Presidential Communications
August 21, 2020
Dear Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Team Members,
One lesson that we have learned over the past five months is that COVID-19 presents a challenge in that one size does not fit all. While we have a common goal to get our teams back to campus, we also have to be flexible as we respond to changes in local, state, and federal guidelines based on current coronavirus situations in our communities.
Human Resources developed a task force to evaluate the various situations and scenarios that our team members may face during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding leave for their respective positions and work circumstances. From the task force's recommendations, this guidance was developed to assist in addressing leave requests.
Supervisors and team members will work collaboratively to determine the best options for the individual and the department in alignment with the guidance and with the university's policies, procedures, and values.
Please note that changes to federal, state, and local requirements may affect this guidance. If you have any questions, please contact your Campus HR Director.
With many of our departments and divisions resuming campus-based operations, now, more than ever, we must be united in our effort to maintain the safety and well-being of our Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ community. This requires that we all remain vigilant in:
- Completing daily required self-screenings;
- Practicing physical distancing and wearing facial coverings; and
- Washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer often when hand washing is not possible.
As a reminder for our team members in Lubbock, the Texas Department of Emergency Management is providing optional drive-thru COVID-19 testing at no charge through August 24 at the Museum of Texas Tech. If you choose to be tested, pre-registration is required at https://texas.curativeinc.com/welcome.
Please continue to visit Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Safe regularly for up-to-date information of the university's guidelines as we navigate the pandemic.
Thank you for your efforts during these challenging times. You are the reason Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ has remained open and productive, allowing us to continue fulfilling our mission.
Warmest regards,
Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.
President
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center