H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) FAQ

last updated:  May 6, 2009

I heard Texas Wesleyan is closed. Is that true?

[updated May 6] Texas Wesleyan has resumed regular operations as of Wednesday, May 6. Final exams are continuing as scheduled. However,  as faculty may choose to make alternate arrangements for on-campus exams, students are advised to check with faculty prior to the exams. Some events on campus remain cancelled, including the bookstore ribbon cutting originally scheduled for May 7. Please check with the individual department or call the Office of Communications at 817-531-4480 if you have any questions about campus events.

Classes and events are cancelled on the historic campus and the Burleson site. The University, however, remains open and continues to provide administrative and support services. All students are instructed to remain at home through May 5 to help minimize exposure to classroom settings. While residence halls will remain open, students who live within driving distance should return home as well. Wesleyan will continue to provide services for those students who are unable to leave the campus.

What about finals?

Finals will go on as scheduled May 6-12. However, as faculty may choose to make alternate arrangements for on-campus exams, students are advised to check with faculty prior to the exams. The School of Law (817-212-4000) and the Graduate Programs in Nurse Anesthesia (817-531-4406) are managing and communicating information regarding their own exams.

What about the Weekend Program--our finals are supposed to be this weekend?

Weekend course finals for B (sections 51) and C (sections 53) will take place at their regularly scheduled times this weekend, May 2 and 3. Contact the Registrar with any questions (817-531-4414).

Can I bring my child to class or work at the University?

Per University policy, students, faculty and staff may not bring children to work, classes or final exams. Any faculty (outside of final exams) or staff member whose child attends one of the closed school districts may choose to stay home until May 11. This also includes anyone who is a caretaker for a child in one of these districts.  Any faculty or staff member who does not have contact with such a child, but chooses to remain home due to personal health concerns, may do so. In both cases, such faculty and staff members must inform their supervisor in advance. Normal compensation will be paid during this period. Those who do not have a child in one of the closed school districts should contact their supervisor each day they are not on campus.  This will help us in maintaining normal operations through May 11.

What about graduation?

Robing and Commencement Exercises also remain on schedule for Friday, May 15. As we get closer to the event, check www.txwes.edu for updates, if any. Contact the Office of the Provost with any questions (817-531-4405).

What about other campus events?

All campus events, including the Bookstore Ribbon Cutting (May 7), are cancelled. This includes New Student Orientation (call 817-531-6548 for details). If you have questions about a specific event, contact the relevant department (department directory available here) or call the Office of Communications at 817-531-4480.

What should faculty and staff on campus do?
Disinfectant spray has been provided to anyone who wishes to clean high-contact areas, (doorknobs, keyboards, etc.). Call 817-531-4454 if your department has any questions. Additionally, all campus members are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices as outlined by the CDC. For instance, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time (enough time to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.  

What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza (swine flu)?

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. (from www.cdc.gov)

I have these symptoms. What should I do?
 Any student, faculty, or staff member who experiences flu-like symptoms should not delay in seeking medical attention. In addition, should any student, faculty, or staff member be confirmed to have the swine flu virus, for the health and safety of our campus, it is vital that you notify Texas Wesleyan University immediately. Students should contact Paige Cook, campus nurse, at 817-667-2438. Faculty and staff should contact Steve Roberts, administrative services, at 817-531-4826.

Can I get H1N1 influenza (swine flu) from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How can I find out what’s going on? How can I stay informed?
 Information related to Texas Wesleyan will be posted to www.txwes.edu. In addition, all students, faculty and staff should register with the Wesleyan Emergency Management System. E-mail updates will be sent to Texas Wesleyan e-mail accounts only. If you have questions about your student e-mail account, contact the Technology Help Desk (helpdesk@txwes.edu).

For general information about H1N1 (swine) flu:

Centers for Disease Control

For local information:

Tarrant County Public Health; Dallas County Public Health

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