Texas Tech Closes Campuses Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Texas Tech University has entered the final phase of its Emergency Remote Work Status Operational Phases, its response to the ongoing novel coronavirus crisis.

The move, which closes Texas Tech campuses, is the fourth phase of a four-phase plan and will go into effect by the close of the business day on Thursday, March 26th, 2020.

According to the memo, sent by Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell Tuesday afternoon (March 24th), the school's priority is "to protect the Texas Tech University System communities and maintain a safe working environment, allowing for the continuity of operations and avoiding workforce pay interruption."

The intent of Phase IV is to restrict on-campus operation to critical functions only, the memo states. Essential personnel will be on-campus, while on-essential personnel will be working remotely.

"Essential personnel" is the following:

• Security
• Police Department
• Dispatch
• Environmental health and safety
• Food services (particularly if residence halls remain open)
• Marketing and Communications
• Vice President, Chief Information Officer
• Residence Life Director
• Managing Director of Employee Assistance Program
• Direct patient care providers
• Clinical department chairs
• Facilities, operations
• Budget accounting (emergency purchasing and processing authority)
• Human Resources (selected staff)
• Payroll and tax services
• President’s and Chancellor’s executive leadershipIntent: On-campus operations restricted to critical functions only.

In addition, all travel and events are canceled and a hiring review approval committee will be implemented. The minimum workforce required will be used for the following:

• Operate critical clinics as determined by respective Vice President and
  Deans.
• Operate Animal Resource Centers.
• Maintain buildings and equipment.
• Police Department and Security Guards.
• Other University-specific and TTU System Administration-specific
  positions.

The plan will go into effect by the close of the business day on Thursday, March 26th, 2020.