Reopening Roadmap
How RecSports navigated a campus closure and prepared for a fall reopening.
March 11: The World Health Organization officially describes COVID-19 as a pandemic.
March 12: The last day of “normal” campus operations. UT suspends travel through April 30. RecSports issues communication to members and the campus community about safety protocols being implemented to prevent the spread of the virus including enhanced cleaning protocols, sanitization of towels, staggering of equipment and furniture re-configuration. RecSports cancels all programs and organized activities through March 29 and all travel for sport clubs through April 30.
March 13: The first COVID-19 case identified within the UT Austin community. UT closes operations and cancels classes for the day. RecSports facilities are closed until further notice. Governor Abbott declares statewide emergency.
March 15: UT extends spring break for students through March 30. City of Austin issues order banning mass gatherings. RecSports professional staff begins working from home until further notice.
March 16: RecSports announces facility closures to be in effect through at least the end of March.
March 17: UT moves all spring semester classes online beginning March 30.
March 18: RecSports closes all facilities through the end of the spring semester.
March 23: Longhorn Run announces switch to all-virtual race
March 24: City of Austin issues a Stay at Home — Work Safe Order to be in effect until April 13, directing individuals to remain home with the exception of essential work and activities. Non-essential businesses close. Students are instructed to not return to campus unless approved for temporary emergency housing.
March 25: UT announces graduation ceremonies and commencement are postponed and virtual commencement will take place. RecSports launches virtual fitness/weekly TeXercise workout videos delivered on YouTube, social media, and via email.
March 30: UT spring classes resume; first day of remote learning.
March 31: Governor Greg Abbott issues executive order and closes schools until May 4.
April 1: RecSports launches Stay Home Stay Active initiative featuring new ways for the UT community to stay active while they are learning or working from home, including at home workout plans and guides on finding adventure from home.
April 1: UT announces that all summer classes will take place online.
April 9: Intramural Sports launches two seasons of Esports tournaments — FIFA 20, MADDEN NFL 20, NBA 2K20.
April 13: City of Austin extends the Stay Home — Work Safe order.
April 14: UT announces that summer orientation will take place online.
April 18: The first all-virtual Longhorn Run takes place with 977 participants throughout the United States and abroad.
April 20: RecSports forms the Facilities Reopening Committee to begin developing reopening plans for RecSports.
April 30: TeXercise program holds first-ever virtual auditions for instructors.
April 30: RecSports Recess goes virtual for the first time.
May 6: UT announces fall reopening decisions will be made by the end of June.
May 12: RecSports holds Final Stretch online to provide a study break during final exams.
May 23: UT holds virtual Commencement and RecSports pays special tribute to 2020 graduates.
June 6: Over 700 new freshman and transfer students participate in RecSports’ summer orientation programming.
June 10: Summer intramural Esports tournament takes place.
August 12: RecSports announces gradual reopening of facilities.
August 15: MyRecSports web-based app launches for weight room, pool, TeXercise, and Climbing Wall reservations.
August 17: Gregory Gym and Caven-Clark Field reopen with modifications and new safety protocols.
August 20: The Recreational Sports Center reopens.
August 25: Over 600 students participate in the Back to School with RecSports virtual week-long event.
August 26: All RecSports facilities reopen with reduced hours. First day of fall semester classes at UT with in-person and virtual classes.
September 14: RecSports programming resumes and facility hours expanded with fall semester hours in effect through November 23.
While this year proved to be a challenging one, our team was able to adapt and Innovative Thinking around Welcoming the UT Community Back to RecSports!
