August 16, 2022
Dear SMU Community,
If you have been away, welcome back to the Hilltop. We hope you enjoyed the summer break and are looking forward to a fall full of engaged learning and fun activities. Thank you to the staff and faculty who have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming school year.
You will likely remember that SMU lifted the University’s COVID-19 protocols at the end of the spring term on May 15, 2022. We recognize that the virus is still present in our community and while it is contagious, in most cases it is less severe and more manageable, especially for those who are vaccinated.
University leadership continues to review guidance from local, state and federal health officials. The President’s Executive Council frequently discusses the latest information about COVID-19 that is specific to our area and is prepared to adjust the University’s response if needed.
Here are a few things to remember as we start the fall term:
- The campus remains mask optional, including all classrooms and academic spaces. Faculty and staff may request masking in their classrooms, labs and workspaces. Although compliance has been high in the past, masks cannot be required.
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- N95 masks are available upon request. A limited supply of disinfectant and cleaning materials is also available for faculty and staff. Please submit requests through STABLE.
- Employees seeking a reasonable accommodation based on a disability should contact the Office of Institutional Access and Equity (IAE) at accessequity@smu.edu.
- Students should contact Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) to request accommodations.
- As with any contagious illness, if you feel sick, have symptoms or test positive, do not come to work or class. If you have been exposed, monitor for symptoms.
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- Students, contact your instructors and make up any work if you miss class.
- Faculty and staff, please alert your dean or supervisor if you plan to miss work due to illness.
- The University offers students, faculty and staff – as well as employees’ spouses and dependents – the option to receive the vaccine and recommended boosters on campus at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.
- Students can schedule a COVID-19 test by visiting the SMU Health Portal or by calling 214-768-2141 (option 1).
- SMU also continues to provide employees with access to convenient COVID-19 testing.
Along with the links in this email, check the Mustang Strong website for updates on SMU’s response and resources on COVID-19, as well as access the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Please practice healthy habits. Information on COVID-19, monkeypox, influenza, allergies, counseling and other health and well-being resources can be found at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center website. Let’s work together to stay Mustang Strong.
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Randy P. Jones, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean of Student Life
Executive Director of Health Services
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center