UHD : President's Message: Welcome To The Spring Semester

Meyerland TX

23 January, 2022

12:15 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Houston-Downtown: January 19, 2022 Greetings, Gators,Welcome to the first week of classes in 2022! I'm looking forward to another excellent semester at the University of Houston-Downtown, one that will provide comprehensive academic and career preparation as well as lifelong learning opportunities for each of you. Being a part of UHD can be one of the most transformative and impactful decisions you will ever make, and I am eager to do my part to deliver on that promise.Of course, while the beginning of a new year can be filled with exciting possibilities, I know many of you have questions about how the University will operate, given we are still living with the effects of the pandemic.I recently made announcements to faculty, staff and students regarding spring 2022's soft opening, which will last through Sunday, February 6. Just as we did last semester, we will follow this protocol to reduce the density of people on campus for the first few weeks.For those of you who are already familiar with UHD, you know these procedures are easy and important to accommodate. For those of you who will be on campus for the first time this semester, know that these practices are put in place for your safety and well-being.High-level components of our soft opening will include the following: On Monday, February 7, we plan to return to normal operations. Again, I want to reassure you that UHD is using the utmost precaution to ensure your health and success.We have many safety protocols in place, including hand sanitizer stations located throughout campus, daily cleanings of rooms and laboratories, Plexiglas barriers placed within highly congested spaces, and more. Also, we are consistently monitoring conditions from the local, state and national levels to make the appropriate adjustments when warranted.As an extra precaution, we are encouraging masks, vaccinations and testing – all of which we provide for free. Masks can be found throughout our campus' main corridors and areas of high foot traffic. We are holding a vaccination clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, January 20, in the Welcome Center, thanks to our partner H-E-B. Another partner, Curative, operates a COVID-19 testing kiosk on campus seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., located beside the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center.I urge you to use these resources and services ... and use them often.You have shown great resilience throughout the last few years. I appreciate your enthusiasm for the new semester and anticipate a robust spring with you.UHD remains committed to your continued growth and well-being. I look forward to hearing about all the success stories and life-changing experiences you encounter this semester here at UHD.Sincerely,Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.President, University of Houston-Downtown This press release was produced by the University of Houston-Downtown. The views expressed here are the author's own.