Texas State University classes will be held online for the first two weeks of the spring semester in response to the latest surge of COVID-19.
"I know this is not the start of the semester we were all looking forward to," President Denise Trauth announced in an email Monday. "We are taking these actions out of an abundance of caution and are hopeful the surge will peak quickly."
Trauth said the move to virtual when classes resume Jan. 18 is temporary and that classes are expected to resume in person at the end of the month.
As an added measure, the university is also requesting all students, faculty and staff get tested before returning to campus, and requiring all students who live in residence halls to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before move in.
"I cannot stress this enough — it is critical that we all follow the steps we know protect us from COVID-19," Trauth wrote. "While the university cannot mandate actions, I strongly encourage you to be vigilant about wearing a mask, social distancing as much as possible, test regularly, and get vaccinated and boosted."
UT Austinannounced late Tuesday that it will be asking professors to teach remotely for the first two weeks of the semester as well. Classes begin Jan. 18.
“Some may choose to teach in person, while also providing online delivery between January 18 and January 28,” UT President Jay Hartzell said in an email to the campus community. “Students will be notified as soon as possible if any of their courses will be taught with an in-person option.”
Classes are expected to move back to in-person or hybrid learning Jan. 31. The university is encouraging students to “gradually return” to campus leading up to that date, and it says students should receive a viral test within three days before coming back to campus or the community for in-person activities.
Correction: We previously stated that Texas State University is requiring all students, faculty and staff to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to campus. They are asking for proof of a negative test-result only for students who live in residence halls.
