COVID-19 Guidance

Updated: July 3, 2020, 2:15 p.m. CDT

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Frequently Asked Questions

Plans for In-Person Fall Semester
May 29, 2020

As we move into summer, I hope you and your loved ones are well. Over the last few weeks, many things have been happening behind the scenes, and I want you to have the latest updates.

As you may know, we announced today that in-person August Commencement ceremonies will unfortunately have to be postponed. We will proceed with virtual graduation celebrations in collaboration with colleges and schools, as was the case in May, to include a virtual conferral of degrees.

In April, I shared our intent to be open for the fall semester. While much work is left to be done to make this happen as safely as possible, I’m pleased to report that we are on track to be open and operational in-person, with online offerings as well. The Board of Regents met this morning and approved Texas A&M University System guidance.

Guiding vision

In making plans for the fall semester, we are guided by two simple-but-powerful overriding principles:
- Doing our very best to fulfill our land-grant mission of education and research; and
- Ensuring we fulfill this mission as safely as possible.
We will follow the latest guidelines from infectious disease experts and local, state and federal officials. Our top priority is – and always will be – to promote the health and safety of all of our students, faculty and staff. To make this happen will require a deep commitment to selfless service from you, our students, and indeed ALL of us. Returning to campus is a privilege. Aggies take care of each other. We must also serve to protect the communities in which we learn and live.

Careful planning

We have many members of our university community who have health concerns, or have loved ones who may be vulnerable, so we are planning constantly and carefully for the fall semester. Weeks ago, we created several committees who have been working tirelessly to address questions from their unique perspectives. In the interest of keeping you fully informed as we move along, today we share initial decisions with more detail to follow in the weeks to come. Please take time to read – along with your families – all updates we share this summer.

For your reference, please regularly consult the latest guidance on COVID-19, dated and time stamped so that you know you have the most up-to-date information, linked from the university’s home page.

In-person and online classes

We plan to offer face-to-face classes, with remote options for every course. As part of these precautions for the fall semester, we will start classes earlier, beginning on Aug. 19. This will likely mean that we will have hybrid classes in which some students are in-person while others participate remotely at the same time. We’re also redesigning schedules to hold classes throughout extended days, with potential as well for Monday through Saturday classes as necessary to enhance physical distancing in classes and throughout campus. Again, greater details are being worked out using priorities articulated by faculty, deans, student leaders and staff and will be forthcoming.

While classes will end prior to Thanksgiving, campus services will remain available through the Thanksgiving break and after, to include reading day, online exams, and commencement to support students and faculty for the successful completion of the semester.

With an earlier class start will come an even earlier return to campus for some students as we seek to stagger the move-in process, orientations and other activities.

For students with significant health issues, we encourage you to connect with Disability Resources before taking classes. Their professional and caring staff has been assisting other students who have similar health concerns and can help guide you through the Accommodation Request Process.

On-campus housing

Move-in will be conducted in phases with scheduled move-in appointments to promote physical distancing for the safety of residents, families and staff by limiting the number of people in the buildings. Residence hall and White Creek Apartment move-in appointments will be scheduled between Aug. 8-18. Gardens Apartments move-in appointments will be scheduled between Aug. 1-18. More details will be forthcoming to students from the office of Residence Life.

Physical distancing

We will continue physical distancing in our classrooms, residence halls, academic offices, research laboratories and other shared spaces. We are conducting detailed studies of classroom spaces to identify the capacity needed to keep students and faculty as safe as possible.

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting

On our campuses, in our classrooms, and in our other facilities, we will have enhanced methods of cleaning and disinfecting, with higher traffic areas receiving even greater attention. We’re also analyzing our building ventilation systems, finding ways to reduce the chances of viral exposure in our buildings.

Masks, testing and contact tracing

A group of public health officials, medical professionals, faculty, staff and students have convened to review CDC and other guidance on face-covering requirements to ensure that we protect those most vulnerable. A policy on requirements for face-coverings will be released in the days to come.

We have entered into a partnership with the state of Texas to help build a workforce for contact tracing through the Health Science Center, which will directly benefit our campus community, local residents and all Texans.

We plan to offer testing, primarily for students who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. Faculty and staff will predominantly obtain testing through their healthcare providers, as will remote students.

Preparing for several scenarios

We are developing detailed plans for isolating those on-campus residents who are sick and those who may have been exposed to the illness. If we see increases in COVID-19 that concern officials and/or the campus community, we have prepared and will continue to refine contingency plans.

Over the next few weeks, there is much work to be done. As we develop more concrete timetables for specific events and activities, we will keep you informed.

As we move forward, we must remember that there are still many uncertainties about COVID-19 and we may need to adjust our plans according to emerging public health updates.

While this is a challenging time for our university, I want to thank you all for your patience, resilience and support. More than 1.5 million people viewed this tribute video to you, our beloved students. I know many of you are anxious to get back to Aggieland.

Through the strength of your support, you’ve shown us that the spirit of our university is far more than just the constant pulse of activity on campus. The spirit of Texas A&M is also a state of mind, a sense of community, found in the timeless traditions we share and the bonds we have built with each other. Even though the fall will require some new and different protocols, our values and traditions will continue to bring us together, whether it’s in-person or in spirit. And for that, we should all be very grateful.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young
President
Planning for the Return of Visitors to Campus and Business Travel
May 22, 2020

In keeping with the State of Texas and Texas A&M System’s guidance on returning to pre-COVID activity, the university will proceed with a phased in approach to bringing visitors back to campus* and reinstituting institutional travel.

*This guidance applies to property of TAMU with the exception of the Hotel, Park West, and Century Square.

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, CDC/STATE OF TEXAS/TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE MUST BE FOLLOWED.

Visitors to Campus

Visitors are delineated into three primary groups:
- Group I: Visitors on campus to meet with departmental staff for essential business or employment recruitment
- Group II: Visitors on campus for adult continuing education/conference activity
- Group III: Visitors on campus for campus tours and/or undergraduate visits
Current Phase: In accordance with previous guidance, visitors to campus for any campus sponsored activity are not allowed through June 14, 2020.

Phase One, effective June 15, 2020:
- Group I visitors to campus will be limited to parties of less than five with approval of the applicable vice president or dean.
- Group II and Group III visitors are not permitted.
Phase Two, effective July 1, 2020:
- Group I, visitors to campus for official business, will be limited to parties of 10 or less with approval of the applicable vice president or dean.
- Group II visitors to campus will be limited to 50 percent occupancy of applicable meeting areas (in no instance more than 30 people).
- Group III visitors to campus will be limited to groups of 10 or less.
Phase Three, effective August 1, 2020 until further notice:
- Group I, Group II and Group III – For planning purposes, assume Phase Two will continue through summer. Updates for Phase Three will be announced no later than July 1, 2020.
Texas A&M University Travel Guidance

The current travel restriction of only essential travel outside of the campus area remains in effect through June 14, 2020. In keeping with current guidance of a phased approach in returning to business operations, the following will apply:

Effective June 1, 2020:

Domestic Travel (includes in-state travel): Only travel essential to the mission will be permitted at the discretion of the applicable vice president or dean.

International Travel: Only travel essential to the mission will be permitted at the discretion of the provost or their designee. All travel must be routed through Concur for Risk Management's review and risk mitigation and subsequent recommendation to the provost for approval.

Further updates to the easing of travel restrictions will be made available after July 15, 2020.

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, CDC/STATE OF TEXAS/TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE MUST BE FOLLOWED.
What’s The COVID-19 Situation On And Near Campus?

The Brazos County Health District announced Friday, July 3, 2020 that a total of 2,331 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Brazos County. Fourty-one people are hospitalized and 31 residents have passed away. Brazos County reports that 20,150 tests have been performed. The total hospital bed occupancy in Brazos County is at 78 percent full while the total ICU bed occupancy is at 51 percent full.

Once the virus became a communitywide spread, the Brazos County Health District decided to report only the total number of positive cases rather than include the age of the person and other details.

Current residence hall occupancy at Texas A&M is less than 1,900 students. The current university employee guidance is for everyone — except essential employees — to work from home.

The Texas A&M Student Health Services, located in the A.P. Beutel Health Center on campus, is one of many healthcare providers in Brazos County. As of Tuesday, April 14, four students have tested positive for COVID-19 at SHS. They have tested between 90 and 100. All four who tested positive are students who do not live on campus.

Several employees also have tested positive and are reflected in the Brazos County data linked above. Positive reports among our employees and students are investigated by the university Environmental Health and Safety Department only for the purpose of determining any other campus community members exposed and/or campus facilities that may require cleaning/disinfection due to the reported positive cases of COVID-19.
Open Texas Guidelines

Governor Abbott has issued Executive Orders and guidelines to expand openings of certain businesses and activities in Texas. For additional guidelines on minimum recommended health protocols for all individuals in Texas, please visit the Office of the Texas Governor website at Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas.

Please continue to check this page for updated information about the status of meetings, events, and services on campus.
Can you tell us more about any Texas A&M community members who are being screened for COVID-19?

To protect their privacy, Texas A&M University legally is not able to release personal information about any students or University community members who are being monitored or tested for novel coronavirus, including their location. When a University community member is diagnosed with COVID-19, the relevant local health department and the University initiate appropriate protocols to protect the health and privacy of anyone deemed to be at risk.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) from other people
- Do not gather in groups
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
Meetings should be conducted virtually whenever possible. If a meeting virtually is not possible, then meeting settings should accommodate distance between participants.
What does it mean to self-monitor?

According to the CDC, self-monitoring means people should monitor themselves for fever by taking their temperature twice a day and remaining alert for symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, myalgias, malaise). If you feel feverish or develop symptoms during the self-monitoring period, you should self-isolate, limit contact with others, and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider. TAMU students may call (979) 458-8310. For after-hours contact/inquiries, call the Dial-a-Nurse program at (979) 458-8379.

To download the CDC Check and Report Every Day (CARE) Booklet which helps you understand how to self-monitor your health and how to check your symptoms daily visit CARE.
What does it mean to self-isolate?
If you are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and are asked to self-isolate after returning internationally or from a cruise, you should stay off campus and remain home.

Do not go to campus including work, residence halls and apartments, classes, athletic events or other social gatherings until 14 days after returning from international or cruise travel. Likewise, avoid public places and gatherings in the community.

If you need to retrieve belongings from your on campus residence, contact the Department of Residence Life at maggie_guzman@reslife.tamu.edu. If you are a faculty or staff member and need to retrieve items from your office or work space, please coordinate with your supervisor about the best way to retrieve those items without returning to campus.

Please follow these guidelines for self-isolation:
- Report any symptoms of COVID-19 immediately to your medical provider – preferably by calling to get advice and instructions. TAMU students may call (979) 458-8300. For after-hours contact/inquiries, call the Dial-a-Nurse program at (979) 458-8379.
- Stay in your room or apartment. Do not go to work, classes, athletic events, or other social or religious gatherings until 14 days after leaving the Level 3 country or region.
- Limit contact as much as possible. This also means limiting close contact with others including persons living in your residence.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rubs after coughing or sneezing or throwing a used tissue in the garbage.
- Avoid sharing household items. Do not share drinking glasses, towels, eating utensils, bedding, or any other items until you are no longer asked to self-isolate.
- Keep your surroundings clean. While the virus is not spread very well from contact with soiled household surfaces, try to clean surfaces that you share with others, such as door knobs, telephones, and bathroom surfaces (or any other object that you sneeze or cough on), with a standard household disinfectant wipe. Wash your hands after cleaning the area.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms at least daily including measuring your temperature. Any symptoms of COVID-19 should be reported to your physician. To download the CDC Check and Report Every Day (CARE) Booklet which helps you understand how to self-monitor your health and how to check your symptoms daily visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID-19_CAREKit_ENG.pdf
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve or a tissue. Never cough in the direction of someone else.
When should I discontinue home isolation?

Before returning to campus from home isolation, individuals should consult the CDC guidance: Disposition of Non-Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19.
Who is at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19?
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
- People 65 years and older
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- People who have serious heart conditions
- People who are immunocompromised
  - Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
- People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- People with liver disease
At-risk populations should protect themselves by:
- Staying home if possible
- Washing hands often
- Avoiding close contact (6 feet, which is two arm lengths) with people who are sick
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Covering the mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Calling a healthcare professional if sick
Where can I find guidance on conducting research at this time?

For specific information about conducting research and managing research programs, please visit https://vpr.tamu.edu/covid-19
What is COVID-19 and how does it spread?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Learn more from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.
What should I do if I feel ill?
- If you are feeling ill, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Students can make an appointment at Student Health Services by visiting the website or by calling (979) 458-8310.
- Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other healthcare facility without calling first. Your provider may need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. Telemedicine may also be available, enabling you to consult a provider from home.
- Check with your health insurance provider. If you are a student enrolled in the TAMU Student Health Insurance plan, MD Live is available for you (a medical visit copay applies). If you have symptoms such as a cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your primary care doctor first.
- Practice social distancing. Stay indoors and avoid contact with others, just as you would with the flu. Those with contagious diseases should stay home from work or school until they are well. People with fever, cough and respiratory issues should seek immediate medical attention.
- Employees who have symptoms should notify their supervisor and stay home
- Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and follow CDC recommended precautions.
- Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers.
Is there a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19?

There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment to protect against COVID-19. People with mild COVID-19 symptoms may experience symptom relief from supportive care measures such as rest and over-the-counter medications for fever and cough. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
How can I protect myself from the virus?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Stay educated on the disease by reading the CDC website. Take care of yourself by doing the following:
- Stay home as much as possible. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick, such as older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  - You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
  - If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  - Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
  - This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Clean your hands often
  - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  - If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
How should I clean and disinfect communal spaces?
A summary of the CDC’s guidelines follows:

Wear disposable gloves (e.g. nitrile or latex) when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Disposable gloves are single-use and should be discarded after each cleaning. If disposable gloves are not available, and reusable gloves (e.g. dishwashing gloves) are used instead, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection of products used. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after gloves are removed.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Focus on disinfecting other commonly touched surfaces such as keyboards/mouse, touchscreens, furniture (e.g. desk chair arms), coffee pot and refrigerator handles, etc.

For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water, or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, or
- 1-part bleach with 9 parts water
A list of products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available on the Novel Coronavirus Fighting Products list. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against SARS-CoV2. based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)

For porous surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
- Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or
- Use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces.
What mental health and coping resources are available during COVID-19?
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been stressful for many people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause a host of emotional responses. Counseling & Psychological Services has compiled a page with ways to care for your mental health during these experiences and provides resources for more help. It also describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing and/or self-isolation.
- Emergency Resources
- TAMU HelpLine is still operational 4:00 p.m - 8:00 a.m. and 24 hours on the weekends. They can be reached at 979.845.2700
- Counseling & Psychological Services COVID-19 Resources Page
- CDC Guidance on Managing Anxiety & Stress during COVID-19
Are there resources for combating stigmatization and bias related to COVID-19?

The Office for Diversity has compiled resources for leading change, affinity groups, online reporting for hate/bias incidents, and campus community resources.

As Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity Dr. Robin Coleman wrote, “Your second ‘to-do’ is to spread our Aggie core value of Respect far and wide. Without Respect, fear and ignorance can take hold of our communities. As Aggies, we will not engage in fear-mongering. As Aggies, we embrace our core value of Leadership by modeling affirming behaviors and rejecting bias and discrimination. More, as Aggies, we can show others how to love, support, and protect people on our campus and in our communities from social stigma and discrimination.”

For more information on reducing stigma related to COVID-19, please visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html

Report a Campus Community Incident
Should I be concerned about pets or animals and COVID-19?

For specific information about pets and COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 and Animals section of the CDC COVID-19 FAQ
Are on-campus dorms and apartments open for the rest of the semester?
While classes are being held online, the University is still open, including all on-campus residence halls and apartments. We are open for any resident who chooses to continue to live on campus for the remainder of the semester in order to maintain employment, use their dining plan, use wifi and computing labs for completing online coursework, and otherwise have a successful semester.

If you have traveled internationally or on a cruise within the last 14 days, you are required to report that travel through the Report Travel Portal and self-isolate off-campus for 14 days before returning to campus. (See ‘What Does It Mean To Self-Isolate?’ FAQ). We strongly encourage anyone who is self-isolating to limit contact with others, including those living in their residence and pets. Residents who are required to self-isolate are welcome to return to their on-campus residence under the following conditions:
- If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can return to campus after these three things have happened:
  - You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND
  - other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
  - at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
- If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  - You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND
  - other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
  - you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

Texas A&M University Response

Will the university cancel classes?
As posted 3-23-2020:

Face-to-face classes are canceled March 16-20. Classes resume online only March 23 – April 28 (the last day of classes). No assignments, exams or quizzes are permitted until March 23, 2020. Faculty will communicate with students and post a new syllabus. Note that some exceptions are being routed through leadership on a case-by-case basis for small graduate classes to meet in person and that any graduate or professional studies students with questions in these cases can consult their faculty.

For courses that were previously online,

Prior to this week, if your course was delivered online synchronously (meaning that the instructor and students are online and communicating live at the same scheduled time), then all undergraduate and graduate courses are canceled as are all assignments until March 23, 2020. Faculty should communicate with students and post a new syllabus.
- Prior to this week, if your course for undergraduates was delivered online asynchronously (meaning that the instructor posts content for students to complete on their own by certain dates), then no assignments, exams or quizzes are permitted until March 23, 2020. However, new content may be added to the course during the week of March 16-20. Faculty should communicate with students and post a new syllabus.
- Prior to this week, if your course for graduate students was delivered online asynchronously (again meaning that the instructor posts content for the students to complete on their own by certain dates), then no new content, assignments, exams or quizzes are permitted until Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Asynchronous graduate courses may resume on Wednesday, March 18. Faculty should communicate with students and post a new syllabus.
Final Exams and Commencement
- Final exams will not be taken in person. Online testing and other mechanisms for the assessment of student learning are under consideration in collaboration with college deans and faculty and will be announced in the near future.
- Due to the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on event sizes announced by the White House, Spring graduation ceremonies will be postponed. The university is planning mail delivery of diplomas to graduates (with normal shipping costs waived) and is also considering opportunities for in-person ceremony options later this summer for those May graduates wishing to do so. There is no impact at this time to August in-person graduation ceremonies.
Campus Remains Open
- The university remains open to faculty, staff and students who choose to be on campus.
- No undergraduate students are required to be physically on campus but students are permitted to be on campus for services and facility usage in line with meeting cap numbers as outlined in this FAQ.
- Graduate and professional students should contact their respective programs for additional guidance.
- Students conducting clinical activities or student teaching should consult your respective program leadership for guidance.
Please consult the central website for continued updates. Thank you for your input, patience and collaboration.

Keep Learning at TAMU is a resource to help transition your learning online. For more information, please visit https://keeplearning.tamu.edu/

If you need assistance with course accommodations, please contact Disability Resources
.
If this outbreak continues, will the University close? What happens if I live on campus?

The University has extensive and thorough emergency procedures and is committed to doing everything it can to ensure the health and safety of our community. Because this is a rapidly changing situation, we need to prepare for a range of possibilities, but since Texas A&M University includes health care facilities and other critical operations, it will remain open during the alternative delivery of classes as long as national circumstances with this pandemic make that possible. We continue to encourage all employees who can perform their work remotely to telework as per public health guidance after coordinating with your supervisor.

Students are permitted to return home if that is an option, but students are not required to leave campus at this time. Our residence halls will remain available to students who need to reside on campus. All students who remain on campus are encouraged practice social distancing. For those who do live on or near campus and wish to access campus services, modified operations will be in place that minimize in-person interaction and/or will be operated remotely. The University will assist in limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 on our campuses, including more frequent and extensive cleaning of areas in student use (residence halls, computer labs) and other approaches.
What is Texas A&M University doing?

Texas A&M leadership from across the university is meeting regularly to discuss and review the rapidly evolving situation regarding the spread of the coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. Texas A&M has activated its emergency operations plan and convened its response team to coordinate preparedness and response activities. Members of the team continue to closely monitor the situation, relying on local and state health officials, as well as members of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Centers for Disease and Preparedness and the World Health Organization to ensure a consistent and coordinated response. The university is coordinating with the Texas A&M University System and other intuitions of higher education to ensure that issues related to campus communities are appropriately addressed. We would like to remind the community to practice good hygiene to lower the risk of becoming ill.

The university will continue to address questions and concerns through regular communications and additions to the FAQ section of this page.
What is the campus doing for infection control?

Campus departments are working to help ensure the safety of the campus environment: everything from expanded distribution and placement of hand sanitizers to enhanced disinfection and cleaning procedures of common areas. Communications have gone out to faculty, staff and students emphasizing the importance of handwashing and staying home when ill.

SSC has instituted enhanced cleaning practices to minimize the spread of flu and COVID-19 viruses throughout campus buildings, specifically addressing commonly used areas and fixtures (e.g., door knobs, stairway bannisters, elevators). However, if faculty or staff wish to supplement these efforts within their offices or shared spaces, EPA-registered products should be selected preferentially to ensure effective disinfection. The CDC has published interim guidelines for environmental cleaning and disinfection. Note label instructions on disinfection products to ensure concentration, contact time, and application methods are appropriate for the product being used.
What is being done in residence halls and on-campus apartments to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19?
Residence Life is taking proactive steps to reduce exposure within each of the Texas A&M residential communities. These efforts include:
- Increasing frequency of surface cleaning; specifically, handrails, elevator buttons and door handles are being disinfected regularly.
- Providing hand sanitizer in public spaces.
- Ensuring that Residence Life staff knows where to direct students with concerns about coronavirus.
Will campus meetings and events be cancelled?
As posted 3-20-2020:

April 4 – May 31
- Please continue to consult the Central COVID-19 website for updates.
- Visitors should not come on campus.
- Impact examples during this time:
  - No on-campus recruiting
  - No campus tours
  - No intercollegiate competitions
  - Family Weekend canceled
  - Final Review canceled
  - Muster ceremonies online
  - May Commencements postponed
  - Third-party events canceled
  - MS-150 bike race canceled
  - One Hope Concert canceled

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