Texarkana College Reviews Some Return to Campus

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At today’s board meeting, Texarkana College Trustees reviewed recommended protocols for
employees to return to work and for phased-in campus reopening.

Here is the Press Release from the college:

TC President Dr. Jason Smith told Trustees that although plans are in place to begin Phase I on May 26, the plans will remain tentative based on the availability of personal protective equipment and supplies necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary environment according to local and state guidelines.

“Strict procedures will be followed to ensure the safety and protection of everyone at
Texarkana College,” Smith said. “Phase I will begin on May 26 and will continue through June 8,
2020. During this time, TC will operate with limited personnel not exceeding 25% of building
capacity and required staggered shifts. A mandatory drive-through health screening station
serviced by a Certified Nurse Aide will be set up for employees as they enter the campus
parking lot. After clearance, employees will be issued security wristbands for building entrance.
In addition, stringent campus-wide sanitization and cleaning procedures have been established
and we have installed plexiglass screens to provide added security for employees who work in
open access areas.”

Smith said the campus will remain closed to students and public during Phase I (with the
exception of the TC Bookstore textbook curbside pick-up). However, online access will remain
open to vital TC functions including registration for summer and fall semesters, virtual meetings
with academic advisors, and support from financial aid specialists.

“Online registration is open for Summer II and Fall semesters, and all TC employees are
accessible by phone or virtual meetings during this time,” said Smith. “Although TC courses for
the first summer session will remain entirely online, we will make informed decisions about the
second summer session and fall semester as we monitor recommendations from local and state
authorities.”

To gain pertinent and timely information about the continued threat of COVID 19 on campus
operations, Smith said TC officials remain in daily contact with state and local authorities.
“I participate in bi-weekly discussions with presidents from peer institutions across the state
through conference calls by the Texas Association of Community Colleges,” Smith said. “We are
in a completely uncharted territory, and there is no clear indication of what the right answer for
the fall semester is. Community colleges across the state of Texas are evaluating several models
of reopening in the fall. Some community colleges will come back in person, some remote,
some only hybrid. College administrators across the state are making choices based on their
situations and on what is the best option for their region.”

Smith said TC administration is hoping to return to a regular fall schedule of mixed online and
face to face course instruction.

“As the fall semester start date draws nearer, we will assess the circumstances and continue to
abide by local and state guidelines,” Smith said. “TC is taking every precaution to maintain a
safe, sanitary work and learning environment for students, faculty and staff.”
Phase I protocols include the opening of only four campus buildings: Nelson Administration
Building, Palmer Memorial Library and Academic Commons Building (Testing Center, Student
Support Services, etc.), Truman Arnold Student Center (TC Bookstore), and Facilities Services.
Students will be able to pick up textbooks curbside from the TC Bookstore by making
appointments.

The following list includes comprehensive campus-wide protocols for reopening:
 Anyone entering a campus building must wear a wristband at all times indicating
clearance through the health screening checkpoint.
 The hands-free hand sanitizer station must be used upon entry.
 Employees will maintain six feet of separation, which will be reinforced through signs,
posters, and markings on the floor.
 Employees will be required to wear masks in all common areas and any time the 6-foot
separation barrier cannot be maintained. Each employee will be provided with a
limited number of disposable face masks and a set of reusable cloth masks upon return
to work.
 Employees are responsible for washing and sanitizing their reusable masks after each
use, for the safety of themselves and others.
 Staggered shifts will be scheduled for each department, including start times and
breaks.
 Each department will develop virtual work policies.
 All meetings will continue to be held virtually, with limited or no in-person meetings.
 Employees should not share equipment, computers, etc. When it is absolutely
necessary (i.e. copy machine), gloves must be worn.
 TC will ensure that employees have access to personal protective equipment such as
masks, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

 Facilities Services will provide frequent cleaning of high-touch areas for all occupied
buildings.
 Custodian schedules will be adapted for cleaning/disinfecting of each occupied building
both pre-occupancy and post-occupancy each day.
 Facilities Services will maintain hand sanitizer stations around campus.
 The frequency of replacing HVAC filters will be increased.
Communication, Education & Training for Employees:
 Employees will be trained on all protocols, including hand washing, hygiene, and how
to use of personal protective equipment.
 Posters will be placed around campus communicating general information on all of
the safety protocols.
 Regular updates will be sent to employees using multiple communication channels.
 During the initial opening week of each phase, the President and Vice Presidents will
meet daily with their direct reports to answer questions and debrief.

For more information click here.

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