Messages From the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Announcing the retirement of Juan Ontiveros, Associate Vice President for Utilities and Energy Management

September 29, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

En Español

Please join me in thanking Associate Vice President for Utilities and Energy Management Juan Ontiveros as he retires from the university after more than two decades of service. Juan’s last day with the university will be December 15. He has led the Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) department in various roles since 1997, and has served as AVP since 2014.

Announcing Retirement of Dana Chapman, Associate Vice President for Enterprise Business and Information Technology Solutions

September 24, 2021

En Español

Update on Flexible Work, New Testing Program

September 15, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

En Español

In his message to all employees, President Jay Hartzell extended the timeframe for some staff to return to campus to Oct. 4 while also allowing faculty to adjust their teaching modality during this time frame. This extension is intended to address concerns about community spread of COVID-19 and provide more time to continue to reduce density on campus where possible.

Updated FAS COVID-19 Guide for Staff

August 19, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

En Español

There is no denying this has been a challenging few weeks as the COVID-19 Delta variant has moved into Central Texas. In the last week, we have seen the university begin rolling out contingencies to help minimize density in classrooms, request students get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus, and I have requested FAS leadership reduce any unnecessary on-site work to help with density as well.

Update on Flexible Work as Austin moves to COVID-19 Stage 5

August 10, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

En Español

University executive leadership and the university-level health and wellness committee have been meeting to discuss contingency plans for the fall as Austin and Travis County move into COVID-19 Stage 5.

Implementing Fall Plans; Reminders of Existing COVID-19 Guidance

August 4, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

En Español

As summer comes to a close, I wanted to provide an update on where we stand with our plans for the fall and share some important reminders about COVID-19 precautions and guidance we should all be mindful of as we enter in the fall months.

What to expect for fall

June 14, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

En Español

Thank you for persevering during the more than 14 months since the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting how FAS and the university do business. You have continued to exemplify our Core Values in how you perform your work, whether on campus, remotely or a hybrid combination of both.

COVID-19 guidance for FAS staff

June 11, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

Thank you for your extraordinary commitment to health and safety in the months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together you have contributed to the decline of COVID-19 cases on our campus by wearing masks, social distancing, and keeping hands and workspaces clean.

En Español

Appointments: Melissa Loe, Interim Chief of Staff; Kerri Battles, Interim Director of Communications

June 3, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

Melissa Loe will be Interim Chief of Staff effective June 14 following the upcoming departure of Tara Trower. Melissa has gained a deep knowledge of our diverse portfolio and our complex university since joining FAS in January 2019 as Director of Communications. She will continue to be a key contributor toward advancing our strategic initiatives while further supporting FAS in this role.

Tara Trower departing as Chief of Staff

May 19, 2021

Dear FAS colleagues,

Please join me in congratulating Chief of Staff Tara Trower on her acceptance of a job opportunity in the local Austin area. Her last day with the university will be Thursday, June 10.