Bobcats, you can do this!
President | March 27, 2020
Dear Students,
Monday begins a new journey as we resume our spring semester classes through remote delivery.
I know this is not the way any of us imagined the second half of our spring semester, but it is what these extraordinary times require. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have made difficult decisions to keep our campuses safe, and to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.
No matter where you are today, know that our Bobcat community remains strong, and all of us at Texas State University are invested in your success as we adapt to a new learning environment.
As we begin classes under stay-at-home orders from Hays County, Williamson County, and surrounding counties, I want to emphasize that Texas State is considered an essential government agency and remains open with limited staffing to serve you. Many of our employees are working remotely, while others are practicing social distancing to keep essential offices operating on our campuses. Adhering to the stay-at-home orders is critical for the health and safety of our entire region and I encourage you to read our COVID-19 FAQs for updates and information on available services while the orders are in place.
I am very proud of how our dedicated faculty and staff have met the challenge of moving over 5,200 class sections of lecture, seminar, and laboratory courses to remote delivery over the last two weeks. They faced this task with innovation, hard work, and determination to serve you well during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that you can easily access your remote course material and finish the semester strong is our primary focus. If you have questions or need support, please contact the IT Assistance Center (ITAC).
Not only are courses available remotely, but several of the university’s other support services such as counseling and academic advising can now be accessed online. Please take care of yourself during these stressful times and reach out to the Counseling Center if you need additional support.
As we begin to adapt and find some comfort in our “new normal,” continue to keep yourself and others safe by following the COVID-19 prevention guidelines, including social distancing and hygiene, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For students who do need to physically come to our San Marcos Campus or Round Rock Campus, we have taken measures to ensure the environment is as safe as possible for you.
In my 17 years as president of Texas State, we’ve never experienced anything like this -- but I have also never been prouder. This challenging situation has amplified our fundamental Bobcat values of compassion, service, perseverance, and dedication. I am humbled by the actions of our health professions faculty and staff who have donated their time and equipment, including loaning ventilators to area hospitals, to help the greater cause. Our Student Affairs and Housing and Residential Life staff are working hard to help 4,000 students move from residence halls safely, or find a way to stay if they didn’t have a suitable housing alternative. The Student Health Center transformed its health care delivery to include a telehealth to keep students well. Our alumni have reached out to offer encouragement and support to the university and to our students. Through kindness and hard work, our university family is making a difference, and I look forward to sharing more of these uplifting stories in the upcoming days and weeks.
Most importantly, I am impressed by each of you. I know there is apprehension and uncertainty along with disappointment for what you are missing, but I am confident in your resilience and tenacity. We are here to give you the support you need to navigate these next two months. And, for those of you who are seniors, I can’t wait to celebrate commencement with you in August.
Together, we will make the best of this situation, and give new meaning to “Bobcat Strong.”
Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
Denise M. Trauth
President