UT Tyler
April 8, 2020
UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications
COVID-19 Update
April 8, 2020
This information is not the most recent update. For the most recent information, visit uttyler.edu/coronavirus.
Face-to-face summer term classes to be moved online
Face-to-face classes scheduled for summer 2020 will be moved online. A limited number of classes that require laboratory or similar facilities will be postponed and reoffered in a future term. Students are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisers to check the availability of summer term classes.
Commencement to be held on Sept. 11 and 12
The Commencement Committee announced Sept. 11 and 12 will be the new dates for the ceremony delayed from this spring. Students who graduate after the summer term will also be eligible to participate. The ceremony will be held in the Cowan Center. More details will be posted online at https://www.uttyler.edu/commencement.
Reimbursements scheduled for university-owned housing residents
Students living in university-owned and operated housing and/or those who are on a university meal plan who are eligible for a pro-rated reimbursement are scheduled to have those reimbursements applied to their accounts by April 15. Pro-rated reimbursement for parking fees will be applied by the end of the semester. We appreciate students' flexibility and cooperation as we all work to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently in discussions with the operators of University Pines, and we expect to make an announcement to residents in the next few days.
Southside Bank scholarships to help students financially impacted by COVID-19
The Southside Bank Hole-in-One Scholars program will target current students with a financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. Twenty-five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for fall 2020. Applications will be accepted April 9 - 22. Applicants will need to complete an essay explaining how their life has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To apply for the Southside Bank Hole-in-One scholarship, visit https://www.uttyler.edu/scholarships/southside-hole-in-one.
UT Tyler operating with essential staff on campus until April 30
In compliance with extensions of the stay-at-home orders, the Tyler, Palestine and Longview campuses will continue to operate with essential personnel only through the end of the month. All non-essential personnel will continue to telecommute.
Several UT Tyler parking lots providing wi-fi access
To accommodate the need for social distancing and Wi-Fi access, UT Tyler currently has three parking lots with Wi-Fi coverage. Those include: Lot 2 - Herrington Patriot Center, Lot 5 - Riter Bell Tower and Ornelas Activity Center – south end.
Information technology extends help desk hours to support campus
The technology support help desk has modified staff hours in support of students and employees learning and working remotely. The help desk staff, who are also working remotely, have the following availability.
- 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday
- 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday
- Noon – 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
For assistance, email itsupport@uttyler.edu. Chat with help desk.
Faculty, students sew masks to help vulnerable population during COVID-19
Dr. Jenifer Chilton, associate professor or nursing, and Dr. Kerri Camp, associate professor of marketing, and students are sewing masks for those in the vulnerable population (e.g. cancer patients, nursing homes) as well as some in the healthcare field. This community-led initiative has delivered 700 masks so far. Those interested in participating should contact Dr. Camp, kcamp@uttyler.edu.
UT Tyler COVID-19 Emergency Fund available to help students
Students who need help with basic living necessities and academic support resources should reach out to Andrew Pettee, dean of students, at apettee@uttyler.edu.