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Our Commitment to a Safe Return

The Texas Tech University System Administration is committed to a safe return to work locations for all its employees

June 12, 2020 | Written by: Katelynn Butler

After almost three months of working remotely, Texas Tech University System Administration employees have begun a phased-in return to their work locations. Beginning this week with a 25% limited workforce capacity, the TTU System Administration is committed to providing a safe return for its employees.

"We are committed to providing a safe return-to-work environment for everyone on our team, and we will need everybody's help to ensure our success," said Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., chancellor of the TTU System. "Returning to our work locations requires us all to show empathy, be compassionate and take our health and safety seriously. We must all do our part to take care of each other, and by doing so, we can live our shared values of taking care of our community and putting people first."

Employees were provided a comprehensive document that outlines the guiding parameters for a healthy and safe return to TTU System Administration work locations. Team members were also provided individual bottles of hand sanitizer and complimentary refills, along with additional hand sanitizing stations located throughout the TTU System Building. In addition, no-touch forehead thermometers are available in designated wellness check areas, air purifying filters will be installed throughout the building, and face coverings, gloves and sanitation wipes are available for employees and visitors upon request.

Signs are placed throughout the TTU System Building to promote awareness and inform employees and visitors of the building's health and safety protocols. In an effort to further guarantee the safety of the work environment, nightly cleaning crews and full-time staff personnel are implementing additional cleaning measures for office spaces, conference rooms and other shared areas throughout the building.

These values, community and people first, come from a list of five shared values recently adopted by the TTU System Administration team as part of its Values Culture initiative. The five values are people first, integrity, community, respect and exemplary service. Now, more than ever, the importance of these values rings true for the employees of the TTU System Administration. Having a common understanding of these values has been critical during the uncertainty of recent months, and it will remain an important part of the transition back to work.

In the coming months, employees can tentatively expect a transition to Phase II operations (50% onsite workforce capacity) on July 13, and Phase I operations (full return to work locations) on August 9. This schedule is subject to change in relation to the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, and state and local government guidelines.

After announcing the move to online learning on March 12, and the move to Phase IV, closed campus operations, on March 26, the TTU System institutions have begun to announce their respective plans for a return to campus in the fall. Texas Tech University announced its plans on Wednesday (June 10), and Angelo State University announced an adjustment to its academic calendar last week.

For more information on the TTU System Administration's COVID-19 policies and commitment to a safe return, please visit their website.

About the Texas Tech University System
Established in 1996 and headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the Texas Tech University System is a $2 billion higher education enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and community outreach. Consisting of four universities – Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso – the TTU System collectively has approximately 55,000 students, 17 campuses statewide and internationally, more than 300,000 alumni and an endowment valued at over $1.3 billion.

During the 86th Texas Legislature under the leadership of Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., legislative funding and authority was provided to establish a new Texas Tech University veterinary school in Amarillo and a new dental school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. This will be the state's first veterinary school in more than a century and first dental school in over 50 years. The addition of these two schools makes the TTU System one of only nine in the nation to offer programs for undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education, among other academic areas.

For Texas Tech University System news and updates, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube – @TTUSystem.