Dear Comets:
By now, most of you have heard of Gov. Greg Abbott’s new executive order (GA-36) prohibiting governmental entities from mandating face coverings. In short, this order prohibits UT Dallas from requiring anyone to wear a face covering anywhere on campus, including in classrooms and other University-owned facilities*. While this does not affect our previous guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, mask wearing for unvaccinated individuals will now also be voluntary.
However, this order does not change the following:
- We strongly encourage all members of the University community to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Anyone 12 years of age or older can get vaccinated either by booking an appointment through UT Southwestern’s vaccine registration portal or with another vaccine provider. We ask fully-vaccinated faculty, staff and students to register their vaccination status through the UT Dallas voluntary vaccine reporting tool.
- Individuals should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 public health guidelines appropriate to their vaccination status. These recommendations can be found on the CDC’s guidance page and are summarized in this infographic (pdf).
Please continue to monitor our UT Dallas COVID-19 website for updates on protocols and guidelines.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the health and safety of your fellow Comets and for remaining Comets United.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rafael Martín
Vice President and Chief of Staff
*The Davidson Gundy Alumni Center is currently serving as a UT Southwestern vaccine clinic. Masks will remain mandatory in that facility.