Workplace Safety

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Dear UT Dallas Employees:

Thank you for your hard work, dedication and flexibility during the past few months of this unprecedented health crisis. In a time that has required much from each of us, your efforts have made it possible for the University to continue operations. I also want to thank all the members of the UT Dallas COVID-19 Task Force, led by Vice President and Chief of Staff Rafael Martín, for their hard work and leadership in navigating our University through this crisis.

As we begin planning for our return to campus, know that we are united in a single goal — to make UT Dallas a healthy environment for work, study and research.

To that end, we have prepared a detailed Return to Campus Workplace Guide. Please take the time to read it thoroughly, but I wanted to share with you some of the key points and essential practices that will help us accomplish our goal of a safe return to our beautiful campus.

• A phased return of employees to UT Dallas facilities and campus grounds has begun.
• Until notified by your supervisor, however, employees will continue to work remotely.
• If you are concerned about being at higher risk of severe illness from contracting COVID-19, please contact your supervisor before returning to campus.
• As always, stay home if you are sick or feel ill.
• Be respectful of your fellow Comets, and maintain a minimum of 6 feet between you and others.
• Employees should not gather in groups of more than five.
• Face coverings or masks must be worn by all employees working on campus.
• Only one person at a time should be on most campus elevators, and face coverings or masks should be worn even if you are alone.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is one of the best practices for protecting yourself and others. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear gloves only during work tasks where use is specified by a job-specific safety plan or hazard assessment.

These guidelines and additional steps that will be announced later are based on the best medical advice. You have likely been following most of these practices already in your own homes. As you come back to campus, please extend them to your greater Comet family. And if you have concerns or questions not covered in this document, ask your supervisor.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of UT Dallas. We remain Comets united.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Benson
President
Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership