Spring 2022 COVID-19 Resources

Role modeling is critical for enhancing awareness and actions on the importance of face coverings, COVID-19 vaccinations, and other health and safety measures.  Course syllabi should reference the health and safety measures that are the cornerstone of Texas State's mitigation strategy.

Faculty members may also work with their chairs/directors to find larger classrooms or instructional spaces, use Zoom, Teams, or other means for office hours, and consider seating arrangements and instructor placement in instructional spaces to optimize social distancing.

If students are anxious, please refer them to the university’s Counseling Center. In addition to direct services and counseling appointments, students may also benefit from the center’s Bobcat Mental Wellness videos and presentations.

In President Trauth’s email dated January 3, 2022, she urged all members of the university community, regardless of vaccination status, to get tested before the start of the spring 2022 semester and when selected to participate in Texas State’s random COVID-19 testing program. Testing information may be found on Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps webpage. 

No. Per standing guidance from Governor Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-36 issued on May 18, 2021, and confirmed by The Texas State University System Office of General Counsel, Texas State is not able to require face coverings. Two instruction-based exceptions: 1) if face coverings are a routine component of a class or lab due to the use of chemicals, machinery, or other hazardous conditions and 2) if an external organization hosting the student learning experience requires face coverings while students are at the organization’s location; the external organization manages compliance. 

No. This question is not appropriate due to medical privacy laws and Governor Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-35 issued on April 5, 2021 and confirmed by The Texas State University System Office of General Counsel.  Texas public institutions may neither compel disclosure of vaccination status nor condition the delivery of services on a person’s vaccination status.

No. This question is not appropriate due to medical privacy laws. At Texas State, there are two exceptions related to students, both of which are managed by staff in Student Affairs and Athletics (i.e., students moving into Texas State residence halls and student-athletes). 

Faculty teaching face-to-face classes (and classes in all instruction modes) may consider alternatives to face-to face office hours, such as video conferencing in Teams or Zoom, telephone calls, emails, meeting in larger spaces, and other means.

All classes and learning activities will be delivered online/remotely from January 18, 2022 through January 30, 2022.  Exceptions due to licensure requirements or other academic imperatives will be communicated to students.

Beginning January 31, 2022, classes must be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the Schedule of Classes in Catsweb. The class syllabus should reflect the instruction mode and include elements described in section 13 of  AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses. 

Before making decisions about syllabi and course delivery, please review AA/PPS 02.03.10, Instructional Contact Time and Academic Credit for information on required contact hours, including a minimum of 45 contact hours per semester for a 3-hour credit course.

Faculty have discretion to implement classes according to the definition and parameters of instruction modes, which were set months in advance of spring 2022. For example, the face-to-face course instruction mode means 85 percent or more of the faculty-student interaction occurs in-person. The remaining 15 percent may occur in other formats, including Zoom. NOTE: The first two weeks of online/remote delivery will not count against the face-to-face contact hours required for certain course instructional methods per the University Registrar.

The University Registrar defines instruction modes as follows:

FTF- At least 85% of the section is taught face-to-face (in-person)

INT- At least 85% of the section is taught via the internet

HYB- 50-85% of the section is taught via the internet, the other portion is taught face-to-face (in-person)

ITV- Section is taught via two-interactive video

MEM- 50% of the section is taught via electronic instruction other than ITV or online

VTV- Section is taught by video tape and/or Broadcast TV

Faculty have discretion in working with students and are neither obligated nor required to ask students about modifications or make modifications, including creating individualized instructional modalities. Modifications are not the same as formal accommodations recommended by the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Students may be advised that ODS manages the process that provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.  Faculty are responsible for implementing accommodations based on the office’s process, assessment, and formal recommendations per UPPS 07.11.01, Disability Services for Students. 

As in the past, faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness.  Students who test positive for COVID-19 or must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and follow the instructions, which are provided by email. Students should forward this email to their professors and make appropriate arrangements for completing assignments.  For emergency situations, such as hospitalization or death of a loved one, students may be directed to the Dean of Students' absence notification form. 

Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class. The arrangements offered may be similar to arrangements offered in the past for students who missed class due to illness or other reasons accepted by the faculty member.

Student employees who must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and visit with their supervisor.

If there are a large number of absences in a face-to-face class and the instructor finds difficulty in managing make-up assignments and course delivery, remote learning and alternative strategies are at the instructor’s discretion. For example, the instructor may choose to temporarily use Zoom so absent students are able to observe lectures and class activities. Or, an instructor may record and distribute lectures, add discussion boards in Canvas, create substitute assignments, or implement some other plan.

As in the past, faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their chairs/directors to ensure continuity of instruction.  In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may briefly transition to remote learning by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class.  Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for support or guidance.  Faculty with extended absences are advised to review UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy, and contact Human Resources for guidance.

Employees who must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and visit with their supervisor about leave options. UPPS 04.04.30 University Leave Policy provides details and procedures regarding how faculty earn and can report sick leave. Employees in isolation or quarantine may work remotely only if requested and approved through their Department Head. Remote Work Guidance is available form the Office of Human Resources. 

Faculty earn sick leave and are required to report sick leave taken. The use of sick leave and reporting procedures are prescribed in UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy, Section 03.10, Sick Leave Procedures, and Section 15, Record Keeping Procedures.  Questions regarding faculty sick leave should be directed to the appropriate chair/director. Each department/school has a procedure in place for getting time entered into the SAP time management system, either by a faculty member or the departmental time administrator.

Report to Bobcat Trace and follow the instructions provided to you. Faculty who are absent from class should coordinate with their chairs/directors to ensure continuity of instruction. An asymptomatic faculty member teaching face-to-face classes may briefly transition to remote learning for a quarantine or isolation period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For more information, visit Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps web page.  

Students should be advised to get tested for COVID-19 and consult the university’s Roadmap for information about steps to keep themselves and others safe.  Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps web page provides more information. Information about positive cases or close contacts is confidential and should not be shared.

No. All employees, including faculty, must safeguard the privacy of the infected person. Releasing the names of affected students violates their privacy and confidentiality. When a positive case is reported to Bobcat Trace, a contact tracer will notify those who came in close contact with the patient, and may request assistance from Texas State faculty or supervisors (if the student also works on campus) to obtain contact information for any exposed persons. Case information is shared only with those persons who need to know and who may have action to take. Information about positive cases or close contacts is confidential and should not be shared.

First, isolate yourself, do not come to campus, and get tested for COVID-19. Notify your department chair/school director to make arrangements for continuity of instruction.  If you test positive, report to Bobcat Trace and follow the protocol recommended by Bobcat Trace staff. Reporting information can be found on the Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps web page.

Over the last 23 months, researchers have demonstrated the ability to be both safe and productive while engaged in research activities by taking appropriate safety measures against COVID-19, including vaccinations, physical distancing, sanitization, and face coverings. While vaccines and safety protocols have helped to improve the situation considerably, it is still prudent and necessary to maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

During spring 2022, Texas State will continue to operate its research facilities at full capacity (phase 4), including human subjects research. SOPs are required and will need to include elements of self-monitoring, personnel logging, and following CDC guidance where appropriate. Contact staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for more information.

Wearing a mask/face covering is strongly recommend when working around others in closed areas. It may be necessary, in some cases, to consider work schedules within shared closed spaces that avoid prolonged close encounters of personnel. Due to orders by Governor Abbott, students, faculty, and staff may not be required to wear a mask/face covering for COVID-19 purposes or asked about COVID-19 vaccination status. Questions about unique situations may be addressed by staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Bobcat Balance, a work life and employee assistance program, provides various free and confidential services and resources to help employees through life’s challenges. In addition, WellCats developed COVID Wellness Resources for employees. The page includes information about exercise and physical activity, being mindful and proactive, emotional and mental wellness, nutrition tips and tricks, and other advice. An additional resource includes “Supporting Your Well-Being during Times of Change and Uncertainty,” available free to faculty, staff and students via LinkedIn Learning.

If students are anxious, please refer them to the university’s Counseling Center. In addition to direct services and counseling appointments, students will benefit from the center’s COVID-19 Resources and Bobcat Mental Wellness videos and presentations. These videos are useful for anyone interested in learning more about managing stress and anxiety, strengthening coping skills, increasing self-motivation, and other topics. An additional resource includes “Supporting Your Well-Being during Times of Change and Uncertainty,” available free to faculty, staff and students via LinkedIn Learning. Students should also be encouraged to review the Counseling Center’s “Tips List for Coping with COVID-19 Uncertainty, Change, and Fear” on the COVID-19 Resources webpage. 

Please remind students about their ability to take health and safety precautions, such as wearing a mask/face covering, getting vaccinated, maintaining social distance, handwashing, and so forth.  Students may also be referred to the university’s Counseling Center.  In addition to direct services and counseling appointments, students will benefit from the center’s COVID-19 Resources and Bobcat Mental Wellness videos and presentations.  Students should also be encouraged to review the Counseling Center’s “Tips List for Coping with COVID-19 Uncertainty, Change, and Fear” on the COVID-19 Resources webpage referenced above.

For assistance with designing and implementing online/remote classes, please visit the following resources and offices. Staff are eager to assist faculty with remote and online course design, strategies, and tips for teaching and learning success.

COVID-19 Roadmap Resources for Teaching (Faculty Development)

Teaching Continuity Guide (Office of Distance & Extended Learning)

Teaching, Learning, and Working Remotely at Texas State (ITAC)
 

Role modeling is critical for enhancing awareness and actions on the importance of face coverings, COVID-19 vaccinations, and other health and safety measures.  Course syllabi should reference the health and safety measures that are the cornerstone of Texas State's mitigation strategy.

Faculty members may also work with their chairs/directors to find larger classrooms or instructional spaces, use Zoom, Teams, or other means for office hours, and consider seating arrangements and instructor placement in instructional spaces to optimize social distancing.

If students are anxious, please refer them to the university’s Counseling Center. In addition to direct services and counseling appointments, students may also benefit from the center’s Bobcat Mental Wellness videos and presentations.

In President Trauth’s email dated January 3, 2022, she urged all members of the university community, regardless of vaccination status, to get tested before the start of the spring 2022 semester and when selected to participate in Texas State’s random COVID-19 testing program. Testing information may be found on Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps webpage. 

No. Per standing guidance from Governor Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-36 issued on May 18, 2021, and confirmed by The Texas State University System Office of General Counsel, Texas State is not able to require face coverings. Two instruction-based exceptions: 1) if face coverings are a routine component of a class or lab due to the use of chemicals, machinery, or other hazardous conditions and 2) if an external organization hosting the student learning experience requires face coverings while students are at the organization’s location; the external organization manages compliance. 

No. This question is not appropriate due to medical privacy laws and Governor Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-35 issued on April 5, 2021 and confirmed by The Texas State University System Office of General Counsel.  Texas public institutions may neither compel disclosure of vaccination status nor condition the delivery of services on a person’s vaccination status.

No. This question is not appropriate due to medical privacy laws. At Texas State, there are two exceptions related to students, both of which are managed by staff in Student Affairs and Athletics (i.e., students moving into Texas State residence halls and student-athletes). 

Faculty teaching face-to-face classes (and classes in all instruction modes) may consider alternatives to face-to face office hours, such as video conferencing in Teams or Zoom, telephone calls, emails, meeting in larger spaces, and other means.

All classes and learning activities will be delivered online/remotely from January 18, 2022 through January 30, 2022.  Exceptions due to licensure requirements or other academic imperatives will be communicated to students.

Beginning January 31, 2022, classes must be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the Schedule of Classes in Catsweb. The class syllabus should reflect the instruction mode and include elements described in section 13 of  AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses. 

Before making decisions about syllabi and course delivery, please review AA/PPS 02.03.10, Instructional Contact Time and Academic Credit for information on required contact hours, including a minimum of 45 contact hours per semester for a 3-hour credit course.

Faculty have discretion to implement classes according to the definition and parameters of instruction modes, which were set months in advance of spring 2022. For example, the face-to-face course instruction mode means 85 percent or more of the faculty-student interaction occurs in-person. The remaining 15 percent may occur in other formats, including Zoom. NOTE: The first two weeks of online/remote delivery will not count against the face-to-face contact hours required for certain course instructional methods per the University Registrar.

The University Registrar defines instruction modes as follows:

FTF- At least 85% of the section is taught face-to-face (in-person)

INT- At least 85% of the section is taught via the internet

HYB- 50-85% of the section is taught via the internet, the other portion is taught face-to-face (in-person)

ITV- Section is taught via two-interactive video

MEM- 50% of the section is taught via electronic instruction other than ITV or online

VTV- Section is taught by video tape and/or Broadcast TV

Faculty have discretion in working with students and are neither obligated nor required to ask students about modifications or make modifications, including creating individualized instructional modalities. Modifications are not the same as formal accommodations recommended by the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Students may be advised that ODS manages the process that provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.  Faculty are responsible for implementing accommodations based on the office’s process, assessment, and formal recommendations per UPPS 07.11.01, Disability Services for Students. 

As in the past, faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness.  Students who test positive for COVID-19 or must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and follow the instructions, which are provided by email. Students should forward this email to their professors and make appropriate arrangements for completing assignments.  For emergency situations, such as hospitalization or death of a loved one, students may be directed to the Dean of Students' absence notification form. 

Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class. The arrangements offered may be similar to arrangements offered in the past for students who missed class due to illness or other reasons accepted by the faculty member.

Student employees who must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and visit with their supervisor.

If there are a large number of absences in a face-to-face class and the instructor finds difficulty in managing make-up assignments and course delivery, remote learning and alternative strategies are at the instructor’s discretion. For example, the instructor may choose to temporarily use Zoom so absent students are able to observe lectures and class activities. Or, an instructor may record and distribute lectures, add discussion boards in Canvas, create substitute assignments, or implement some other plan.

As in the past, faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their chairs/directors to ensure continuity of instruction.  In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may briefly transition to remote learning by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class.  Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for support or guidance.  Faculty with extended absences are advised to review UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy, and contact Human Resources for guidance.

Employees who must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and visit with their supervisor about leave options. UPPS 04.04.30 University Leave Policy provides details and procedures regarding how faculty earn and can report sick leave. Employees in isolation or quarantine may work remotely only if requested and approved through their Department Head. Remote Work Guidance is available form the Office of Human Resources. 

Faculty earn sick leave and are required to report sick leave taken. The use of sick leave and reporting procedures are prescribed in UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy, Section 03.10, Sick Leave Procedures, and Section 15, Record Keeping Procedures.  Questions regarding faculty sick leave should be directed to the appropriate chair/director. Each department/school has a procedure in place for getting time entered into the SAP time management system, either by a faculty member or the departmental time administrator.

Report to Bobcat Trace and follow the instructions provided to you. Faculty who are absent from class should coordinate with their chairs/directors to ensure continuity of instruction. An asymptomatic faculty member teaching face-to-face classes may briefly transition to remote learning for a quarantine or isolation period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For more information, visit Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps web page.  

Students should be advised to get tested for COVID-19 and consult the university’s Roadmap for information about steps to keep themselves and others safe.  Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps web page provides more information. Information about positive cases or close contacts is confidential and should not be shared.

No. All employees, including faculty, must safeguard the privacy of the infected person. Releasing the names of affected students violates their privacy and confidentiality. When a positive case is reported to Bobcat Trace, a contact tracer will notify those who came in close contact with the patient, and may request assistance from Texas State faculty or supervisors (if the student also works on campus) to obtain contact information for any exposed persons. Case information is shared only with those persons who need to know and who may have action to take. Information about positive cases or close contacts is confidential and should not be shared.

First, isolate yourself, do not come to campus, and get tested for COVID-19. Notify your department chair/school director to make arrangements for continuity of instruction.  If you test positive, report to Bobcat Trace and follow the protocol recommended by Bobcat Trace staff. Reporting information can be found on the Texas State’s COVID-19 Testing, Reporting, and Response Steps web page.

Over the last 23 months, researchers have demonstrated the ability to be both safe and productive while engaged in research activities by taking appropriate safety measures against COVID-19, including vaccinations, physical distancing, sanitization, and face coverings. While vaccines and safety protocols have helped to improve the situation considerably, it is still prudent and necessary to maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

During spring 2022, Texas State will continue to operate its research facilities at full capacity (phase 4), including human subjects research. SOPs are required and will need to include elements of self-monitoring, personnel logging, and following CDC guidance where appropriate. Contact staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for more information.

Wearing a mask/face covering is strongly recommend when working around others in closed areas. It may be necessary, in some cases, to consider work schedules within shared closed spaces that avoid prolonged close encounters of personnel. Due to orders by Governor Abbott, students, faculty, and staff may not be required to wear a mask/face covering for COVID-19 purposes or asked about COVID-19 vaccination status. Questions about unique situations may be addressed by staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Bobcat Balance, a work life and employee assistance program, provides various free and confidential services and resources to help employees through life’s challenges. In addition, WellCats developed COVID Wellness Resources for employees. The page includes information about exercise and physical activity, being mindful and proactive, emotional and mental wellness, nutrition tips and tricks, and other advice. An additional resource includes “Supporting Your Well-Being during Times of Change and Uncertainty,” available free to faculty, staff and students via LinkedIn Learning.

If students are anxious, please refer them to the university’s Counseling Center. In addition to direct services and counseling appointments, students will benefit from the center’s COVID-19 Resources and Bobcat Mental Wellness videos and presentations. These videos are useful for anyone interested in learning more about managing stress and anxiety, strengthening coping skills, increasing self-motivation, and other topics. An additional resource includes “Supporting Your Well-Being during Times of Change and Uncertainty,” available free to faculty, staff and students via LinkedIn Learning. Students should also be encouraged to review the Counseling Center’s “Tips List for Coping with COVID-19 Uncertainty, Change, and Fear” on the COVID-19 Resources webpage. 

Please remind students about their ability to take health and safety precautions, such as wearing a mask/face covering, getting vaccinated, maintaining social distance, handwashing, and so forth.  Students may also be referred to the university’s Counseling Center.  In addition to direct services and counseling appointments, students will benefit from the center’s COVID-19 Resources and Bobcat Mental Wellness videos and presentations.  Students should also be encouraged to review the Counseling Center’s “Tips List for Coping with COVID-19 Uncertainty, Change, and Fear” on the COVID-19 Resources webpage referenced above.

For assistance with designing and implementing online/remote classes, please visit the following resources and offices. Staff are eager to assist faculty with remote and online course design, strategies, and tips for teaching and learning success.

COVID-19 Roadmap Resources for Teaching (Faculty Development)

Teaching Continuity Guide (Office of Distance & Extended Learning)

Teaching, Learning, and Working Remotely at Texas State (ITAC)