With in-person classes resuming in the fall, Texas Woman’s administrators are working to determine how the gradual reopening of the university will take place.

Some offices and facilities will open this month. About a quarter of the university’s faculty and staff are expected to return to campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston by June 1, with many others expected to return on July 1.

How will a return to campus look?

Before returning, you will be notified by your supervisor of your return date to campus. You cannot return to campus prior to supervisor approval. Access to campus buildings currently requires vice president approval. 

Employees also will be required to complete a “reboarding” training prior to returning to campus. The online training will cover new procedures and guidelines necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You will receive instructions on how to complete this training in the coming days.

The following requirements, developed in accordance with CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, will be in place for faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you or a member of your household is sick or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. Faculty, staff and students also must report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure via an online form. TWU will conduct contact tracing, which includes notification of individuals you had contact with and informing them of the need to self-isolate for 14 days.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance from individuals whenever possible. Where this is not practical, Texas Woman’s is implementing alternative approaches including the use of plexiglass shields and face coverings. Plexiglass shields can be installed in locations such as cashiers, service desks and related areas where customer/patron interactions take place. The purchase of these shields will be managed centrally, with the approval of the appropriate vice president.
• Wear a face covering. The use of face coverings will be required for those employees who cannot maintain social distance as a result of their job duties. Reusable face coverings will be provided on a limited basis, with priority given to those employees who are in close proximity to others for significant periods of time. All other employees, as well as students and visitors on campus, should supply their own face covering if they will be within 6 feet of others. See the Face Covering Use at TWU webpage for more information, including instructions on how to make your own face covering.
• Limit elevator and stair use. Elevator occupancy will be limited; face coverings will be necessary if more than one person is on the elevator. Consider using the stairs, if able, to reduce elevator demand. Stairs may be marked for one-way travel (other than in emergency situations).
• Practice hand hygiene. Employees are required to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands upon entering campus buildings and frequently thereafter. The number of hand sanitizing stations on campus will be nearly doubled. Stations will be strategically placed at building entrances and other high-traffic areas.

Enhanced cleaning protocols also must be followed. Even before the reduction of operations on campus occurred, Texas Woman’s established enhanced cleaning protocols of high-touch surfaces in public areas in accordance with CDC guidelines. Facilities Management has invested in additional equipment and cleaning supplies in order to continue this enhanced cleaning as employees begin to return to campus. Employees will need to share in the responsibility of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by keeping their work areas clean.

University officials realize that some employees are in high-risk categories for infection with COVID-19, or live with or are caring for those in high-risk categories. Some employees may not have child care available to them. Administrators are working to address these issues.

Visit TWU’s coronavirus webpage for information on safety, resources, official communications and more. Email coronavirus@twu.edu if you have questions.