Restrictions of Undergraduate Students Access to Research Labs
Date: March 20, 2020
Dear Research Faculty and Staff,
This is an update to the RESEARCH GUIDELINES, developed in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Because current guidelines require that laboratory or site occupancy be extremely limited, it is essential that only experienced, highly trained (in lab safety and COVID-19 procedures) persons participate in onsite research activities. In particular, as of today, no undergraduate students will be allowed in any UTEP research laboratory or research site until Monday April 6. Please be aware that this directive may be extended depending on how the situation evolves in El Paso. Existing undergraduate student appointments in (226 accounts) will remain in effect through May 30, 2020 or through the project end date if sooner. Wherever possible, undergraduate students with research jobs or course responsibilities should be tasked with suitable remote or individual work, such as analyzing data, reviewing manuscripts, preparing new presentations, assisting with grant proposals, etc.
While graduate students, postdoctoral fellows or other staff may access research laboratories and other sites, they cannot be required to do so. They may request remote or independent work assignments, as appropriate. At all times, Principal Investigators have full control over who is allowed or not allowed access to their research areas.
The university intends to maintain minimal access to laboratories so that critical activities, including the maintenance of animals, unique reagents, and essential equipment and materials, along with research related to COVID-19, can continue, however, we strongly recommend that Principal Investigators finalize plans to reduce their research activities to an absolute minimum, with very little advance notice.
All other guidelines remain in effect. Please continue to monitor you emails and the Research website.
We thank you for your flexibility in these challenging times.