Semester to start virtually for UTSA, OLLU, Alamo Colleges
University of Texas at San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University and Alamo Colleges District will begin the new semester with online classes.
Within a week, all local universities have decided either to delay their start date or begin classes online to reduce the spread of COVID-19’S omicron variant, which is surging in the city.
UTSA will begin the spring semester virtually for most classes, meeting online from Jan. 18 to Feb. 6, university officials said in an email to students, faculty and staff Thursday morning.
Residence halls and campus dining will be open to students who would like to move in as scheduled.
The university will continue mandatory testing for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 and those who have had a high-risk exposure to COVID-19.
Alamo Colleges District will conduct online classes from Jan. 18 to 29, the community college network announced Thursday afternoon.
Most classes will be remote, but select programs that require in-person attendance will be held onsite. The district is encouraging eligible faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated and boosted.
COVID-19 testing will remain available to students, and required for employees. Metro Health recently added a COVID-19 screening site at the Alamo Colleges District that is open to the public.
At OLLU, President Diane Melby told students Wednesday night that all lecture classes will be virtual through at least Jan. 23, while lab classes and practicum will vary based on the program.
“We had hoped to return to face-to-face instruction,” Melby told students via email, “but with the increased case numbers, even before we have started classes, it is necessary to begin the semester virtually for most classes.”
Residence halls will be open and students wanting to work on campus may do so before classes begin inperson. Masks will continue to be required in all indoor spaces.
Anyone who has COVID-19 will be required to follow CDC guidance on isolation and quarantine with one exception: If you’re vaccinated and boosted but live with someone who has the virus, you still must quarantine at least five days.