Passengers who use the 440 SMU Express and 442 Museum Express shuttles are no longer required to wear a face mask. Earlier this week, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which operates both shuttles in a partnership with the University, suspended enforcement of the federal mask requirement following a court ruling.

The full announcement by DART is below. If you need additional information or guidance, you can also contact the SMU Parking and ID Card Services Office at parking@smu.edu or by calling 214-768-7275.

DART Update on Face Mask Requirement for Public Transit

In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decision to no longer enforce the Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring a face mask be worn over the mouth and nose on public transportation and transportation hubs.

Staying Safe While Riding DART

DART remains committed to providing a safe environment for both our passengers and employees. Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers will remain in place and available on all buses, light rail vehicles, TRE vehicles and Dallas streetcars, for anyone who chooses to continue to wear a face mask for additional safety.

DART continues to undertake aggressive agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols on buses, light rail, paratransit vehicles and properties.

You can find more information about how DART is working to keep our passengers safe at www.dart.org/health.

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

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Dear SMU community,

With COVID-19 case counts low and health restrictions easing locally, nationally and globally, SMU will follow suit by sunsetting our pandemic procedures by the end of this semester.

We can do so with confidence because we have faced this unpredictable pandemic together ­– assessing and responding to each challenge as a community committed to our educational mission and the health and safety of our campus. COVID-19 created anxiety and uncertainty, but through it all, SMU remained resourceful and resilient. We instituted safety protocols for our specific campus circumstances, embraced technology and continued to offer excellent instruction and meaningful experiences. Thank you for your determination and tenacity in managing the ongoing challenges of the past two years.

As we wrap up the spring 2022 semester, our campus, including all classrooms, will move to mask-optional, except for the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center and campus shuttles that must meet specific federal health guidelines. COVID-19 case management, case reporting, voluntary vaccination reporting and the daily dashboard are among the campus practices that will be discontinued after May 15. Isolation housing will be made available to those who need it through the remainder of this term.

Going forward, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for students and employees will continue to be provided through various options. Please see the grid below for additional information and effective dates of all upcoming modifications.

We are making these changes with cautious optimism, but it is important to recognize that COVID-19 is not gone. SMU will remain nimble with proven responses at the ready if needed. I am proud of and grateful for our campus’ collaborative approach to this complex, long-running issue. During this time, we have learned a great deal about our world and ourselves.

Pony Up and stay Mustang Strong.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

SMU President

SMU is providing N-95 masks for staff as well as faculty who wish to use them in their workspace. Masks are being delivered to the Vice President’s offices and schools around campus. Staff who wish to pick up a mask can do so from the office of the Vice President to whom they report. Masks are available for faculty in the office of their school’s dean.

SMU is offering two additional resources for employees, their spouses and dependents who are seeking COVID-19 testing – a no-cost on-site testing option and insurance coverage for at-home test kits.

New on-campus testing option

Beginning today (January 20, 2022) on-site testing for COVID-19 will be available at no cost for SMU employees and spouses and their dependents at an east campus location. MyLabsDirect is providing PCR testing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday at a drive-up parking site at Expressway Towers on 6116 North Central Expressway. MyLabsDirect also offers drive-up testing at several sites in the DFW area with no appointment required.

More details are available by visiting smu.edu/employeecovidtest under the “MyLabsDirect” tab.

At-home tests ­– BCBSTX coverage and reimbursements

SMU’s health benefits provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), is providing coverage for at-home COVID-19 tests, as required by the federal government.Here is what you need to know to get your test for free:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) diagnostic tests must be FDA-authorized.
• Costs are covered up to $12 per test purchased from an in-network pharmacy or through a direct-to-consumer shipping program.
• Up to eight (8) tests are allowed per covered member, every 30 days.
• No prescription or health assessment from a provider is required.

Visit smu.edu/employeecovidtest under the “at-home tests ­­– BCBSTX” tab for more information and the shipping/reimbursement form.

These testing options are in addition to the Urgent Care for Children and Families services already available to SMU employees and their families. Remember, if you test positive (including using an at-home kit), please report the results to your supervisor and complete the SMU Health Reporting Form.

Welcome back and Happy New Year,

As SMU carefully monitors the surge in COVID-19 cases, the University will continue to guide individuals who contract the virus via its case management protocols. It has become evident that many local governments have adjusted their contact tracing efforts and are no longer actively identifying close contacts. In line with this shift, SMU case managers will now focus efforts on providing guidance to those who test positive under the new shortened isolation and quarantine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is very important that if you areexperiencing symptoms to please stay home and get tested to determine if you have COVID-19, and be sure to report it if you test positive.

• Students can contact the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center at 214-768-2141 for a COVID-19 test. If you are tested off-campus and receive positive results, please fill out a CCC form.
• Faculty and staffcan get a no-cost rapid COVID-19 test through virtualcarefamilies.com/smu or at a local pharmacy/health provider, If you test positive (including using an at-home kit), please report the results to your supervisor and complete the SMU Health Reporting Form.

Faculty will continue to be notified of positive cases in their classes.  

As expected, the Mustang Strong dashboard is currently showing an increase in cases in the campus community. The dashboard is resuming daily updates (Monday – Friday) of campus cases through at least the end of January at which point, we will evaluate the frequency of updates.

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week. You can schedule your vaccination appointment through the SMU Health portal.

Check the website and your email frequently for the latest information and updates to stay Mustang Strong in this new year.

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Thursday, December 30, 2021

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Dear SMU Community,

I hope you are enjoying a safe and healthy winter break and that the time off from studies and work is providing a much-needed respite. I want to assure you that we are continuing to monitor the current surge in cases of COVID-19 brought on by the new omicron variant. We remain in consultation with our local health officials and are updating University operations in response to the recent changes in guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As we enter a new year, COVID-19 continues to evolve and become even more of a regular part of our lives. This week, the CDC recognized this development and shortened the recommended time for isolation for asymptomatic individuals from 10 days to five days, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others. The CDC stated that this change “is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1–2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2–3 days after.”

SMU will follow these new guidelines along with the CDC’s other isolation and quarantine recommendations as we return to work on Monday, January 3, and begin Jan Term. Classes will proceed in person as scheduled for both Jan Term and spring 2022. Remember that masks are optional for everyone, but they may be required by faculty members in their instructional areas.

It is critical that you consider receiving the vaccine and the booster shot to help ease the spread and possibly lessen the symptoms of COVID-19. Also, please carefully monitor your health and stay home if you are ill. Get tested if you feel symptomatic and make sure to report it if you do contract the virus. (Information on testing, vaccinations and reporting positive cases or close contacts, as well as the new CDC isolation and quarantine guidance, can be found on the Mustang Strong website.)

I want to thank each of you for your continuing commitment to our educational mission during these extraordinary times. Our staff and faculty have worked diligently to provide a safe environment and excellent instruction for our students to thrive. While our vaccination numbers climbed and our campus cases dropped to very low levels in December, experience tells us to prepare for another surge in cases at the beginning of this semester. We have been through this cycle several times now and will rely on many of the responses that have worked for us so far while continuing to stress healthy behaviors. Please check your email and the Mustang Strong website regularly for the latest information.

I look forward to welcoming you back to the Hilltop in 2022.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

SMU President

Dear SMU Community,

Headed into November with cooler weather and the holiday travel season approaching, here’s an update on COVID-19 at SMU.

The COVID-19 risk level has lowered for Dallas County

Dallas County has moved from level “Red” to “Orange”, which indicates a moderate risk of community transmission and follows a decrease in positive cases. Case numbers have steadily dropped in the county and state since a peak in late August.

Likewise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced Dallas County from an area of “high transmission” to “substantial transmission.” This designation means over the past seven days, the county has reported fewer than 100 total new cases per 100,000 people and that the percentage of positive tests is below 10%.

On-campus active cases have remained at a dozen or below since mid-October, and currently, no one is in quarantine or isolation.

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years old.

Following the FDA approval, the CDC must sign off before shots can be distributed.

While COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available for the campus community – including employee dependents age 12 and older – the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center is will not be providing the vaccine for the 5-to-11 pediatric age group which requires a different dosage and delivery.

SMU Health benefits, however, provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through your family doctor or pediatrician or any other site offering the vaccine to 5-to-11-year-olds so many options are available to the SMU community. Campus partner, Urgent Care for Kids, currently only administers the Moderna vaccine which is not yet approved for that age group. When available, more information will be added to the Mustang Strong website to assist the campus community in locating vaccine sites for their young children.

COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot are available in preparation for the holiday travel season.The Health Center continues to provide the third dose and booster shots along with the annual flu shot. While positive test for COVID-19 at the health center have been minimal recently, cases of the flu and strep throat are on the rise. Vaccinations are recommended, especially before traveling over the Thanksgiving break and Christmas holidays. Flu shots are available on a walk-in basis. Appointments are required for COVID-19 vaccinations.

October 8, 2021

Dear SMU community,

After carefully reviewing the current COVID-19 environment on campus, SMU is moving to a mask-optional status effective Monday, October 11, but will continue to require masks in the classroom at the faculty’s discretion.

Many of our campus members will welcome this move, while others may be apprehensive. It was not an easy decision, but it was data-driven and thoroughly discussed. All of us have been affected by the pandemic. Some of our students, faculty and staff have lost family members or friends. Many have ongoing fears for their own health or that of their loved ones. We are all weary of the toll this virus has taken on our lives. Regardless of the differing opinions on masking, SMU is a community that has shown time and time again that it moves forward with mutual respect and compassion for one another, and that will continue as we navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape.

The President’s Executive Council (PEC) decided to lift the current mask requirements after considering input from SMU’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC, which includes representatives from all aspects of campus, has met regularly since the pandemic began, continuously gathering, monitoring and reviewing medical data and health guidelines to make crucial recommendations on how our University should operate. We are grateful to this group for their tireless commitment to protecting our campus. With their guidance, we were able to safely continue our educational mission with online and on-campus options last school year and to return to fully in-person classes and activities this semester.

If you have read the recent COVID-19 updates from the EOC or followed the dashboard case counts on the Mustang Strong website, you have noticed the virus trends on campus and within our community. Even with the delta variant prevalent this semester, our cases are much lower compared with the previous school year. The data shows that we hit our highest number of cases during the third week of classes in each of the last three semesters. The peak this semester was lower than previous semester peaks by 62% and 56%, respectively, for spring 2021 and fall 2020. We believe a more vaccinated population likely contributed to the lower numbers. It is also worth noting that a steady stream of our campus community is still receiving the vaccine at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center or other locations, and we are considering incentives that might encourage those who have yet to get it to do so. As the health center continues to provide vaccinations and to consolidate and verify the vaccine reports, we expect the number of vaccinated people in our campus community to increase. At this point, we are confident that 70% of faculty, 62% of staff, more than 70% of our students living on campus and nearly 60% of our total student population are now fully vaccinated.

The continual evaluation of virus data specific to our campus led to implementing a temporary indoor mask requirement as this semester began. And now, following a promised review, we are lifting that campuswide requirement and moving to a mask-optional policy. For the remainder of the fall semester, faculty will have the discretion to require students to wear masks in their instructional spaces (classrooms, labs, etc.) and during research activities. This information must be communicated to students in the class and updated in the online syllabus. Masks must also be worn in the health center and on public transportation including campus shuttles.

In office spaces, faculty and staff can wear a mask and request (but not require) that others do so when meeting. If one of the parties does not comply with the request, please consider options such as moving to an outdoor or larger space that allows social distancing or setting up a Zoom meeting. We should look for ways to show respect for one another while continuing to provide our important services.

As we have for the past year and a half, SMU will continue to carefully examine the myriad ways this pandemic affects our campus community and respond appropriately, recognizing not all will agree with the approach selected. Expected federal requirements still in development, as well as variations in virus trends, may prompt additional adjustments in the future. We will continue encouraging everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine and make healthy decisions for themselves. Through it all, I remain grateful for your dedication to this University and your ongoing efforts to stay Mustang Strong.

R. Gerald Turner SMU President

September 30, 2021

Dear SMU community,

I would like to share another snapshot of our COVID-19 trends on campus as we head into October and toward fall break. We continue to see a steady decline in cases at SMU, Dallas County and other counties in the metro area. As members of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) monitoring this data each week, we recognize that continuing regular responsibilities while managing the challenges of the ongoing pandemic can be stressful and exhausting; we feel it as well. Through this message, it is my intent to bring perspective to our current situation. If you click through the various options on our Mustang Strong dashboard, you’ll find much of this information but I wanted to call your attention to some specifics.

Case Counts

The dashboard measures all known cases reported in the campus community including those from the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, Dallas County and other University reporting methods. As of our most recent posting, we have a total of 26 active cases (19 students, 7 employees) with two people in quarantine and zero students in on-campus isolation. That’s down from last Wednesday’s 67 active cases and the semester high of 140 cases earlier this month. The daily new cases remain in the single digits.

Since the pandemic began, our campus has seen this trend of an initial case increase during the first few weeks of a semester followed by a fairly rapid drop. It is worth noting that this semester, with a return to regular activities, we did not see a spike following heavily attended events such as football games or Family Weekend.

Dallas County

The number of positive cases in Dallas County is also declining. COVID-19 hospitalizations in the county have decreased by 21% over the past two weeks and according to the latest forecast from UT Southwestern Medical Center, they’re expected to fall steeply by mid-October.

Vaccinations

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center continues to offer vaccinations as well as consolidate and verify vaccine records for the campus community. While we believe the total numbers are higher, so far 70% of faculty, almost 62% of staff and more than 65% of on-campus residents have reported receiving the vaccine. Please consider uploading your vaccination card to the health portal so we have a complete picture of our total vaccination status.

COVID-19 testing

The health center also continues to provide COVID-19 testing for students. Of the 50 individuals tested this week, only one identified as positive. Our medical staff confirmed that some students coming to the health center with COVID-like symptoms actually have other respiratory illnesses. Please also keep in mind that some individuals may be using over-the-counter at-home tests and should continue to report any positive cases to the University. Students cases should be reported via the CCC form and employees should report via the faculty/staff reporting form.

Assessment tool/operational level

Most of you know the EOC uses an assessment tool to measure the virus’s impact on our population and operations. The assessment considers numerous factors including the infection rates for SMU and the county, COVID-19 hospitalizations and fatalities, vaccinations rates, isolation capacity and availability of testing and medical materials. The assessment tool informs leadership when determining the University’s pandemic responses. Our current operational level is well into the low range with a score similar to where we were in early summer.  

Armed with this information, it is my hope that you enjoy many of the activities planned for Homecoming this weekend. As our campus welcomes old friends, families and classmates from around the country, please remember to follow our COVID-19 safety protocols, including the temporary indoor mask requirement. Help keep our campus Mustang Strong.

Respectfully, 

Leigh Ann Moffett

Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center Leader

September 23, 2021

Dear SMU community,

As the leader of the SMU Emergency Operations Center (EOC) ­– the cross-sectional group of campus representatives which manages our COVID-19 response­­ – I wanted to share a bit of good news now that we are a month into the fall semester. We are seeing several promising trends on campus and in the broader community. If you follow the dashboard on the Mustang Strong webpage, you may have already noticed some of these.

COVID-19 case counts

After reaching a high of 140 active cases for the fall 2021 semester last week, we have now dropped to 67 active cases as of today (Thursday, September 23). We expect that number to remain low if the trend continues to follow a similar pattern as the previous two semesters.

There is also a significant drop in the number of new COVID-19 cases reported each day. From a high of 20 on August 31, the daily new case count is now in the low single digits. Throughout this semester the number of COVID-19 cases within the faculty and staff population has remained low. With more than 12,400 students and 2,500 employees on our campus, this data is encouraging.

Testing and vaccinations

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center continues to offer COVID-19 testing for students, and we are seeing a decline in the requests for testing and the positivity rate. During the first week of September, 276 tests were performed at the health center resulting in 34 positive cases. The following week 354 tests netted 27 positive cases. That was the peak as last week’s 190 tests resulted in 4 positive cases; a 2% positivity rate.

The health center is also continuing to provide the vaccine. To date, 2,588 students, 320 employees and 437 members of our extended community have received the vaccine on campus along with many others at off-campus locations. We are asking everyone to take a few minutes to upload your vaccination card to the health portal so we have a complete picture of our total vaccination status.

Our EOC has been meeting twice a week this semester to review this data along with other information in SMU’s operations assessment tool such as area hospitalizations and any relevant county or state orders that are issued. We are expecting additional information from the federal government on pending COVID-19 requirements and will share how that may impact our campus. Please continue to check the Mustang Strong website frequently for the latest updates and answers to questions you may have about SMU’s response to the pandemic.

Sincerely,

Leigh Ann Moffett

Associate Vice President & Chief Risk Officer

COVID-19 testing will be available to students, employees, and their families this holiday weekend at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center on Sunday, September 5, and Monday, September 6, from noon to 2:30 p.m.  No appointment is necessary; an SMU ID is required (employees can use their own SMU ID for spouses and dependents). Tests will be administered at the white tent adjacent to the parking area on the north side of the Health Center.   Signs will be posted. 

With the return to in-person classes on campus this fall, the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center is providing COVID-19 testing as needed for students and will be unable to accommodate testing for SMU employees beginning on Tuesday, September 7. As offered last year, SMU is still providing access to convenient COVID-19 testing for employees and their families through Virtual Care for Families locations around the DFW area. Click here to book an appointment. Please put “SMU – COVID-19 test” in the reason for visit and click on the “self pay” button. Screening & testing costs are completely covered by SMU.

The closest location to campus is on the corner of Preston Road and Forest Lane. Other locations in Arlington, Frisco, Garland, McKinney and Plano may be convenient to your home or along your commute to and from work. They are open 7-days a week. Locations and maps are listed at the bottom of the appointment page.

Testing is also available free of cost through your SMU benefits at pharmacies, health care providers and testing sites off campus. Testing locations are also listed on the Dallas County and State of Texas websites.

More information on how to get a COVID-19 test is available on the Mustang Strong website.

Dear SMU community,

Please take a moment to read and sign the “Pledge to Protect” to help keep us all Mustang Strong. You may recall that last year, our campus community embraced the “Pledge to Protect” that was developed by a cross sectional group of students, faculty and staff called SMU Community Action Network (SMU CAN) to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We signed and followed it as a reminder of the healthy habits we needed to practice to keep our campus safe.

With the vaccine now available, SMU CAN is continuing its work and has updated the pledge with a focus on the personal responsibilities needed to meet this ongoing challenge.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Loboa, Ph.D.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

K.C. Mmeje, Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Graduate Students,

Welcome back to our continuing students, and to our new graduate students: welcome to SMU!  These are difficult times, and I know the recent surge in COVID-19 cases has created challenges for all of you.  You come from many different backgrounds, are at many different stages of life, and have many different living and family situations.  You also occupy many different and important roles at the University—not just taking classes but serving as teaching assistants, performing research, taking part in performances, etc.  Many of the issues you face are different from those of SMU’s undergraduate students, and they matter.  I encourage you to bring any concerns you have about your health and safety to the attention of your program faculty and staff, and especially concerns related to the teaching, research, and other responsibilities you fulfill as part of your program.  For our international students, I understand that many of you are still facing challenges with visa processing and travel delays, and I encourage you to stay in close contact with your program faculty and staff and with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office about any difficulties you are facing. 

SMU, like other universities across the country, is adapting to a changing situation in the interest of protecting the health and safety of our community.  I want you to know that University leaders are making decisions in consultation with health experts and local officials according to clear and carefully considered guidelines.  You can find information about the University’s operational levels as well as how the University’s current operational level is determined on the Mustang Strong website and in the 2021 Operations Plan.  As University operations are changing in response to changing conditions, it is important that you are well-informed about the University’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  I encourage you to pay attention to messages from President Turner and SMU Information, as they will provide the most current updates.  You will find the latest information on the Mustang Strong website.  I will also be sending letters like this one throughout the year to highlight information that is important to you as graduate students.  Below are pieces of information I would like to bring to your attention right now as we begin the fall term together:

Masks Temporarily Required in Public Indoor Spaces:  President Turner recently announced that SMU is temporarily requiring masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.  Please wear a mask (two-ply) over the nose and mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers helpful guidance on effective mask-wearing.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center:  SMU strongly encourages members of the campus community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Many options are available for the administration of the vaccine and the kind you wish to receive.  Please make sure to research each vaccine as well and their potential side effects and warnings before scheduling an appointment.  More information on the Pfizer vaccine, which has now received full FDA approval, and on the other vaccines approved in the U.S. through Emergency Use Authorization can be found on the CDC’s website.  COVID-19 vaccinations are available to all members of the SMU community (ages 12 and older) and are now being administered inside the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.  All current and incoming students, SMU employees and their eligible spouse/dependents can book a vaccination appointment through the SMU Health Portal or by calling the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center at 214-768-2141 (option 1).

Reporting Your COVID-19 Vaccination Status:  If you were vaccinated on campus, your information will automatically be uploaded into your health record under immunizations (no action is necessary).  Ifyou were vaccinated off campus, please upload that information directly to the SMU Health Portal, even if you already voluntarily shared your status through the vaccine reporting tool last spring.  One good reason to report:  if you show you are fully vaccinated at the time of an exposure, you are not considered a close contact and do not need to quarantine.

COVID-19 Testing:  If you have been exposed or have symptoms, COVID-19 testing is also available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.  Appointments are required.  Students who test positive must complete a Caring Community Connections (CCC) Form to report their status.

Contact Tracing Continuing in the Fall:  All individuals testing positive for COVID-19 are contacted and confidentially interviewed to identify people who came into close contact with the infected individual.  University employees from Human Resources, Student Affairs, Athletics and Campus Services are trained on contract tracing through Johns Hopkins University and follow county, state and federal guidelines.  The trace assesses the class schedule, living situation, activities, work locations including offices and job sites, face-to-face meetings and any other situations that may have resulted in close contact from two days before the onset of symptoms or testing (if asymptomatic).  More information about contact tracing and case management can be found in the 2021 Operations Plan.

Student Emergency Fund:  Students experiencing financial hardship or food insecurity may request support from the Student Emergency Fund. To initiate the application process, please complete a Caring Community Connections (CCC) form for yourself and select “economic hardship” at the very bottom.  An application for support from the Student Emergency Fund will then be sent to you.  Your application will be reviewed and a decision made on support that can be provided in 3-5 business days.  Please be aware that these funds are limited.  The Student Emergency Fund also does not provide support for tuition or student fees.  We are striving to meet urgent needs as best we can, but we will not be able to fulfill all requests or to provide the level of support requested in all cases.

SMU Libraries Are Open:  All campus libraries are now open, including Bridwell Library, which had been closed for renovations.  Current information about locations and hours for SMU Libraries can be found on the Libraries website.

As always, if there is anything I or my staff can assist you with, you are welcome to reach out to us by emailing smugrad@smu.edu or calling 214-768-4345.  If we are not able to assist you, we will direct you to the appropriate office to address your issue.  We are glad to have you here with us for the fall semester at SMU, and we wish you all success in your studies this academic year. 

Sincerely,

James E. Quick

Dean

Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

August 16, 2021

Dear Mustangs,

Greetings from the Hilltop! I hope you’re doing well and enjoying what remains of the summer. The first day of classes for the fall semester is just a week away, which is why I am reaching out to you today. While we are planning for the fall to look and feel more like a typical semester, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and we’ve made a few changes based on the current situation and our past experience on campus. 

Following are a few updates on what may be the same and what may be different as you start the academic year.

Temporary Mask Requirement

As President Turner said in his welcome letter, SMU is temporarily requiring masks indoors on campus, including classrooms, event and meeting spaces, and common areas in all buildings and residence halls regardless of vaccination status. Masks should be two-ply and cover the nose and mouth. Should the temporary mask requirement be lifted, some faculty may still require masks in their classrooms throughout the duration of the academic term (if indicated in the course syllabus). SMU is not requiring masks be worn outdoors or in private spaces such as residence hall rooms for students with roommates.

Please note that anyone can wear a mask anytime if they so choose, and we should all promote a respectful environment for those who do. So, please remember to bring a mask with you when classes begin.

What’s Different from Fall 2020

As we return to fully in-person instruction, expect your classrooms to be at full capacity without physical distancing or remote options. Also, you’ll be able to attend student organization meetings and events in person; and Boulevarding and our traditional outdoor Game Day experiences are back.

What’s the Same as Fall 2020

As you know, the virus is still circulating in our communities, and the delta variant, in particular, is concerning. While a lot of the pandemic restrictions on campus have eased due to the availability of vaccines, we are maintaining many of the same protocols aimed at keeping our campus healthy. If you test positive for COVID-19, please complete a Caring Community Connections (CCC) form so that someone from the contact tracing team can reach out to offer guidance and support. Students living on campus who test positive will be placed into isolation housing, and unvaccinated students who are exposed to someone testing positive will be required to quarantine. Students living off campus who test positive or are exposed will be asked to isolate or quarantine, respectively, in their homes.

Please keep in mind that if you are vaccinated and provide proof of your vaccination status, you will not need to quarantine. If you received your vaccine on campus, your vaccination card will be on record at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. If you were vaccinated elsewhere, you can upload it through the health portal for quick and easy reference during contact tracing. COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will continue to be available during the academic year at the Health Center.

Take care of yourself.

In addition to campus protocols to prevent virus spread, Dr. Peter Davis, Medical Director in the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, offers these suggestions to continue to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other transmissible diseases:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• If you are ill, stay at home and consult with your healthcare provider or the Health Center (214.768.2141) to determine whether you should be tested or seek additional medical assistance.
• Get the COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already!
• Help protect yourself against the flu by getting the flu shot for free when it becomes available through the Health Center this fall.

Along with your physical wellbeing, your mental and emotional health are equally important. Counseling Services at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center and the Chaplain’s Office in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center are available if you’d like someone with whom to talk or share your struggles. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support.

I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you to eat well, drink water, and get appropriate amounts of sleep, too! Department of Campus Recreation staff are hoping to see you this fall in the Dedman Center or on the intramural field as you stay physically active. All of this helps to contribute to your overall wellbeing!

Take care of others.

Remember that the Caring Community Connections (CCC) program is available for students going through a difficult time. If you are concerned about a friend (or yourself), please complete the CCC form so that someone from the Office of Student Advocacy and Support may follow up.

With restrictions eased, many of us may be tempted to celebrate (and not always in a constructive manner). Be responsible when going out with your friends and help keep one another safe by not leaving your friends alone, stepping in if someone drinks too much, and designating a sober driver or arranging transportation if you are of age and plan to consume alcoholic beverages.

Take care of our community.

I am excited and optimistic about the fall semester. You play a big part in helping us navigate this healthy return to our traditional on-campus experience. During the pandemic, we’ve all repeatedly heard the saying, “We’re in this together.” That’s because it’s true. We all need to do our part by taking care of ourselves, taking care of one another, and taking care of our campus community – so we can stay Mustang Strong.

Pony Up!

Melinda J. Sutton, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Dear students and families,

We are excited to welcome you to the Hilltop and want to share what to expect before you arrive. We are returning to a traditional semester, with some exceptions, in order to maintain a healthy and safe campus. Our faculty and staff are eagerly awaiting you and looking forward to engaging you in interactive class learning and vibrant campus life.

Rest assured that we are moving forward with careful consideration of the changing pandemic conditions in North Texas, and are continually assessing the impact to our community.

Here is some insight into how we manage the pandemic at SMU: We have an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that closely monitors the virus trends and meets regularly with local health authorities to determine the best path for our University. This group uses key data points such as local infection and hospitalization rates as well as campus-specific information on cases, isolation capacity and vaccination reports to guide its recommendations. We know what has worked in the past, and can pivot quickly to contingency plans, if necessary.

Mask update

Effective tomorrow, August 12, SMU is temporarily requiring masks (two or more layers covering the nose and mouth) in indoor spaces on campus, including classrooms, event and meeting spaces, and common areas in all buildings and residential halls regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required in private spaces such as residence hall rooms for students with roommates. 

All events, such as Convocation and orientation, should continue as planned with masks being used indoors. This requirement is a temporary precaution during the Delta variant surge to supplement our other pandemic protocols. We will continue to monitor and review industry-specific guidance and recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health authorities in order to make the best decisions for our community.

COVID-19 vaccinations and testing

We strongly encourage you to get the vaccine to protect yourselves, your loved ones and our SMU community. We offer vaccinations and testing right on our campus at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. I am grateful to the students and employees who have received the vaccine and voluntarily reported their vaccination status. We believe that many more are vaccinated than have reported, and are reaching out to students and employees to encourage them to report through the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center so we have a better estimate of our campus vaccination rates.

In-person learning

We are no longer offering virtual classes and look forward to having you in class and at campus events.

Contact tracing, isolation and quarantining

We continue our essential pandemic protocols such as contact tracing and case management to identify and offer resources to those who test positive for COVID-19.

For our residential students, we have set aside 44 double-occupancy rooms for isolation spaces and will provide delivery of food for three meals a day during the required 10-day stay for positive cases. A quarantine will also be required for those identified as a close contact of a positive case unless the student demonstrates proof of vaccination.Residential students can choose to isolate and quarantine on campus or at another location of their choice. An easy way to show proof of vaccination is to upload an image of your vaccine card to a secure online portal at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. If you are a returning student who was vaccinated last year on campus, that vaccination will be automatically added to your record.

Thank you for putting your trust in SMU. We understand that you may have continued concerns about the pandemic, and urge you to make decisions that support your health and the health of others, including getting the vaccine and wearing a mask. We also ask that all our community members support one another and promote a culture of respect.

Please check our Mustang Strong website for the latest updates and answers to questions about our campus response to COVID-19. Also, watch for upcoming Mustang Strong newsletters for quick reminders.

Pony Up! We’ll see you soon.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

SMU President

Dear faculty and staff,

As the COVID-19 situation in North Texas remains highly dynamic, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will meet twice a week and remains vigilant regarding the local impact. As a reminder, some members of the EOC also meet regularly with Dallas County health officials and Dr. Robert Haley, our consulting epidemiologist, to review current trends in the area and on our campus. In addition, every week for the past year, the EOC has used key data points such as the Dallas County infection rate, hospitalizations and cases, along with SMU-specific data such as isolation capacity, cases, and, now, vaccine status reports, to recommend the operational level for the campus. Their recommendations are not made hastily, and we appreciate the hours they have poured into keeping us safe.

You may have heard that some local public school districts are considering temporary mask requirements. Along similar lines, we heard the concerns you expressed at the town hall and in your submitted questions. This was followed by the Faculty Senate’s approval of three resolutions on Tuesday regarding vaccines, masking and air quality. We continue to review air quality and vaccination issues with necessary staff and will make further announcements as soon as possible.

Your safety – that of our faculty, staff and students – is our highest priority. Effective tomorrow, August 12, we will implement a temporary requirement of masks (two or more layers covering the nose and mouth) in indoor spaces on campus, including classrooms, event and meeting spaces, and commons areas in all buildings and residential halls, regardless of vaccination status. We will follow a mask protocol similar to the one we followed earlier this year; for example, masks are not required in private spaces such as inside an office or partitioned cubicle for employees, or inside an individual residence hall room for roommates. 

All events, including Convocation, orientation, campaign kickoff and others, should continue as planned with masks being used indoors. Events held on campus by outside groups and visitors to campus will need to comply with this mask requirement as well. This requirement is a temporary precaution during the delta variant surge to supplement our other pandemic protocols. We will continue to monitor and review industry-specific guidance and recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health authorities in order to make the best decision for our community.

I recently sent this message to students and parents to describe what to expect when they arrive and reinforce our safety messages: the importance of getting vaccinated, sharing if they have received the vaccine and the new masking requirement. This will be followed by more detailed information in our Mustang Strong newsletters as well as outreach by our various units.

At our town hall last week, we were able to answer a few questions, but received many more prior to and during the meeting. As a result, the Mustang Strong website has been updated with dozens of new FAQs to address your questions.

Thanks to those of you who have received the vaccine and for your commitment to the safety of our campus. I encourage anyone who has not been vaccinated to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your loved ones and our community. Also, please let us know by uploading your vaccine card to the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center so you have easy access to it and to help the University estimate vaccination rates on campus.

I appreciate your dedication to our mission. Students are eagerly anticipating SMU’s excellent learning and classroom interactions, as well as our vibrant campus life. You make that possible each and every day, and I am proud to stand alongside you to welcome our students back this fall.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

SMU looks forward to welcoming students, faculty and staff for the upcoming fall academic semester next month. Preparations continue for a safe return to regular operations, in-person instruction and full campus activities. However, it is important to balance the desire to embrace a traditional college setting with the need to maintain healthy behaviors to keep the virus spread under control.  

Faculty may require masks

Masks will not be required at SMU for fall 2021, with a few exceptions. Individuals will continue to have the option to wear a mask anywhere and at any time on campus if they choose.

After reviewing the latest guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, as well as input from the University’s Emergency Operations Center, SMU’s Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the President’s Executive Council, SMU will allow faculty members to seek an exception to the campus no-mask policy in their classrooms through a process that includes advance notice to their department chairs, deans and the provost’s office. Instructors must clearly define their classroom mask requirements and how they will be enforced in the course syllabuses prior to the start of classes. The provost’s office will provide more details on the classroom mask exception in the coming weeks.

Additionally, the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center and public transportation to campus operated by DART may still require masks to comply with local and federal regulations. 

Vaccinations encouraged

More than 161 million people have been fully vaccinated in the United States. Texas Health and Human Services reports that almost 60% of the state population and more than half of Dallas County residents have received the vaccine. Residence Life and Student Housing recently surveyed new and returning students who will live in University-owned housing in the fall. Of the 80% who responded to the survey, more than 84% self-reported that they are fully or partially vaccinated, or intend to be vaccinated soon.

SMU continues to strongly encourage, but not require, members of the campus community to get vaccinated and is making it convenient to receive the vaccine or get tested for COVID-19 on campus. Vaccination continues to be the most effective measure an individual can take to keep learning and working without disruption or illness.

Vaccines and testing reminders

While the COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, including against the emerging variants, breakthrough cases are expected. Evidence indicates that vaccinations may make the illness less severe, less likely to require hospitalization and harder to spread. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center for current and incoming students, and for SMU employees and their eligible spouse/dependents. Book an appointment through the health portal or by calling 214-768-2141 (Option 1). After receiving the vaccine, please record your status in the voluntary vaccination reporting tool. 

The health center also provides COVID-19 testing for students and employees, but appointments are required, so call first at 214-768-2141 to schedule one. Employees also can receive a test at any DFW area Virtual Care for Families location. 

Contact tracing and case reporting

Contact tracing will continue at SMU this fall, and individuals who contract COVID-19 will be asked to identify their close contacts. Campus community members who test positive or are close contacts of a positive case must report that information through the SMU Health Reporting form for employees or the CCC form for students.  Remember that a person is not considered a close contact if they are fully vaccinated. Quarantine will be required for those who are unvaccinated should they be exposed to the virus.

Take preventive measures

SMU continues to place the highest priority on the health and well-being of our campus community and expects everyone to practice good preventive hygiene and regularly monitor their health.

For more information, please continue to check the Mustang Strong website or scan the QR Code on signs posted at the entrances of campus buildings.

As SMU moves into Summer Session II (July term), it’s important to maintain a healthy campus by diligently following SMU’s current COVID-19 protocols.

Here are some reminders.

• The Mustang Strong Dashboard recording COVID-19 cases at SMU is now updated weekly on Thursdays. SMU strongly encourages everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to prevent the spread and lessen the severity of the virus, if contracted.

• COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center for current and incoming students, SMU employees and their eligible spouse/dependents. Book an appointment through the health portal or by calling 214-768-2141 (option 1). After receiving the vaccine, please record your status in the voluntary vaccination reporting tool.

• The Health Center also provides COVID-19 testing for students and employees, but appointments are required, so call first at 214-768-2141 to schedule one. Employees also can receive a test any Virtual Care for Families location around the DFW area. Campus community members who test positive for COVID-19 or are close contacts of a known-positive case, must report that information through the SMU Health Reporting form for employees and the CCC form for students.

• Masks may be required by faculty in their classrooms. Instructors will notify students prior to the start of class in their course syllabus. A decision about mask requirements for fall will be made within the next few weeks.

• For more information, please check the Mustang Strong website or scan the QR Code on signs posted at the entrances of campus buildings.

Dear SMU community,

SMU is no longer requiring masks to be worn on campus with a few exceptions. The mask requirement is lifted immediately except in classrooms and the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. Masks will continue to be required in all classrooms for the duration of the current term which concludes on May 28.

Starting with the June term, faculty will have the discretion to require masks in their instructional spaces (classrooms, labs, etc.) as well as during research activities. Faculty members will communicate this information prior to the start of the course and include a clear statement about the classroom mask requirement in their syllabus. Masks must still be worn in the health center in accordance with state requirements for health care facilities.

The President’s Executive Council (PEC) made this decision after considering input from SMU’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Medical guidance and a sharp reduction in COVID-19 cases on and off campus, including no new cases, isolations or quarantines reported at SMU since May 5, contributed to this decision.

As SMU continues to make the transition toward regular campus operations this fall, it is important to recognize that some people in our community may not be vaccinated and/or may choose to wear a mask for their own protection and that of others. Please continue to show respect for individual decisions and responses to the health concerns of the pandemic.

For an updated timeline of the mask requirements and other modifications in campus safety protocols, click here.  

Dear SMU Community,

As the semester comes to a close, excitement is building for what lies ahead. We have nearly completed a full school year in the midst of a global pandemic. And we made the most of it – successfully continuing the high-quality education and engaging campus life for which SMU is known.

Now our focus turns toward preparing for a regular semester this fall. In January, we announced our plans to resume normal, in-person instruction by then. During the upcoming weeks and months, you will see modifications in our campus operations as we systematically and carefully make that transition.

This is a good time to move forward. The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center has delivered more than 2,500 vaccinations – the majority of them to students – and will continue to offer first doses with follow-up shots throughout the summer and fall. Anyone who chooses to be vaccinated has the opportunity. Many of you have already received the vaccine through SMU’s health partners or other locations as our community joined in the broader effort to stop the spread of the virus.

The drastic decline in the number of SMU cases demonstrates the current health of our campus. The Mustang Strong COVID-19 dashboard has recorded fewer than a dozen cases a day for the past month, with single-digit numbers of people in quarantine or isolation. Dallas County case numbers also remain very low, as do hospitalizations. While this is a promising trend, we are taking nothing for granted. Along with our reduced restrictions, we are also preparing a contingency plan in case it’s needed.

Over the summer, we will gradually move to normal occupancy limits in all spaces across campus and lessen other restrictions as appropriate while continuing to closely monitor federal and state health recommendations. You can view the full list of changes and their timelines below.

Additional information concerning fall operations will be provided over the summer months.

I hope you are encouraged, as I am, by our University’s campuswide response to this world-changing situation. We worked together and kept going. Now, let’s look forward to a more traditional fall on the Hilltop­­. Pony Up and stay Mustang Strong.

R. Gerald Turner

SMU President

SMU Distributes $2.3 million in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) as authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA)

Direct payments will support low-income undergraduate and graduate students

SMU is directing an additional $2.3 million in funds from the Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) to support over 1800 undergraduate and graduate students with high financial need.  This money from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) is the second major financial relief package specifically for high need students facing significant financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similar to the HEERF I disbursements, this one-time payment of either $1,500 or $1,000 will go to students who have the greatest financial need as demonstrated on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The larger grants will go to those students eligible for the federal Pell Grant or with an equivalent Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

These funds are intended to help SMU’s most financially vulnerable students with expenses associated with disruptions from the pandemic, including expenses resulting from a loss of employment, travel restrictions, and unexpected changes in housing as well as remaining tuition and fee charges.  

Eligible students will receive emails from both SMU and Chase Bank with instructions for using Chase QuickPay® to receive funds. All eligible students with a U.S. bank account can access money through Chase QuickPay® regardless of which bank they use. 

Eligible students must be currently enrolled at SMU as of March 29, 2021, and must have received need-based aid or a Federal/State loan for the Spring 2021 term.  This aid could include need-based grants, federal loans or earnings from the federal or state college work study program. 

SMU recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create a financial burden for the families of many students who do not necessarily qualify for federal aid.  Students with additional needs should complete a request for emergency funding through Caring Community Connections (CCC).

Alumni and friends who wish to donate money to support students impacted by hardships surrounding COVID-19 may give to the Presidential Fund for Immediate Needs.

If you have additional questions about the CRRSAA-HEERF II financial relief package, please see HEERF Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the Division of Enrollment Services at enrol_serv@smu.edu or 214-768-3417.

HEERF Frequently Asked Questions

General HEERF FAQ’s

What does HEERF stand for? 

HEERF is an acronym for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. 

How will I receive the HEERF funds?

HEERF Funds will be distributed directly to students through Chase Bank’s QuickPay®.  Funds will not be disbursed to your SMU student account.  You will be required to set up a Chase QuickPay® account if you have not done so already.  However, you are NOT required to have a valid checking or savings account with Chase Bank in order to use the QuickPay®service.  Anyone with a U.S. bank account can receive money through Chase QuickPay® regardless of which bank they use.  When funds are ready, you will receive an email from SMU and a separate email from Chase with instructions on how to accept the funds.

What is a Federal EFC and where can I find mine? 

Your Federal EFC, or Expected Family Contribution, is calculated as part of the FAFSA process and is used to determine eligibility for need-based federal, state, and institutional aid programs.  The EFC can be found on the Student Aid Report (SAR) that the student receives after filing the FAFSA.  To view your Federal EFC or view your full Student Aid Report, go to the FAFSA website, www.FAFSA.gov.  

What if I don’t have a U.S. bank account or can’t complete the QuickPay® setup process? 

QuickPay® is the easiest and by far the fastest way to receive your money.  If you don’t have a U.S. bank account or encounter other problems, contact the Division of Enrollment Services at enrol_serv@smu.edu or 214-768-3417.

Can I have the funds applied to the balance on my SMU student account or toward summer/fall tuition?

You will receive the payment directly through Chase QuickPay®.  If you wish, you may then use that money to make a payment to your SMU student account with SMUpay.

I did not qualify for funds under the HEERF I or HEERF II programs, but I still need help with expenses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Are there any other funds available to help people like me? 

SMU recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic is creating a financial burden for many of our students and their families.  There are additional sources of assistance available to students who did not necessarily qualify for HEERF assistance, but continue to experience financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Student’s with additional needs should contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine eligibility for emergency assistance from programs that are not funded through HEERF.

In addition, the Office of Student Support is also accepting requests for emergency funds though the Caring Community Connections (CCC) program. 

Are HEERF grants considered to be taxable income?

It is our understanding that HEERF funds are not counted as Estimated Financial Assistance, taxable income, or untaxed income.  However, students should refer to irs.gov for guidance and latest information on emergency relief given through educational institutions. 

Who do I contact with additional questions about the HEERF funding? 

Questions related to HEERF funding should be directed to the Division of Enrollment Services at enrol_serv@smu.edu

It’s time to plan for the upcoming May, summer and fall terms at SMU. Enrollment begins next week as we work to safely transition over the summer to a more normal semester this fall with in-person classes and more campus events and activities.  Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Fall 2021 Enrollment

• Make sure to clear your holds to make sure you don’t face any obstacles to enrollment.
• Confirm your enrollment appointments in my.smu.
• Use the new Schedule Builder feature in the Student Dashboard to design the best schedule for you. Check out this quick video for a peek at what you can expect. For detailed instructions for your important tasks, you can visit our Student Essentials page at smu.edu/OIT/Services/mySMU/StudentEssentials.
• Spring 2021 remote student status ends on May 14.
• More information about Fall 2021 remote status­–for a small number of students under certain circumstances, such as barriers to international travel– will be forthcoming as we receive more guidance from the Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control, and local health authorities.

May and All Summer 2021 Enrollment

Virtual and SMUFlex classes

• Courses are identified in my.smu.edu as “Virtual” because they have a facility ID of “Virtual” assigned to them and as “SMUFlex” because they have a room assigned to them.

• Students can choose to enroll in any combination of Virtual and SMUFlex classes for all summer sessions. (Note: For May-term, students can only enroll in one class.)
• Students are expected to attend every class meeting regardless of Virtual or SMUFlex modality. Students who need to miss class for COVID-related reasons will be able to access recorded lectures within 48 hours.

Virtual classes.

• Virtual classes will continue to be held with the same guidelines as in the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, including at least 2/3 of the contact hours to be delivered synchronously.
• All students and faculty are in a virtual environment.

SMUFlex classes.

• Remote status. Students who do not wish to attend in person must notify SMU that they want to be “Remote” for the summer on or before the week prior to the first day of classes. Reasons for requesting “remote” status can include COVID-related concerns as well as non-COVID reasons (e.g., geographic flexibility, pursuing internships, etc.). We will provide a notification link to those enrolled in May and summer courses at the end of April and students will be able to update their status during the summer.
• Students’ status as “Remote” will be available on the course rosters and faculty will expect you to attend via Zoom with your screens on.
• Faculty can require that students who are not coded as “Remote” to attend in person unless they have specific documentation that they are absent for COVID-related reasons (quarantine or isolation).
• Red/blue split. Many courses will have classrooms large enough to accommodate all students with safe social distancing. Information about the red/blue split will be available after the enrollment period begins.
• Synchronous class time. SMUFlex classes are required to meet synchronously for all scheduled contact hours.

In-person only.

• Only a very small number of courses in the Meadows School of the Arts require in-person attendance for all courses. Students should contact the department chair for questions related to these courses.

March 8, 2021

Dear SMU Community,

One year ago this week, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic. Two days later, on March 13, 2020, the SMU community left the Hilltop for an extended spring break, expecting to return for normal spring activities by the end of the month. Today, it’s hard to remember full classrooms or shaking hands with a professor, but we are hopeful for that time again.

On March 11, 2020, the WHO director-general reported more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 lives lost due to COVID-19. As of Friday, there were over 116 million cases reported in approximately 218 countries, and 2.58 million people have lost their lives to COVID-19. These staggering numbers represent real people, our loved ones – members of the SMU community, our neighbors, our friends and our family. Some of us privately grieve deep personal loss as we all grieve our collective losses of the last year.

At noon on Thursday, March 11, SMU will pause to remember and reflect on these losses. Wherever you are on the Hilltop, you are invited to observe two minutes and 58 seconds of silence reflecting on the impact of this pandemic on your life, our communities and the world. At noon, a bell will toll from the carillon in Fondren Science Building, and at 12:03 p.m., a song of hope, Hymn of Promise, will play, reminding us “there’s a song in every silence.”

The words of WHO’s director-general one year ago still ring true today: “This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight …We’re in this together, to do the right things with calm and protect the citizens of the world.” We have now lived and experienced this truth for one full year. We have been and will continue to be world changers – masked up and caring for our neighbors from 6 feet apart! As vaccinations are distributed around the world, we are beginning to see, as the song says, “a dawn in every darkness bringing hope to you and me.”

Let us pause together at noon on Thursday to reflect, remember and look forward.

From the past will come the future;
what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.

Mask Up! Pony Up! Stay Mustang Strong!

R. Gerald Turner
President

Rev. Lisa Garvin
Chaplain and Minister to the University

You are also invited to join Wednesday Worship at noon on March 17, 2021, for an opportunity to remember and name our personal and collective losses over the past year. The service at the flagpole will include the opportunity to write prayers on a ribbon that name your grief as part of a larger artistic display of our collective loss this year. Additional ribbons will be available in the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life throughout March to add your prayers.

March 3, 2021

Dear SMU Community,

Throughout the pandemic, SMU has based our safety protocols and campus operations on guidance from local, state and federal health officials. These measures, backed by our Pledge to Protect, have enabled the University to safely offer in-person classes and host important events such as commencement ceremonies and other celebrations on campus.

SMU will continue to follow our current guidelines requiring masks and social distancing on campus through the remainder of the Spring semester. In light of the Governor’s executive order to lift the state mandate on masks as well as other restrictions, we will continue to monitor and review industry-specific guidance and recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and state public health authorities before implementing any changes to our safety guidelines. We are carefully listening to and considering concerns expressed by our campus community – our students, faculty, and staff – as well as parents who have entrusted us with their children’s wellbeing and education.

As reflected on the Mustang Strong website, the numbers of SMU positive COVID-19 cases, which rose as expected following winter break, are now dropping dramatically. We continue to request vaccines from the state, and we are fully prepared to begin vaccinating our campus community in a specially-designated vaccine site once we receive an allotment. We’re pleased that many faculty and staff members, as well as some students, have already received the vaccine at various off-campus locations. We are looking forward to an outdoor commencement ceremony in the spring and returning to a normal semester in the fall.

In the meantime, let’s keep doing what we have been doing. Stay the course, and Stay Mustang Strong.

Stay protected as we enter the height of influenza season by getting your free flu shot at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.  This option is available for all SMU students, faculty and staff.

Remember: The seasonal flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two without a lab test. You can help ease the burden on the healthcare system by minimizing your chance of getting the flu.

The Health Center offers the flu shots Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. It’s free and convenient. No appointment is necessary. 

SMU FACULTY AND STAFF

Aside from the Health Center option, SMU faculty and staff may also get a flu shot from the same drive-thru Urgent Care facility where COVID-19 testing is available. Expressway Tower on SMU’s East campus is offering free flu shots every weekday. Please schedule an appointment in advance here and remember to bring your SMU ID.

You can avoid a consultation to receive a flu shot by typing in “flu shot” under the field titled: “Reason for visit.”

While vaccinations are mostly administered from the comfort of your own vehicle, inclement weather may slightly alter this procedure.

Free shots are also available with SMU insurance at Walgreens, Kroger, Costco, CVS and CVS-Target pharmacies.

Dear SMU community,

It is with high hopes that we enter 2021 expecting to move toward a primarily in-person fall semester at SMU. With the understanding that vaccinations for COVID-19 will be offered widely this spring, including on our own campus, we are planning to return to regular on-campus courses and activities by fall.

It is important to let you know of our goal so that prospective and current students and their families have the latest information to help them make important decisions about enrollment, housing, travel and other aspects of campus life. This information will also allow faculty and staff to move forward with essential preparations for academic schedules and campus activities.

While we are planning for a primarily in-person fall semester, we remain vigilant in our prevention and safety protocols on campus. We also will continue to carefully monitor health trends and create contingency plans so we are ready to meet any new challenges that might arise.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, we are optimistic and excited about welcoming new and returning Mustangs to the Hilltop this fall for the educational and on-campus experiences that exemplify SMU.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

Dear SMU Community,

We hope you had a safe and restful holiday and are recharged to finish the fall semester strong.

As we prepare for winter break, planning for next semester is well underway. We learned a great deal over the past eight months about how to keep teaching, working, living and interacting on campus as safely as possible during a pandemic. We are using that information to make the SMU experience even better going forward.

Members of the University’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), who represent various departments and functions across campus, have developed and released the 2021 COVID 19 Operations Plan. The information contained in this comprehensive plan is reflected in the newly-updated Mustang Strong website, that is easier navigation. The strategy for Spring builds upon our Fall 2020 Operations Plan that guided our campus community through a successful return to classes and campus life while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

SMU will strive to continue delivering the outstanding personal education that is our hallmark while ensuring the health and safety of our campus community. We will continue working with state and county public health officials, following federal and local COVID-19 guidelines and employing safe practices in our campus operations and services to the greatest extent possible.

Please take some time to review the 2021 Operations Plan as well as the refreshed Mustang Strong website. We encourage you to bookmark the site and check it regularly so you can stay updated on our campus response to COVID-19.

Sincerely,
Chris Casey Regis
Vice President for Business and Finance
President’s Executive Council Liaison for the Emergency Operations Center

A major challenge to stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a lack of information. You can help change that by participating in the DFW COVID-19 Prevalence Study. The results of this important study will be used to develop ways to reduce COVID-19 infections. SMU is partnering with UT Southwestern and Texas Health Resources on this study.

By participating in the study, you’ll receive:

• A free COVID-19 nasal swab test for active infection
• A free COVID-19 antibody blood test to see if you’ve ever been infected
• Quick test results and advice on next steps if you have active COVID-19 infection

There is NO COST to you or SMU, and participation is completely voluntary.

STEPS FOR PARTICIPATING

1. First, complete a brief survey by the end of the day on December 7. Enter this link into the web browser of your computer or tablet: https://redcap.link/dfwcps_smu

2. If you complete the survey, you will receive an email or text message shortly after the survey closes on December 7 with instructions for making your testing appointment. Use the unique link provided in the message to make your appointment. Testing will be available on campus December 16, 17, and 18, 2020, at Prothro Hall, room 104 at 5901 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, Tx 75205 
3. At the appointment, you’ll receive a simple nose swab to test for active COVID-19 infection and a blood antibody test to check for prior exposure to the virus. Testing should take 20 minutes or less. Leave time will not need to be utilized for participation in the study.
4. If tests determine that you have an active COVID-19 infection, you will be notified within two days of the test. The results will be reported to Sheri Starkey, SMU’s Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer. SMU and public health services will work with you to minimize exposure and the spread of infection among your family, friends and fellow workers. Contact tracing on all positive cases will be conducted by the SMU contract tracing

team and you may also be contacted by Dallas County Health and Human Services department.  Notifying close contacts identified during the contact tracing process is required by law and is called “contact tracing.”  Otherwise, results of both tests will be mailed to you within two weeks.

Information collected in this study will be handled in a confidential manner, within the limits of the law. If the results of the study are published in a scientific journal or book, you will not be identified. The UTSW Institutional Review Board and other groups that have the responsibility of monitoring research may want to see study records which identify you as a subject in this study. Research policies require that private information about you be protected, and this is especially true for your health information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

More information about the DFW COVID-19 Prevalence Study can be found online at https://utswmed.org/covidwork. If you have questions, please see Frequently Asked Questions or contact SMUHR@smu.edu.

While participation is optional, we encourage you to help in this community-wide effort. Thank you.

#DFWAnswerTheCall

Friday, November 13, 2020

Dear SMU Students,

As you get ready to leave campus for Thanksgiving, it’s important to recognize the potential risks associated with going home to family members who may be vulnerable to viral spread. Your best defense is to wear a face mask to reduce the chance of catching or spreading COVID-19, but there are other things you can do. 

Before you go, closely adhere to all the safety protocols we’ve been following. You know the drill: mask up, socially distance, wash your hands frequently, avoid large gatherings and limit your exposure to others – especially those other than your roommates, housemates and regular social group. If you haven’t already, get your flu vaccine. They are available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center and from a mobile flu shot cart that will be roving campus next week.

If you have especially vulnerable family members, you may want to take additional precautions, such as quarantining by staying home, only going out for class and picking up food or necessities, and always wearing a mask.

If your destination is outside of Texas, check with your home state for additional travel or safety restrictions. A few places may require a 14-day quarantine or COVID-19 test once you arrive. If you need a test before departure, you can schedule an appointment up to a week in advance by calling the Health Center at 214-768-2141. If you are not on the SMU Student Health insurance plan, the Health Center will bill the cost of the test to your student account. In most cases, your insurance will cover the charge after you file a claim for reimbursement. Allow up to three days to receive your results, and remember you must register by 4 p.m. the day before you go in for the test. COVID-19 testing is also available at off-campus sites with your insurance, if needed after hours. 

Keep in mind that testing for COVID-19 is not foolproof and a negative test could give you a false sense of security. The test provides a snapshot in time, meaning a negative test only indicates that you don’t have evidence of the infection at the time you are tested. However, the virus’s incubation period is up to 14 days, making it possible to test negative and simultaneously carry it. Also remember you could pick up the virus on the way home and spread it, even if you didn’t feel sick. More tips and recommendations for safe travel and celebrations are listed below. 

Thank you for your efforts in making this semester as healthy as possible. Please continue to follow these same safety measures during your winter break while enjoying time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you again on the Hilltop next semester. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Randy Jones,

Executive Director, Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

COVID-19 Status and Travel

• If positive, you should not travel by air and preferably alone if by car, and then isolate for 10 days once you arrive at your destination.
• If negative, but identified as a close contact, you should not travel by air and preferably alone if by car, then quarantine for a total of 14 days.
• If negative, you may travel using caution and following safety protocols.

Travel recommendations

• Check for any requirements or restrictions at your travel destination.
• By car:
  • Driving alone is best.
  • Wear a face mask if in a car with others, and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving.
  • Open the windows if conditions permit.  
  • Pack food/snacks or use drive-through or curbside pickup.
  • Wash hands after pumping gas.
• By plane, train or bus:
  • Strictly follow safety measures such as mask-wearing and hand hygiene.
  • Take a direct route if possible, and avoid traveling at peak times if you can.    
  • Carry and use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) frequently. 
  • Use a disinfecting/sanitizing wipe to clean touchable surfaces. 
• If sick or exposed, delay travel:
  • Anyone who is feeling ill, or has been recently diagnosed (within 10 days) or exposed to someone with COVID-19 (within 14 days) should self-isolate. 
  • Follow guidance from your health care provider regarding when recommended isolation/quarantine periods are complete and travel can be resumed. 

Upon arriving home, the most cautious approach is to quarantine for the first 14 days. This is especially important if there are vulnerable, higher-risk family members living in the home.

Quarantine recommendations

• Wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when in the presence of others.   
• Eat meals in a private space or outdoors socially distanced from others.
• Use separate serving ware, utensils, glasses and plates.  
• Use a separate bathroom from other family members. 
• If a separate bathroom is not available, disinfect the bathroom after each use. 
• Avoid physical contact, including hugging, kissing and shaking hands. 
• Restrict movement within and outside the home.  

If quarantine is not possible:

• Stay physically distant from family household members for the first 14 days at home.
• Wear a face mask and avoid close contact, including hugging and shaking hands. 
• Consider placing HEPA filter units in the home and opening windows to increase air circulation.

November 2, 2020

Dear SMU Faculty and Staff,
 

We are heading into the home stretch of a successful fall semester, thanks to you and your tremendous dedication and support. I am grateful for your continued commitment and resilience in the face of this pandemic.

It was through research, planning and implementation of campuswide operational changes that our University avoided many of the difficulties that other institutions of higher education faced. You embraced learning new skills and changing many of the ways we do our work. Your ingenuity and perseverance are how we have been able to safely continue our educational mission – with students on campus and virtual – as well as many of our cherished traditions. It has required long hours under stressful circumstances with critical deadlines. And as many of you have expressed, we all need a break.

In recognition of your tireless efforts, SMU is adding two extra days to the University’s holiday break. This year, December 21 and 22 will be campus holidays, in addition to the time off scheduled for December 23 returning January 4. The hope is this will be a time for renewal that will energize us all to return with optimism and stamina for 2021.

As you plan for this holiday season, please remain diligent with safety protocols – wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings – that help prevent spread of the virus. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently changed their definition of close contact to within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more in 24 hours. You may want to alter some of your interactions accordingly to keep yourself and others healthy.

Knowing you will have extra days off should help with plans for the holidays and give us all an additional incentive as we wrap up this year and prepare for a new one. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for all you do for SMU.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

Dear Students,

I hope this message finds you well as we approach the last few weeks of the semester. Certainly, this has been a fall like no other, and I think we all have a new appreciation for academic experiences, time with friends, and sporting events on the Hilltop. Most of you have worked hard to keep our campus and one another safe and healthy during the past two months, and I sincerely thank you for the self-discipline you have shown and the sacrifices you have made. While Halloween is this weekend and the Thanksgiving break is in sight, now is not the time to let down our guard. We must remain vigilant and be especially mindful of making good decisions to help get us through these last few weeks of the fall semester.

The best and safest way to celebrate Halloween this year is by continuing to exhibit the responsible behavior you have been demonstrating all fall – wearing masks, remaining socially distant as recommended, and staying home if you’re not feeling well. That being said, if you do choose to venture out this weekend, please remember the following:

• Travel with your close friend(s), stay alert, and remember that not all people in costumes are friendly. Be aware of who is around you.

• If you see something, say something. Report suspicious people or activities to SMU Police at 214-768-3333, or to police in your jurisdiction at 911.

• Avoid high-risk behaviors involving alcohol. If you choose to drink, be responsible and understand the health risks. If you are under 21, understand the consequences of fake IDs and underage drinking.

• Respect the decisions of your peers not to drink.

• Call for Help: If you or another person is in danger due to alcohol or substance use, call 911 or 214-768-3333 immediately. Students who seek medical help for themselves or others typically will be exempt from discipline for alcohol and drug violations under SMU’s Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan policies.

• If dressing up for Halloween or planning a virtual theme party, consider your costume choices and how they may affect others. Opt for showing care and respect for others.

• Be respectful of our neighbors and neighborhood, and please keep in mind municipal ordinances that are more restrictive now than during non-COVID times. Even if you are hosting a small gathering at an off-campus residence that meets all guidelines, be a good neighbor and responsible host. Please remember it is illegal to supply alcohol to those under 21 years of age as well.

• As always, remember the SMU Student Values Statement: “I, as a citizen of the SMU community, commit myself to upholding the values of intellectual integrity, academic honesty, personal responsibility, and sincere regard and respect for all SMU students, faculty, and staff.”

The SMU community has come together like never before this fall to help keep Mustangs safe and healthy. Don’t stop now. Continue to be a responsible community member this weekend so we can finish the semester Mustang Strong!

Happy Halloween,

Melinda J. Sutton, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
and Dean of Students

October 22, 2020

Dear SMU Community,
It is encouraging to see the stamina, resilience and determination of our Mustang community in handling the challenges of this pandemic. It is with that same diligence that we’ll tackle 2021.

What we are doing this fall is working. After cases peaked in September, they fell and remain steady. Conducting classes throughout the entire semester – without pausing for Labor Day and fall break – reduced travel that could have spread the virus. And as we head into the holiday season, students will return home before Thanksgiving to stay with their families and complete their coursework.

We will apply that same approach of limiting travel during the spring semester. In the midst of winter and flu season, bringing students back to campus one week later helps reduce the opportunity of viral spread during that time. Similarly to this fall, classes will continue uninterrupted (except for Good Friday) through May to once again help maintain the overall health of our campus.

This difficult decision was reached with a lot of discussion and input from students, faculty and staff, and with the overall goal of prioritizing the safety and wellness of this community. The Faculty Senate had representation on the Spring 2021 Calendar Committee, which decided the semester schedule. Deans, associate deans and chairs, who meet weekly with the provost’s office, agreed with adjustments to the calendar. And SMU CAN, which includes members from the campus community, also recommended the University stay the course with the approved spring schedule.

I know you’re concerned – as are we – about this rigorous pace and the impact on mental health. But together we can find ways to support the mental well-being of students, faculty and staff. We are working to implement small changes that we hope can make a big difference – fresh, fun ways to be more engaged inside and outside the classroom, and take rest breaks along the way. Student and faculty groups have already offered a number of recommendations to reduce stress. We’d like to hear from you as well. You may submit your ideas to our Mustang Strong website’s spring 2021 suggestion box.

Innovation, determination and character are highlighted during difficult times like this. SMU has proactively and continuously met the challenges and adjusted to the changes created by COVID-19. And we’ll keep doing that to offer the best educational experience possible. Together, we’ll finish the spring semester Mustang Strong!

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

October 14, 2020

Dear SMU Community,

Fall 2020 has been a semester like none other. After months of planning, preparation and adjustments, we are now halfway through this term. You’ve done a great job of working together to maintain a healthy environment, and it is reassuring to see the downward trend in COVID-19 cases on campus. I’m grateful for the individual and collective efforts of our Mustang family to stay optimistic and healthy during this pandemic.

Now it’s time to look ahead to completing a successful semester and preparing for the next one. We are excited to announce that SMU will celebrate December Commencement with graduates and their families on Saturday, December 19, 2020. We are currently planning an outdoor ceremony in Ford Stadium at 1 p.m. for all students and their guests. With our football team’s undefeated start, we also anticipate hosting the championship game in December, which typically occurs early in the month. However, given the pandemic and league scheduling changes, it is possible this game could be delayed by up to two weeks and result in a conflict for space with Commencement. So, depending on the football schedule and weather, our backup option for graduation will be two separate ceremonies in Moody Coliseum. Regardless of the final location, we are planning for a safe and healthy celebration to mark this important achievement by our soon-to-be alums.

As we hit this midpoint, campus leaders, faculty and staff are already studying what has worked well and what could be improved as we continue our academic mission in the midst of this pandemic. The Fall Operations Plan that has guided our campus response will feed into a carefully reviewed and updated operations plan for spring. Through these efforts, our University will remain flexible to the fluid nature of the coronavirus with a clear focus on continuing to safely offer our excellent education and exceptional campus experience to the greatest extent possible.

To minimize travel and prevent virus spread over the holidays, students will leave campus at Thanksgiving break and return home to complete the rest of their coursework remotely. In planning for the spring semester, we have decided to start a week later on January 25, 2021 and continue straight through without a spring break until May 12, 2021. Good Friday will remain a university holiday. Jan Term classes will be also be available, beginning January 7, 2021. We will be able to accommodate a limited number of undergraduate courses as fully in-person for spring 2021. Priorities will be given to courses such as labs and performance-based classes. We will also continue to offer SMUFlex courses and virtual-only classes. So, students will have many options from which to choose. Spring enrollment by appointment for undergraduates will take place November 16—20. Open enrollment will continue until the end of the add period. As the case numbers decline, please don’t become complacent and let your guard down. What we’ve been doing is working so keep it up for the second half. Let’s all mask up, Pony Up and stay Mustang Strong.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

October 8, 2020

Dear SMU Faculty and Staff,
 
As we’ve settled into the semester and started to plan for our next one, it’s promising to see the numbers of COVID-19 cases on campus diminish. Thank you all for working tirelessly to make the fall semester as safe as it can be. We continue to respond to the challenges of the pandemic and, in that spirit, we want to highlight a new tool for monitoring the cases on campus, as well as provide our faculty and staff with an important reminder.

New Dashboard 
From the beginning of the pandemic, SMU committed to keeping our community well-informed on the virus’ impact on our campus. Many in our SMU community —over 2,300— signed up to receive an email notification as new cases were posted to our COVID-19 case list on the Mustang Strong website. As the semester progressed, we evolved the way we displayed information to increase transparency and clarity. Today, we’re excited to launch a refreshed COVID-19 dashboard, which accomplishes both of those goals.  

Thanks to our OIT team, the new dashboard provides an automated, more interactive and seamless experience. Here are some of the more enhanced features:

• Follow daily positive cases, quarantine numbers and isolation capacity by hovering over the data on three distinct charts
• Change between different time periods to spot trends more easily
• Quickly isolate student or employee-specific information by toggling between the different populations on the drop-down menu
• Check out a new piece of information: the on-campus infection rate. This is calculated by taking the current number of active on-campus student cases and dividing it by the number of individuals who could potentially be on SMU’s campus on a given day. 

Moving forward, we will phase out listing individual cases line-by-line as the new dashboard provides this same granular information in a more accessible, user-friendly and automated format. You will continue to receive an email linking you back to the dashboard when cases are added and we encourage you to bookmark this page for quick reference.

Even under the older version of the dashboard, it is easy to see the promising trend downward in the number of cases of COVID-19 on campus. It’s also encouraging that cases among faculty and staff have remained consistently low even when the on-campus student population saw a spike early in the semester.

After Thanksgiving break, most of our students will migrate to virtual instruction. We thank our faculty and staff in advance for continuing to come to campus for work as you normally would during this time. All of you will play a vital role as we come together to determine what worked well and consider what can be improved in preparing for another semester in the pandemic. Your individual and our collective efforts enable SMU to maintain a healthy campus and deliver the excellent educational experience for which SMU is known.

We hope you find the new dashboard to be a useful addition to the Mustang Strong website.

View Dashboard

Sincerely,

Chris Casey Regis
Vice President of Business and Finance and Treasurer

Minimizing your chances of contracting influenza this year is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy and help prevent our community’s COVID-19 medical resources from becoming depleted. 

Students, getting your flu shots has never been more important.

SMU is providing students with on-campus flu vaccinations for free while supplies last. The flu shot tents offered through September and October are no longer available. After receiving our next allotment of the vaccine, plans are to offer flu shots outside of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.

Check back and watch your email for the most up-to-date information about on-campus vaccine availability.

Free flu shots are also available at Walgreens, Kroger, Costco, CVS and CVS-Target pharmacies with your student or family health insurance.

SMU employees may get a flu shot from the same drive-thru Urgent Care tent where COVID-19 testing is available. Expressway Tower on SMU’s East campus is offering free flu shots every weekday. Please schedule an appointment in advance here and remember to bring your SMU ID.

You can avoid a consultation to receive a flu shot by typing in “flu shot” under the field titled: “Reason for visit.”

While vaccinations are mostly administered from the comfort of your own vehicle, inclement weather may slightly alter this procedure.

Free shots are also available with SMU insurance at Walgreens, Kroger, Costco, CVS and CVS-Target pharmacies.

Since we began welcoming our students back in mid-August, we have learned a great deal about how to manage the campus through the pandemic. Some of our early expectations have changed based on experience; therefore, it is time to use the latest information to make adjustments in the metrics we use to provide the most effective and safest road map for SMU leadership to guide the University. 

In anticipating COVID-19 cases, primarily among students, we developed and have followed the Fall Operations Plan, put in place before the semester began, to both care for our SMU community and limit the spread of the virus. This detailed plan was designed to be a living document that would be updated over time as the virus and our response to it evolve. As we put these plans into place, our students, faculty and staff have remained remarkably resilient through testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine. It is also important to note that the number of faculty and staff cases has remained low, which is good news.

Many of you are familiar with our Fall Operations Assessment Tool (Appendix 1 of the Fall Operations Plan) which helps measure the virus’s impact on our population. The weighted measurements of seven criteria add up to an overall score that feeds into in the operational level assessment at the bottom of the chart. All that information then guides leadership in decisions about campus operations – decisions that pertain to each of the University’s domains as well as the entire institution.  

In response to what we are experiencing after four weeks of classes, both the assessment tool and the operations plan need to be adjusted. These modifications will more comprehensively and accurately reflect the key factors used to evaluate and determine campus operations. 

---

WHAT IS CHANGING

Calculating the infection rate:

The daily update of the SMU COVID case list and dashboard on the Mustang Strong website contains all positive reports from students actively engaged on campus whether they test at the health center or an off-campus test site. However, our assessment tool was developed earlier when it was anticipated that students would choose to be tested only on campus. Since we now know students are being tested off campus as well, the first change we are making is to calculate the infection rate based on students who are engaged in on-campus activities. The infection rate is calculated by dividing the number of active student positive cases, as is reflected in on our Mustang Strong dashboard, by the number of students actively engaged on campus. Point values for this measure have also been adjusted. Previously if the county positivity rate and the campus positivity rate (based on health center data only) were less than 5%, a value of “1” was assigned to the measure. In the revised tool, if the county positivity rate is less than 5% and the campus infection rate is less than 3%, there are no points assigned to this measure. The risk to the campus and surrounding community is low at these rates.

Determining the number of infections:

Additionally, we will also update the number of infections among students using data reflecting the entire number of student positive cases, not just those detected through the health center. Previously, if there were no infections, a value of “1” was assigned to the measure. In the revised tool, if there are no infections, no points are assigned to the measure since there is no risk to the campus or community.

These two revisions will provide more inclusive measurements and more holistically reflect the campus environment. We currently do not have a measure in the assessment tool for employee cases as those numbers are low, but if that changes, we will evaluate adding this data as well.

Measuring the isolation capacity:

When the Fall Operations Plan was first drafted, SMU had identified 127 housing units on campus that could be used for isolation of infected students. At that time, the University anticipated it might be necessary to ask students to recover at home when our isolation capacity reached higher occupancy levels. However, two factors have reshaped our approach:

• Health experts now advise that sending college students home to recover from COVID-19 could increase the spread of infection. SMU on-campus students are allowed to make personal decisions about where they wish to isolate, and while many are currently choosing off-campus locations, SMU will provide isolation spaces to students who chose to isolate on campus.
• The University has secured additional apartment-style spaces near campus, raising our total isolation capacity to 147 units. Additional units can be secured if necessary.

The isolation capacity in the assessment tool will now use a gradual scoring methodology based on occupancy to determine the score. It will be capped at 6 points instead of 12, since we now have the ability to add more isolation beds to our inventory, if necessary, to house all students who need a space.

Adjustments in scoring: 

The numerical values for each assessment criteria, such as the ones mentioned above, are totaled to determine an overall “score.” Adjustments in the assessment tool and their values also necessitate modifications to the operational levels at the bottom of the chart. The four operational level categories will still range from “low” to “very high,” and the total score will still guide (not direct) the President’s Executive Council in determining which level best reflects the current campus situation and individual activities within and across each of the domains. There are no automatic triggers built into this approach, and, regardless of point value, the “very high” level that would likely result in total virtual learning and reduced staffing on campus could be activated at any time by a state or county order, or by the University president. 

It is important to remember that the Fall Operations Plan is intended to function as a flexible, responsive guide for dealing with COVID-19. These adjustments will provide campus leadership with updated evaluations from which to make informed decisions and manage the University. We will continue to monitor the overall environment and specific campus conditions, and modify the plan as necessary to best support our SMU community throughout the pandemic. 

Dear SMU Community,

Every week, our Emergency Operations Center group and the president’s leadership team review a number of data points regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SMU campus, then update the University’s operational level. This week, we are increasing the overall operational level from “moderate” to “high” to reflect the number of cases on campus and other related factors.

What does this mean? One of the many factors we consider in determining our operational level is the availability of spaces to isolate our on-campus students who test positive. Students have a choice as to where they will isolate, whether that is on campus or at some other location, and they will continue to have that choice. To ensure we can accommodate those students who choose to isolate on campus, we are working this week to increase the numbers of isolation beds available. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our consultant epidemiologist is that it is preferable for students to isolate on campus (as long as it is feasible) in lieu of travelling home to prevent the spread of the virus to other areas. We are also opening up the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center for limited hours during the weekends to ensure students have access to testing on campus.

We should all remain vigilant about wearing face coverings, social distancing and hand-washing. We expected to see an increase in cases, as we have seen with many other universities that started fall classes before we did, and we are responding within expectations to these circumstances. Even with the current number of cases, we have a manageable situation and will continue in-person operations.

You can find a full explanation of our operation levels here (Appendix 2). We expect the following areas to continue to operate at the “moderate” level, as there is no data to support spread through these settings:
• Classrooms, lecture halls and academic buildings
• Religious group services
• Shared office spaces
• Labs and research (Human Subjects Research is already operating at “high” level)
• Library spaces
• Residence halls and common areas
• Student organizations and events (events remain at “Orange event level”)
• Dining halls
• Athletic events and activities
• Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports
• Health Center
• Meadows Museum

Thank you for all you do to keep this campus healthy.

September 4, 2020

Dear SMU Student,

With two weeks of the fall semester successfully behind us, I would want to recognize our SMU students, faculty and staff for your efforts to adapt to learning, living and working on campus during this pandemic.

As we anticipated, we are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases as well as an increase in quarantines. The summer preparations are working: We are aggressively isolating positive cases and quarantining those who came into close contact with infected individuals. This week, we had a localized outbreak at the Sigma Chi Fraternity House. In cooperation with Dallas County Health and Human Services, SMU requested that all students residing in the house quarantine for 14 days. We also asked the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority to quarantine one floor of their house out of an abundance of caution. We greatly appreciate the positive cooperation from the fraternity and sorority members and their organizations.

We are also using more of our isolation units to house on-campus students who test positive. While the numbers are growing, we still have capacity and contingency plans, if needed. We also continue to provide resources including meals and case management for those in isolation and quarantine so they can keep up with their studies. Even with the jump in student cases, we currently have only a few known cases in faculty or staff. You can see the latest numbers on our updated COVID-19 dashboard.

We are hearing reports of students choosing to test off campus at night or during the weekend. You can find a list of nearby urgent care centers and other after-hours support if the Dr. Bob Smith Student Health Center is closed. If you are feeling anxious, remember that we have counselors available 24/7 by calling 214-768-2277. We ask that you continue to support the overall wellness of your fellow students and faculty and staff by reporting positive cases or if you came into contact with an infected individual. We are grateful for your efforts to abide by the Pledge to Protect and wear face coverings or masks, wash your hands frequently and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet when you are gathered together. Science tells us that these steps stem the spread of the virus. We have taken disciplinary action against some individuals and groups who are in violation of the pledge, and remain committed to enforcing it through the Student Code of Conduct.

Even though we will be attending class – in person and virtually – on Labor Day, please stay focused this holiday weekend and continue to follow our health and safety protocols both on and off campus. Your cooperation is critical to keeping our campus open for a full semester of activities.
Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President

14 August 2020

Dear Mustang Parents and Family Members,

Hello from the Hilltop! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones doing well. I imagine you are making final preparations for your student’s return to Dallas and SMU, and we are excited to welcome them back.

As I have shared with you previously, I believe our parents and family members are vital partners in ensuring a student’s success, and I am reaching out to you today to share important information that we sent to students yesterday related to the enforcement of safety guidelines and expectations to help keep the SMU community as healthy as possible this fall. As our partner, I hope you will help reinforce these messages with your student as they transition to campus so that they understand their role in helping to keep themselves and others safe and the consequences for failing to take these guidelines seriously.

Last week, all students were enrolled in a Canvas course that provides “what to expect” information for the fall semester; I hope your student has reviewed that course by this time. I also expect that you along with your student have read through material shared by President Turner and others that explains the systems and processes that our faculty and staff have spent months developing to make SMU as safe as possible during the pandemic. Now, I would like to turn our focus to how our students fit into the health and safety picture:

Students have a critical role – if not the most critical role – in facilitating a successful fall semester.

If you have not read the Pledge to Protect SMUthat can be found at the conclusion of the Canvas course referenced above, please read it now. This Pledge was developed by individuals representing all campus stakeholders – including students – and the entire campus community is expected to honor the expectations outlined for keeping each other safe.

Students will get plenty of positive reinforcement and friendly reminders to keep that Pledge. However, those students who deliberately or negligently disregard the expected behavior articulated in the Pledge to Protect SMU should expect to be held accountable through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Examples of behavior that would violate the expectations outlined in the Pledge to Protect SMU include, but are not limited to:

• Knowingly attending class in person while exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19;
• Repeated failure to wear a face covering or disregard for requests to wear a face covering;
• Disregard for isolation or quarantine guidance provided by a contact tracer;
• Refusal to comply with contact tracing efforts by University officials;
• Planning or participating in a gathering not organized according to social distancing guidelines;
• Hosting unauthorized guests on campus; and
• Planning or participating in student organization events that are not in compliance with the guidelines established by the Division of Student Affairs.

“Dishonesty,” “irresponsible conduct,” “failure to comply,” “interference” and/or “assault” are all potential charges under the Code of Conduct that could apply if a student were to violate the expectations outlined in the Pledge to Protect SMU. Sanctions assigned to students found responsible for violating the expectations of the Pledge could range from a warning to suspension or expulsion from the University. Those situations that put others at the most risk could result in a student’s removal from campus for the remainder of the semester and a requirement that they complete their coursework remotely. In these situations, no reimbursement of tuition or fees will be provided.

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will work to resolve these cases as quickly as possible. If a student is referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for allegedly violating one of the tenets of the Pledge to Protect SMU, they will be prohibited from attending any in-person activities – including classes or student organization events – until their case is resolved. Students who fail to comply with this directive could face additional conduct charges, including suspension from the University for a period of time.

Please note that student organizations found responsible for violating the expectations outlined in the Pledge will also be subject to disciplinary action through the SMU Student Code of Conduct. If a student organization is alleged to have hosted an unauthorized party/social gathering, on- or off-campus, they will be placed on an immediate cease and desist (or interim suspension) pending the outcome of the conduct process.

Student organization leaders have a particular responsibility to plan events that do not put students at risk for contracting COVID-19. The general expectations outlined in the Pledge encompass following the event guidelines that have been developed by the Division of Student Affairs and will help ensure the appropriate safety measures are in place. A student organization found in violation of the guidelines outlined in the Pledge will likely be prohibited from hosting any events for the remainder of the semester (and possibly year).  Student leaders of student organizations may also face individual charges through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Additional information regarding the event guidelines is forthcoming and will be included in MOM training for this year.

We expect that our students will practice behavior that keeps us all safe, but I want to be clear so that there are no surprises should violations of these expectations occur: students will be held accountable. Given the gravity of the situation, we simply cannot be complacent about enforcement, and we do not have the luxury of providing individuals multiple opportunities to comply. We must recognize we all have a responsibility to our entire campus and that means holding ourselves and others accountable.

I am optimistic about the fall and I have a strong faith in the ability of our smart, motivated students to help keep the Hilltop safe and healthy. Of course, please reach out to me if you have questions; I welcome your feedback and ideas. I look forward to seeing our students back on campus very soon.

Pony Up!

Melinda J. Sutton, Ph. D.

Assoc. VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

13 August 2020

Dear Mustangs,

Hello from the Hilltop! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones doing well. I imagine you are making final preparations for your return to Dallas and SMU, and we are excited to welcome you back.

By this time, I hope you have reviewed the Canvas course that provides “what to expect” information for the fall semester. I expect you have read through material shared by President Turner and others that explains the systems and processes that our faculty and staff have spent months developing to make SMU as safe as possible during the pandemic, but I would like to focus on how you fit into the health and safety picture:

Students have a critical role – if not the most critical role – in facilitating a successful fall semester.

If you have not read the Pledge to Protect SMUthat can be found at the conclusion of the Canvas course referenced above, please read it now. This Pledge was developed by individuals representing all campus stakeholders – including students – and the entire campus community is expected to honor the expectations outlined for keeping each other safe.

You will get plenty of positive reinforcement and friendly reminders to keep that Pledge. However, those students who deliberately or negligently disregard the expected behavior articulated in the Pledge to Protect SMU should expect to be held accountable through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Examples of behavior that would violate the expectations outlined in the Pledge to Protect SMU include, but are not limited to:

• Knowingly attending class in person while exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19;
• Repeated failure to wear a face covering or disregard for requests to wear a face covering;
• Disregard for isolation or quarantine guidance provided by a contact tracer;
• Refusal to comply with contact tracing efforts by University officials;
• Planning or participating in a gathering not organized according to social distancing guidelines;
• Hosting unauthorized guests on campus; and
• Planning or participating in student organization events that are not in compliance with the guidelines established by the Division of Student Affairs.

“Dishonesty,” “irresponsible conduct,” “failure to comply,” “interference” and/or “assault” are all potential charges under the Code of Conduct that could apply if a student were to violate the expectations outlined in the Pledge to Protect SMU. Sanctions assigned to students found responsible for violating the expectations of the Pledge could range from a warning to suspension or expulsion from the University. Those situations that put others at the most risk could result in a student’s removal from campus for the remainder of the semester and a requirement that they complete their coursework remotely. In these situations, no reimbursement of tuition or fees will be provided.

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will work to resolve these cases as quickly as possible. If a student is referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for allegedly violating one of the tenets of the Pledge to Protect SMU, they will be prohibited from attending any in-person activities – including classes or student organization events – until their case is resolved. Students who fail to comply with this directive could face additional conduct charges, including suspension from the University for a period of time.

Please note that student organizations found responsible for violating the expectations outlined in the Pledge will also be subject to disciplinary action through the SMU Student Code of Conduct. If a student organization is alleged to have hosted an unauthorized party/social gathering, on- or off-campus, they will be placed on an immediate cease and desist (or interim suspension) pending the outcome of the conduct process.

Student organization leaders have a particular responsibility to plan events that do not put students at risk for contracting COVID-19. The general expectations outlined in the Pledge encompass following the event guidelines that have been developed by the Division of Student Affairs and will help ensure the appropriate safety measures are in place. A student organization found in violation of the guidelines outlined in the Pledge will likely be prohibited from hosting any events for the remainder of the semester (and possibly year). Student leaders of student organizations may also face individual charges through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Additional information regarding the event guidelines is forthcoming and will be included in MOM training for this year.

We expect that our students will practice behavior that keeps us all safe, but I want to be clear so that there are no surprises should violations of these expectations occur: students will be held accountable. Given the gravity of the situation, we simply cannot be complacent about enforcement, and we do not have the luxury of providing individuals multiple opportunities to comply. We must recognize we all have a responsibility to our entire campus and that means holding ourselves and others accountable.

I am optimistic about the fall and I have strong faith in the ability of our smart, motivated students to help keep the Hilltop safe and healthy. Of course, please reach out to me if you have questions; I welcome your feedback and ideas. I look forward to seeing you back on campus very soon.

Pony Up!

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

and Dean of Students

As we prepare to welcome our students back for the upcoming semester, SMU’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team has finalized and posted the Fall 2020 Operations Plan, designed to ensure the safety of our campus and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

This plan formally outlines the many strategies and changes that we have already implemented and communicated in virtual town halls, SMU’s COVID-19 website and messaging to students, parents, faculty and staff. The EOC developed and finalized this comprehensive operations plan in consultation with members of the University community representing all facets of academic and campus operations. The work began with input from the President’s Task Force for a Healthy Opening Fall 2020 and its subcommittees, and the final document has been approved by the President’s Executive Council.

Our goal is to deliver the outstanding personalized education that is the hallmark of SMU while ensuring the campus community’s health and safety through science and common-sense expectations that adhere to Texas and Dallas County guidelines. We gave you the Big Picture Overview in June, but the Fall 2020 Operations plan incorporates operational levels, flow charts and detailed procedures, protocols and contingencies that SMU will use to respond to the pandemic’s fluid nature. It is a working document that will be updated and expanded as needed.

Even with this plan and safety measures in place, it is still up to each of us to act responsibly to help protect everyone’s health and welfare – by practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings and remaining vigilant to changes in individual health. Carefully following this roadmap will help those of us working, teaching and living on campus stay healthy. It also gives our students the opportunity to receive face-to-face instruction from our excellent faculty as well as experience all the campus has to offer. I hope you will find it informative and useful as we face these unusual times together.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
SMU President

Dear SMU Faculty and Staff,

Following the guidance of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s latest executive order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, SMU will extend its “essential personnel only” status through April 30, allowing most of our faculty and staff to continue working remotely.

We miss seeing all of you on campus, but I am very proud of the way you have responded to the shift to remote working and teaching. Thank you to everyone for all you are doing to keep the mission of SMU front and center during this dynamic situation. It bears repeating that all of the strategic measures that we’ve taken to move classes online for the rest of the semester, support a remote working environment, and to cancel or postpone campus events have been designed to keep the SMU community healthy as we meet our academic mission.

Here are some reminders as we extend “essential personnel only” status:

• You will be directed by your appropriate vice president or athletics director on how your unit will continue to operate.
• All faculty and staff, whether salaried or hourly, will continue to be paid during this extension, but please make sure you report your time as you normally would.
• Please continue to watch for emails and updates to our COVID-19 blog for other changes prompted by new guidelines or continued restrictions.

I understand that there are questions regarding continued employment and pay. I have always placed a priority on the wellbeing of SMU employees and will continue to do so through these uncertain times. As you can imagine, when the data changes daily it is hard to make definitive decisions about the future. We are modeling scenarios for a variety of outcomes to ensure the long-term health of the University. Our goal is to preserve the staff positions within our SMU community until we can return to full campus operations, recognizing that no institution, including SMU, can predict today the impact of this crisis on its future budget.

I want to thank you all for your flexibility, cooperation and resilience during this time, whether you are still working on the Hilltop or from your home. And I look forward to the day when our entire Mustang family is back together and we can bring our now too quiet campus back to life.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner President

Dear SMU Community,

Each day we evaluate the challenging issues created by COVID-19 and work diligently to make the best possible decisions for all of us. To align with declarations from federal, state and Dallas County health authorities, SMU is moving all classes online for the remainder of the spring semester.

We also are reducing even further the number of people working on campus. Effective Monday, March 23, the University moves to essential personnel only status until April 3.  Employees will be contacted directly by their appropriate vice president or athletics director with guidance on their individual units’ operating plans. All faculty and staff, whether salaried or hourly, will continue to be paid during this period. Please remember to report your time as you normally would.

Obviously, there will be multiple ripple effects from this decision, and they cannot all be addressed in this letter. Watch the COVID-19 blog for updates on this and other concerns. We also will continue to share important announcements via email.

Students who had planned to return to their residence halls by April 6 will now need to make arrangements for retrieving and/or storing their possessions. We must manage this check-out process very deliberately to comply with health restrictions. Students will receive detailed information from Residence Life and Student Housing by Friday, March 27. Please do not come to campus to retrieve your belongings until you receive guidance from RLSH.

SMU is currently determining the best approach for prorating refunds for certain charges such as residence halls and dining. The refund process is currently under development and will be resolved by no later than the end of the semester.

For those who left town, laws and ordinances have changed dramatically in Dallas County over Spring Break:

• All restaurants and bars in Dallas are permitted to serve food only through take-out, delivery, or drive-through services.
• All gyms are closed.
• Community gatherings of 50 or more individuals (indoors or outdoors) are prohibited –   which includes worship services, meetings and conferences.
• Recreational gatherings (indoors or outdoors) of 10 or more individuals are also prohibited – which includes parties, backyard barbecues and sporting events.

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center will be open during normal business hours. Students who feel ill should contact the center by phone first at 214-768-2141.

The scheduled May 16 Commencement is very important to all of us. We are carefully weighing the options and will make a decision at a later date.

I ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work through the many details and questions that I know you need answered. Your health is of utmost importance during this time, so we all need to take seriously  precautions about social distancing, hand washing and other preventive and protective measures. We must look out for each other – not just ourselves. 

The campus has a very different look and feel right now, but this is still SMU and we are committed to continuing our mission. Let’s all look forward to the time when we can return to life as usual on our beautiful campus.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President

Dear faculty and staff,

In consultation with the President’s Executive Council, I have decided to move the University to “reduced operations” status until April 6 to responsibly care for our campus population in response to the spread of COVID-19. We will monitor developments in the days ahead and will revisit the possible extension of this plan, as well as our timetable for teaching remotely, on Monday, March 30. We will communicate any changes as soon as decisions are made.

Each vice president has crafted a plan for their specific area of operation outlining how to meet the responsibilities of their division with reduced on-campus staffing. Those employees identified as “essential personnel” by their supervisor and emergency policy will come to campus, as will those employees identified by their vice president as needed to provide on-site services. Each staff member will hear from their vice president and each faculty member will receive instructions from the provost.

Even as the plans are being developed for specific University divisions, anyone at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of age or a serious long-term health problem that compromises the immune system, or who is experiencing childcare issues, should still work with their supervisor to make alternative work arrangements. Go to the Human Resources site at https://www.smu.edu/BusinessFinance/HR/BenefitsAndWellness/Coronavirus,
review the documentation and, if needed, work with your supervisor to fill out the Emergency Telecommuting Arrangement Form.

Any employee who would like to continue coming to campus to work should do so in consultation with their manager.  All employees, however, are urged to monitor their own health judiciously and remain home (while contacting their health provider) if they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 – dry cough, fever and body aches. And for the health of the University at large, we would appreciate it if any faculty or staff member feeling ill – whether working from campus or from home – would report the information to the University through this form. We will, of course, keep your information confidential and respect your privacy rights. 

As part of this reduced operation plan, University libraries will for the time being be staffed for virtual operations only and will not be open to the University community or the public.  The Meadows Museum and Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports will close, at least until April 6.

Thank you for your flexibility and patience as we roll out new information every day to help us all work through this unprecedented situation.  As I’ve said before, please follow SMU’s COVID-19 blog for the latest we have to share, and stay healthy.
 
Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President

Southern Methodist University will not implement the payroll tax deferment program announced by Presidential Memorandum on August 8, 2020.

The executive action is optional, allowing employers to postpone the collection of payroll taxes, specifically an employee’s portion of Social Security taxes, for affected employees. The action applies to wages paid to affected employees beginning on September 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020.  Affected employees are defined as employees generally making less than $4,000 per biweekly pay period.  Currently the order also indicates that the affected employees will be responsible for withholding and paying back these taxes before May 1, 2021, or be subject to interest and penalties.

SMU will continue to collect payroll taxes on behalf of all employees to reduce possible confusion, undue hardships, or other difficulties during the filing of taxes for 2020 by employees next year.

When more information becomes available that clarifies many of the administrative questions pertaining to the payroll tax deferment, SMU may reconsider implementation.

SMU is offering two new digital tools to help monitor your health and protect the campus community: a daily COVID-19 symptom checker and a contact tracing log. Daily checks for virus symptoms and support of contact tracing are two important safety measures emphasized in SMU’s Pledge to Protect.

The Mustang Daily Symptom Checker is a quick survey that students, faculty or staff can use each day before leaving for class or work. If you aren’t feeling well, the survey will help you to determine if you are currently experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19.

After answering a few questions, the symptom checker will provide guidance on what to do next, based on your results. You should receive daily emails from the Symptom Checker, or go to smu.edu/covidcheck if you do not see them.

When you complete the survey and get a green checkmark, you are clear to go to campus. If you get a red X, the symptom checker will prompt you on next steps to take, which may include staying home and filling out a form to notify the University.  Students will complete the Caring Community Connections (CCC) form and employees will fill out the faculty/staff COVID-19 reporting form.

The other tool, PathCheck, is a private location diary for your phone. This mobile app records where you have been in case you need the information to assist in contact tracing should you experience a positive COVID-19 test result.

SMU chose this app because it is a privacy-first design that started at MIT before transitioning into a non-profit foundation. PathCheck privately stores your location on your phone for 14 days. This location diary remains private unless you choose to share this information. Even then, the data will only be used once to assist in the contact tracing interview and then deleted.

To download, go to the Apple or Google store and search for PathCheck SafePlaces. SMU Office of Information Technology (OIT) has more information on how it works and how to set up your phone. If you have any questions, please contact the IT Help Desk at 214-768-HELP (4357) or email help@smu.edu.

Dear SMU Students:

As new and returning students move into their Residential Commons or apartments this week, we must reemphasize how crucial it is for each member of the SMU community to take individual responsibility for our ability to complete and enjoy the fall semester on campus.

As you have surely read or heard, several universities that just began their semesters have had to call them off or delay them due to rapid COVID-19 infections coming from off-campus parties. Every one of these cancellations has been due to the thoughtless actions of groups of students having off-campus parties without wearing masks and violating social distancing standards. Any such gathering has an almost certain probability of involving one or more students who are asymptomatic but virulent carriers of the virus. As a result, significant numbers that go to such parties become ill and then spread it to roommates and others with whom they come in contact.

For us to complete the SMU fall semester on campus, such potential parties must be cancelled before they begin. Any person or organization who organizes such a reckless party will be seriously disciplined for putting the entire campus at risk. That is not the SMU Way: Mustangs do not put other Mustangs at risk. What has happened at other universities can be prevented at SMU, but it will require those who might host such events choosing not to do so, and those invited to any that are planned, choosing not to attend. The healthy alternative is to meet in groups of 10 or fewer, all wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Surely, we can all follow this approach for three months or until a vaccine is approved. We must all make the right choices.

Therefore, as we look forward to gathering for the first day of class on Monday, we must all take responsibility during this weekend and afterward for the health and well-being of the entire campus. If we do not, we will join those universities that have had to cancel in-person classes. As world changers, let’s Pony Up and follow the health guidelines and have a great semester.

Go Mustangs,

R. Gerald Turner
President

K.C. Mmeje, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

August 19, 2020

As the University prepares for the start of the fall semester on Monday, August 24, please see the following updates for the SMU campus community.

No-cost, rapid curbside COVID-19 testing for employees is now available at Expressway Tower

SMU employees and families can now receive no-cost, rapid drive-through testing for COVID-19 at Expressway Tower, 6116 North Central Expressway, on the East Campus. The University covers 100% of the cost and no insurance paperwork is needed for those who have SMU health benefits. Telemedicine appointments and drive-through testing may be scheduled for this location Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The SMU curbside testing site is in addition to existing Virtual Care for Families clinic locations in the DFW area that can provide rapid COVID-19 antigen testing to SMU employees and their dependents. It is available to those who have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus. Clinic and testing hours vary by location so call ahead to confirm availability. 

To schedule a test, complete an initial telemedicine screening at virtualcarefamilies.com/smu. Based on the screening, an appointment for curbside testing can be scheduled at one of the Urgent Care for Kids clinic locations (scroll down for the list.) Employees who test positive should complete the SMU Health Reporting Form and remain at home. If a dependent tests positive, employees should contact their supervisor for additional instructions. 

SMU eases travel restrictions, but approval is still required

Based on the August 6 decision by the U.S. State Department to lift its level 4 Global Health Advisory, SMU-sponsored international travel may resume, subject to approval. Concur Travel requests may be submitted, but are subject to location, specific health and safety restrictions as dictated by the Department of State, CDC and International SOS before approval. Please complete this form to request a review of international travel plans by SMU’s Travel Oversight Committee (TOC). The health and safety of university travelers will be a top priority when reviewing a request, and approval of travel is not guaranteed due to the ongoing global pandemic. For any questions related to the travel request form or international travel, contact Allison Russell, awitucki@smu.edu.

SMU is moving to Phase II of its COVID-19 Domestic Travel plan. SMU continues to restrict University-sponsored and/or sanctioned overnight domestic travel, either by motor vehicle or airplane, but exceptions may be requested by the traveler from their dean, vice president, athletic director, or that supervisor’s designee, for approval by using this form. Local motor vehicle travel (for day trips only) is permitted without requesting an exception.

Any authorized University-sponsored and/or sanctioned travel by faculty and staff for an SMU business purpose requires approved in advance of making travel arrangements. Reservations must be made using the University’s Online Travel and Expense System. Please review the Travel and Entertainment Management Policy 4.7 before booking travel.

SMU outdoor facilities remain closed to the public

With the return of our on-campus population and the resumption of classes, SMU outdoor facilities (such as tennis courts and other athletic fields and facilities) will remain closed to the general public to prevent the potential for virus spread. Outdoor facilities will be open to the campus community on a limited schedule to be set and posted by their managing authority – either Recreational Sports or SMU Athletics. Signs will be posted to reinforce that these venues are closed to the public.

Dear SMU Faculty and Staff,

It is exciting to see students return for our Fall 2020 opening. Thank you for everything you have done to prepare for their arrival. We will continue to monitor the pandemic to ensure we can move forward in a healthy and safe manner. I’d like to share a few updates and remind everyone of the important part you play in this plan.

While some of us have been on campus all along, others are now arriving. As a reminder, all employees should complete the “return-to-work” training before coming. Also, we are all required to do a daily self-screen to check for symptoms of COVID-19.

Another way to promote a healthy return is to take the our “pledge to protect” developed by the SMU Community Action Network (SMU CAN). Signing this pledge confirms that we as members of this campus community understand our personal responsibilities and are committed to following the safety guidelines required in these challenging times.

As outlined in the Fall 2020 Operations Plan, SMU is using four operational levels to guide the University’s response to the pandemic. The status of the University’s current operational level, from low, moderate, high to very high, will soon be added to the COVID-19 Mustang Strong website and updated each week. The University uses an operational assessment tool, also described in the plan, to evaluate campus conditions weekly and update or reaffirm the operational level. It is important to note that the operational level guides SMU’s leadership in making decisions regarding campus activities, but does not dictate specific measures. It is used holistically to assess and determine the best responses to the situation at that time.

On a related note, the campus contact tracing protocol is being updated to provide more support in case of a localized outbreak on campus. If one is declared, the University may use additional resources, including a requirement for localized targeted testing in a residence hall or University office space, to address the situation. Also, if a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, our contact tracing team will alert the faculty who teach that student of a case in their class without details that could identify the student. No additional information will be provided unless a faculty member is also identified as a “close contact” during the contact tracing process.

We have already shared that we are upgrading air filters in all air handlers across campus. Thirty (30) campus buildings have been retrofitted as of today and all RLSH and academic buildings will be completed by the start of classes. In addition, more than half of our air handlers have commercial grade Ultraviolet light filtering technology integrated into the system which helps to keep viruses and other microorganisms from reproducing and infecting indoor space.

We also have good news on our ability to increase the amount of fresh air pushed through our system. Most of the windows on our campus do not open, and it’s a balancing act to increase fresh air through our HVAC system without exceeding our central plant’s ability to support the added demand. Our traditional approach has been a 20 percent infusion of fresh air mixed with recirculated air, but we have determined that we can safely increase that to a 50 percent infusion of fresh air in most buildings. Be forewarned that our indoor spaces may be a bit warmer as a result.

We will continue to make modifications as needed to adjust to the fluid nature of this pandemic. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our campus healthy this semester.
Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President of SMU

Hello, Mustang!

As we prepare to return to campus for the fall semester, it is of the highest importance that all SMU students educate themselves on the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the updated policies and procedures at SMU. To accomplish this, all SMU students will be required to complete the Returning to Campus: COVID-19 Student Training Course through their Canvas account. 

Completing this course will ensure that all of us have a better understanding of how our campus will operate and what is expected as we work together to protect the health and safety of our entire community. 

What’s in the Course?

Through this course, you will develop skills to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on campus and learn about what SMU is doing to protect the health of our community. The course will take about 60-75 minutes to complete and will cover a variety of topics, including:

• COVID-19 Basics
• Proper Prevention
• COVID-19 Testing
• What Happens if Someone Gets Sick
• What to Expect on Campus
• What to Expect off Campus

You must finish all of the modules and pass the final assessment in order to complete the course successfully. As you complete your training, we invite you to reach out to the many referenced resources in order to join the larger discussion regarding these topics on our campus.

At the end of the course, you will also be asked to sign the “Pledge to Protect our SMU Community.” This pledge symbolizes each individual’s commitment to keeping our campus community healthy and safe.

What happens if a student doesn’t complete the course by the due date?

Completion of this course is REQUIRED for all SMU students. Please ensure that you have completed the course before your first day of class, which is Monday, August 24, 2020. Failure to complete the course by the assigned due date will result in a registration hold on your student account. Beginning Monday, August 24, 2020, this hold will prevent you from participating in fall add/drop and registering for future semesters.

What happens if a student completes the course before the due date?

Those completing the course before the required due date will be entered into a drawing for a FREE semester-long meal plan worth up to $1,500.

Thank you for your participation, and for helping us protect our SMU community. With your help we our campus will move forward and remain MUSTANG STRONG!

Sincerely,

Melinda J. Sutton, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

and Dean of Students

Helpful Course Tips:

• Work at your own pace from any computer or tablet.
• You do not need to complete modules all at once. Canvas will save your progress if you need to stop and return later.
• You must review all of the pages and complete the quiz at the end of each module in order to gain access to the next module. You must complete all of the modules and pass the final assessment in order to successfully complete the course.
• For questions about the program, please email deanofstudents@smu.edu or call 214-768-4564.
• If you experience any technical issues, please contact the SMU OIT Help Desk by phone, 214-768-4357 (8-HELP), via email to help@smu.edu, or submit a ticket online through help.smu.edu.

August 26 Update:

With several school districts, including Dallas ISD, recently moving to extend on-line virtual ONLY learning until later in the year, we wanted to provide an update on options for employees as you navigate the ever-changing environment created by the pandemic. SMU will continue to offer flexibility and options to support parents with some slight adjustments to what had been communicated earlier this month.

Here are the options available.

1. If the K-12 school district your child attends is offering only online learning for an extended period of time, please work with your supervisor to craft a feasible telecommuting option, if possible, considering your job responsibilities.
2. If your school district offers/will offer both in-person and online learning, and you choose to remain home with your children during all or part of your normal working hours to support online learning, you may:
   • use vacation time
   • choose to take part or full time leave un the Working Family Leave option.

Working Family Leave offers employees either full- or part-time unpaid administrative leave through December 2020 to cover your time away from work:

• Your position will be held for you during this time.
• You’ll maintain current SMU medical and dental plans with SMU covering the full expense.
• For part-time leave, employees must work a minimum of 20 or more hours per week on campus, but schedules may be flexible to allow for work hours before 8:30 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Current vacation balances can be applied before the unpaid leave goes into effect, if you choose.
• Vacation and sick-leave hours will not accrue during an unpaid full leave. Vacation and sick-leave hours will accrue at a prorated amount for those on unpaid part-time leave.
• Approval from the appropriate vice president or dean will be necessary for all telecommuting and unpaid leave options.
• To start the process, fill out this form. For more information please contact returntowork@smu.edu.

Please discuss these options with your supervisor at each stage as you decide the best solution for your child’s health and education. SMU will continue to review and respond to the changes that affect our employees and their families during this pandemic.

Posted July 24, 2020:

Dear SMU staff,

We understand the difficult choices that parents face during these uncertain times – in particular as you attempt both to care for your children and fulfill your professional responsibilities. We want to support you in addressing the challenge of providing child care when schools are closed or operating only online because of the decisions of local authorities during the pandemic. School districts with children of SMU employees have reached different decisions. For example, K-12 public and private schools within Dallas County will not be allowed to hold in-person classes until after September 7, and schoolchildren in Tarrant County will not be returning for in-person classes until September 28.

Under these exceptional circumstances while K-12 is required to be online or experiencing a delayed start for in-person instruction, please work with your supervisor to craft a feasible telecommuting option if that is possible considering your job responsibilities.

We realize that even when K-12 schools in your child’s school district open again for full-time, in-person instruction, some parents might choose to keep their children at home. If your choice at that time is to remain home with your children during all or part of your normal working hours, you may use vacation time or take unpaid leave to cover the time away from work while also retaining benefits. Available options include either full- or part-time unpaid administrative leave. Employees may take such leave through December 2020, and your position will be held for you during this time. For part-time leave, it is expected that employees work a minimum of 20 or more hours per week on campus, but schedules may be flexible to allow for work hours before 8:30 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Current vacation balances can be applied before the unpaid leave goes into effect, if you choose. Vacation and sick-leave hours will not accrue during an unpaid full leave. Vacation and sick-leave hours will accrue at a prorated amount for those on unpaid part-time leave. While on full- or part-time leave to accommodate your child’s remote learning, employees currently on the SMU medical and dental plans may retain their current benefits with SMU covering the full expense. 

Please discuss these options with your supervisor at each stage in deciding the best solution for your child’s health and education. As local authorities issue or amend orders, the fluidity of this situation dictates that these arrangements be reconsidered each month to ensure they meet both your family’s needs and the needs of SMU in supporting our students. Approval from the appropriate vice president or dean will be necessary for all telecommuting and unpaid leave options. To start the process, fill out this form. For more information please contact returntowork@smu.edu.

Dear SMU Community,

It cannot be said too often that the health and well-being of our faculty and staff are of vital importance to me and to the University we serve. We value your work, your sense of mission, and the individual talents you bring to the table. As we complete the first cycle of staff telecommuting arrangements, SMU remains committed to adjusting our campus operations, as needed, to meet the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and to best support our community.  To reflect the most current guidance from the CDC and the State of Texas, the University is revising and expanding its guidelines for flexible work arrangements. Please access the new information here.

I want to thank you again for the careful and supportive way you have helped SMU prepare for the resumption of on-campus instruction this summer and fall, working with us to follow evolving CDC guidelines and governmental instructions.  While a relatively modest number of students will join us on campus in July, we have every indication that our students are eager to return to campus in the fall. Our planning reflects the energy our students are sharing, with the understanding that we may need to adapt to future changing conditions.

I also want to thank the University community for engaging in meaningful dialogue to help members of the President’s Executive Council refine our processes. It is our goal to be prepared for a strong, well-attended fall semester beginning in August.

I am proud of the SMU family and look forward to our continuing work together as we meet these extraordinary challenges.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

President

SMU Air Quality Improvement Strategy

SMU Facilities Planning and Management is upgrading all air filters in air handler units across campus, as a strategy to improve air quality in all University buildings. All air filters will be updated from the current MERV 10 level to the highest rated filtration level effective for SMU’s air handler system – MERV 13. This diagram details the filtration ratings, and the types and amounts of particles captured.

COVID-19 Facilities Custodial Response Guide

The Office of Facilities Planning & Management is committed to informing students, faculty and staff of steps and measures taken to protect the SMU community, as we prepare for the fall semester. This guide communicates the cleaning protocols and strategic communication plan developed specifically with regard to prevention of the spread of COVID-19 on our campus.

More resources links:
Enhanced Cleaning Protocol
https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/BusinessFinance/HR/welcome-back/enhanced-cleaning-operations-procedure-manual-for-office-and-education-environments

Enhanced cleaning coverage for all buildings
https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/BusinessFinance/FacilitiesManagementSustainability/Covid19_info/Enhanced-Custodial-Coverage-06-20-20.pdf

Three-Step Approach
https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/BusinessFinance/FacilitiesManagementSustainability/Covid19_info/EnhancedClean-Reentry-Guide-WORD-SMU_new.pdf

Facilities Communication Plan and Custodial Response Guide PDF
https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/BusinessFinance/FacilitiesManagementSustainability/Covid19_info/Custodialresponseguide_final.pdf?la=en

Faculty authorized to require students to wear face coverings in fall classrooms

SMU is requiring that everyone on the SMU campus wear a face covering over the mouth and nose in all public indoor spaces. This requirement includes classrooms; building entrances and exits; lobbies and lounges; as well as in hallways, stairwells, restrooms and elevators and also extends to SMU’s Meadows Museum – both for staff and visitors.

The requirement is in line with continued orders by the State of Texas and Dallas County, and strengthens the earlier University policy that stated the University “expects” all students, faculty staff and visitors to wear a face covering in public spaces.

For the fall semester, faculty members are authorized to require face coverings in their classrooms and during faculty-student meetings. All faculty will have access to disposable face coverings to provide to students who forget to bring one to class.

Facial coverings are required public indoor spaces, including the classrooms, or anywhere on campus—including public areas of residential facilities or outdoor spaces— where social distancing cannot be maintained. They are not required in private spaces such as inside an office or partitioned cubicle for employees, or inside an individual residence hall room for students. 

SMU is prepared to maintain or adjust its “face coverings in public spaces” requirement as circumstances evolve.

Dear SMU Community,

Last spring, SMU sent an emergency notification to all students, faculty and staff about the first confirmed COVID-19 cases involving our campus community. This was an important step in informing our campus about this rapidly evolving situation.

As we begin to identify additional cases, we wanted to be sure the campus community is fully informed about the process that will be followed as well as the communications that can be expected. Going forward, as we are informed, SMU will update the campus community by listing all confirmed cases on our COVID-19 site. The identification of positive cases on campus occurs through several mechanisms, including:

• Testing through the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center
• Local county health department notification
• Self-disclosure by employees or students

Students or employees experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should contact either their personal physician or the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center at 214-768-2277 for a screening interview by trained medical staff. Based on the results, testing may be required. If the test is positive:

• An employee must contact their supervisor, complete the SMU Health Reporting Form and not return to the workplace.
• A student must notify Student Affairs through the Caring Community Connections form.

It is the responsibility of an employee or student testing positive to immediately notify the University through the avenues presented above.

Following county, state and federal guidelines, SMU uses the University’s contact tracing protocol to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed among the University community. All individuals testing positive for COVID-19 cases are contacted and CONFIDENTIALLY interviewed by trained University staff to identify close contacts. The tracing is based on class schedule, living situation, student activities, employee work locations including offices and job sites, face-to-face meetings and any other situations that may have resulted in close contact from two days before the onset of symptoms (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to testing). Close contact is described by the Centers for Disease Control as within six feet for more than 15 minutes (without direct respiratory droplet exposure).

Those in the SMU community who may have come into close contact with the positive case are notified directly and given further instructions to prevent the spread. If you are not directly contacted, it was determined you did not have close contact with anyone who has tested positive. Medical confidentiality will be maintained for everyone. Employees and students who learn of positive cases should respect this important privacy concern by not commenting on any information that could identify the person and/or posting about a case on social media. Supervisors, including deans and vice presidents, will be notified when one of their faculty or staff is positive. The communication from the University is the official communication on these matters, so please refrain from sending any additional emails or messages about the case. It is important for all of us to act responsibly. If you have any questions on how to respond to a situation, please reach out directly to Human Resources for assistance.

When a positive case is confirmed, SMU custodial workers also deep clean and sanitize the area in which the person worked or lived, as well as adjacent rooms and public spaces in the building. This enhanced cleaning is performed by an expanded crew within four to eight hours of the case confirmation.

Along with communications within the affected campus location and to campus individuals who were determined to have been in close contact, the University will keep a running list of confirmed cases on the SMU COVID-19 site. Again, SMU will not give out the person’s name, and we ask that you respect this individual’s privacy as well. If you would like to be updated when a positive case is added to the campus list, please email subscribe-covidcasenotifications@list.smu.edu to receive notifications.

Dear SMU students, parents, faculty and staff,

Those of us who have been planning for our students’ return to campus are pleased to share with you the road map for our fall semester on the Hilltop. While you can expect more communications on a variety of topics as we work through the summer months, this “big picture” document is intended to give you an overview of how we will teach and learn, protect our health, live on campus and handle basic operations at SMU as we continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, you will have more questions, so watch your emails and the COVID-19 website for updates as we get closer to residence hall move-in, followed by the start of classes on Monday, Aug. 24.  I have missed you all, and am looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2024.
Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner President

Dear SMU Community,

Preparing for the return of our students during the pandemic will require creativity, commitment and cooperation. Our plans for reopening the campus to students in the fall for student instruction, campus life and community programs are progressing well, and I am especially looking forward to welcoming our students back to our Dallas and Taos campuses. Informed by state and county health guidelines, benchmarking from other universities and the work of the President’s Task Force for a Healthy Opening Fall 2020, SMU will resume activities on its campuses under the following framework:

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION WILL RESUME ON CAMPUS

The vast majority of SMU courses will be offered in person, on campus. To accommodate safety and health concerns, some classes will follow a hybrid model when necessary, providing a virtual, off-site component and staggered attendance schedules. For these courses, teaching in person as well as online would occur simultaneously. Such simultaneous online/in-person classes will accommodate international students facing travel restrictions, as well as students with health conditions that may preclude their being on campus at this time. The classes will also be recorded, adding greater flexibility for online students who may live in dramatically different time zones, or for students to re-watch classes as needed. For classes where students are participating online, all tests will be administered online so that every student’s progress is measured under the same circumstances.

A few courses, such as large lecture classes, may be offered online only. Other small classes will be offered in person only, in spaces adequate to follow health and safety guidelines. Special accommodations will be made for students in the performing arts.

AN ADJUSTED ACADEMIC SEMESTER

As many other universities have concluded, reducing the number of students returning to campus after holiday travel is important to lessen the chance of contagion. Therefore, we will revise our semester schedule to support a healthy campus population.

SMU will resume class instruction on campus Monday, August 24, as originally scheduled. Please note that the September 7 Labor Day holiday and October 12–13 Fall Break will be suspended and used as class instruction days. This change allows students to complete their on-campus studies and leave campus housing prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The University will shift all class instruction to online only for the remaining class days following Thanksgiving. (Graduate programs in some of our schools follow slightly different schedules, but will make similar accommodations that will be explained in detail by their deans.) Of course, students who do not have access to alternate living arrangements after Thanksgiving will be accommodated on campus, as they were this spring.

As a result, all final exams for the fall 2020 semester will be administered online.

OTHER ON-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

In the coming days, additional guidelines will be forthcoming regarding campus life adjustments and the impact of the current situation on campus gatherings, large and small, for both students and faculty, as well as for alumni and other guests. To the extent possible, we will retain SMU traditions in the fall, so that students can experience as fully as possible a rich and vibrant campus life.

The information I have shared above is provided to allow students, their families, faculty and staff to plan for the weeks and months ahead. The good news is that our first mission –

delivering high-quality, on-campus classroom instruction – will continue, so that our students can benefit from in-person interaction with faculty members and with each other. Over the coming days and weeks, we will share more details in preparation for the fall semester, including new aspects of how we offer student housing, dining services, student programming and the like. These will be shared through email, the SMU website and the COVID-19 FAQs.

As always, feel free to reach out to your academic deans, advisers, and the Division of Student Affairs with any specific questions or concerns. I look forward to welcoming our students back to our campuses this summer and fall.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

President

Dear colleagues,

President Turner is preparing to update the SMU community on Monday June 1 about our planning for the fall semester. We expect it to include information such as modality for course delivery, any adjustments to the academic calendar, initial plans for residential and dining facilities, enhanced cleaning of high-traffic areas, testing capabilities and more. To help in understanding, Tim (Rosendale) and I as well as the rest of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee wanted to send you a quick message to explain the decision-making process in greater detail.

As you may remember from President Turner’s message to the community on April 27, the taskforce, co-chaired by Provost ad interim Peter Moore and Vice President for Student Affairs K.C. Mmeje, oversees the work of six subcommittees, representing about seventy-five (75) faculty and staff members working tirelessly in extraordinarily difficult circumstances to address the charges they have been tasked with in addition to their normal work duties. 

The subcommittees have been meeting several times a week and have generated many pages of detailed recommendations that are presented to the taskforce for discussion and vote. The taskforce also receives a daily summary of the ideas submitted through the Virtual Idea Box, which are then shared with the appropriate subcommittees for consideration. We are grateful to those of you who have submitted ideas and I encourage you to do so if you haven’t. 

The taskforce meetings include all the subcommittee chairs so that they can provide feedback to the group. It is also is an opportunity to coordinate and collaborate on recommendations such as those that need input from multiple subcommittees to be fully formed. To provide an example, travel has implications for the Academic Continuity, Business Continuity and Campus Health and Wellness subcommittees so these teams collaborate to make one recommendation. Once the taskforce vets the recommendations, those agreed upon are presented to the President’s Executive Council, which makes the final decision.

The subcommittees most relevant to faculty are the Academic Continuity and the Campus Health and Wellness subcommittees. Their charges and members (I apologize for any member I forgot to include as the membership list grew after the initial announcement) are listed at the end of this email.  

I have been tremendously impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the recommendations the subcommittees have prepared in such a short amount of time, representing a cumulative hundreds of hours of deliberation and analysis. Further, I expect that there will be continued faculty input during and after July term regarding what is working in the classroom as we continue to prepare for the fall semester. 

While other universities across the country are implementing staff and faculty furloughs, layoffs and/or contract non-renewals as a result of the pandemic, SMU is looking forward, innovating and striving to keep its faculty and staff, and we are fortunate that our planned salary raises will go ahead as scheduled. Based on the thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations of the taskforce and its subcommittees, Tim and I, who both have witnessed the process from up close, are hopeful that the plan to be announced this Monday, June 1 will give SMU the very best chance to not only avoid the fate of those other universities but also make the very best possible use of our strengths as an institution to create, expand and impart knowledge while ensuring the health and safety of students, staff and faculty in those challenging and unprecedented times. 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me or Tim or any of the Faculty Senate ExComm members for 2020-21, who are: 

Past-President Tim Rosendale (Dedman I), 
President Aurélie Thiele (Lyle), 
President-Elect Pia Vogel (Dedman III), 
Secretary Susana Solera Adoboe (Dedman I), 
David Bertrand (Simmons), 
Rob Frank (Meadows), 
Luigi Manzetti (Dedman II), 
Rebekah Miles (Perkins), 
Anna Offit (Law),
Tom Tan (Cox).

Aurélie 

for 

Tim Rosendale, Faculty Senate Past-President rosendale@smu.edu

Aurélie Thiele, Faculty Senate President athiele@smu.edu

Academic Continuity – chaired by Michael Tumeo 
Develop plans to support educational continuity through a variety of instructional modes, including in-class, online-only and a hybrid of both. Address situations where students, faculty and staff must remain away from campus for a brief or extended period of time, or must adapt to other limitations on normal academic progress due to COVID-19. Plan and develop resources to support continuing classes, strategies for maintaining graduate student research and guidance for academic events of all sizes. Assess implications for student travel for internships and global experiences, including all activities at SMU-in-Taos. Define criteria and procedures for altering academic policies, including the Academic Calendar. Assess and develop options to mitigate the financial impacts that graduate and undergraduate students may face.

Members
Provost Office
·     Patty Alvey, PhD
·     Whitney Henry, MBA
·     Sheri Kunovich, PhD
·     Dayna Oscherwitz, PhD
·     Daniel Eady, EdM
·     David Son, PhD
·     Wes Waggoner, MBA, EdD
·     Doug Reinelt, PhD
·     Jim Quick, PhD
·     Michael Robertson, PhD
·     Michael Tumeo, PhD

Associate Deans
·     David Sedman, PhD – Meadows
·     Hugo Magallanes, PhD – Perkins
·     Tom Carr, PhD – Dedman College
·     Elizabeth Killingsworth, MLS – SMU Libraries
·     Bill Dillon, PhD – Cox
·     Becca Henley, JD – Dedman Law
·     Paige Ware, PhD – Simmons
·     Rumanda Young, PhD – Taos
·     Volkan Otugen, PhD – Lyle

OIT
·     Michael Hites, PhD
·     Curt Herridge, MBA

Faculty Senate
·     Tim Rosendale, PhD
·     Matthew Wilson, PhD

Student Body Vice President
·     Austin Hickle


Campus Health and Wellness – chaired by Melinda Sutton Noss, EdD and Peter Davis, MD, FACP
Develop comprehensive recommendations and plans for testing, contact tracing, social distancing, regulation of visitors, size of nonacademic events, frequent deep cleanings of facilities and other strategies to keep the campus safe, including facilities and activities at SMU-in-Taos. Create wellness information tools and resources to share broadly with the campus community.

Members
·     Health Center—Peter Davis, MD, FACP
·     Environmental Health & Safety – Brandon Chance, MS, CCHO
·     Global Health – Eric Bing, MD, PhD, MBA
·     Health Center – Randy Jones, MPH, DDS & Diane Melcher, RN
·     Health Promotions – Griffin Sharp, MS, MPH
·     Junior Student – from Dr. Bing’s Creating Impact in Global & Public Health course 
·     Human Resources—Mai Bui, MBA
·     RLSH—Amanda Bobo, MBA
·     OIT—George Finney, JD, CISM
·     OIT – Curt Herridge, MBA

Dear colleagues,

President Turner is preparing to update the SMU community on Monday June 1 about our planning for the fall semester. We expect it to include information such as modality for course delivery, any adjustments to the academic calendar, initial plans for residential and dining facilities, enhanced cleaning of high-traffic areas, testing capabilities and more. To help in understanding, Tim (Rosendale) and I as well as the rest of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee wanted to send you a quick message to explain the decision-making process in greater detail.

As you may remember from President Turner’s message to the community on April 27, the taskforce, co-chaired by Provost ad interim Peter Moore and Vice President for Student Affairs K.C. Mmeje, oversees the work of six subcommittees, representing about seventy-five (75) faculty and staff members working tirelessly in extraordinarily difficult circumstances to address the charges they have been tasked with in addition to their normal work duties. 

The subcommittees have been meeting several times a week and have generated many pages of detailed recommendations that are presented to the taskforce for discussion and vote. The taskforce also receives a daily summary of the ideas submitted through the Virtual Idea Box, which are then shared with the appropriate subcommittees for consideration. We are grateful to those of you who have submitted ideas and I encourage you to do so if you haven’t. 

The taskforce meetings include all the subcommittee chairs so that they can provide feedback to the group. It is also is an opportunity to coordinate and collaborate on recommendations such as those that need input from multiple subcommittees to be fully formed. To provide an example, travel has implications for the Academic Continuity, Business Continuity and Campus Health and Wellness subcommittees so these teams collaborate to make one recommendation. Once the taskforce vets the recommendations, those agreed upon are presented to the President’s Executive Council, which makes the final decision.

The subcommittees most relevant to faculty are the Academic Continuity and the Campus Health and Wellness subcommittees. Their charges and members (I apologize for any member I forgot to include as the membership list grew after the initial announcement) are listed at the end of this email.  

I have been tremendously impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the recommendations the subcommittees have prepared in such a short amount of time, representing a cumulative hundreds of hours of deliberation and analysis. Further, I expect that there will be continued faculty input during and after July term regarding what is working in the classroom as we continue to prepare for the fall semester. 

While other universities across the country are implementing staff and faculty furloughs, layoffs and/or contract non-renewals as a result of the pandemic, SMU is looking forward, innovating and striving to keep its faculty and staff, and we are fortunate that our planned salary raises will go ahead as scheduled. Based on the thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations of the taskforce and its subcommittees, Tim and I, who both have witnessed the process from up close, are hopeful that the plan to be announced this Monday, June 1 will give SMU the very best chance to not only avoid the fate of those other universities but also make the very best possible use of our strengths as an institution to create, expand and impart knowledge while ensuring the health and safety of students, staff and faculty in those challenging and unprecedented times. 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me or Tim or any of the Faculty Senate ExComm members for 2020-21, who are: 

Past-President Tim Rosendale (Dedman I), 

President Aurélie Thiele (Lyle), 

President-Elect Pia Vogel (Dedman III), 

Secretary Susana Solera Adoboe (Dedman I), 

David Bertrand (Simmons), 

Rob Frank (Meadows), 

Luigi Manzetti (Dedman II), 

Rebekah Miles (Perkins), 

Anna Offit (Law),

Tom Tan (Cox).

Best wishes,

Aurélie 

for 

Tim Rosendale, Faculty Senate Past-President rosendale@smu.edu

Aurélie Thiele, Faculty Senate President athiele@smu.edu

Academic Continuity – chaired by Michael Tumeo 

Develop plans to support educational continuity through a variety of instructional modes, including in-class, online-only and a hybrid of both. Address situations where students, faculty and staff must remain away from campus for a brief or extended period of time, or must adapt to other limitations on normal academic progress due to COVID-19. Plan and develop resources to support continuing classes, strategies for maintaining graduate student research and guidance for academic events of all sizes. Assess implications for student travel for internships and global experiences, including all activities at SMU-in-Taos. Define criteria and procedures for altering academic policies, including the Academic Calendar. Assess and develop options to mitigate the financial impacts that graduate and undergraduate students may face.

Members

Provost Office

·     Patty Alvey, PhD

·     Whitney Henry, MBA

·     Sheri Kunovich, PhD

·     Dayna Oscherwitz, PhD

·     Daniel Eady, EdM

·     David Son, PhD

·     Wes Waggoner, MBA, EdD

·     Doug Reinelt, PhD

·     Jim Quick, PhD

·     Michael Robertson, PhD

·     Michael Tumeo, PhD

Associate Deans

·     David Sedman, PhD – Meadows

·     Hugo Magallanes, PhD – Perkins

·     Tom Carr, PhD – Dedman College

·     Elizabeth Killingsworth, MLS – SMU Libraries

·     Bill Dillon, PhD – Cox

·     Becca Henley, JD – Dedman Law

·     Paige Ware, PhD – Simmons

·     Rumanda Young, PhD – Taos

·     Volkan Otugen, PhD – Lyle

OIT

·     Michael Hites, PhD

·     Curt Herridge, MBA

Faculty Senate

·     Tim Rosendale, PhD

·     Matthew Wilson, PhD

Student Body Vice President

·     Austin Hickle

Campus Health and Wellness – chaired by Melinda Sutton Noss, EdD and Peter Davis, MD, FACP

Develop comprehensive recommendations and plans for testing, contact tracing, social distancing, regulation of visitors, size of nonacademic events, frequent deep cleanings of facilities and other strategies to keep the campus safe, including facilities and activities at SMU-in-Taos. Create wellness information tools and resources to share broadly with the campus community.

Members

·     Health Center—Peter Davis, MD, FACP

·     Environmental Health & Safety – Brandon Chance, MS, CCHO

·     Global Health – Eric Bing, MD, PhD, MBA

·     Health Center – Randy Jones, MPH, DDS & Diane Melcher, RN

·     Health Promotions – Griffin Sharp, MS, MPH

·     Junior Student – from Dr. Bing’s Creating Impact in Global & Public Health course 

·     Human Resources—Mai Bui, MBA

·     RLSH—Amanda Bobo, MBA

·     OIT—George Finney, JD, CISM

·     OIT – Curt Herridge, MBA

Academic Continuity – chaired by Michael Tumeo 
Develop plans to support educational continuity through a variety of instructional modes, including in-class, online-only and a hybrid of both. Address situations where students, faculty and staff must remain away from campus for a brief or extended period of time, or must adapt to other limitations on normal academic progress due to COVID-19. Plan and develop resources to support continuing classes, strategies for maintaining graduate student research and guidance for academic events of all sizes. Assess implications for student travel for internships and global experiences, including all activities at SMU-in-Taos. Define criteria and procedures for altering academic policies, including the Academic Calendar. Assess and develop options to mitigate the financial impacts that graduate and undergraduate students may face.

Members
Provost Office
·     Patty Alvey, PhD
·     Whitney Henry, MBA
·     Sheri Kunovich, PhD
·     Dayna Oscherwitz, PhD
·     Daniel Eady, EdM
·     David Son, PhD
·     Wes Waggoner, MBA, EdD
·     Doug Reinelt, PhD
·     Jim Quick, PhD
·     Michael Robertson, PhD
·     Michael Tumeo, PhD

Associate Deans
·     David Sedman, PhD – Meadows
·     Hugo Magallanes, PhD – Perkins
·     Tom Carr, PhD – Dedman College
·     Elizabeth Killingsworth, MLS – SMU Libraries
·     Bill Dillon, PhD – Cox
·     Becca Henley, JD – Dedman Law
·     Paige Ware, PhD – Simmons
·     Rumanda Young, PhD – Taos
·     Volkan Otugen, PhD – Lyle

OIT
·     Michael Hites, PhD
·     Curt Herridge, MBA

Faculty Senate
·     Tim Rosendale, PhD
·     Matthew Wilson, PhD

Student Body Vice President
·     Austin Hickle


Campus Health and Wellness – chaired by Melinda Sutton Noss, EdD and Peter Davis, MD, FACP
Develop comprehensive recommendations and plans for testing, contact tracing, social distancing, regulation of visitors, size of nonacademic events, frequent deep cleanings of facilities and other strategies to keep the campus safe, including facilities and activities at SMU-in-Taos. Create wellness information tools and resources to share broadly with the campus community.

Members
·     Health Center—Peter Davis, MD, FACP
·     Environmental Health & Safety – Brandon Chance, MS, CCHO
·     Global Health – Eric Bing, MD, PhD, MBA
·     Health Center – Randy Jones, MPH, DDS & Diane Melcher, RN
·     Health Promotions – Griffin Sharp, MS, MPH
·     Junior Student – from Dr. Bing’s Creating Impact in Global & Public Health course 
·     Human Resources—Mai Bui, MBA
·     RLSH—Amanda Bobo, MBA
·     OIT—George Finney, JD, CISM
·     OIT – Curt Herridge, MBA

Dear SMU faculty and staff,

We are looking forward to your return to the Hilltop. You have demonstrated flexibility, creativity and remarkable good humor in keeping the University on course during these trying times, and those traits will serve us well as we return to campus and prepare to welcome our students back. Some of you, on the guidance of your supervisor, will be returning to campus on May 18. The remainder of SMU employees should plan to return to campus June 1.  Given that the campus is relatively quiet in June, especially due to online classes, the month is an ideal time for staff to return.  Since buildings will continue to be locked the general public will not have open access to SMU facilities.
 
Your health is important, and your commitment to new “rules of the road” will be essential to maintain the health of our entire SMU community. Our faculty and staff must be protected, trained and adequately prepared for this new working environment. Therefore, it is vital that you read the “Welcome Back to Campus” packet and follow its links to fully understand what is required. Please communicate with your manager, department chair or dean before you return to campus, allowing time for a thorough discussion of issues related to your workspace, schedule and other individual considerations.

If you still have questions after communicating with your supervisor, please follow up with Human Resources at returntowork@smu.edu, as needed.

Our new normal is likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. Rest assured, we will adjust our guidelines to meet challenges along the way. The most up to date information will be placed on the Human Resources website.  We appreciate your patience as we work together to make our work environment both healthy and productive. 

Thank you,

Peter K. Moore
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, ad interim

Chris Casey Regis 
Vice President for Business and Finance

May 15, 2020 Dear Students, Faculty and Staff: SMU, including its campus in Taos, is expecting to offer a combination of in-person and online classes for Summer Session II, commonly referred to as July term. We will continue to monitor and adjust as evolving guidelines emerge from Dallas County and the Texas governor. You may recall that the President’s Task Force for a Healthy Opening Fall 2020 is charged with the important mission of bringing our students, faculty and staff back to campus safely. One of the first charges assigned to the group was to evaluate the feasibility of an on-campus experience for the July term. The task force surveyed more than 1,000 students who enrolled in July term, as well as the faculty who signed up to teach. While most students replied that they would prefer to continue their summer learning online, many students expressed that they would like the on-campus experience, provided that safety and health protocols are in place. Faculty survey results mirrored the students’ responses, with most planning to teach online and many open to teaching in person. Informed by the latest science, along with health and safety guidelines from federal, state and local officials, the task force recommended that a hybrid model combining some on-site classes with online classes would be feasible and most responsive to the student needs. Welcoming a small community of students on campus in July will also enable SMU to fine-tune recommendations and protocols for the larger group of students returning in the fall. Recognizing that we are paving new ground, the University is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for on-campus students in July and when the fall semester begins in August.  Employees are returning to campus June 1 after receiving training on safety and health practices, which will include daily health self-assessments; face coverings; enhanced cleaning protocols; social distancing guidelines in workspaces, restrooms and elevators; as well as contact tracing. All these safety procedures will be in place for students as well. As we prepare for July, we are layering in plans to reduce the density of academic and residential facilities and dining halls, planning for distance-conscious transitions between classes, on-campus COVID-19 testing and more. These details will be shared with you as we get closer to welcoming our July students. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the continuously changing landscape created by COVID-19. Your safety and wellness are our highest priority, and our commitment to flexibility and responsiveness will help us give you the high-quality academic and student experience that defines SMU. Sincerely R. Gerald Turner President of SMU

Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff:

As the continuation of health and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 remains uncertain for the coming months, SMU has decided to move May and June term classes online. Enrollment for May and June classes for current SMU students opens Monday, April 13, and the priority enrollment deadline is Friday, April 24. 

The University has not yet decided how classes scheduled to start in July will be offered. Courses that start in July are currently listed in the Schedule of Classes as taking place on campus, but this is under review. Enrollment opens on April 13th for all summer courses including those that start in July. Students enrolling in a summer course that starts in July need to be aware that the delivery of the course may change. An announcement will be made later.

Many of the courses previously listed for May term at SMU-in-Taos will be offered online, while others that are site-dependent, such as “Photography in Taos,” will not.  None of the field school classes previously scheduled for June at SMU-in-Taos will be available. Students with questions about SMU-in Taos courses may contact Rumanda Young at rkyoung@smu.edu or Lashanda Phillips at lashandap@smu.edu.

More than fifty percent of our SMU students who graduate in four years take advantage of the Intersession courses offered during breaks between semesters and over the summer. We understand that the availability of these courses is key to timely progress toward your degree and hope you will take full advantage of what is being offered online. May and June courses can provide opportunities for students whose internships have been cancelled or shortened due to COVID-19, and it’s not too late for students to request specific May/summer courses through the SMU Intersession “Wish List” or the SMU-in-Taos “Wish List.”

Thank you for your patience as we continue to adapt to the changing health needs of our SMU community and neighbors.

Sincerely,
Peter K. Moore
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs ad interim

SMU Alert: COVID-19

April 2, 2020

SMU has been notified that an employee of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center on the University campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was tested Tuesday, April 1, received the positive results today, April 2, and will self-isolate for the next two weeks.

The potential for contact between the affected employee and other people on campus is minimal as all teaching is occurring online and the University is operating with essential staff only. A limited number of students have physically visited the Health Center in the past 14 days, and the center’s medical director is reaching out to each of these students to inform them of what is perceived to be limited risk of exposure. The University will also contact any other employees, such as health center, custodial, and facilities staff as well as any vendors who may have been in the building during the last two weeks.

No student has tested positive for the coronavirus at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. Only three other health center employees worked in close proximity with the staff member who has tested positive. These three health center employees will self-monitor at their homes for the next two weeks. 

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center is currently closed and will undergo a thorough, medical-grade disinfection over the next few days. Under advice of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, the health center will re-open after this deep cleaning on Monday, April 6, as usual.

This notification serves as a timely warning to the SMU campus in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act.)

Please note latest updates reflect more flexible travel guidelines.

Following federal and local guidelines recommended to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SMU is suspending all university-sponsored and/or sanctioned international travel. Students (undergraduates and graduate students) as well as faculty and staff members currently studying or working abroad are requested to return to the U.S.  In addition, SMU requests that those returning from university-sponsored and/or sanctioned international travel follow the CDC’s self observation protocol for symptoms for 14 days after leaving that destination.

SMU Abroad has cancelled all summer abroad programs and is not authorizing university-sponsored and/or sanctioned international travel by students, faculty or staff for the immediate future.

New guidelines issued March 1 by the Centers for Disease Control and amplified by Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) encourage higher education institutions to consider these measures given the speed of spread and number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission. We understand the inconvenience this creates and ask for your patience as we work through challenges related to this request.

Any member of the SMU community who chooses to disregard University recommendations for international travel must understand they will do so at their own risk and may face difficulties in return travel to the U.S. and/or possible restricted access to the SMU campus.

Undergraduate students currently abroad and the provider companies that support them have all been notified of the international travel suspension for university-sponsored and/or sanctioned program and activities.  SMU is evaluating alternative ways for students to complete their courses and educational requirements. SMU Deans and their staffs are working to inform graduate students of this international travel notification.

We are also in the early stages of notifying undergraduate students signed up for summer programs of these changes. Our SMU Abroad office is committed to providing alternatives by working with SMU Intersessions, SMU-in-Taos and other entities to offer alternative summer options to meet student degree requirements.

SMU has developed a campus-wide plan to address potential challenges created by the Coronavirus. We have established this blog that will be updated regularly. Please see the post from last week on tips to preventing the spread of the virus.

Please understand that people across the SMU campus are diligently working to address this rapidly changing situation surrounding the Coronavirus, its potential impacts on our campus, and alternative curriculum options to allow students to continue and complete their studies. Thank you for your understanding as we work through these challenges together.

Dear Colleagues,

As SMU takes precautions to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I’d like to offer additional information on how to continue our academic work and protect our research during this unusual period.

The move to online instruction for the two weeks after Spring Break and other cautionary actions announced in Dr. Turner’s March 12 email do not affect Ph.D. dissertation defenses, nor do they prevent faculty, staff, and graduate students from conducting research in laboratories. Scheduling and the conduct of Ph.D. defenses should continue without change unless notified otherwise. Likewise, faculty, staff, and graduate students may continue conducting research in laboratories currently.

Research is an essential component of SMU’s mission, and the University’s emergency response planning must ensure the security and continuity of essential laboratories and research facilities if it becomes necessary to promote remote teaching or limit campus access. Consequently, it is prudent to prepare continuity plans to ensure that mission-critical laboratories and research facilities are maintained with no substantial risk or harm to ongoing research.

To ensure this happens, please work with your Department Chairs and appropriate faculty to prepare a list of all mission-critical research labs and facilities in your school, and then complete this on-line questionnaire no later than March 20, 2020.

Responses should include:

1. Facilities within which on-going research cannot be interrupted
2. Facilities with equipment or animals that require continued attention or oversight
3. Facilities requiring environmental monitoring
4. Facilities for which continued operation is essential to meeting grant obligations
5. Facilities that are operating under security protocols or that contain hazardous materials

The situation around the Coronavirus remains fluid and can change rapidly. Please check emails and the blog for frequent updates and answers to other questions.

Sincerely,
Peter K. Moore
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs ad interim

Dear faculty and staff,

It’s been a challenging weekend as we all have been navigating the closures, delays and anxiety associated with the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As we head back to work tomorrow, I want to reaffirm the University’s commitment to your health.

Remember that maintaining social distance between you and your co-workers is an important way to fight the spread of the disease. Find good tips on social distancing and other measures in this information shared by County Judge Clay Jenkins from Dallas County Health and Human Services. If you have any concerns about your ability to maintain a distance of about six feet between yourself and co-workers in your workspace, please talk to your supervisor about alternative arrangements. And of course, if you should feel sick, please stay home. Our sick leave policies will be very flexible in coming weeks as we work together to stay healthy.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem that compromises your immune system, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. Please go to the special Human Resources Department site at https://www.smu.edu/BusinessFinance/HR/BenefitsAndWellness/Coronavirus, review the documentation, and if needed, work with your supervisor to fill out the Emergency Telecommuting Arrangement Form. Your supervisor will work with you to make necessary arrangements for these and other considerations, including issues related to childcare. 

Because the progression of the disease in North Dallas is evolving, we are planning ahead to ensure that the University can continue operating if a larger percentage of our workforce needs to work remotely.  Remember that SMU’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) will host a full day of drop-in training sessions for staff (as well as online webinars) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at Fondren Library East. Training will feature one-on-one consultation as well as short in-person sessions on Box, Skype for Business, Zoom, VPN, Remote Desktop and more. You can register for staff training at https://www.smu.edu/OIT/AcademicTech/Keep-Teaching/Training.

OIT is offering faculty training on Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19, to prepare you for online teaching when our students resume their coursework after Spring Break. The Office of the Provost will provide you with scheduling and registration information tomorrow.

We’re adjusting every day to changing circumstances. We are an institution with a mission of service and I appreciate both your patience and cooperative spirit as we continue this journey together. I’ll check in with you again as soon as I have more information to share.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

President

Dear SMU community,

Due to rapidly changing issues related to the spread of Coronavirus, SMU will move students from classrooms to online instruction for the first two weeks following Spring Break, beginning Monday, March 23.  The University is requesting that as many students as is possible leave the residence halls during Spring Break and remain home until April 5, as we expect normal operations to resume on April 6.

International and other students who need to remain living in the residence halls should formally request approval from the Office of Residence Life and Student Housing to stay on campus. RLSH will send a message directly to residents containing additional information outlining the process. The campus will remain open and operational. Limited food service will still be available, the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, the Meadows Museum and the SMU Childcare Center will remain open, as will Fondren Library. However, Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports will close during this period.

Faculty and staff should plan to report to campus as usual during this period.  As a reminder, the University is providing training March 18-19 to upgrade faculty skills in delivering online instruction.  We also recognize that some faculty or staff members may have medical vulnerability or childcare issues to consider moving forward, and we will direct you to the process for requesting special accommodations via this website.

Some types of instruction may not be fully deliverable online, as in the visual and performing arts and laboratory sciences, and these will be addressed individually.  Our goal is to prevent interruption of anyone’s degree plan – particularly graduating seniors.

Student advising for May term, summer, August and fall classes will also be handled online during the two-week period following Spring Break.

In addition to moving classroom instruction online, SMU is canceling or postponing on-campus gatherings of more than 50 people through the end of April. We are establishing an appeals process to consider exceptions for some types of events. At this time, we still intend to hold  Commencement Convocation on May 16.

These decisions raise questions for many of you, and we will continue to address them in coming days.  Please continue to monitor this site and the FAQ section.

We do not make these decisions lightly, but out of an abundance of caution. As I noted previously, we are currently planning for normal classroom instruction to resume April 6, but everyone is asked to remain patient and flexible as we work through this challenging time.  We are determined to deliver on our education mission while maintaining the priority of the  health and well-being of our campus community.  Please understand that if circumstances mandate further change, we will continue to adjust. SMU is  a community of smart, motivated and compassionate people who will work through this.

Thank you all for your patience, and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner

President

Following the guidance received from U.S. Department of Education,  SMU is distributing funds received as part of the CARES Act to students with the greatest demonstrated need and financial hardship due to the ongoing pandemic.  
 
To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:  
·       Enrolled as of April 30th for the Spring 2020 term.
·       Eligible to receive Federal Title IV funding as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
·       Received Federal Title IV grants or loans for the spring 2020 term.
o   For undergraduate students, received need-based aid for the spring term.
o   For graduate and professional students, received federal or state loans for the spring 2020 term.
·       Enrolled in a campus-based academic program (Online programs are not eligible).
 
Also, check out these FAQS for additional information.