Health Science Center on “Skeleton Crew” Jan. 2
in Memory of President Gerald R. Ford
HOUSTON – (Dec. 30, 2006) – Governor Rick Perry has issued Executive Order RP-62 that declares Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007 as a Day of Mourning in Texas to honor the memory of President Gerald R. Ford.
In accordance with Executive Order RP-62, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston will be on “skeleton crew” status on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
"Skeleton crew” status is not a closing of the university. Patient appointments, critical research activities and classes are not being cancelled. “Skeleton crew” status means that all administrative and business units of the UT Health Science Center must have on hand enough personnel to carry on public business throughout the day.
Faculty members, staff and students involved in patient care activities must continue to provide clinical services. “It is especially important that clinics remain open and functioning at their usual capacity, scheduled patient procedures go forward as planned, and other important and time-sensitive work be accomplished,” said Brent King, M.D., interim executive vice president and chief operating officer of the UT Health Science Center.
King suggests that those employees at work on Tuesday acknowledge the late President Ford's passing by observing a period of silence from Noon until 12:02 PM. “I believe that this suggestion by Dr Jerry Wolinsky is excellent, and I would like to encourage the entire UT-Houston community to observe this respectful silence on that day.”
Employees should check with their department head or supervisor regarding work or academic responsibilities on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
A copy of the executive order is available on the Web at: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/exorders/RP62
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