I know that many of you have been following the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Austin and across Texas, and you are concerned about what it will mean for you, your families, our community and UT.

During the past few days, I have heard from many students, alumni, faculty and staff asking for meaningful changes to promote diversity and equity and ensure that black students at UT are fully supported. It is important, first, for me to listen closely — and then to work with the entire community to develop a plan to move the university forward.

I am asking the leadership in all units across campus to look closely at the vital roles each staff member plays; assess what functions can still be done at a high level remotely through the summer and into the fall; determine what other roles should be brought back to campus once many of our students and faculty members return; and make phased decisions about when offices can safely reopen in person.

As we move along into the summer months, the university continues to solidify its plans for our reopening, and today, I wanted to share some additional updates…You can review all of our decisions regarding learning, living, working, health and wellness, research and athletics at our Fall 2020 planning website.

The university continues to plan for the fall semester, when we will return to campus and continue the learning, teaching and research that has defined this great university for 137 years. Today, I’d like to share a few key updates with you about our summer and fall plans.

Now more than ever, I see that the creation and dissemination of knowledge are the most effective antidotes for injustice, inequality and intolerance, and for the advancement and improvement of our society. And that’s what we do at UT.