March 24, 2020
Greetings Faculty and Staff:
Under normal circumstances, the University of Houston-Clear Lake never stops operating.
However, as of today’s 8:15 a.m. Harris County press conference, our ability to operate
as planned changed. Like every such moment that has gone before, it is not only the
crisis itself but also how we respond that matters most. The Hawk family is responding
as only Hawks know how: with grit, resiliency, and a spirit that cannot be broken!
As you know, all classes are being delivered online by our faculty, and our staff
have continued to provide vital services to the campus community to ensure the mission
of our campus is not impacted. However, in protecting the health and lives of our
Hawk community and countless others we encounter, effective at 11:59 p.m. today through
Friday, April 3, all campus operations will be conducted online or virtually through
telecommuting efforts. Please refer to the university website for current information regarding campus operations.
What does this mean?
Access to campus facilities will be limited to essential personnel, such as Campus
Safety; Environmental, Health and Safety; Housing and Dining Services; and employees
designated critically essential to the overall operation of the campus. Faculty, teaching
assistants, and research personnel will have access to university facilities through
close of business, Friday, March 27.
Visitors to campus are not permitted. Stated clearly, this means that all of us should
stay home.
Employees will continue to work remotely. Employees who are unable to work remotely
and are directed not to come to campus will be provided emergency leave in accordance
with System Policy and State code. Where meaningful work is not possible, full-time,
professional development opportunities have been provided at the HR Training webpage. Contact your supervisor with questions or if you require additional information.
To each and every one of you who care for our university, I know you are deeply concerned
and uncertain about what comes next, and I share those feelings with you. You have
goals and dreams left undone, research interrupted, and collectively, we are experiencing
a thousand other challenges. It is genuinely painful to have so much changed so quickly.
The best thing we can do now is stay focused, stay healthy, work hard and keep a positive
attitude. That is the Hawk way!
Stay safe and stay home.
Ira K. Blake, Ph.D.
President