Updated: October 23, 2020 - 8:00 a.m.
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FAQ Fall Term 2020
COVID-19 PCR TESTING
New Hours of Operation are Weekdays Only
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- COVID-19 PCR testing begins Tuesday, September 15.
- Students will be tested on the schedule provided by the Dean of Students. Please check your Austin College email frequently.
- Employees and contractors may be tested beginning Wednesday, September 16, and scheduled individually through registration and/or drive-through availability.
- No, this is the COVID-19 PCR throat swab, not the nasal test.
- The PCR test is the most accurate to date.
- Test results will be sent in less than 72 hours to your preferred device (sms, email).
- Test results will also be sent directly to Austin College Health Services for confidential tracking and to help establish an immediate plan for treatment and isolation.
- Accurately and quickly identifying those who are carrying the virus allows the most effective means to reduce the spread of the virus.
- Yes, this testing is completely free and offered at no-charge to students, to employees, and to the public.
- The testing company receives state funding to subsidize the cost of the test.
- Insurance will be billed to those who have insurance however no out of pocket cost (copay, deductible) will be incurred.
- Although there is no cost to the tested individual, if insurance is available, the cost of the test will be borne by the insurance company (in the case of Austin College employees, the college picks up the cost of the test).
- Professors will work with students to accommodate their testing times.
- Supervisors will accommodate scheduling for testing.
HEALTH
- The College is moving to a weekday reporting schedule via the COVID Dashboard and data can be found regarding active cases, total cases, recovered, and eventually will report numbers of those who are in isolation or quarantine. This dashboard is updated as verified data becomes available.
- Visit the COVID-19 Dashboard
- Effective August 18, the College is enacting a central check-in location at Zauk Circle in front of Wortham Welcome Center. All visitors, guests, vendors and contractors will be expected to check in for a health screen and to register their presence on campus. Once cleared, they will receive an arm band allowing them to access campus. Anyone with a temperature over 100 and/or expressing critical symptoms will not be permitted onto the campus.
- If questions arise about a visitor and more information is needed, the check-in staff will try to reach hosts by phone. We anticipate that this preventative measure will be helpful to our efforts with managing the campus as well as contact tracing.
- Students will download and use the AC Mobile App to conduct the daily Health Screen. Based on the students’ answers to questions regarding symptoms and possible exposure the app will deliver a green or red badge for the day. If you receive a red badge you’ll be directed to contact Health Services for follow up. Green badge means you’re good to go about your day on campus.
- The AC Mobile App is available for IOS and Android devices. Links for download are available at the app store or the AC Mobile App webpage.
- Students may leave campus for work, necessary shopping, and to keep doctor and dentist appointments. All are asked to limit their opportunities for exposure to Covid-19.
- Remember to do your daily health self-assessment.
- The success of the fall semester on campus is in our hands. We share the responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe.
- If a student becomes ill, either with symptoms associated with COVID-19 or other ailments, they should contact Health Services by emailing health@austincollege.edu or call 903.813.2247. Students may also come to the clinic in Adams Center during office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Health Services clinic is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. As always, health and wellness support is accessible 24 hours a day through a variety of protocols, including Student Life staff-on-duty can assist a student with an emergency; Campus Police are available at all times. Updated 7/29
- The Director of Health Services and the Dean of Students will coordinate a response for major situations as needed. Updated 7/29
- Austin College Health Services will assist students who need to be tested in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
- Housing on campus has been set aside to isolate or quarantine students as needed. The Health Services Director will direct the care of those students to assure their needs are met. On-campus spaces will be reserved for students whose permanent addresses are farthest away or have other issues. Whenever possible, the College will refer students to their homes for quarantine or isolation.
- Students in quarantine or isolation will be able to continue attending classes synchronously, remotely as soon as they are physically able.
- Students who become ill and need to move off campus to recover and quarantine will work with their professors to develop a remote learning plan that accommodates their needs. Updated 7/22
- In order to discourage students from attending class while they may be sick, for the duration of the pandemic, students who are ill will be excused from class through the following procedures:
- Students must adhere to the College’s COVID health and wellness protocols for self-evaluation, follow-up, and quarantine as necessary.
- Untruthful claims about illness may be regarded as a violation of the Academic Integrity Code, which prohibits “falsification of academic records.”
QUARANTINE and ISOLATION
- Isolation is the separation of a symptomatic or test-positive individual from other people. This individual may have been assessed for COVID-19 by proper health care authorities, such as a personal physician, emergency room care, and authorized COVID-19 testing center.
- The College will verify and assign individuals to enter isolation and clear them to exit isolation.
- Quarantine is the separation of an individual who has had close contact with a test-positive case from other people. This individual has been assessed by proper health care authorities to have been exposed to COVID-19.
- The College will verify and assign individuals to enter quarantine and clear them to exit quarantine.
- A close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes with or without a mask. An infected (symptomatic or asymptomatic) person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19. Someone who is identified as a close contact would be required by Austin College Health Services to quarantine.
- What qualifies as close contact? For example, roommates, study group seated closely at one table, someone seated less than 6 feet away from a classmate, unmasked friends on an outdoor swing for a long conversation.
- What does NOT qualify as close contact? For example, passing in the hall, sitting across the classroom, a brief conversation while outdoors and masked, being in class or participating in activities where everyone is masked and practicing social distancing.
- Use the AC Mobile App by phone or by browser every day.
- If you have difficulty accessing your AC Mobile App, simply sign out and sign-back in.
- Contact the Help Desk for additional questions helpdesk@austincollege.edu or 903.813.2063 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Green means you are cleared for engaging in activities on campus.
- Yellow means you are not cleared to engage in activities on campus. However, you may enter the dining hall to pick up food for take-out, but you are not cleared to eat in the dining hall. Wear a mask at all times on campus and stay at least 6 feet apart from others.
- Red means you are not cleared to engage in activities on campus and must remain home or in your room. Wear a mask at all times and stay at least 6 feet apart from others.
- Health Services will clear you for in-person activities.
What are expectations of living situations – if my roommate or family member is in Quarantine, must I stay away from them?
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- Ideally yes, you should stay away from those in quarantine.
- Those in quarantine have reported close contact with someone who has the virus and may potentially spread the virus.
- Those in quarantine should take their temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms.
- They should stay away from others as much as possible.
- If unable to stay away from others, they must wear a mask and advise those around them to do so.
- While the use of a separate bathroom is ideal, it is not mandated. Always clean bathroom facilities before and after use.
- They must remain in Quarantine until cleared by Austin College Health Services.
What are expectations of living situations – if my roommate or family member is in Isolation, must I stay away from them?
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- Yes, those who are in Isolation are symptomatic and/or tested positive and are likely to spread the virus. They must stay in a specific sick room or in an area away from other people or animals, including pets.
- They should use a separate bathroom if available, Always clean bathroom facilities before and after use.
- They should stay away from others and wear a mask at all times.
- They must advise those around them to wear a mask at all times.
- They must remain in Isolation until cleared by Austin College Health Services.
- Yes, we have dedicated residential space and special campus facilities for those who need to be in Quarantine or in Isolation.
- We have also arranged with several local hotel providers for lodging and meals.
- We have several options that allow us to treat each case individually.
- Austin College staff care for those who are in Quarantine and in Isolation by providing support, and meals for those who are on a meal plan.
- We work with each student and family individually to determine the best course of action given their individual situation.
- In many situations, a student’s home situation is not conducive to Quarantine or Isolation.
- We have several options that allow us to treat each case individually.
- No, student workers are not allowed to report to work on campus if in Quarantine or in Isolation.
- Students complete a Daily Health Screen and receive a Green Health Pass that must be shown to supervisors daily before reporting to work on campus.
- Students should be prepared to show their Green Health Pass at any time.
- A Green Health Pass enables students to work on campus and be paid for their hours.
- EXCEPTION: If a student is in Quarantine or Isolation, and feels up to it, they may work remotely if desired and approved by the supervisor.
What about students who must “go home” for any reason – can they still be paid as a student worker?
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- If a student declares to the registrar to go remote, then they are no longer eligible to be employed.
- These students will not receive a Green Health Pass, due to opting for remote learning.
- EXCEPTION: If a student is in Quarantine or Isolation, and feels up to it, they may work remotely if desired and approved by the supervisor.
SANITIZING AND SAFETY
- Our Austin College community commits to wearing a face covering inside and outside of buildings.
- Approved visitors, contractors, and invited guests are required to wear face coverings while inside and outside of buildings.
- Masks are provided upon request.
- Watch the Campus Safety Video.
- The effectiveness of face coverings and masks varies significantly and should be selected carefully as we commit to safety on campus. Based on recently published research on a study conducted by Duke University, bandanas, fleece masks, neck gaiters, and masks with valves should not be worn in the classroom and academic spaces. For more information please see this Washington Post article.
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The most effective face mask covers from the bridge of the nose to under the chin without large gaps. The mask, made from at least two layers of finely woven fabric, should have ear loops or ties that can be adjusted. Adding a filter can increase the effectiveness. Disposable surgical masks are good for single use. Disposable masks cannot be washed and should not be reused.
- The health and safety of our community depend on everyone following health and safety protocols at all times, including wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently, and practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet.
- A student’s failure to wear a mask while inside and outside of buildings is considered a disruption of orderly conduct. In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, published in The Environment, the student will receive a warning from either the professor or staff. If the student continues to fail to comply with the College health and safety protocols, the student may experience disciplinary action or may be dropped from the class.
- Capacity limits will be enforced in campus spaces such as classrooms, the dining hall, and other large meeting rooms.
- Furniture is arranged or marked to designate socially distanced seating.
- Instructors may choose to leave classroom doors open to reduce contact with the door handles.
- To manage traffic flow throughout campus, signage has been placed near building entrances and exits, up and down stairwells, restrooms, classrooms, and other common areas.
- Plexiglass shields and hand sanitizer dispensers have been added throughout campus.
- Aramark, our partner in housekeeping, sanitation, and dining service, continues to use the most effective cleaning solutions and tools to keep all common areas as safe as possible.
- You’ll notice high-frequency cleaning upon your return, as Aramark has added more staff to specifically sanitize particular spaces like residence halls, the library, and locker rooms.
- All members of the campus community are asked to assist in cleaning high-touch surfaces using the supplies that are provided.
- Additional staff will be hired to assist with sanitizing and rapid response to situations needing immediate attention.
- Students are encouraged to limit travel and activity two weeks before arriving on campus.
- Remember to do your daily health self-assessment.
- The success of the fall semester on campus is in our hands. We share the responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe.
- To facilitate social distancing, capacity limits will be in place; distanced seating will be marked.
- To accommodate everyone during meal times, diners can be seated, with social distancing, in the dining room, the Moseley Room that’s adjacent to the dining room, and Mabee Hall on the second floor of Wright Campus Center.
- Individually wrapped servings and condiments will be used.
- Although a full menu will be available daily, there will be no self-serve stations.
- Hand sanitizer stations are located at the entrance and throughout the dining hall. Everyone is encouraged to sanitize their hands often.
- Austin College and Aramark, our partners in food service, reserve the right to adjust the program as needed and in response to any guidance provided by governing agencies and/or the CDC.
ACADEMICS
- Classes began on Tuesday, August 25.
- Fall Break begins at 8 a.m. on October 9. Classes resume Monday, October 12.
- Classes will end Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. and students may leave campus for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
- Students are not required to return to campus after the Thanksgiving break, (November 23 through November 27) in order to curb the possible spread of the coronavirus.
- The remaining week of instruction (November 30 through December 4) and final exams (December 7 through December 11) will take place in synchronous remote sessions.
- The campus will remain open, including campus housing and dining services, for those needing to return to campus to complete the semester.
- Classes began on campus as scheduled on Tuesday, August 25.
- Faculty have designed each of their courses to be offered in-person and synchronously remote. This high-flex hybrid learning provides students with the opportunity to experience an educationally comparable experience within the in-person and synchronous remote formats. Most classes will meet in person on a regular basis but will have remote components due to health accommodations or classroom capacity constraints.
- All students are encouraged to purchase their textbooks online at Follett store website. Books can be shipped to your address or picked up curbside on campus.
- Keep your Follett order number available to identify your textbooks when using curbside pickup.
- On campus, the Bookstore capacity is limited to 10 customers at a time; entering through the interior doors and exiting through the exterior doors.
- If shopping on campus, students should bring their schedules, and a runner will collect their needed textbooks and bring them to the counter.
- The store will be closed off except for the area in front of the registers.
- If shopping on campus, there may be a lengthy wait. Again, shopping online for shipping or curbside pick up is recommended.
- The campus will be open, sanitized, and safe for all students. Students may opt to learn remotely for Fall Term 2020 semester by attending synchronous remote classes.
- As the fall semester is past the mid-way point, the only change allowed to a student’s learning preference is to transition to remote learning from in-person learning. If you need to update your status to remote learning send an email to both registrar@austincollege.edu and studentlife@austincollege.edu. Indicate that you will be switching to remote learning for the remainder of the semester and if you plan to remain in on campus housing or leave campus to be fully remote, if applicable.
How will students participating in face-to-face classes maintain social distance and cleanliness guidelines?
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- Each classroom will be assigned a COVID classroom capacity limit in line with CDC, state, and federal guidelines.
- Some course sessions may be divided into small “teams” of students to meet in-person with the instructor for certain class sessions, and participate in the class via synchronous remote learning on the other days.
- The synchronous virtual platform enables professors to meet the physical distancing classroom requirements and supports students who may be unable to attend class.
- In order to facilitate social distancing, classes will end 5 minutes early to allow for transition and cleaning of equipment and spaces.
STUDENT LIFE
- Students who are learning on campus, either face to face or remotely, will have access to facilities and services (as available) during Fall Term 2020. For safety and health reasons, there may be limited capacities, appointments, or scheduled times of availability depending on the facility or the type of service. Details will be provided upon arrival in the fall.
- Students who live on campus and choose remote learning will have access to campus facilities (as available) but will not have access to classrooms or labs.
- Students who opt for synchronous remote learning while living off campus will access remotely—by phone, Zoom, or tech-based access—services including but not limited to Writing Center, Career Services, Counseling Services, Health Services, Academic Skills Center, Abell Library, academic mentors, and professors.
- The Dining Hall is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; except for designated deep cleaning times of 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. when the dining hall is closed with no service.
- The Pouch Club is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- The Dining Hall will serve meals through the end of finals week. The scope of service after Thanksgiving will be set by demand.
- To facilitate social distancing, capacity limits will be in place; distanced seating will be marked.
- To accommodate everyone during meal times, diners can be seated, with social distancing, in the dining room, the Moseley Room that’s adjacent to the dining room, and Mabee Hall on the second floor of Wright Campus Center.
- We will have disposable to-go boxes, packaged silverware, and condiments available. Updated 8/26
- The Pouch Club will be open this fall and with to-go options available. Updated 7/29
- Individually wrapped servings and condiments will be used.
- Although a full menu will be available daily, there will be no self-serve stations.
- Hand sanitizer stations are located at the entrance and throughout the dining hall. Everyone is encouraged to sanitize their hands often.
- Austin College and Aramark, our partners in food service, reserve the right to adjust the program as needed and in response to any guidance provided by governing agencies and/or the CDC.
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For now, as we begin regular operations in the dining areas, we can only serve students, faculty, or staff (with a valid AC ID), who are on an all-access meal plan (5-day or 7-day) or who have purchased a block meal plan (block 15, 50, or 75). No one else will be allowed into or be served in the dining hall.
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We will not be accepting cash at the door of the dining hall. You will need to purchase a block meal plan directly from the catering office in Wright Campus Center. We plan to honor declining balance swipes from faculty and staff who have carry-over Hopper Dollars from prior semesters.
- We are moving to a cashless operation at the Kangaroo Coffee Company for snacks, coffee, sundries and convenience items as well as the Pouch Club; we will only accept Hopper Dollars and credit/debit cards at both locations. Hopper Dollars are part of the meal plan packages, and additional Hopper Dollars may be purchased at any time in the Food Service Office in Wright Campus Center, Room 117.
- Health and safety guidance is provided to sponsors and student leaders of all campus groups and organizations.
- All are expected to follow social distancing and sanitizing protocols, and are encouraged to limit capacity in meeting rooms, provide a virtual option, and meet outdoors when practical.
- Gatherings of 100 or more people are prohibited.
- Austin College will not formally approve or conduct off-campus gatherings this fall.
- To the extent the College is informed and has authority over a student or a group/organization, knowingly disregarding the stated health and safety protocols will be considered a violation of the Non-Academic Code of Student Conduct published in The Environment.
- The College will take all opportunities to educate students about complying with the Covid-19 guidelines while in informal/non-approved activities off campus and not under the College’s purview.
ATHLETICS
- Fall sports have been suspended by our conferences. See announcements from the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Southern Athletic Association.
- The status of winter sports has not yet been determined. See the current update from the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
TUITION AND FEES
- Regardless of how each student experiences the hybrid hyflex learning this fall, the tuition charges for the semester will remain the same for all enrolled, full-time students, given that students will have access to faculty, support services, and related campus facilities.
- Students electing remote-only learning for Fall Term 2020, will retain any academic merit scholarships, institutional scholarships, outside scholarships, and all eligible federal and state grants for the fall semester. Any Austin College Grants, ’Roo Grants, or Room Grants will be removed from your financial aid package. These grant awards support the comprehensive cost of tuition, housing, and meal plan. Adjustments to fall charges will be sent beginning August 10.
- The College will charge full room and board costs for those living in assigned residences on campus.
- If the need should arise, credits and refunds will be provided in accordance with College’s established schedule.
- Students who are living and learning remotely are not eligible for Work Study employment.
- Students who live on campus and are learning in person or remotely are eligible for Work Study employment.
- Approved commuters to campus who are learning in person are eligible for Work Study employment.
- Due to a system interruption August 3–7, the Fall Term 2020 billing deadlines have been extended to Friday, August 14.