Dear Faculty and Staff,

I would like to briefly revisit guidance for University of Houston operations that has changed in recent days in regard to remote operations and external requests for resources.

Consistent with the recent extension of Harris County’s “Stay Home, Work Safe” order, the University of Houston will continue operating remotely through April 30. Remote delivery of student instruction is unchanged; it remains in place for the duration of the Spring semester. While our campuses are technically open, all facilities are locked and remain accessible only through card readers. If it is necessary for you to access campus during this time, I ask that you notify your immediate supervisor prior to arrival.

In addition, the University continues to field external requests for resources to help our health care community fight COVID-19. As a public university, UH is fully supportive of this assistance where appropriate under state law. As outlined in an email to all faculty and staff April 1, it is important that all such requests be directed through Jason Smith, Vice President for Governmental Relations, so that it can be properly assessed and accounted for and so our Office of General Counsel can draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the University and the recipients. This step is not optional.

These are challenging and unprecedented times, and I cannot thank you enough for your flexibility and your commitment to the University as we navigate this crisis together. Please reach out to your immediate supervisor should you have any specific questions about the COVID-19 Telecommuting framework. In addition, the University’s Stay Home, Work Safe resource site provides ongoing information, forms, resource links and detail.

Stay home, work safe, and be healthy-