COVID-19 Protocols
Health and Safety
We are committed to supporting our students, faculty, and staff as we continue offering classes and services on campus. Our highest priority is the health and safety of all of the SWTJC Community, and we are taking the necessary precautions recommended by local and state health officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Face coverings are recommended
Clean and disinfect your hands often
Avoid close contact
Stay home if you are sick
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wash your hands for 20 seconds
Documenting Exposures
COVID-19 Glossary of Key Terms
Close Contact - Someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three separate 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). An infected person can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 starting 2 days before they have any symptoms (or, for people without symptoms, 2 days before the positive specimen collection date).
Public Health Recommendations:
People who are identified as close contacts should follow CDC recommendations to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Confirmed COVID-19 Case - Report of a person with COVID-19 and meeting confirmatory laboratory evidence.
Exposure - Having come into contact with a cause of, or possessing a characteristic that is a determinant of, a particular health problem.
Isolation - The separation of a person or group of people known or reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable disease and potentially infectious from those who are not infected to prevent spread of the communicable disease. Isolation for public health purposes may be voluntary or compelled by federal, state, or local public health order.
Quarantine - The separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but not yet symptomatic from others who have not been so exposed to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease. Quarantine may be voluntary or compelled by federal, state, or local public health order.
Health Protocols
Mission: First and foremost, the health, safety, and well-being of our staff members, students, and our patrons have guided and will continue to guide the Southwest Texas Junior College COVID-19 Protocol.
1.) Faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors should practice self-monitoring before coming to campus, designated buildings, or offices. Anyone showing the following symptoms should not report to campus, buildings, or offices and should contact their immediate supervisor or instructor immediately to plan necessary arrangements.
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- At the screening checkpoint, individuals may undergo a temperature check
- Individuals can sanitize hands at checkpoints: hand sanitizer dispenser is available
- Masks are available at checkpoints
3.) All individuals are highly encouraged to practice all protocols: including handwashing, hygiene, and wearing a facemask is highly encouraged.
4.) Employees will be responsible for wiping down their phones, computers, mice and this will include doorknobs and desk areas with antiseptic wipes or disinfectants at their designated work area. Cleaning products will be provided.
5.) Campus-to-campus meetings may be held virtually, while same campus meetings will be encouraged face-to-face, yet the option of virtual meetings remains.
COVID-19 Re Open Committee
Southwest Texas Junior College is committed to monitoring developments and taking precautionary actions for the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and our community. We are working closely to develop plans with local and state public health officials in order to continue to provide continuous business and academic operations.
This page is intended to provide all information, including continuous updates, about the progress of campus operations. Please explore the content of this page on a regular basis, our Frequently Asked Questions page will provide answers to questions in light of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.
SWTJC appointed a Re Open Committee charged to develop the protocols for a safe Return to Campus Plan and make adjustments as needed according to the COVID-19 environment changes. All the components and the supporting documents that provided guidance to the development of the plan will be accessible via our home page for the public to view. We fully understand that the guidance from public health officials is evolving as additional information about COVID-19 becomes available. Our plan will remain dynamic to respond to the latest guidance.
The Re Open Committee consists of Steve Martinez-Registrar, Dr. Cheryl Sanchez-Instructor, April S. Ruhmann-Dean of Applied Sciences and Liberal Arts, Cruz Mata-VP Student Services, Connie Buchanan-VP Del Rio, Brenda Hoffman -VP Eagle Pass campus, and Derek Sandoval-VP Administrative Services.
COVID-19 Updates
August 1, 2022 - SWTJC Continues to Increase Face-to-Face Classes
As we continue to increase the number of in-person, face-to-face courses beginning in the Fall 2022, the SWTJC Re Open committee reminds everyone that COVID-19 is still affecting our communities. Please stay vigilant: avoid large crowds, wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and monitor your health for the protection of others.
January 27, 2022 - SWTJC Resumes Face-to-Face Classes
As we prepare for our in-person, face-to-face courses beginning Monday, January 31, the SWTJC Re Open committee wishes you a happy and safe return.
Here is some information and guidance regarding COVID-19 currently.
The Omicron transmission in our 11-county region has been noticeably high. Although reports of the illness have been milder, SWTJC encourages vaccinations, covid testing, and following all covid precautions like social distancing at 6 ft and wearing a dependable mask. Upon arriving on campus, everyone is required to participate at our check-in stations. These check-in stations will ask for your temperature check and the day color-coordinated wrist band will be required to wear indicating you have no symptoms including a fever. For those who arrive without a mask, a mask will be provided at each check-in station. SWTJC considers a surgical mask to be the bare minimum of a mask (cloth masks are discouraged). The masks that SWTJC recommends are the KN 95 and N95 mask.
If you develop symptoms of Omicron, cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, or a headache, you should isolate yourself at home and get a COVID-19 Test. Most communities are offering free testing, home test kits are available for purchase, and SWTJC has free Test Sites at Uvalde, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio Monday through Friday from 9 am- 11 am. SWTJC is following CDC Guidelines and can be found on our College website https://www.swtjc.edu/about/covid19/campus-plan.html. A 5-day isolation period will cover the highest infectivity case. If you do test positive, it is very important to not return to work or class before completing the 5-day isolation period. Also, visit with your supervisor or faculty member for further instructions.
While COVID-19 is challenging, following covid protocols, getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and testing is a resolution.
WELCOME BACK AND STAY SAFE.
January 6, 2022 - SWTJC Temporarily Moves Spring Classes Online Due to COVID Surge
In order to ensure our SWTJC community's continued safety, we decided to temporarily move some classes to virtual delivery beginning Jan. 18 through Jan. 28.
Students enrolled in technical programs which require hands-on labs and training will continue to meet face-to-face with additional safety protocols. Those programs include law enforcement academy, airframe mechanics, registered nursing, vocational nursing, radiologic technology, emergency medical technician, patient care technician, cosmetology, automotive technology, diesel technology, wildlife management, air conditioning and refrigeration, welding technology, professional truck driving, and powerline technology training.
Technical programs which will meet virtually are criminal justice, child development, computer information systems, administrative information technology, and management.
Staff will continue to report to work in person, wear masks, and keep six-foot social distancing.
All SWTJC campuses and offices will remain open for business, with services offered in-person and/or virtually. Library, transportation services, residence halls, dining services, and writing centers will still be available on our campuses. Practicing social distancing and wearing masks while in these spaces is required.
We are taking these actions in response to the surge of cases in our area. We are hopeful that it will peak soon and allow us a quick return to normal.
Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and willingness to keep our college safe.
January 3, 2022 - Face Masks are Required at All Campus Locations
The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and CDC community transmission is at red status across the SWTJC service area. Studies have shown that cloth masks are inadequate to prevent the spread. CDC recommends a multiply surgical mask at a minimum but would encourage the use of KN95 masks.
November 15, 2021 - Face Masks are Recommended at All Campus Locations
August 20, 2021 - Face Masks are Required at All Campus Locations
SWTJC Board of Trustees approved the recommendation from the administration to mandate masks for students effective immediately.
“We feel confident that with our multilayered approach, in addition to requiring masks at this time, we will be able to maintain in-person classes,” said Dr. Hector Gonzales, SWTJC President.
The decision for students to wear masks comes only two days after the implementation of required masks for all college faculty and staff at all locations.
July 12, 2021 - Vaccination Clinics Offered on Various Campus Locations
Southwest Texas Junior College will be hosting COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics on each campus. Faculty, Staff, and Students are invited to take advantage of this free opportunity. SWTJC Students who take their 1st and 2nd doses will be entered into a drawing. The first prize will be a 2021 Fall Term Full SWTJC Scholarship, second prize will be a Microsoft Surface Pro. Winners will be drawn for each vaccination site.
May 21, 2021 - Face coverings encouraged, but not required following Executive Order GA 36
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Executive Order GA 36 which prohibits governmental agencies, including colleges, from requiring individuals to wear face coverings. The Executive Order takes effect on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 11:59 pm, and SWTJC will comply with the order.
This order in no way prevents voluntary use of face coverings on our campuses should you prefer to continue the practice. We strongly encourage the wearing of masks on our campuses regardless of vaccination status, however, the choice is voluntary moving forward.
Safety protocols will continue and check-in stations to screen for fever and other COVID-19 related symptoms will remain in place.
March 9, 2021 - Updated Course Delivery Formats
Summer classes will consist of 20 to 40 percent face-to-face, while fall classes are scheduled to be 50 to 70 percent in a face-to-face format.
March 2, 2021 - Mask Requirement Remains in Effect for SWTJC
Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Executive Order GA 34 that removes the face-covering mandate. The Executive Order takes effect on March 10, 2021. The SWTJC Re Open Committee is in the process of reviewing this Executive Order and will provide guidance as more information is revealed. However, SWTJC will continue to follow the face-covering protocol while on campus.
March 1, 2021
Southwest Texas Junior College plans to reopen the Powers and Kirchner Child Development Center (SWTJC Daycare) at 50% capacity beginning Monday, April 5, 2021. Please visit the SWTJC Daycare webpage to review the SWTJC Daycare Return to Campus Protocol for information on health and safety precautions the daycare staff will follow upon reopening the daycare facility.
Health and Safety Protocols for COVID-19 must be followed in order to visit any SWTJC building.
Daycare Enrollment Schedule (9:00 am - 4:00 pm):
- On Monday, March 8, 2021, SWTJC students, faculty, and staff can visit the Daycare to enroll their children.
- On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, parents that receive Middle Rio Grande childcare funds can visit the Daycare to enroll their children.
- On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, anyone from the community can visit the Daycare to enroll their children.
SWTJC Daycare cannot hold any spots, and enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
*During the enrollment visit, parents must bring in shot records and any doctor's notes for any special diets the children may have.
For more information, please contact:
Christine M. Chapoy
Child Development Center Director
SWTJC Powers and Kirchner Child Development Center
130 Marsh Lane
Uvalde, TX 78801
Email: cmchapoy@swtjc.edu
Phone: (830) 591-2590
Spring 2021
Given the rise in COVID-19 cases statewide and in SWTJC’s service area and the uncertainties associated with this rise, the SWTJC administration has decided the following:
- All Spring 2021 Academic/Transfer courses will be offered virtually/remotely via Zoom, Teams, or Canvas Conference. These include classes originally scheduled as “regular,” in-person face-to-face.
- Technical Program classes will meet virtually for lectures and meet in-person for hands-on labs, observing safety and social distancing procedures.
The following Technical Programs will conduct face-to-face learning (which will also include some remote learning):
- Law Enforcement Academy
- Airframe Mechanics
- Registered Nursing (ADN)
- Vocational Nursing (VN)
- Radiology Technology
- EMT
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Cosmetology
- Automotive Technology
- Automotive Body Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Wildlife Management
- A/C & Refrigeration
- Welding Technology
- Professional Truck Driving
- Lineman Training
The following Technical Programs will be conducted remotely:
- Criminal Justice
- Child Development
- Computer Information Systems (CIS)
- Administrative Information Technology (AIT)
- Management