COVID-19 Updates

Monitoring of COVID-19

June 24, 2022

Faculty and Staff,

The College Safety Committee continues to monitor COVID-19 cases on all campuses and public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities to manage the response to the pandemic.

In Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, Return to Work Safely Trainings were provided to employees and, following the College’s Pandemic Operations Response Plan (PORP), transitioned to Normal Operations on April 4, 2022. Due to the recent increase in the number of positive cases and in order to maintain a safe work and learning environment, the College Safety Committee has recommended that the College transition from Normal Operations to Phase I – Low Alert.

The phases of the PORP are: Normal Operations, Phase 1 - Low Alert, Phase 2 - Moderate Alert, Phase 3 - High Alert, and Phase 4 - Critical Alert. A significant increase in cases will prompt a faster transition to the next corresponding phase as each phase includes tailored campus operations that will be carried out when activated.

All employees and students are encouraged to continue adhering with the safety protocols, which are based on guidance received from health authorities, and that include proper self-reporting and screening, getting vaccinated, wearing a mask while on campus, and limiting large group in-person meetings.

The following safety measures remain in effect within the College:

The next scheduled vaccination clinic is Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the
Pecan Campus, Student Activities Center – Building H.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
President

COVID-19 Update Return to Campus

March 31, 2022

Dear Faculty and Staff:

The College’s Safety Committee (CSC) has continued its commitment to monitor and build upon safety protocols including instituting vaccination clinics and testing sites on campus, providing masks and acquiring test kits that will soon be available for employees and students.

Fortunately, positive COVID-19 cases for both students and employees have significantly decreased since our return from Spring Break. That being the case and following the College’s COVID-19 Operational Response Plan and associated trigger points,  beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, all employees are expected to return to campus and discontinue any rotating work-from-home schedule as referenced in my message dated  January 7, 2022 and titled  “COVID-19 Update for Spring 2022  Semester.”

The health and safety of the College’s employees and students continue to be a priority. The College Safety Committee meets regularly to discuss operations and stay abreast of the most current trends and news regarding the pandemic and will continue to relay information as needed to the College community.  For the most recent updates, information and resources, please visit the  COVID-19 webpage.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.  Continue to remain safe and stay healthy.

Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
President

COVID-19 Update for Spring 2022 Semester

January 7, 2022

Faculty and Staff,

Given the recent surge in COVID and Omicron cases and with campus safety top of mind, South Texas College has announced it will return to a rotating work-from-home schedule for nonessential employees beginning Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, the Omicron variant has been detected nationwide and will likely spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.

As you may be aware, most recently the Omicron variant was detected in Hidalgo County and daily cases and hospitalization rates are increasing across Texas and in the region. As a result, effective Jan. 10, 2022 until further notice, supervisors will determine which employees must work onsite to maintain essential functions deemed necessary to support the College operations and which employees may work remotely on a rotational basis. This will allow the College to reduce density on campuses and mitigate the spread of the virus.

• The College will remain open and fully accessible to serve the needs of the students and visitors during this important Spring 2022 semester registration period.
• The College will continue to assess operations and the needs of the employees and students in the coming weeks.
• The College Safety Committee meets on a regular basis in an effort to discuss and stay abreast of the most current trends and news regarding the pandemic and to relay the information to the College community.

All employees, prior to arriving to campus, must monitor their health and screen for COVID-19 symptoms on a daily basis and in accordance with the Campus Safety Protocols reporting procedures.

For the most recent updates, information, and resources, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Continue to remain safe and stay healthy.

Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
President

COVID-19 Update

January 6, 2022

Jaguars,

With South Texas College employees returning to all campuses this week and your safety our top priority, the Safety Committee continues to meet and monitor evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local mandates and public health guidance surrounding COVID-19.

As you have probably heard in the media, there has been a surge in reported COVID-19 and Omicron variant cases. South Texas College employees and the Student Services Division are following all College Safety Protocols to be able to serve your needs and offer in-person appointments during this 2022 Spring Semester registration period.

Here are some of the other safety measures South Texas College is implementing to best protect our community:

• The 2022 Spring Semester begins on Jan. 18 and first week of classes will be online; this includes all classes, lecture, lab-based, and workforce. The first week will allow time to convert the large face-to-face enrollment sections (that may qualify) to the In-Person Hybrid Model. Enrollment for most face-to-face lecture courses is capped to 70% capacity to reduce classroom density; exceptions are Workforce and Nursing Allied Health. STC is expected to resume on-campus instruction on Jan. 24, 2022.
• Dual Credit courses taught at the ISDs will continue to meet face-to-face as planned, unless otherwise determined by the ISD.
• The College strongly encourages individuals returning to campus to diligently practice social distancing.
• The Governor’s order does not allow the College to mandate the use of face coverings; however, South Texas College strongly encourages the use of facial coverings whenever possible.
• The Governor’s order does not allow the College to require individuals to get vaccinated; however, the College strongly encourages individuals to get vaccinated. The College is hosting vaccination clinics for students, employees and the community. The vaccination schedule is located on the College’s main webpage.
• The College continues performing contact tracing to notify individuals of possible exposure.
• On a daily basis, prior to arriving on campus, employees and students must self-screen themselves for new or worsening symptoms related to COVID-19.
• The College continues to follow cleaning and disinfecting recommendations, including daily routine cleaning of high-touch surfaces and shared objects.
• Finally, the College is working to set up COVID-19 testing sites for your convenience as early as next week. Stay tuned to social media for upcoming details.

The College Safety Committee meets on a regular basis in an effort to discuss and stay abreast of the most current trends and news regarding the pandemic and to relay the information to the College community.

For the most recent updates, information and resources, please visit the COVID-19 webpage at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/coronavirus.html.

And again, just to be clear – all Student Services and Enrollment Services offices on campus will remain open and accessible to students.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Stay safe out there!

Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
President

COVID-19 Prevention and Response Manager

August 24, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As South Texas College heads into the Fall 2021 semester, and our school district partners are well underway with their new school year as well, everyone has been very mindful of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in our communities, and their impacts on our health care professionals and facilities, and our community at large.

As a proactive measure to help ensure South Texas College remains responsive to the ongoing pandemic and safe for our students, employees and community, I have created the COVID-19 Prevention and Response Manager position, as part of the College’s Office of Accountability, Risk and Compliance.

The COVID-19 Prevention and Response Manager will oversee, manage, coordinate and communicate the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the College Safety Committee, this position will assist with the implementation of responsive strategies to promote a safe and healthy campus environment, to help reduce the spread of the virus and to track its impact on South Texas College’s community.

They will monitor the ongoing pandemic in coordination with federal, state and local health providers and other agencies. This will be vital in developing and executing best practices and trainings and providing accurate information to the College’s stakeholders.

It is my privilege to welcome Dr. Maria Rosas to serve in this role. Dr. Rosas brings an extensive background working to protect our community from communicable diseases, and years of teaching experience in South Texas College’s Health Information Technology Department. I thank Dr. Rosas for lending her expertise to help South Texas College address these new challenges during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For the most recent updates, information and resources relate to the pandemic, please visit the COVID-19 page on our main webpage at: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/coronavirus.html.

Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students, our employees and our communities.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
President

COVID-19 Update for Fall Semester

August 16, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The dedicated South Texas College Safety Committee continues to monitor evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local mandates and public health guidance surrounding COVID-19. The health and safety of our employees and students remains the top priority district-wide.

In light of the current COVID-19 Delta variant surge, South Texas College has implemented the following safety measures to best protect our community:

• The Fall semester begins on August 23, 2021 and  on-campus Face-to-Face courses will meet online for the first two weeks of class. At this moment, Face-to-Face courses are expected to resume on-campus instruction on September 7, 2021.
• Dual Credit courses taught at the ISDs will continue to meet Face-to-Face as planned, unless otherwise determined by the ISD.
• Enrollment in on-campus Face-to-Face courses is reduced to 70% capacity to reduce classroom density; however, Face-to-Face sections of large enrollment will be converted to an In-Person hybrid model to increase social distancing in classrooms.
• The Governor’s order does not allow the College to mandate the use of face coverings; however, South Texas College strongly encourages the use of facial coverings.
• The Governor’s order does not allow the College to require individuals to get vaccinated; however, the College strongly encourages individuals to get vaccinated. The College is hosting vaccination clinics for students, employees and the community. The vaccination schedule is located on the College’s main webpage.
• On a daily basis, prior to arriving on campus, employees and students must self-screen themselves for new or worsening symptoms related to COVID-19.
• The College continues to follow cleaning and disinfecting recommendations, including daily routine cleaning of high-touch surfaces and shared objects.
• The College strongly encourages individuals to practice social distancing.

The College Safety Committee meets on a regular basis in an effort to discuss and stay abreast of the most current trends and news regarding the pandemic and to relay the information to the College community.

For the most recent updates, information and resources, please visit the COVID-19 webpage at: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/coronavirus.html

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
President

Changes to Campus Safety Protocols in Response to Governor’s Executive Order GA-36

May 20, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff,

In response to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-36 announcing the prohibition of face-covering requirements or restriction of activities by a governmental entity, the COVID-19 Campus Safety Protocols have been modified to comply with the order.

Modifications to the  Campus Safety Protocols have been posted on our COVID-19 webpage and will become effective May 21, 2021.  The modifications made include the following:

• Everyone is highly encouraged, but not mandated, to wear a face mask over the nose and mouth while in indoor public areas such as classrooms, lobbies, open labs, hallways and other common areas, library, etc.
• Use your best efforts to maintain social distancing as feasible.

As we enter this new phase of orders and restrictions being lifted, the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and their families continue to be our focus and concern.  The College will continue to monitor all guidelines and recommendations provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services and the Hidalgo and Starr County Health Departments and adjust safety protocols as required.

I continue to ask for your participation in adhering to the Campus Safety Protocols, and for utilization of your judgment on those parameters that require your discretion.  As we begin to gain some normalcy back to our lives, let us continue to work together to protect the health and well-being of our South Texas College family and communities.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
David C. Plummer, M.B.A., Ed.D.
Interim President

Safety Protocols in Response to Executive Order GA-34

March 3, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff,

In Response to Governor Abbott’s issuance of Executive Order GA-34, which goes into effect on March 10, 2021, please know that the health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students remains our highest priority. We remain committed to creating a campus environment that is as safe as possible and minimizes the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there are no changes to STC’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Face coverings are still required on all our locations and proper social distancing guidelines will still be followed.

Please review the protocols implemented for all our locations at: COVID-19 Campus Safety Protocols.

We will continue to review recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health and governmental authorities. Additional updates will be shared as they become available.

Sincerely,
David C. Plummer, M.B.A., Ed.D.
Interim President

Labor Day Holiday/COVID-19 Update

September 3, 2020

The Labor Day Holiday is before us. While we all want to gather with family and friends, we need to remain vigilant about social distancing and wearing facial coverings. Hidalgo County Judge, Richard Cortez’s Emergency Order 20-012 is still in effect until September 13, 2020.

The number of COVID-19 cases appears to be stabilizing in our region. At the same time, public health officials are worried that relaxing social distancing and the wearing of masks could lead to a post Labor Day increase in COVID-19 cases.

The number of confirmed cases at South Texas College is also stabilizing. As of Thursday morning, September 3, 2020 there have been 125 students, faculty and staff confirmed as COVID-19 positive. The distribution of cases affects all campuses and the breakdown is as follows:

Given the challenging circumstances, Fall 2020 is off to a good start. The time and effort devoted to developing a sound and safe start up plan has been extremely beneficial. Thank you for your efforts. I realize it has not been easy.

I have every confidence we can have a positive impact on everyone’s safety, if we stay mindful of the CDC Guidelines. It is up to us to take care of each other.

Enjoy a well-deserved holiday. Be Safe.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

COVID-19 Update

August 7, 2020

As the Fall semester quickly approaches, COVID-19 continues to be a paramount concern as we attempt to navigate the next steps in our lives and professional careers.

Hidalgo County Judge, Richard Cortez has issued Emergency Order 20-012 extending the provisions of his earlier order for an additional 14 days in an effort to help reduce the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the region.

South Texas College faculty, staff and students continue to experience an increased number of cases. As of Tuesday, August 4 there have been 102 students, faculty and staff confirmed as COVID-19 positive. The distribution of cases affects all campuses and the breakdown is as follows:

Fall classes begin August 24, and Academic Affairs has done an outstanding job developing an Instructional Plan designed to provide In-Person Hybrid and Online courses while ensuring safety and maintaining instructional quality.

As we continue to maintain our commitment and priority to provide a safe and secure environment for all of our faculty, staff and students, the College will continue to follow measures intended to maintain existing services to students, maximize online services and maintain operations of the College. These measures include the following:

• Continue limited essential services on campus by appointment. Students will be limited to bringing only one family member with them for on campus appointments. Reservations will continue to be required for face-to-face meetings with students for the following services:
  • Student Services and Enrollment Management
  • Testing
  • Center for Learning Excellence
  • Libraries
  • Open Labs
• Require facial coverings, adherence to social distancing, promotion of hand washing and College protocols at all times while on campus.
• Continue the current schedule of face to face instruction following the CDC Guidelines.
• Continue In-Person Hybrid and Online instruction as scheduled.
• Supervisors will continue to coordinate with all faculty, staff and administrators to maintain reduced density on all campuses, including rotational schedules, working from home and flexible scheduling as necessary.
• Prior to arriving to campus, employees, students and campus visitors must, on a daily basis, screen themselves by using the COVID-19 Screening Checklist.

Employees are encouraged to review three important documents (Work from Home Procedures, COVID-19 Procedures for Employees and Daily COVID-19 Screening Checklist) posted on the College’s COVID-19 webpage. The information may be found on the following website and related links:

• https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/coronavirus.html
• Work from Home Procedures
  • Time and Effort Guidance for Grant-funded Employees
  • Employee FAQs
  • Work Safe Guidelines for Employees Returning to Work
  • Employees Returning to Work Frequently Asked Questions
• COVID-19 Procedures for Employees
• Daily COVID-19 Screening Checklist

We are all facing unprecedented challenges transitioning to this new educational environment and dealing with all the related effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. These are truly difficult times, but this does not mean our students should forgo their journey to a college degree or certificate. Students need our support and encouragement more than ever and I have every confidence we can continue making a difference in the lives of our students in a safe manner. Thank you for never losing sight of why we are all here, even during these stressful times. Let us continue to work collectively, so our students can “Experience Exceptional” at South Texas College.

Continue to remain safe and stay healthy.

With Warm Regards,

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

Health Authority Order and County Order 20-011

July 21, 2020

The increasing number across Hidalgo County for COVID-19 positive test results continue to rise at an alarming rate. In an effort to decrease the infection rate, Hidalgo County Judge, Richard Cortez and Hidalgo County Health Authority, Dr. Ivan Melendez issued the following orders:

• Health Authority Order on July 17, 2020
• County Order 20-011 on July 20, 2020

The Health Authority Order provides mandatory instructions and restrictions for residents of Hidalgo County testing positive for COVID-19 or persons who have been notified or possibly exposed to COVID-19.

Judge Richard Cortez issued County Order 20-011 that includes mandates for shelter at home, curfew hours, travel restrictions and facial covering to be effective at 12:01 a.m. July 22, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. August 5, 2020.

All of us at South Texas College wish to do our part to help combat the spread of COVID-19. You are encouraged to review these two new orders and comply with the provisions.

In light of these two new orders, the College will continue the following measures to maintain services to students and the operations of the College.

• Supervisors will coordinate with faculty and staff adjusted work schedules, to include working from home, rotational scheduling and other options to reduce the density of personnel and students on all campuses.
• Every effort will be made to maintain existing services to students, maximize online services to students and maintain operations of the College.
• Limited essential services will be continued on campus by appointment.
• Students may only bring one family member for on campus appointments.
• All students and family members must wear facial coverings, adhere to social distancing and abide by College protocols at all times while on campus.
• The current schedule of face to face instruction will continue following the CDC Guidelines.
• Online and hybrid instruction will continue as scheduled for the Summer and Fall semesters.

South Texas College continues to follow COVID-19 procedures for students and employees who notify the College they have tested positive or have had a possible exposure to the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 Procedures for Employees are available on the College’s Coronavirus webpage, which may be found at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/pdf/COVID-19-Procedures-for-Employees.pdf.

These are stressful and unsettling times. The health and safety of everyone is of paramount concern. I thank each of you for your continued support and proactive approach to adhering to the health and safety guidelines developed to help protect all of us from COVID-19.

Continue to remain safe and stay healthy. We will come out of this stronger than ever.

Respectfully,

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

COVID-19 Update

July 9, 2020

Dear South Texas College Faculty and Staff,

It was a quiet 4th of July. I hope everyone enjoyed their Independence Day celebrations while following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines. It was a rather unsettling day of celebration: face masks, social distancing, limited gatherings and almost no firework displays.

The current spread of COVID-19 remains alarming, and even with everyone’s diligence, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported among our South Texas College faculty, staff and students is also increasing.

As of Thursday, July 9, there are 47 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported by faculty, staff and students of South Texas College.

• These 47 cases include 19 students and 28 employees.
  • 16 of the students are on-line only students.
• In each case reported to the College, administration follows the recommended practices to identify potentially exposed employees and students, and notifies them of their potential exposure.
• The College continues to follow the recommended, rigorous deep-cleaning and disinfection procedures district-wide at every location.
  • When a positive case is reported, all potentially impacted areas are treated with additional sanitization measures.

I share this information with you in an effort to provide full transparency and to heighten your awareness of the need for compliance with CDC guidelines.

Across the nation, state and our local region, the increasing number of COVID-19 infections is a great cause for concern. We expect further increases in the weeks following the 4th of July holiday.

At South Texas College, we remain committed to making the College a safe place to learn and work. Please visit the College’s Information Regarding COVID-19 website for the latest information, including health and safety guidelines as well as updates to policies and procedures related to the pandemic.

The Instructional Plan for Fall 2020 has been thoughtfully developed with your safety in mind. The majority of the courses for Fall 2020 will be fully online, with limited hybrid options for students preferring face-to-face instruction. Students can choose which option is best for them. While enrollment is not where we want it to be, it is much better than anticipated. This is a positive sign of student and community confidence in South Texas College.

Policies and procedures are in place in the event you have, or suspect you have, been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and can be found on the College’s Information Regarding COVID-19 website.

• Policy #3680 outlines procedures for students who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or who have been exposed to someone with coronavirus and requires that they notify the Office of Counseling and Student Disability Services and also follow CDC guidelines to self-isolate or stay home. Such students are also encouraged to seek appropriate medical advice from a medical professional or the local County health department.
• Policy #4400 outlines procedures for employees who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or who have been exposed to someone with coronavirus and requires that they notify the Office of Human Resources and also follow CDC guidelines to self-isolate or stay home. Such employees are also required to seek appropriate medical advice from a medical professional or the local County health department.

Please be extra cautious and considerate of the well-being of others. We must all be resilient and patient as we work our way through these challenging times and must support one another. Every Jaguar of our South Texas College family is important and we want each of you and your families to be safe.

With warm regards,

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President 

Policies and Procedures

June 29, 2020

Dear South Texas College Faculty and Staff,

Like you, I have been watching the news regarding the coronavirus and the increasing number of COVID-19 positive test results within our communities.

Updated Policies

On June 23, 2020, the Board of Trustees approved two policies to help provide guidance on our individual and institutional response to confirmed COVID-19 cases, as well as potential exposure:

• Policy 3680 - Students With or Who Have Been Exposed to Communicable Diseases
• Policy 4400 - Employees With or Who Have Been Exposed to Communicable Diseases

You can find these policies attached, or follow the links above to read them.

COVID-19 Procedures for Employees

Administration continues to update procedures if you have been exposed to the coronavirus, or do not feel well and suspect exposure. These procedures continue to develop as we learn more from the medical community and from our federal, state and local leadership.

You can find these procedures for employees at: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/pdf/COVID-19-Procedures-for-Employees.pdf.

South Texas College COVID-19 Website

For the latest information from South Texas College on the pandemic, please check the “Information Regarding COVID-19” website at: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/coronavirus.html

This website is being updated frequently with information, developing procedures and other news to help us through these challenging times.

Daily COVID-19 Screening Checklist

Prior to arriving to campus, employees, students and campus visitors, must, on a daily basis, screen themselves by using the COVID-19 Screening Checklist posted on-line.

I urge you to follow the recommended safety measures. These will help us protect each other and our students as we overcome the pandemic and continue forward in the days ahead.

Please be safe.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

Clery Act  COVID-19 Notification

June 29, 2020

Dear South Texas College Faculty, Staff and Students,

This one-time emergency notification to all South Texas College faculty, staff and students on all campuses and centers provides the required wording and is issued to comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistic Act (Clery Act) and South Texas College policies and procedures.

The welfare and safety of our community during this time is South Texas College’s primary concern. We are writing to inform you of recent developments related to COVID-19.

On June 18, 2020, the College provided a communication to students and employees related to COVID-19 developments impacting the South Texas College community. At that time, one employee at the Mid-Valley Campus and one student at the Nursing and Allied Health Campus had reported positive COVID-19 test results.

Since the June 18, 2020 report, 13 additional confirmed cases, including eight employees, two temporary agency personnel and three students, have been identified. In summary, the eight employees and temp agency personnel work at the following locations: three at the Pecan Campus, two at Pecan Plaza, two at the Mid-Valley Campus, one at the Starr County Campus, one at the Nursing and Allied Health campus and one works on-line exclusively. All three students exclusively attend on-line classes.

The total number of cases, as of June 29, 2020, includes 9 employees and 4 students of South Texas College, as well as two temporary agency personnel assigned to temporary duties at South Texas College.

The College has notified the appropriate county health department and city representatives. Consistent with the college protocols, anyone identified as being at risk of exposure from these individuals already has been notified regarding the need for isolation or testing. Because of federal privacy laws, we will not be releasing any additional information on those in isolation or quarantine.

Students and employees are urged to be vigilant about their health and encouraged to review the College’s COVID-19 webpage dedicated to our response to COVID-19 and the CDC’s COVID-19 website.

We take this opportunity to remind our South Texas College community of this important information regarding COVID-19. In our effort to slow the spread of the virus, we are requesting your immediate attention to and compliance with the following health authority recommended practices:

• Wear face coverings/masks.
• Engage in social distancing of six or more feet.
• Stay home when ill or if other family members are ill.
• Leverage telework options.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu vaccine.
• Watch for cough, troubled breathing or other signs of respiratory infection.
• Monitor temperature for a fever above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C).
• Screen according to the Daily COVID-19 Screening Checklist as posted on-line.

As stated earlier, ongoing updates regarding South Texas College’s response to COVID-19 will be posted at: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/emergency/coronavirus.html

Please be safe.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

Scheduling

June 29, 2020

Dear South Texas College Faculty and Staff,

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and potential exposures to the coronavirus continues to escalate among faculty, staff and students of South Texas College. The number of cases as of June 29, 2020 has increased to include 9 employees and 4 students of South Texas College, as well as two temporary agency personnel assigned to temporary duties at South Texas College.

Rotational Schedules and Work from Home

Acting in the best interests of our students, faculty and staff, efforts to reduce the number of people on all South Texas College campuses will increase, effective Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

Supervisors are asked to reduce faculty and staff density on all campuses by as much as 50% by establishing rotational schedules, including “work from home” schedules as necessary.

The current Work from Home Procedures are posted on the College’s Information Regarding COVID-19 website, and can also be found at this link: https://hr.southtexascollege.edu/PDF/formsandguides/telecommuting-procedures.pdf  .

This site also hosts the following related documents:

• Time and Effort Guidance for Grant-funded Employees
• Employee FAQs
• Work Safe Guidelines for Employees Returning to Work
• Employees Returning to Work Frequently Asked Questions

Student Services – Appointments and Online Information

We are making every effort to accommodate the needs of students, balanced with the safety of all employees impacted by this pandemic crisis.

The Information Regarding COVID-19 website provides email addresses and websites for students seeking specific information online. Reservations will continue to be required for face-to-face meetings for the following services to students:

• Student Services and Enrollment Management
• Testing
• Centers for Learning Excellence
• Libraries
• Open Labs

Recommended Health and Hygiene Practices

I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone, we each play a major role in slowing the spread of this virus. The local, state and federal health authorities recommend these practices for the safety and well-being of all of us:

• Wear face coverings/masks.
• Engage in social distancing of six or more feet.
• Stay home when ill or if other family members are ill.
• Leverage telework options.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu vaccine.
• Watch for cough, troubled breathing or other signs of respiratory infection.
• Monitor temperature for a fever above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C).
• Screen according to the Daily COVID-19 Screening Checklist as posted on-line.

Additional details and guidance will be forthcoming.

Please follow the recommended practices and act in the best interest of ourselves and the well-being of others.

With warm regards,

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

STC student, staff member test positive for COVID-19

June 18, 2020

MCALLEN, TX (June 18, 2020) –South Texas College is notifying currently enrolled students, faculty and staff regarding two confirmed cases of COVID-19, one at its Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco and another at its Nursing and Allied Health Campus in McAllen.

The person who tested positive at the Mid-Valley campus is a staff member and told administrators he accompanied someone to a testing site and decided to get tested for Coronavirus even though he was asymptomatic.

The second person who tested positive is a student enrolled in a class at the Nursing and Allied Health campus. The student began experiencing symptoms last Thursday and a lab test subsequently confirmed that they were positive for COVID-19. Everyone enrolled in that class has been contacted and will be allowed to finish the course online.

South Texas College is following guidelines from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the local health department for the safety of all students, faculty and staff. These guidelines include deep sanitization, social distancing, frequent hand washing and the use of facial coverings/masks by all students, faculty and staff.

Should anyone have concerns regarding this potential exposure or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately for a medical consultation.

For any questions regarding COVID-19, you may call the Hidalgo County Health Department COVID-19 hotline at 956-292-7765.

The notification from South Texas College to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff is being sent via email.

CARES Act Grant for Students

May 5, 2020

South Texas College’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund assists students whose lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The College is pleased to be able to help students who are facing financial challenges and are struggling to make ends meet.

The College is distributing emergency financial aid from the CARES Act directly to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child-care expenses.

In order to be considered, students must be enrolled at the College. Students must apply online as applications will not be available on-campus. On-campus services are very limited and by appointment only. The application link and information regarding the funds are available here: www.southtexascollege.edu/cares.

Current Student Program Eligibility Requirements:

Maximum award not to exceed $600

Students must submit an application online through the link on the College website. In order to determine eligibility, only students who are or could be eligible for Federal Title IV programs will be considered. Students who have not filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) also may receive emergency financial aid grants provided that they meet the criteria to participate in programs under Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The criteria to participate include but are not limited to the following: U.S citizenship or eligible noncitizen, a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

Each application will be reviewed by a committee and aid amounts will be based on student need. Students eligible for disbursements can receive refunds electronically to a preferred bank account by enrolling in e-Refunds. The steps to sign up for e-Refunds are available on the following webpage: https://finance.southtexascollege.edu/businessoffice/cashiers/refund-options.html

Students not enrolled in e-Refunds will receive their disbursement in the form of a paper check mailed to the address on file.

Questions?

Please email us at stccares@southtexascollege.edu if you have any questions.

Be safe and stay well.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

STC Essential Services, Food Pantry Open By Appointment Only

May 4, 2020

South Texas College has received authorization to open limited, essential services by appointment only.

Appointments will be available for students dealing with issues they are unable to resolve online or remotely including enrollment, financial aid, counseling and advising.

STC will still be ensuring it is following local, state and federal guidelines for scheduled appointments, including making sure there are no more than 10 people per group, social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment.

To request an appointment for student support services (M-F, 8am-5pm), visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/go/appt.

For open labs and computer reservations, visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/resources/reserves/.

STC’s student food pantry will also be available to eligible students. The Department of Student Activities and Wellness will be placing calls to students registered with the pantry who are seeking to make an appointment to receive food assistance, and will distribute pantry items using a curb-side system on select days.

For additional information on pantry services please email your full name, address, phone number and student “A” number to tamarsha@southtexascollege.edu at the Mid Valley Campus, clopez74@southtexascollege.edu at the Pecan Campus, or elopez1@southtexascollege.edu at the Starr County Campus.

Last Day to Withdraw extended to May 7th

April 24, 2020

Your academic success is our highest priority at South Texas College. In order to assist those students impacted by the COVID19 outbreak, we have extended the Last Day to Withdraw to May 7th without Pell Grant/Federal Aid consequences and impact on grade point average (GPA). Should you feel the need to withdraw, speak to your instructor to discuss if this option is best for you.

In addition, we would like to remind you of the following options available:

• Pass/No-Pass Grading Policy
• Summer Pell Grants
• Study Room Reservations
• Online Tutoring

With Warmest Regards,

Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D.
Chief Academic Officer

Pass / No-Pass Grading Option

April 16, 2020

All of us at South Texas College recognize that the current COVID19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on each of our lives and daily routines.

The sudden transition from face-to-face instruction to online instruction and the shelter-in-place directives have altered not only the way you attend face-to-face classes, but also how you access technology.

To help minimize the effect these changes have on your academic progress, South Texas College is providing a "Pass/No Pass" grading option. The link below contains a grid explaining the options and how each grade affects GPA.

Alternate Grade Request and Procedures – Spring 2020

However, the main points are that as soon as final course grades are posted in May, you will have a one-time-only opportunity to request that a:

• "C" grade be turned into an "S" (Satisfactory) grade
• "D" grade be turned into a "P" (Passing) grade
• "F" grade be turned into an "NP" (Not Passing) grade

Grades of "S" and "P" will award credit, but they will not affect your GPA. A grade of "NP" will not award credit and also will not affect your GPA. "NP" grades may still affect your financial aid status, so it is important to talk to an advisor and/or financial aid staff member if you have any questions. If you are a Dual Credit Student, you will also want to ask your high school counselor whether this option is right for you.

Students will be able to request this grade change through their JagNet portal only between May 19 and May 29, 2020. There is no option to reverse this decision, so please be sure to gather information, consider the decision thoughtfully, and make an informed selection by the May 29, 2020 deadline.

With Warmest Regards,

Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D.
Chief Academic Officer

Update on COVID-19

April 6, 2020

Due to evolving circumstances and the state and nationwide extension of precautions related to COVID-19, South Texas College will continue with current online instruction through the end of the spring semester. The College no longer plans to resume normal operations on Monday, April 13, as previously expected. We will continue operating online only, and access to facilities will remain restricted until Monday, May 4, when employees are expected to return to regular work schedules.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue to monitor our advisory page at southtexascollege.edu/coronavirus for the latest information, updates and support services available.

My thoughts are with each of you and your families as we navigate through these uncertain and unprecedented times. Together, we will get through this.

Be safe and stay well.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

Hidalgo and Starr Counties issue Stay at Home/Stay Safe Order

March 26, 2020

On Tuesday, March 24, Starr County issued a Stay at Home/Stay Safe Order effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. On Wednesday, March 25, Hidalgo County issued a Shelter at Home Order effective 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 26 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 10. These are part of an ongoing effort to suppress the spread of the coronavirus for the region and to ensure the safety of our community.

The orders are directing the public to remain at their residence except to obtain services, engage in activities, or work for business and government services that are deemed essential. South Texas College’s transition to online learning has positioned us to support the order fully.

The orders will impact the College’s operations as follows:

• All instruction will continue online.
• All campuses will be closed to students and the public.
• All employees will transition to working from home and will receive directives from their supervisors.
• A limited number of employees will be required to be on campus to perform essential functions and will be notified by their immediate supervisor.
• Support services will be available via telephone at 1-855-468-6782 (1-855-GoToSTC) or email at information@southtexascollege.edu.

At this time, employees are expected to return to regular work schedules on Monday, April 13.

Please continue to monitor southtexascollege.edu/coronavirus for updates as new information becomes available.

Thank you all for your patience as South Texas College acts to ensure the health and wellbeing of our college community.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

Campus-wide closure of buildings, classrooms and offices

March 20, 2020

In light of Governor Abbott’s executive order on school closings and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), South Texas College has opted to extend the current campus-wide closure of buildings, classrooms and offices at all campuses until April 6.

• Online classes will resume on Monday, March 23 since they are isolated and do not promote public gatherings.
• All other academic classes will resume on Monday, March 30 in an online format.
• Administrative staff, program chairs and essential employees will return to regular work schedules on Monday, March 23. Essential employees will be notified individually by their immediate supervisors.
• All other employees are expected to return to regular work schedules on Monday, April 6.
• Support services will be available online and via telephone.

Please stay informed by visiting our coronavirus resource page at southtexascollege.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates.

Thank you all for your patience as South Texas College acts to ensure the health and wellbeing of our college community.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed
President

Update on COVID-19 - Expansion of precautionary measures

We are continuously reviewing the COVID-19 situation. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at South Texas College, but as more cases are identified across the country, we have expanded our precautionary measures to the following social distancing measures: