Martin, Tenn.–The fall semester at the University of Tennessee at Martin will begin August 23 and Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver has announced that masks will be required indoors.
In his message to the campus community issued Tuesday, Dr. Carver said masks will be required in classrooms, laboratories, instructional spaces and any indoor events students are required to attend. Social distancing is “strongly encouraged where practical.”
University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd last week issued a statement saying that although the university system is not requiring vaccinations, students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to get their vaccinations.
In his statement to campus, Dr. Carver said: “We’ve made significant progress compared to this time last year, but we remain vigilant and are ready to adjust as conditions warrant. Information is changing, and we’re continually reevaluating so that we can make the best decisions for UT Martin. I’ll be in touch later this week with more information. We won’t stop communicating,” Carver says in his letter. “Thank you for all you’re doing to keep Skyhawk Nation safe, and I again encourage each of us to get vaccinated and help our university, community, state, and country to put COVID-19 behind us.”
“Campus Community,
I am excited about our in-person return to campus and our regional centers this month. I know that all of us are eager to begin face-to-face classes and reconnect with old friends (and make new ones). UT President Randy Boyd earlier released information for opening classes and university activities this fall semester related to new concerns about the COVID-19 Delta variant. UT campuses and units are following up with the best decisions for students, faculty and staff at their respective locations.
The following information summarizes the university’s current plans:
- UT Martin’s main campus and regional centers will open in person this fall as classes begin Aug. 23. Classes and offices will open face-to-face.
- As noted in President Boyd’s communication, masks are required in classrooms, laboratories, instructional spaces, and any indoor events students are required to attend. Social distancing is also encouraged where practical.
- Student activities, including intercollegiate athletics, will proceed normally.
- Vaccination for COVID-19 isn’t required but is highly encouraged for UT Martin faculty, staff and students. Vaccination opportunities are being planned, but in the meantime, the vaccine is readily available at many county health departments and local pharmacies.
- Although UT Martin is committed to hold in-person classes, academic areas will work to accommodate students who might have to quarantine. Students must have every opportunity to succeed.
- Information at www.utm.edu/coronavirus will be updated, including information about current UT Martin cases and the excellent UT System COVID-19 Situation Dashboard. We’ll also resume virtual town halls on alternating weeks this fall for faculty, staff, students and families.
We’ve made significant progress compared to this time last year, but we remain vigilant and are ready to adjust as conditions warrant. Information is changing, and we’re continually reevaluating so that we can make the best decisions for UT Martin. I’ll be in touch later this week with more information. We won’t stop communicating.
Thank you for all you’re doing to keep Skyhawk Nation safe, and I again encourage each of us to get vaccinated and help our university, community, state, and country to put COVID-19 behind us.”