mental health services and wellness programs to encouraging respectful community living, we are here to help students thrive.

This page offers resources for students and parents on managing health concerns, practicing self-care, and accessing medical support if illness arises. Whether it’s recognizing symptoms, knowing when to seek care, or learning how to recover, we provide tools to navigate health challenges with confidence.

 Do your part

Staying healthy is a team effort, and every student plays a role in keeping our campus community safe. Here’s how you can do your part:

  • Follow Health Guidelines: Stay informed and adhere to national, state, and local health regulations, as well as campus-specific safety measures.

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, cover your coughs and sneezes, and keep your living space clean to prevent the spread of germs.

  • Stay Up to Date on Vaccines: Protect yourself and others by getting recommended vaccinations and flu shots.

  • Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and stay hydrated to support your overall well-being.

  • Manage Stress and Seek Help: Take breaks, practice self-care, and don’t hesitate to use campus mental health resources when needed.

  • Stay Home: Feeling sick? Don’t go out! Stay home if you feel sick and let your supervisor or professors know. Students can seek medical care from Student Health Services
  • Look Out for One Another: Encourage friends to take care of themselves, and if someone is feeling unwell, help them access the care they need.

2024-2025 Healthy and Safety Operations

UTSA-managed housing facilities will operate as normal for the 2024-2025 academic year. We will continue to closely follow public health and safety directives issued by UTSA and local authorities. In response to any changes in guidelines, we may adjust policies or implement additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Any updates or changes to housing policies will be promptly posted to this webpage for your reference.

Risk Reducing Strategies

  • Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the restroom, or touching shared surfaces.
  • Flu and Cold Prevention: Stay up-to-date with vaccinations, including flu shots, and practice good respiratory hygiene (cover coughs and sneezes).
  • Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and adequate hydration to boost your immune system.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support both mental and physical health.
  • Surfaces: Clean and wipe down surfaces with suitable cleaning agents before and after use.
  • Clean Common Areas: Clean up after yourself in shared spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

  • Stress Management: Take breaks when needed, practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, and engage in recreational activities to manage stress.
  • Seek Support: Reach out to Wellness 360 if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Counselors are available to provide confidential support.
  • Social Connections: Build a supportive network by getting involved in campus activities and staying connected with friends and peers.

  • Know the Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with emergency exits, fire alarms, and evacuation plans in your building.
  • Fire Safety: Never block fire exits or tamper with smoke detectors. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and be cautious with candles or cooking appliances.
  • Smoke-Free Campus: Respect the campus smoking policies to create a healthier environment for everyone.

  • Campus Safety Escorts: Use campus safety escorts when walking at night or in less populated areas.
  • Lock Your Door: Always lock your dorm room or apartment door when leaving, even for short periods.
  • Emergency Contact Info: Keep your phone charged and ensure your emergency contacts are up-to-date in your campus security system.

  • Stay Updated on Campus Alerts: Sign up for campus alerts regarding emergencies or health advisories to stay informed.
  • Health and Safety Workshops: Attend workshops offered by your campus to learn more about risk-reducing strategies and staying safe

What to Do if You’re Sick or Exposed

  • Common Symptoms: If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, or difficulty breathing, stay alert and monitor your condition.
  • Track Changes: Keep a record of your symptoms, their severity, and how long they last. This information will help healthcare providers assess your situation if you need to seek care.

  • Stay in Your Room: If possible, stay in your dorm room or apartment to avoid spreading illness to others. Minimize contact with roommates and others.
  • Avoid Common Spaces: Limit your time in shared spaces like kitchens, lounges, or bathrooms to reduce the chance of transmission.
  • Wear a Mask: If you need to leave your room or interact with others, wear a mask to protect those around you.

  • Contact Health Services: Reach out to Wellness 360 for to schedule an appointment on next steps. They offer virtual consultation or direct you to the appropriate healthcare provider.
  • Call Ahead: If you need to visit a healthcare facility, call ahead to inform them of your symptoms so they can take the necessary precautions to protect staff and other patients.

Don’t hesitate to seek further medical care if your symptoms worsen or you have concerns about your health.

  • Quarantine or Isolation: If you’ve been exposed to someone with a contagious illness or are symptomatic, you may need to isolate in your room or follow quarantine guidelines set by campus health officials.
  • Notify Your Roommate: If you live with a roommate, let them know your symptoms and the need to isolate. Work together to minimize risk (e.g., separate bathrooms or eating areas if possible).

  • Take Care of Yourself: Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and follow any treatment plans or medications prescribed by healthcare providers.
  • Avoid Overexertion: Don’t push yourself too hard; allow your body time to recover fully

  • Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
  • Disinfect Common Areas: If you need to share spaces, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

  • Follow Campus Guidelines: Be aware of any health advisories or updated protocols from your campus, including vaccination recommendations or additional measures to prevent the spread of illness.
  • Stay Updated on Public Health Information: Keep up with the latest public health guidelines, especially for communicable illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu, to make sure you're following best practices.

Questions?

Contact the Housing & Residence Life team at studenthousing@utsa.edu, 210-458-6200 or chat with us during business hours by clicking on the "Contact Us" chat box in the bottom right corner of this page.