University Community:

I hope that all of you were able to catch your breath over the long holiday break. As we begin a new semester, I want to provide some guidance as our university reopens for operations during the 2022 Spring Semester. As you know, the Omicron variant is causing a surge in COVID cases, and safe operations are a priority.

Considering these conditions, the following information summarizes the university’s current plans:
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Opening Face to Face:</strong> UT Martin’s main campus and five regional centers will open in person this spring as classes begin Thursday, January 13, 2022. Classes and offices will open face-to-face.</li>
 	<li><strong>Masks and Social Distancing:</strong> Everyone is expected to protect others from the spread of COVID-19, and the university strongly recommends wearing masks in academic settings and administrative offices. Social distancing is also recommended, when possible.</li>
 	<li><strong>University Activities</strong>: Optional activities, including intercollegiate athletics, will proceed with recommended masking and social distancing, where practical.</li>
 	<li><strong>Monitoring Conditions: </strong>The university will continue to monitor conditions and encourage safe learning and social environments.</li>
 	<li class="x_MsoNormal"><b>Vaccinations:</b> Vaccination and booster shots for COVID-19 are highly encouraged for faculty, staff, and students. Vaccine is readily available at many county health departments and local pharmacies. You can find COVID-19 vaccines and boosters <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">here</a>.</li>
 	<li><strong>Taking Care of Students:</strong> Although UT Martin is committed to hold in-person classes, academic areas will work to accommodate students who experience illness. It's imperative that our students have every opportunity to succeed.</li>
</ul>
Please continue to monitor our <a href="https://www.utm.edu/alerts/corona/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">COVID-19 website</a> for university updates and FAQs. Town Hall gatherings for faculty, staff, students, and parents will resume this semester with both virtual and in-person options.

Information changes almost daily, and pandemic guidelines evolve from guidance from state, regional and federal authorities. We’ll continue to communicate with the University of Tennessee System office and the system’s COVID-19 Task Force for guidance and support. More guidance will be communicated as conditions warrant and new information is known.

The last 24 months have been difficult for all of us, and I’m grateful for all the support you’ve given your students and colleagues. I value each of you as part of the UT Martin family and thank you in advance for helping us to keep our university community safe for everyone. It's a great day to be a Skyhawk!

All the Best,

Keith Carver, Chancellor