COVID-19 Guidance

Details on Excused Absences and Steps on What To Do if You Test Positive or Have A Close Contact

Texas A&M University released additional guidance on the following topics:

• Mandatory Testing
• Testing Positive
• Close Contact
• Excused Absences
• Personal Responsibility

View the full update on the official Texas A&M COVID-19 website.

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Research Status and Plans Entering the Fall Semester

The following statement on clinical and human subjects activities was issued by the Vice President for Research:

Clinical and human subjects activities that require in-person contact with research participants should continue best practices. Investigators should implement standard operating procedures including maintaining personal hygiene, use of appropriate PPE, cleaning/disinfecting of shared spaces/equipment, and infection control. Faculty, staff, or students should avoid over scheduling to reduce traffic in shared hallways and visiting centers.

You can view the full list guidelines, including guidelines for standard protocols and travel, as well as other updates on the Vice President for Research's COVID-19 webpage.

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Fall 2021 COVID-19 Syllabus Statement

The following syllabus statement on the value of vaccinations and masking was developed by the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate and approved by the Administration:

To help protect Aggieland and stop the spread of COVID-19, Texas A&M University urges students to be vaccinated and to wear masks in classrooms and all other academic facilities on campus, including labs. Doing so exemplifies the Aggie Core Values of respect, leadership, integrity, and selfless service by putting community concerns above individual preferences. COVID-19 vaccines and masking — regardless of vaccination status — have been shown to be safe and effective at reducing spread to others, infection, hospitalization, and death.

You can also view this statement on the Faculty Senate's Minimum Syllabus Requirements webpage.

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Fall 2021 COVID-19 Management and Guidance Plans for Texas A&M University

The Office of the President issued extensive updates on the following topics:

• Requirements for Everyone Returning to Campus in Fall 2021
• Sanctions for Individuals Who Do Not Comply with Mandatory Reporting and Testing
• Mandatory COVID-19 Testing 
• Mandatory Self-Reporting
• Vaccine Incentive Program and Availability
• Case Investigation, Quarantine and Contact Tracing
• On-Campus Housing
• Classes
• Travel Guidance
• Enhanced Ventilation - HVAC System
• Additional Information For Texas A&M Sites Across The State

View the full update on the official Texas A&M COVID-19 website.

Official University Guidance on COVID-19

Official university updates can be found on the Texas A&M COVID-19 website, including guidance on the following topics:

• University Policies
• Face Coverings
• Free Testing Sites
• Policies for Students
• Policies for Faculty and Staff
• COVID-19 Reporting Data

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COVID-19 Testing and Reporting

Free testing is available for students, faculty and staff who have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who is known or suspected to have COVID-19. Those who test positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms are required to self-report through the COVID-19 Reporting Form.

Visit the Texas A&M Health COVID-19 website for more information on following topics:

• COVID-19 Testing Locations
• Scheduling a COVID-19 Test
• COVID-19 Reporting Form
• Testing Information
• Resources from Local Health Departments

SAP 34.99.99.M0.03, Use of Face Coverings to Counter COVID-19 at Texas A&M University

SAP 34.99.99.M0.03, Use of Face Coverings to Counter COVID-19 at Texas A&M University  was recently revised.  Section 1.3 was expanded to provide details on what is considered an effective face covering and what is not appropriate.

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I have a COVID-19-related illness/injury and can't keep up with classes. What do I do?

The Office of the Provost announced a new form that is available to students who are ill/injured and cannot keep up with their courses. Students should also review the following guidance:

• If you are feeling ill, call your healthcare provider’s office or Student Health Services at (979) 458-8310 to determine if you should make an appointment, or visit: shs.tamu.edu. 
• Contact your instructors to notify them of your illness.
• Personal injury or an illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class may be considered an excused absence under Student Rule 7. The student is responsible for providing documentation substantiating the reason for the absence, including reasons stated in Student Rule, Section 7.2. This documentation must be provided within three (3) business days of the last date of the absence, unless otherwise stated in this rule.

If your illness is impacting your ability to make progress in your courses and you can’t get in to see a medical provider, this form may be used in lieu of a medical confirmation note as required in Student Rule 7 during Spring and Summer 2020 terms only. Please refer to Student Rule 7 for guidance on class attendance and absences. This form must be submitted to the instructor within two (2) calendar days of return to class.

Visit tamu.edu/coronavirus for official updates. 

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Where can I find COVID-19 policies for International Students?

International Student Services has COVID-19 guidance relating to health insurance, immigration status, travel, employment, ISS office operations and programing on their COVID-19 updates page.

How can I apply for Emergency Financial Aid?

Emergency Funds from the CARES Act are available for students now. For details regarding who qualifies, how to apply, and current data as of Friday, May 15, 2020, please visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid COVID-19 webpage. Students can apply using the Scholarships & Financial Aid Emergency Aid application.

From Texas A&M University’s Scholarships & Financial Aid office to all students that might need assistance with equipment to connect virtually for classes or pay for extra data usage, among other issues that may affect their financial stability due to the COVID-19 virus:

"We are prepared to assist each student with not only options they already have available, but whatever additional aid we can offer. At this time, we are asking students to complete the Emergency Aid Application. Our office will respond to individual students as soon as possible with all available options. If you require additional information or would like to discuss this in further detail, please visit or call our office at (979) 845-3236.”

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Will changing my course to S/U impact my professional school application?

The office of Professional School Advising stated that "with the opportunity for students to decide to take a class S/U for the spring semester, the professional schools are now making decisions on whether to revise their policies and/or procedures." Updates to specific professional school policies on S/U (pass/fail) courses will be posted to tx.ag/opsa.

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How will COVID-19 affect my student employment?

The Scholarships & Financial Aid office issued a statement on March 16, 2020 regarding student employment. View the statement.

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Can I still eat on campus?

Chartwells On Campus Dining issued the following statement to the campus:

"All locations are still open and available for students with or without meal plans. That is our directive from the University and we’re following all policies & procedures. We spoke with our leadership and were advised to utilize the current Swipe Out Hunger program for any students in need during this time. There are currently 835 meals available to be donated for the remainder of the semester. Student Assistance Services would need to be involved to determine how those meals are distributed for students in need and follow the same process."

Be sure to direct all questions about meal plan refunds and policies to fda@tamu.edu.

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How do I donate or get credit for my meal plan?

You can donate your remaining meal plans through the Swipe Out Hunger program. Your unused meals will help any students in need during this time. You must work with Student Assistance Services to donate your meals. 

Be sure to direct all questions about meal plan refunds and policies to fda@tamu.edu.

Students who wish to receive a refund (or credit) for dining must apply on the FDA Dining Credit website; the students' dining privileges will be suspended the business day following their application. This refund (or credit) will be calculated based upon the total amount of unused dining dollars and a prorated amount for meal plans based on the length of time between the business day following their application and May 9, 2020.

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Can I get a refund for my parking permit?

Refunds for parking have been included in FAQs on the TAMU COVID-19 website and will be handled under normal procedures, found on the Transportation Services website. 

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Can I leave my dorm early?

For residents canceling their housing contract, removing their belongings, and returning their key after March 24, room rent refunds or credits will be based on the number of nights between the date of check-out and the end of the contract term, May 9. Individuals who have questions about this process should contact Residence Life: (888) 451-3896 or (979) 845-4744 or the Reslife On-campus Housing website.

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Who is hiring students right now? Are there remote jobs available?

U.S. Census Bureau

The Census Bureau is recruiting and people can work from home by phone. More information can be found at 2020census.gov.

Texas A&M University

Current Texas A&M Student Workers with technology skills who need to work remotely can express interest in helping faculty as they move courses online. Complete this application to receive more details.

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Where can I get free Wifi?

Spectrum

Spectrum is offering FREE Broadband and FREE Wifi to students for 60 days. Visit the Spectrum website to find out more.

Comcast

Comcast is offering low-income families who are new customers FREE Internet Essentials service for 60 days through their Xfinity services. In addition, Comcast announced that WiFi hotspots are free for everyone, data plans have been paused for 60 days to give everyone unlimited data for no charge, and there will be no disconnects or late fees if you contact them ahead of time. Find out more on the Comcast website.

Altice/Suddenlink

Altice/Suddenlink is offering Altice Advantage broadband free for 60 days to any new household in our service area with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and who do not currently have home internet access. If you live in the Optimum service area, please call 866.200.9522 or visit the Optimum Coronavirus website.

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Where can I get a quick, free meal?

Are you in Bryan/College Station? Do you need a meal because of COVID-19 circumstances? If so, see the guidelines below to reserve a lunch or dinner for yourself.

Feed Maroon, a local non-profit, is providing free pick-up take-out meals for TAMU students in Bryan/College Station using a reservation system. Meals are being prepared and distributed at The Canteen in the Cavalry Court Hotel at Century Square for Feed Maroon. LAUNCH has a limited number of spots at each meal to offer to our students.

If you reserve a meal, you are committing to going to pick up that meal. Not doing so would waste the prepared food.

• Meals are limited – Feed Maroon is only ordering enough food to make the designated number of meals.
• Meals are only available at specific times for pick-up – Lunches 11:30 am and Dinners 5:00 pm – and will not be available for more than 1 hour at each time.
• You should go to the pick-up location by yourself. Do not bring other people with you.
• You will be required to show your TAMU identification card.
• You are expected to arrive on time and practice social distancing as you wait.
• Once you pick up your meal, you are expected to leave the area, again practicing social distancing.

Ready to get a meal? Fill out the Google Form by Wednesday, March 25 at 11:00am: https://forms.gle/nHHhvHWdhcbk54AGA

Any student that is needing assistance with food, please contact Student Assistance Services, https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sas/.

Any questions, please contact Bonnie Davila at bedavila@tamu.edu.

UPDATED 05/20/2021: Research Guidance Update

The VPR announced an extensive update regarding COVID-19 protocols. View the full update on the VPR's website.

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COVID-19 and Human Subjects Research

The VPR announced the following about research on human subjects:

At this time, we are not considering additional restrictions or requirements for research, including those involving human participants. We will continue to monitor the situation, both in the community and among our employees and campus-resident students who are required to be tested over the next few weeks. However, I want to encourage you in the strongest possible terms to transition research involving human subjects to virtual interactions and to reduce or eliminate in-person interactions if at all feasible.

For the full update, visit https://vpr.tamu.edu/covid-and-human-subjects-research-1-6-2021.

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NEW University SAP 15.99.99.M0.04, Responsible Conduct for Research

NEW University SAP 15.99.99.M0.04, Responsible Conduct for Research was recently approved. This SAP establishes University requirements for the training of students and postdoctoral researchers involved in University-related research, regardless of funding.

Those who will be impacted include:

• Undergraduate students:  any undergraduate student who participates in research must complete online RCR training within 60 days from their initial involvement in the research activity. 
• Graduate students:  depending on the type of research activity, graduate students must complete online RCR training within 60 days from commencement of the research activity and four hours of face-to-face training within the first six months of involvement with externally funded research.
• Postdoctoral researchers:  all must complete online RCR training within 60 days of employment, and complete an additional four hours of fact-to-face training within the first six months of employment.

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VPR Research Status and Plans Entering the Fall 2020 Semester

The following statement was released by the Vice President for Research (VPR) on 08/11/2020:

Undergraduate researchers are permitted for the fall 2020 semester with adherence to safety protocols and training per the guidance issued on July 21, 2020.

If the introduction of new researchers, whether undergraduate or graduate, cannot be accommodated within approved occupancy and social distancing constraints, PIs must submit revised plans for approval. Note that training of new researchers may be difficult while maintaining social distancing. It is essential that all parties wear appropriate PPE and minimize close contact in such cases.

See the full statement on the VPR's COVID-19 website.

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In-person Undergraduate Research Guidelines

Distributed by the Office of the Provost on 07/21/2020

In-person Undergraduate Research Guidelines

As part of planning for the fall 2020 term, the following guidance is provided for in-person undergraduate research. This guidance applies to all undergraduate research activities including, but not limited to, credit-bearing research experiences, paid employment on a research project, paid lab-based student workers, organized undergraduate research programs, and research-oriented volunteer activities.

• Research projects that students can complete remotely are exempt from these guidelines.
• Unless previously approved prior to the start of the summer 2020 term, no undergraduate students may begin credit-bearing experiences  or new paid research positions prior to the start of the fall 2020 term.
• Research supervisors wishing to host undergraduate researchers or student workers in research positions in fall 2020 must provide their department head with a document describing:
  • COVID-related safety measures ongoing in the research space including face covering, cleaning, physical distancing, and other measures as appropriate; the addition of undergraduate students in the research space must accommodate 6 ft physical distancing.
  • All research-specific safety training (COVID- and facility/space-related) that undergraduate students will be required to complete prior to initiation of research activities.

Research supervisors who choose not to host undergraduate researchers for credit-bearing experiences should refer students to their academic advisor for any related adjustments to the student’s fall course schedule.

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Guidance on Graduate Student and Undergraduate Research Researchers

The Vice President for Research, Mark A. Barteau, issued Plans for Resumption of Clinical and Human Participant Research, Education, and Service Activities.

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Can I conduct in-person undergraduate research in summer 2020?

To align with recent VPR guidance regarding undergraduate student workers employed in research settings, the eligibility for in-person credit-bearing undergraduate research has been expanded to include paid undergraduate student researchers who are returning to research programs/laboratories in which they have previous experience. They should be able to function with little further training or direct supervision so that physical distancing can be observed.

 

The original message describing the in-person undergraduate research request, including a link to the Qualtrics request form, can be found in the 05/08/2020 update below.

Please note that no new undergraduate researchers may be hired or permitted as volunteers. And, as noted previously, some colleges have established policies forbidding in-person undergraduate research for summer 2020. This approval process does NOT supersede any college policies regarding summer undergraduate research.

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I am required to do undergraduate research in summer 2020 as part of my degree plan, but my research was cancelled due to COVID-19 policies. What do I do?

Undergraduate Studies is requesting information through a Qualtrics form to facilitate an approval process for students who need to complete in-person research to meet requirements for degree plans or for transformational learning programs. Please note the following:

• Eligibility: Only students who are required to complete undergraduate research in summer 2020 to fulfill requirements for their degree or a transformational education program (e.g. Undergraduate Research Scholars). Students who are not required to complete research projects or who can defer research to a future term are not eligible.
• Remote Research: This form is required only for students who need to conduct their research in an in-person format. Those who have projects that can be completed remotely do not require approval.
• College Policies: Some colleges have established policies forbidding in-person undergraduate research for summer 2020. This approval process does NOT supersede any college policies regarding summer undergraduate research. Please distribute the link to others in your college as you feel most appropriate.

Link to Undergraduate Research Request Form: https://tamu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0HtsVIjX4ZqhBT7
 

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How will COVID-19 affect my research project?

The Vice President for Research at Texas A&M has provided guidance for faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students involved in research activity on their website. View the VPR's Official Guidance on Research During COVID-19.

 

On March 31, 2020 Governor Abbot issued Executive Order GA-14, which identifies essential services in the state:

• Department of Homeland Security: Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
• Texas Department of Emergency Management

On 4/2/2020, the VPR announced that Texas A&M University, TEES, and AgriLife Research created forms for research groups to identify essential personnel and request approval for essential research:

• Texas A&M University (including the Health Science Center)
• TEES
• AgriLife Research

View the VPR's full statement from 4/2/2020.

To find the latest information from Texas A&M on the impacts of COVID-19, visit tamu.edu/coronavirus.

For information regarding COVID-19 testing, reporting, and vaccinations, visit health.tamu.edu/covid-19.

If you are a member of one of the remote campuses, please contact your campus administration for specific questions related to your campus.

• For Texas A&M at Galveston, visit tamug.edu/covid-19
• For Texas A&M at Qatar, visit qatar.tamu.edu/coronavirus
• For Texas A&M at McAllen, visit mcallen.tamu.edu/COVID-19

Learn about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you are sick online through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Hullabaloo U's Tips To Be A Successful Online Learner

• Treat online and on campus classes the same
  • Treat an online class the same way as an on-campus course.
  • Be prepared.
  • Your professors will have work you’ll do on your own time, as well as live, real-time lectures or discussions.
  • Be sure to dedicate the time necessary to do work on your own time.
• Stay Engaged – It might feel more challenging right now, but our goal is for students to stay connected and engaged with the campus, their classmates, advisor, and faculty. 
  • Collaborate in online course discussions to better grasp the course materials and connect with classmates.
  • Set up a Google Hangout to have group discussions. 
  • Request a virtual meeting with your professor if you have questions about the material.
  • Reach out to your professor if you are falling behind with the online coursework for any reason. It’s better to get the help you need as early as possible.
• Time Management
  • Plan ahead. Use a day planner or Google calendar to keep track of deadlines and assignments.
  • Create a daily and/or weekly schedule that includes online class time and study time.
  • Don’t multi-task.
  • Set a timer. Using a timer or phone alarm for 25-40 minutes allows you to work uninterrupted for a scheduled period of time and will help you stay on track.
  • Review each course syllabus to ensure you stay on top of upcoming tests and quizzes.
• Practice mental wellness and avoid burnout
  • Take short 5-15 minute breaks after working on the computer for 25-40 minutes.
  • Move around and stretch.
  • Relax in ways that de-stress. Get a good night’s sleep, 7-8 hours, every day.
• Staying focused and eliminating distractions will help you  meet deadlines and avoid procrastination.
  • Once again, set time aside each week as class time and study time.
  • Don’t let Netflix, Amazon shopping, or YouTube distract you from meeting course deadlines.
  • Figure out what strategy works best for you.
• If you need help staying focused, consider creating lists using a project management tool, such as Trello or Smartsheet, to help organize tasks.
  • If you prefer a traditional to-do list, then look at digital notebooks like Todoist or Evernote.
  • Cold Turkey and Freedom can help eliminate distractions by blocking the apps and websites such as Youtube, Snapchat, and Twitter.
• Academic Advisor
  • Reach out to your advisor for guidance and support.
  • Advisors are available via email, phone, and Zoom. 
• Educational Environment
  • Wherever you choose to study, organize your space to help you focus on your studies; ensure reliable high-speed internet as best you can.
  • Headphones may be helpful if your professor posts a required course video to watch.
• Keep your device(s) charged!

Open Access Lab accounts are accessible remotely through the Virtual Open Access Lab (VOAL) website. Through VOAL, students have access to advanced software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as R Studio, AutoCAD and MATLAB. VOAL is available in web browser and desktop application format. 

On March 25, Texas A&M University announced the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. Your gift to the fund will support those suffering from financial hardship as a result of circumstances surrounding COVID-19, such as those Aggies who are struggling to find alternative housing or face unexpected moving expenses, or those facing food insecurity or lost wages.

More information on the Texas A&M Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund website. 

Click here to donate to the Disaster Relief Fund. 
 

Students seeking emergency aid as a result of circumstances surrounding COVID-19 should complete the Scholarships & Financial Aid Emergency Aid Application.