Dear COEHD Faculty and Staff, I want to first wish all of you a Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed the much needed downtime and that you feel refreshed and eager to start the semester. While I look forward to seeing all of you again soon, we are still facing pernicious health risks tied to the omicron variant. The models indicate the transmission of the virus is likely to peak during these next several weeks. I want us all to take heed of President Eighmy’s message (see below) regarding the preference for remote operations till January 17th. Out of an abundance of caution and for the sake of your health, I want to stress that unless you being physically campus is mission critical and that it is otherwise impossible for your duties/obligations to be executed virtually, it is highly advisable that you work from home. I realize that for some of you this may cause disruptions and inconveniences to planned events and activities during this time period but it is in every person’s best interest that we abide by these recommendations. As for the start of the spring semester, no changes have been announced at this time but be advised that during highly fluid situations like the present it is difficult to predict what might happen. University leadership is monitoring the situation and I will keep you apprised as plans unfold. Please contact your supervisors/leads or me if you have any questions. Take care and be safe. “Limited operations will begin Monday, January 3 for faculty and staff and will continue through January 17. During this time, we will conduct remote operations whenever possible. Meetings and events should be held virtually<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A...;, and only essential services should take place on campus. If you have questions on how your department or unit will operate after winter break, please check with your supervisor, department chair or unit lead.” Mario -- Mario Torres, Ph.D. Dean, College of Education and Human Development President's Distinguished Professorship The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle, Main Building 3.304 San Antonio, TX 78249 Office: 210.458.5200 Fax: 210.458.4487 Mario.Torres2@utsa.edu<mailto:Mario.Torres2@utsa.edu> From: UTSA Office of the President <president@utsa.edu<mailto:president@utsa.edu>> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 5:34 PM Subject: Remote Operations after Winter Break [Image]   Dear Roadrunner Faculty and Staff, As the winter break comes to a close, our thoughts turn toward preparing for the spring semester. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant amplifies the need to ensure we continue to keep our Roadrunner community safe. Over the holidays, we have continued to assess local and national conditions, and have remained in close contact with our public health expert advisors. After consideration of many factors, we have an opportunity to proactively limit campus operations after winter break, as we monitor the current surge. Limited operations will begin Monday, January 3 for faculty and staff and will continue through January 17. During this time, we will conduct remote operations whenever possible. Meetings and events should be held virtually<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A...;, and only essential services should take place on campus. If you have questions on how your department or unit will operate after winter break, please check with your supervisor, department chair or unit lead. To those who will continue to work on-campus to provide essential services—including supporting our residential students, conducting research, keeping our campus safe and maintaining our facilities—know that we are extremely grateful for your efforts. Next week, we will update our community about any change of plans for the coming spring semester. In the meantime, please stay safe and continue to focus on the health and wellbeing of those around you. Keep doing your part and be vigilant about vaccination, wearing your face mask<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2...;, socializing safely and knowing what to do<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fc... if you feel sick. Wishing you all a happy New Year. Thank you, [Alternate text] Taylor Eighmy President [Image] Kimberly Andrews Espy Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs [Image] Veronica Salazar Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs   UTSA's CORE VALUES Integrity • Excellence • Inclusiveness • Respect • Collaboration • Innovation