All,
I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. As you know, Governor Abbott announced this week the first phase of the plan to open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
Given the staffing guidance we have already implemented (operating with only essential personnel in the workplace, observing social distancing in the workplace, ensuring that enhanced custodial and hygiene practices are used, providing online instruction only, and having most employees work from home), this latest announcement does not impact our current operating measures at Texas A&M AgriLife.
AgriLife will continue to follow operational changes implemented over the past few weeks, through at least May 18. Please continue to follow guidance issued by your supervisor, with only essential personnel in the workplace and most employees working remotely via alternate work location (AWL).
We anticipate bringing more employees back to the workplace in the near future. Return to on-site work will be handled in a way that reopens the workplace in successive “waves” beginning in mid-May. This will be done in a thoughtful manner that protects the health and safety of our faculty, staff, researchers and students and is informed by guidance from public health authorities, The Texas A&M University System, and the Office of the Governor.We will share further details on these plans as they are available.
Please continue to monitor the Coronavirus Information for AgriLife Employees webpage. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor, or contact the AgriLife Human Resources Office at 979-845-7879.
Stay well,
Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, Texas A&M AgriLife
Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research