This message has been distributed to all UT employees with Principal Investigator (PI) status, as well as all UT graduate students and postdocs.
Dear PI Colleagues, Graduate Students, and Postdocs,
As part of the research level step-down plan I introduced earlier this month, I’m writing to let you know that effective Monday, May 10, 2021, social distancing square footage requirements will cease in on-campus spaces where research is conducted. This decision has been made in close coordination with the Fall 2021 Planning Executive Committee and the Health and Wellness Working Group.
Our goal is to encourage a gradual acclimation toward full capacity research operations in July. However, the current 1-person-per-125 sq.-ft. rule means that many research spaces are already at capacity, which limits or negates their ability to slowly increase the number of on-site researchers. By eliminating the square footage requirement, our intention is to give you the flexibility you need to return to campus at a measured pace.
Please note that we will continue to adhere to all other guidelines:
Through May 16th, we will be at Research Level 2 with a 70% workforce density limit.
All research group or lab meetings must continue to follow the university’s meetings and event guidelines, and it is still recommended that you hold meetings virtually whenever possible. The removal of the social distancing requirement applies to conducting on-campus research only.
Be vigilant about maintaining printed or digital room logs for contact tracing purposes.
Researchers are still responsible for cleaning lab spaces and should continue to leave trash and recycling cans in the nearest hallway to be emptied. Additionally, full and properly sealed glass containers can be left in the hall for disposal, and a replacement container will be delivered. Any changes to housekeeping procedures will be communicated as summer and fall plans are finalized.
And many of you may have heard by now that the university is offering a limited number of vaccine walk-ups daily and that operations will be moving from Gregory Gym to the Health Transformation Building this month. Please consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible if you have not done so already.
As always, if you have any questions, please speak with your supervising PI or associate dean for research (ADR). I remain optimistic about our return to campus and hope you’re as eager as I am to reunite with our teams and colleagues. I’m convinced it’s those interpersonal connections that enable some of our best work.
Sincerely,
Alison R. Preston, Ph.D. Interim Vice President for Research
This communication is from Principal Investigators – Official. View this email online.
