COVID-19 Questions?
Safe and Healthy Rams
Learn what Huston-Tillotson University is doing as we work to reactivate campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how you can help keep yourself, and your family and friends, safe and healthy.
We are taking a proactive, science-based approach to reactivating campus and curbing the spread of COVID-19. Together, we resolve to protect ourselves, our community, and the greater good.
The resumption of full operations at Huston-Tillotson facilities includes a combination of the use of appropriate face masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene, limited density in indoor spaces, improved indoor air quality, vaccination requirements and encouragement, testing, symptoms tracking, and contact tracing.
This information is evolving as we follow the science. Please check regularly for updates.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Boosters Information
What You Need to Know about staying up to date on COVID vaccination
- Updated (bivalent) boosters are available for people ages 12 and older
- CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group:
- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19.
- If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose (primary dose or booster) by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you first received a positive test.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.
- It’s safe and effective to receive your booster and flu shot at the same time.
COVID-19 testing
Information on COVID-19 testing resources available in the Austin area can be found here, including no-cost and no-insurance options through Austin Public Health.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
#HTVaxUp – Information on COVID-19 vaccination
HT Ram Check
Mobile app required for campus entry and reporting of all positive COVID-19 tests, symptoms, and close contacts.
Download the app:
Apple Store
Google Play Store
Guiding Principles
- Daily use of the HT Ram Check app is required. Completion of the daily health screener is required to obtain a green pass and be clear for campus. Prompt reporting of all positive COVID-19 tests, symptoms, and close contact to a confirmed COVID case is required in the app.
- Masks are optional for all in indoor common spaces. Masks are always recommended for unvaccinated individuals or those with conditions such as immunosuppression that may make vaccination less protective.
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Vaccination or an approved, notarized exemption is required for all. Vaccination is highly encouraged for all students, faculty, and staff. We will have on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the semester that will be open to all HT faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. More information on vaccine availability in the Austin area can be found here.
- All documentation must be sent to vaccinations@htu.edu. Additionally, all original notarized exemption forms must be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration by August 12th, 2022. Vaccination records and exemption forms that were submitted before the start of, or during, the Fall 2021 semester will remain valid, and do not need to be resubmitted.
- Please contact our Safe & Healthy Rams office at safehealthyrams@htu.edu or 512.505.6479 with any questions.
- Information on COVID-19 testing near campus can be found here.
Safe and Healthy Rams Standards
Masks
The campus mask guidelines were developed and will modify in response to the Austin-Travis County Key Indicators for Staging and the overall campus vaccination rate.
Masks are always strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals or those with conditions such as immunosuppression that may make vaccination less protective.
Outdoors
Mask use is no longer required outside. Physical distancing is still encouraged in outdoor settings, and masks are recommended when physical distancing is not possible.
Indoors
Mask are optional in all common spaces on campus. Masks are always recommended for unvaccinated individuals or those with conditions such as immunosuppression that may make vaccination less protective.
Classroom mask use will be determined by individual faculty members. Faculty may decide to require masks or make masks optional based on faculty and student needs. Students may request masking in class by making a private request to the faculty member. No individual’s private health information will be disclosed when the mask requirement is communicated to class.
Individual office mask use will be determined by the individual whose office is being entered. The individual entering may request that the occupant wear a mask when entering a private office space as well. Individuals should inquire proactively.
Additionally:
- All individuals in the class (faculty and students and staff) must show a green pass on the daily health screening, HT Ram Check app. The green pass means that the individual is clear for campus access.
- Social distancing will be maintained in classrooms as much as possible.
- HEPA air purifiers are operating on the high setting in all occupied classrooms.
Everyone is advised to carry a mask with them on campus at all times. Back-up masks are available throughout campus as needed. Building Managers can contact university facilities for replenishment of mask supplies.
Mental Health and Wellness
Due to the rise in self-reported mental health issues including anxiety, sleeplessness, and difficulty focusing during the pandemic’s isolation and forced inactivity, HT campus mental health services will proactively implement programs to support our campus community.
Campus Entry
Campus entry will be limited to the main entrance gate at 900 Chicon St and the west gate on Chalmers Ave. These will be the only gates used to enter and exit the campus until further notice. The north campus gate at 11th St will be closed until further notice.
All visitors must register and obtain a visitor’s pass and adhere to on-campus safety guidelines. This will allow an officer to identify visitors who have checked in with officers quickly.
Enforcement and Accountability
Any individual who fails to adhere to required University COVID-19 protocols, including, but not limited to, use of masks, physical distancing, reporting of test results, proper use of facilities including ventilation practices and other COVID related protocols shall be out of compliance and subject to disciplinary action leading up to and including separation from the University.
Contract Tracing, Isolation, and Quarantine
When a member of our campus community (student, faculty, staff member) tests positive for the virus, it is critical that the university trace the contacts they have had with others to limit the spread of the virus.
If you or someone you are in contact with becomes symptomatic or concerned about COVID-19 exposure:
- Stay home. Do not visit the campus or public places.
- Get Screened: Call (do not visit) your healthcare provider to get screened:
- Follow the instructions of campus or local health care provider.
Source: “Symptoms of COVID-19” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Students, faculty and staff who are exposed to or have a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to be in isolation or quarantine as appropriate for the recommended number of days or until symptoms subside.
Isolation separates and restricts the movement of those with a contagious disease from those who are not sick.
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of those who have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
Hygiene Practices, Cleaning/Disinfecting Protocols
Your safety and building cleanliness are very important at HT. Custodial staff will follow enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols as directed for all areas of the HT campus. Custodial staff will clean classrooms, core areas, and common spaces on a daily basis. During hours when classes and other events are being held, housekeeping staff will perform additional cleaning and disinfection as needed. Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided throughout campus, and faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to disinfect their personal space within classrooms and teaching laboratories before and after use. Disinfection includes wiping down commonly touched surfaces with a disinfectant while wearing personal protective equipment recommended for the type of disinfectant used.
Athletics
Intercollegiate Athletics will continue in Fall 2022. As with all university operations, athletics will follow the university’s guiding principles. Athletics strategies will address student-athletes returning to campus, navigating campus life, and best practices and required protocols for maintaining successful athletics seasons – including team travel and fan attendance. In addition to all campus policies and procedures, student-athletes may be subject to additional Red River Athletic Conference and NAIA policies.
Campus Dining
Campus dining will operate with modified service, including limited seating to facilitate physical distancing in the dining room, providing meals to-go, and extended hours to allow for service to accommodate the dining hall modifications. In addition to main service in the dining hall, the Ram’s Café will take online orders for pick-up in addition to walk in to-go orders.
Events
Huston-Tillotson University is following the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, State of Texas, Travis County, and City of Austin mandates and guidelines for on campus gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University safety protocols may include, but are not limited, to health checks, social distancing, masks, and hand sanitizing in indoor and outdoor spaces. Outside groups wishing to reserve space on campus for events will be required to submit documentation demonstrating compliance with university protocols.
Please contact events@htu.edu for more information.
Testing
Testing may be required throughout the Fall 2022 semester. This testing will help us identify COVID-19 cases early, quickly activate contract tracing, and isolate and quarantine individuals as needed to help prevent spread.
Vaccination
Vaccination plus booster shots are highly encouraged. We will have on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics that will be open to all HT faculty, staff, students, alumni and their family members. More information on vaccine availability in the Austin area can be found here.
View the recorded panel discussion on the pandemic vaccine rollout from February 2021.
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Prior Communications