Update for Students from Dean of Students, July 29

Dear Bobcats,

I hope this email finds you well as you prepare for the fall 2020 semester at Texas State University. We are excited for the start of the new academic year. Our administration, faculty, and staff have been working hard to prepare a fall plan that prioritizes your health and safety while offering expanded choices in course instruction delivery, accessible student support services, and opportunities for safe engagement activities.  

Recently, Texas State President Denise M. Trauth announced our Road Map to Return Action Plan that provides guidelines for university operations this fall. I encourage you to review this important resource which will address many of your questions. 

While the university has many health and safety measures in place to protect our community, our success this coming academic year depends greatly on our shared responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe. As Bobcats, we value respect for ourselves and others; we care about our communities and creating a positive impact in the world. We believe education is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Being respectful of your Bobcat family is not only about protecting yourself from the spread of COVID-19, but also about protecting the lives of others.

As we begin the fall semester, we ask you to do the following:

• Quarantine yourself for 14 days before you arrive on our campuses
• Review your current fall 2020 semester fall schedule and meet with your academic advisor as soon as possible if you have any concerns.
• Bring cloth face coverings. Wearing face coverings is required at all times, inside and outside on our campuses, unless you are alone. 
• Conduct a daily self-screening for symptoms related to COVID-19
• Practice social distancing and follow all guidelines on our campuses
• Use proper hand hygiene
• Stay flexible and a have positive attitude
• Take the Bobcat Pledge!

We know students choose Texas State because of the many opportunities for personal interaction and engagement with your classmates, faculty, and staff.  We have tried to preserve that special Texas State quality by planning events and activities that follow the appropriate COVID-19 guidelines so you stay healthy. Many student life activities, support services, and programs will be held both in-person and virtually this fall. Please visit Student Involvement to learn about how you can get connected with student organizations at Texas State University.

These are challenging times and we must learn to stay flexible, compassionate, creative, and committed as we bring our Bobcat community together.  Humanity has faced adversity throughout history, and we have always come back stronger. This time will be no exception. Your generation is known for your caring nature, and we know you will demonstrate this through your actions. We are counting on you! 

Stay safe and healthy,

Dr. Margarita M. Arellano
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students