TEXAS, USA — Local colleges and universities are continuing to announce plans involving the coronavirus. Most schools are extending spring break.
Statements informing Central Texas on school updates are listed below:
Texas State Technical College
"In response to the COVID-19 situation, TSTC is extending spring break through March 29 for all TSTC campuses. Online learning classes will continue as originally scheduled. The College will use this period to prepare for alternative methods of delivery so students can continue the semester. At this time it is expected that face-to-face classes will resume on March 30. However, this plan will be reassessed and, if needed, adjusted should conditions require. The health and safety of our students and employees have been and will remain our first priority as the college responds to this evolving situation," The Executive Director of Communications Kristina Campos-Davis said.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced that they will extend spring break by one week. Classes and other university events scheduled for March 16-20 are canceled.
The announcement from UMHB came nearly a day after neighboring Baylor University said they have extended their Spring Break to March 20 and will transition to classes being taught online from March 23 to April 3.
Baylor University
Baylor University has extended spring break to March 20 to take precautions for the coronavirus. After spring break, from March 23-April 3, classes will be taught online.
According to a press release from Baylor University, residence halls, designated dining facilities, libraries, the SLC & SUB will stay open and students have been asked students to select housing locations where they are safest.
All student meetings and activities are canceled for the next three weeks and events, conferences and large gatherings through the end of the semester will be reviewed by the COVID-19 Task Force
According to the release, outside of course instruction faculty and staff are expected to continue normal work schedules.
All international travel for students, faculty & staff has been suspended through March 31.
Baylor's School of Education also announced that all clinical in-school experiences for the week of March 16th would be canceled. That decision included internships and student teaching experiences.
Temple College
"Spring break will be extended one week for students. All classes are canceled on March 16-20 as faculty and staff prepare to transition to working, teaching, and learning remotely. No online or in-person classes will be held during this time for all locations," according to the Temple College website.
"The health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff of Temple College is our highest priority. Out of an abundance of caution, Temple College will be making temporary changes to the way we provide instruction and operate in light of the growing concerns related to the coronavirus.
"The Temple College’s leadership team has been following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure we are minimizing the risk of exposure on our campuses. As the situation with COVID-19 develops and more cases are identified across the country, we have expanded our precautionary measures to the following social distancing measures: Spring break will be extended for one week for students.
"Temple College campuses and buildings are closed to students and external groups the week of March 16-20. The buildings will be opened and available for faculty and staff, as limited College operations will continue, and we will also plan for students to return. Human Resources will develop plans for alternative work scenarios as circumstances warrant. We value our college personnel. Please reach out to your supervisor should you have any questions, and please stay home if you are experiencing any associated symptoms."
University Interscholastic League
According to a University Interscholastic League press release, "To support the health and safety of our students and communities, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is suspending all UIL sanctioned contests due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Texas. Effective March 16, all UIL interscholastic competition is suspended through March 29."
Rehearsals and practices may be held at the discretion of the local school district.
“We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt said. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time. Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.”
McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College extended spring break for all students until March 23. All classes will be delayed one week while faculty and staff prepare to move to an online platform for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester.
“We plan to remain flexible and prepare for each scenario as it arises. We will vigilantly continue monitoring national, state, and local health organizations’ advice and guidance as we continue,” MCC President Johnette McKown said. “Please know that the Leadership Team will continue to weigh every decision carefully as we work to ensure health and safety as we move forward.”
All international travel and domestic travel requiring air travel have been canceled.
For further updates or questions, please visit the MCC Coronavirus Update page.
Central Texas College
Central Texas College is extending spring break by one week for the Killeen Central Campus.
Classes are suspended and campus events are canceled March 16-22. This includes the CTC Veterans Benefits Expo and all shows at the Mayborn Science Theater.
The spring break extension does not apply to online and blended courses currently in progress and classes that start on March 16. The face-to-face portion of the blended classes will be postponed or moved online.
Employees will go back to their normal work schedule on March 16 and focus on continued planning and preparation for virtual instruction.
Central Campus in Killeen will be closed to students and visitors during this extension. However, students may contact faculty and staff by phone or email. Bookstore personnel will continue to process online orders during this period.
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