This fall semester has been like no other. Yet, you have responded to the many challenges of the pandemic with Maverick spirit and determination. Our ability to navigate this semester has been possible as a result of your prudent planning in advance of the semester and your ongoing dedication to the success and well-being of our students – thank you!

As we approach the end of the semester, I am writing to share with you important changes to building access, schedules, and operations after Thanksgiving. 

As previously announced, UTA is moving all classes online after Thanksgiving. That means all classes, including face-to-face and hybrid courses, will switch to online-only modality after Nov. 26 through the end of the semester.

This decision was made in consultation with the campus community well before the start of the fall semester. Our aim was to minimize the possibility of our students and employees becoming COVID-19 positive during the break, then spreading the virus on campus upon return. Given the ongoing community spread, locally and across the nation, this remains our most prudent course of action.

For our faculty and staff, work will continue much in the same manner as it has this fall semester, with department/unit offices open, even as our students are learning online. Employees are also encouraged to contact their supervisors with questions related to departmental schedules and operations. There will continue to be an emphasis on minimizing on-campus presence by employees where possible and maximizing the use of telework while ensuring business continuity, all to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Unit and department heads will make decisions about on-campus staffing levels.

While the campus will remain open after Thanksgiving, there will be important changes to both building access and schedules. A more detailed list is available on our Employee FAQ page.

Academic buildings: Most academic buildings will be locked after Thanksgiving, with access only available via card swipe for faculty, staff, and approved students.

University Center and Commons: The University Center and Commons will operate on the following schedule after the Thanksgiving break: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Commons will be closed from Dec. 13 through Jan. 14.

Mail service: University mail service will continue to be drive-thru in the same manner as the fall semester.

On-campus dining: The following schedules will be in effect from Nov. 29 to Dec. 18:

The schedules above are preliminary and subject to change. Keeping updated on the latest information is important to our success and the safety of all.  Please continue to visit the UTA Coronavirus Information website, the Faculty and Staff Coronavirus Resources website, and the Employee FAQs—Post-Thanksgiving Plans website for the latest updates, information, and resources. Additionally, please follow UTA on social media and keep an eye on your email and MavWire for updates.

Our approach to the fall 2020 semester, which included decreasing our on-campus presence, daily self-monitoring, wearing masks, and social distancing, helped us minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Thank you for continuing to adhere to University protocols and setting a positive example for our students.

Please remember to perform a daily health screening before coming to campus each day and do not come if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If you have been in close contact with a COVID-19-positive individual or if you have received a personal diagnosis, please report it to UTA through this form.

Our successful fall term has proven that the Maverick community looks out for one another. As a Community that Cares, the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is at the center of all we do.

Thank you for all you do, and go Mavs!