Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021

Dear UNT Students,

I hope you enjoyed all our Homecoming festivities last week and are ready for the final weeks of the fall semester. We've had a great semester together, and I am proud of the care you've shown for one another in continuing to navigate this public health crisis. I want to share a few important reminders as you prepare for finals and next week's fall break.

First, I am happy to report that Denton County Public Health (DCPH) is showing a decline in COVID-19 cases from the recent surge caused by the delta variant. However, the virus is still a concern around the world, and DCPH urges all unvaccinated community members to continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings, and stay home if symptomatic. The Centers for Disease Control says fully vaccinated individuals can return to pre-pandemic activities, but still recommends face coverings in high-risk indoor public settings.

Please consider taking the following steps to best protect yourselves and your loved ones during the upcoming holiday season:

UNT is a special place. We have built a vibrant community full of creative, kind, and caring individuals. The holidays and finals always bring their own kind of stress, and while I know we're tired of tests and masks, please stay the course. Now is not the time to let your guard down.

Together, we can help keep one another healthy and safe as part of the Mean Green Family I know and love.

UNT Proud,
Neal Smatresk
UNT President