Coronavirus Update
11/03/2020
See the latest updates on COVID-19 and bookmark txwes.edu/coronavirus for the latest info.
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We are continuing to monitor the situation and make adjustments based on CDC recommendations. As always, any decisions made will be with the safety of our campus community as our first priority.
Recently, we made an update to the Return to Campus Guidelines specific to students and employees returning to in-person activities after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or due to being in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, which you can find below. These changes reflect updated CDC guidance and their summary of recent changes as of Oct. 19.
A student or employee’s ability to return to campus will depend on which of the following scenarios apply to them:
For any prolonged illness (3 days or more), employees are required to provide documentation from their primary care physician that they are cleared to return to work.
We are also updating our definition of close contact, also per CDC guidelines. Close contact is now defined as an individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
We will continue to follow the guidance from the CDC, just as we have since the start of the pandemic. Every day, medical experts are learning more about COVID-19. Aligning our policies with the CDC ensures that we are listening to expert medical advice, providing safe and effective policies for our community and providing the same guidelines to students and employees as their physicians.
It is important to remember that the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is for everyone to follow the University’s face mask and social distancing policies currently in effect.
The spring 2021 class schedule is out. Check the Registrar's Page to download your copy and check out the updated class attendance policies.
Please watch this update to students from President Slabach regarding the postponement of our December 2020 commencement events.
On Tuesday, July 21, the local health authorities and medical directors of Tarrant County and the cities of Arlington and Burleson issued a joint order affecting public and non-religious private pre-K through 12 schools in Tarrant County, the City of Arlington and the City of Burleson. This order prevents these pre-K through12 schools from re-opening for on-campus, face-to-face instruction or activities until Sept.28, except in certain narrow circumstances. This order does not apply to colleges and universities in Tarrant County.
Texas Wesleyan University remains committed to starting our fall semester on Aug. 17 with in-person classes in a hybrid format. This format enables us to accommodate social distancing during in-person class meetings and will help keep our students, faculty and staff safe.
As we described in our June 15, communication, in general, the new hybrid class format will look like this:
Some graduate-level courses, like those for nurse anesthesia, will not follow this hybrid schedule, but will have all the safety measures in place needed for in-person classes.
Students who cannot attend in-person classes, or prefer to attend classes remotely, will be provided recordings of lectures and class materials. Classes offered in real-time virtually will also be recorded for students not able to meet during the class time.
We are encouraged by the recent data showing a lowering in the rate of spread of the virus in Tarrant County as a result of the proper use of masks and social distancing. Our return to campus is built upon these effective protocols for safe interactions.
We continue to work with local public health experts and local governmental authorities to monitor current conditions and will continue to provide you updates on the effect of these conditions on our plans for the fall.
COVID-19 continues to be a significant threat in North Texas. In response, county and state leaders have issued two new executive orders that apply to Texas Wesleyan University.
On Thursday, June 25, Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitely issued an executive order requiring business employees and their visitors to wear face coverings, taking effect at 6 p.m. Friday, June 26 through 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3. All Texas Wesleyan employees and campus visitors will be required to wear a face covering, unless the employee is alone in his or her office. The mandate will be in place as long as the Tarrant County order remains in effect.
On Friday, June 26, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an additional order that, among other things, limited building occupancy to 50% of capacity. Outdoor gatherings of more than 100 are prohibited without local government permission. This order will be in effect until further notice.
As you know, we have groups of faculty and staff working on issues related to our return to campus. We believe that most of our plans are consistent with these two new executive orders. We will closely review these directives to make sure that our plans are consistent with these requirements.
The above precautions are just the start of what we all should be doing to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is just as important as ever to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines including:
We remain committed to getting back to as close to normal as possible, including returning to campus this fall. But first, we must do our part to stop the spread of the virus. The steps outlined above will help facilitate a healthy and safe return.
Remember to bookmark txwes.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates on our response.
On Friday, NAIA President Jim Carr announced fall sports will be played in 2020 with a 50% participation threshold for teams in each of the fall sports. Texas Wesleyan is happy to be a part of the reopening of sports in the NAIA and we plan to have all our teams compete throughout the year. The NAIA has made the decision to cut 20% of the schedules for fall sports but intends to host national championships in all events for the 2020-2021 academic year. Our coaches are working hard to amend schedules and to implement guidelines that will create the safest environment for our student-athletes and fans. We look forward to the fall season and another great year of Texas Wesleyan Athletics.
Our plans to reopen campus this fall are progressing well and we are happy to update you on the newest academic framework created to reopen and safely resume classes. Informed by CDC health guidelines and our outside health advisory resources, the Academic Planning Committee has created the following adjustments:
To avoid the potential spread that may come from holiday travel plans, students will not return to campus after Thanksgiving break. The two class days remaining after Thanksgiving and final exams will all be virtual. We’re keeping our academic calendar unchanged. The fall 2020 semester will begin on Aug. 17 and end on Dec. 8, as originally planned.
In-person classes will resume this fall. However, they will be offered in a hybrid format. This will allow us to accommodate social distancing during classes, keeping our students and faculty safe. While some classes may deviate from this schedule, in general the new hybrid format will look like this:
If students, for whatever reason, cannot attend class in person, they will, in some cases, be able to attend virtual instruction in real-time. In all cases, they will be provided recordings of in-person lectures and class materials.
While this is only the first step in solidifying our return, it is a significant one, as it sets the pace for a safe and responsible resumption of on-campus teaching. Rest assured that we are working to address all of your concerns, and we’ll continue to provide updates.
Watch a message from President Slabach with an important update on our plans.
Just because we aren’t on campus doesn’t mean the learning stops. All of our summer classes will be offered virtually, so you can stay on course and graduate on time.
Taking summer classes is easier with a summer scholarship and all undergraduate students get one. Talk with your advisor or visit with your financial aid counselor by calling the Financial Aid Office at 817-531-4420 or emailing financialaid@txwes.edu for more info.
Recently, the University faculty approved a new Pass/Fail policy in response to the adjustments to instruction delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing you options in how your Spring 2020 courses are graded, your faculty are hoping to alleviate some of the stress you may be feeling and focus on what you are here for, which is learning.
You will have the option to change your courses to Pass/Fail and you will be able to make that decision after you see your course grades at the end of the semester. You may choose any or all of your classes as Pass/Fail. Graduating seniors should expect the conferral of their degree approximately two weeks after May 20, 2020.
However, there may be implications for you depending on your individual circumstance. For additional details, please read the information outlined below.
Undergraduate students are allowed the option of taking any class as Pass/Fail in Spring 2020. You all will have three options when it comes to your course grades this semester:
The following additional information should be considered if/when you are considering a grade of Pass/Fail:
The dates for electing a Pass/Fail grade are as follows:
You will be able to see your individual course grades before deciding whether to elect a Pass/Fail grade in any or all courses. For those of you who are graduating seniors, you should expect the conferral of their degree approximately two weeks after May 20.
The steps you will need to follow in order to elect a grade of Pass/Fail are in development with the goal to make the process as automated and streamlined as possible.
Career Services Update
Career Services is still taking appointments. They will continue to virtually assist both current students and all TXWES graduates in their empoyment needs, including:
The best way to schedule an appointment is through CareerLink, using your TXWES email and Ramlink password. Video appointments will use Microsoft Teams, but phone call appointments will also available.
This morning, the City of Fort Worth issued a "Stay Home, Work Safe" order directing changes in the ways certain businesses and organizations operate.
We are confident that the changes we already have made in the operation of Texas Wesleyan University are consistent with this order.
We are closed to the public but are still operating to provide educational services to our students through online courses. Consistent with the proclamation, our employees (our faculty and staff) are working remotely to the maximum extent possible. The exceptions we have made for certain individual employees to come to campus are consistent with the proclamation: e.g., security, maintenance, payroll, IT and other functions that allow the business to work remotely. In addition, we already are practicing the minimum social distancing of at least six feet between all employees and contractors during these activities on campus.
The proclamation also specifically defines essential travel to include travel to or from educational institutions for purposes facilitating activities related to “distance learning.” Again, these activities are consistent with the required social distancing of at least six feet.
Watch a message from President Slabach with an important update for students on classes and their finances.
As we continue to review the impact of moving our faculty, staff and students to a virtual work and learning space, we’re committed to making decisions with our students' best interests in mind. Texas Wesleyan will continue to pay student employees through the end of the semester.
Students with work-study as part of their financial aid package will continue to be paid until they reach their award amount. Student assistants will continue to be paid based on the average number of hours worked in the spring semester before the campus closure.
This will vary and each student employee should continue to work with their supervisor for instructions.
The easiest way to get paid is through direct deposit. This is where your checks go straight into your bank account. If direct deposit is not possible for you, make sure that we have your current mailing address on file. All check will be mailed to students that do not sign up for direct deposit.
The short answer is no, not necessarily. In fact, dropping classes could have the opposite effect. Financial aid eligibility is based on enrollment. If you change the number of hours you are enrolled in, your financial aid package could change and that means you could owe more. Before making any decision about your enrollment, talk with the financial aid department. We are still here to support you.
First take a deep breath and remember we are all in this together. If you are concerned about your tuition payment, your first step is to call/email the financial aid office. We will talk through your concerns and make a plan.
We’ve got you covered. We are now allowing all undergraduate students to take a pass/fail grade for any course until the drop date, which is now May 5.
If you want to learn more about taking a pass/fail grade, talk with your faculty advisor.
As face-to-face classes resume online this week, we want to assure our students that you will have the same great instruction – just in a different format. This experience, while not ideal, is a phenomenal learning opportunity for all and we hope you think of it as such.
In times like these, where nothing seems certain except uncertainty, it’s easy to allow our anxiety and worrying thoughts take over. This is normal, but sometimes it can be more than you can handle. We are here for you.
The Texas Wesleyan Community Counseling Center and Counseling Faculty are going to great lengths to keep our students’ mental peace a priority. As the entire campus community moves to a virtual environment, the counseling center is no exception.
To get in touch with a counselor call the Community Counseling Center at 817-531-4859 between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.. If you are calling outside of the counseling hours or cannot reach someone, leave a detailed message and the staff will attempt to return your call within 24 hours.
Not in need of a counselor, but still looking for ways to destress? Try one of these guided mediations done by Dr. Richard Schaub from the Huntington Meditation and Imagery Center and a visiting scholar in the Texas Wesleyan School of Health Professions.
On Spotify – “Let Go”
On YouTube – “Hope, Deeper Hope”
Human Resources Update Regarding Temporary Telecommuting Arrangements
Due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) matter, TXWES is implementing a temporary telecommuting option for employees whose job duties are conducive to working from home but do not regularly telecommute. However, there are some positions at the University that require the employee to be physically present in the workplace. For additional clarification, you may contact your supervisor directly or the Office of Human Resources at hr@txwes.edu. More information on the temporary telecommuting arrangements can be found here.
Residence Life Update
The residence halls will remain open only for students who do not have other suitable accommodations available to them.
Pro-Rated Charges
Moving out of the Halls
Staying in the Halls
The decision has been made to finish the spring semester in an online-only format. In order to maintain continuity of education, virtual teaching and learning present the best option. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and commitment to your education.
Online-only education may present challenges. Students that need assistance (i.e., do not have a device/the technology required for online learning or do not have reliable internet access), are asked to reach out to Dr. Dennis Hall, VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students at dhall@txwes.edu to explore possible solutions.
The faculty and staff at Texas Wesleyan University continue to pursue solutions to maximize the student experience during this unprecedented time. For example, the University College Day committee is looking for ways to move UCD to a virtual format. Staff members in the Division of Student Affairs are implementing relationship and community development opportunities through exciting virtual formats including Discord, Instagram TV, and YouTube. Additionally, anyone with a TXWES email has access to a virtual platform called Teams. Students can use this platform to connect to each other, to staff, and to faculty. Download Teams to your mobile or desktop device.
Many of our graduating students have been asking about commencement ceremonies. While all details have not been fully established, TXWES will still host robing, hooding, and commencement ceremonies. Over the coming weeks, plans and arrangements will be made and shared as they become available.
March 13, 5 p.m.: Friday, Texas Wesleyan canceled all athletic events and suspended activity indefinitely. This includes games, workouts, practices, and on-campus recruitment events.
Also, events and activities hosted on campus have been canceled. These areas include our gym, swimming pool, library, fitness center among others.
While we apologize for any inconvenience these actions may cause, we are taking these actions to limit the spread of COVID-19 following recommendations by various local, federal and international organizations.
Visit and bookmark txwes.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates.
March 11, 9 p.m.: While there are no known cases of the coronavirus on campus, Texas Wesleyan University will suspend on-campus classes March 16-21 and transition to online instruction starting March 23 until further notice. Online classes remain unchanged and will follow current schedules.
“The safety of our campus community is our first priority. We want to be proactive to help ensure the health of our students and success of their education,” President Frederick G. Slabach said. “Our entire campus community will keep those affected around the globe in our thoughts and prayers.”
Faculty and staff, except student workers, will return to campus March 16-20 in order to prepare to teach classes and work remotely.
Students living on campus are encouraged to remain or go home while classes are suspended. Students unable to leave the residence halls are required to check in with their hall staff to make appropriate arrangements. Dining services will remain operational to serve our residential population’s needs.
Students, faculty and staff who have been exposed to an individual testing positive, or traveled to areas highly impacted by COVID-19 are not permitted to return to campus – including residence halls. This includes areas with a CDC level 2 or 3 travel health notice. After 2 weeks of self-isolation and symptoms pass, contact the Office of the Dean of Students or your supervisor before returning.
Texas Wesleyan will continue to monitor the situation and take additional precautions as needed and recommended by local and federal agencies.
Bookmark this page for the latest information.
Events and Athletics Competition
We encourage you to bookmark this page and check for future updates.
We recognize these are difficult times, but the safety of our campus community is our first priority.
March 6, 4 p.m.: The safety and health of our students, faculty, staff and campus community continues to be our top priority.
For those traveling internationally during Spring Break to or through a country with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention level 2 or 3 warning, Texas Wesleyan students, faculty, staff and campus community members must isolate themselves off campus for at least 14 days before returning to campus. As of today, these countries include:
Those who choose not to self-quarantine may be subject to disciplinary action. Also, it’s important to consider that travelers returning from certain countries may be subject to additional restrictions, as mandated by the CDC.
This policy has been created to follow CDC travel guidelines regarding the Coronavirus and to ensure the safety of our campus community. Texas Wesleyan will continue to follow CDC guidelines and will adjust procedures accordingly.
Students affected by this policy should contact Dennis Hall, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, at dhall@txwes.edu. Employees should contact Angela Dampeer, associate vice president of Human Resources, at adampeer@txwes.edu.
Tarrant County Public Health has opened a non-urgent Coronavirus hotline to help answer questions. You may contact them at 817-248-6299.
March 2, 10:32 a.m.: At this time, we do not have any reported or suspected cases among the university community. However, university leaders continue to monitor the situation both here in Texas and beyond.
If you have recently traveled from an area with an ongoing spread of COVID-19, you should monitor your health for fever, cough or shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. If you develop these symptoms, please take the following steps:
Your health and safety are our priority. For more information on the virus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
