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With UTEP’s fall semester starting Aug. 24, the University announced its plan to move forward with the reopening of  the university bookstore, printshop, mail and dining services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.   

According to a news release sent from the Office of the Vice President for Business Affairs, as of Aug. 10 the University Bookstore will be open to the public with the following schedule:  

Customers can continue to shop online at utepbookstore.com, with an In-Store pickup option available for web purchases.  

UTEP also announced the reopening of the Chick-Fil-A and Texas Western Cafe located on campus starting Aug. 24 with the following schedule:  

UTEP said counter operations for its printshop and mail services will also be in place on Aug. 24, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Departments can email [email protected] to schedule delivery times and dates, and coordinate mail pickup between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Monday through Friday.   

Other facilities that will be open and operational during the fall semester are the Library and Recreational Sports Center, according to a separate news release from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.  

The Library building, which will require a valid UTEP ID and a face covering for entrance, will only open its second and third floors at the following time:  

 According to the release, students will have access to the Recreational Sports Center’s cardio theater, free weight area, basketball courts, and multi-activity court starting Sept. 1, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.   

Other plans implemented this fall will include requiring that face coverings be worn by all individuals in non-private spaces like lobbies, restrooms and classrooms even if one is alone. In addition to enhanced cleaning protocols, UTEP said it will provide sanitizing materials in classrooms, where students and staff will be asked to wipe down their desk and work areas.  

“We’ve been cleaning and disinfecting campus facilities, installing updated signage, rearranging classrooms and common areas to enable social distancing, and training teams on how to ensure your safety and success during the semester,” the statement said.  

All students, regardless if they are taking online classes, have also been asked to watch a COVID-19 informational and training video no later than Aug. 19.   

“In many ways, UTEP is like a family. We rely on each other for support and guidance through good times and bad,” the statement said. “We care about each other. Each of us has a responsibility to ourselves and each other to stay safe and follow health guidelines.”  

UTEP said additional information and updates will be provided to the public as they become available.   

Anahy Diaz may be reached at [email protected]