Campus Info

College leadership has been in ongoing conversations to discuss the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The purpose of this webpage is to update you on our current course of action regarding the COVID-19 situation and to provide resources to our students. Please refer to this page frequently, as the content will be updated whenever appropriate.

COVID-19 Response Update 5/10/2021

On May 10th, 2020, Grayson College entered Phase 3 its Return to Campus Plan.

Face coverings are optional but encouraged. Social distancing of three feet is still in effect at this time.

Screening will no longer take place on campus - please continue to monitor your health and stay home when sick. Please continue to report exposure to COVID-19.

We are aware of Governor Abbott’s recent decision to lift the mask mandate on March 10, 2021. Grayson College will continue to follow our established COVID-19 protocols and the wearing of masks.

As of April 7th, Grayson College will no longer require masks at outdoors events.

COVID-19 Response Update 2/10/21

Testing Policy

Exposed Cases

We have newly adopted a test-based Return to Campus strategy for exposures to COVID-19. Please submit an Exposure Form if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or begin exhibiting any symptom of COVID-19. If you are exposed to COVID-19, you will be eligible to test five (5) days after exposure if you do not have any symptoms. If the test is negative, you are eligible to return to campus after seven (7) days. You cannot test any earlier than day five (5).

If the exposure is a household member, you may not test until five (5) days AFTER the household member’s day ten (10). See below for positive case guidelines.

Positive Cases

Please submit an Exposure Form if you test positive for COVID-19. The standard protocol for a positive case is ten (10) days away from campus beginning from the date of symptom onset or the specimen collection date for the positive test. Most COVID-19 cases have run their course by the end of ten (10) days. If you are still having symptoms or cannot pass screening after 10 days, you will need to have marked symptom improvement for twenty-four (24) hours without medication to be approved to return to campus.

Vaccines

Before Vaccine:

It is recommended that you obtain the vaccine from your primary care physician, if available there, or through your retail pharmacy. Vaccination sites and availability are scheduled to be increasing in the coming weeks, if you are interested in receiving a vaccine, continue to sign up as they are available.

Do not wait for a dose to become available through the Grayson County Health Department or information from Grayson College if the vaccine becomes available to you at another distribution point.

After the Vaccine:

Exposure forms are not required for the first 72 hours after the vaccine shot. Many who receive the vaccine have an immune system response of fever, body aches, and fatigue. These are COVID-19 symptoms, as well as immune response symptoms. If the symptoms are due to receiving the vaccine, they should abate within 72 hours. If they do not, complete an exposure form.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information 1/7/2021

Grayson College continues to partner with the Grayson County Health Department and local officials to keep you all informed about the latest COVID-19 developments and vaccine distribution plan.

Our recommended employee strategy aligns with the Grayson County Health Department’s advice to sign-up for their vaccine waiting list as soon as possible.  Currently, because of limited supplies, you can only be placed on the waiting list if you are in Groups 1A and Groups 1B (as defined by DSHS on their website). 

The Health Department states, “It is recommended that you obtain the vaccine from your primary care physician, if available there, or through your retail pharmacy. Don’t wait for a dose to become available through the Grayson County Health Department if the vaccine becomes available to you at another distribution point.”

You are encouraged to continue to check the Texas Department of State Health Services website for COVID-19 vaccine distribution points throughout the county.  The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. 

COVID-19 Information Resources

As you are well aware, COVID-19 information is fluid and changing all the time. We will do our best to communicate timely and accurate information. We will be updating the Grayson College website regularly but strongly encourage you to use additional data sources that provide daily updates.

• Grayson County
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

Download Covid-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

FAQ

Q. Are face coverings required on Grayson College campuses?

A. Yes. Cloth face coverings are required on all public spaces on the College’s campuses including classrooms, laboratories and other instructional spaces. Employees and students are also required to wear face coverings away from campus when on official College business.

Q. What should Grayson College students do if they believe they have Coronavirus (COVID-19) or have tested positive for it?

A. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive, isolate yourself, contact your health care provider and submit the Exposure Form. One of the GC Covid Response Team members will follow up with you and provide direction from there. 

Q. If Grayson College employees or students are diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19), will the college community be notified?

A. State health services closely track reports of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and take steps to notify individuals who have been in close contact with those who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19). The college works closely with local officials and follows the direction given in regards to notifications.

Q. What can we do to reduce the risk of getting Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best things you can do are the same as those for preventing the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Then throw the tissue in the trash and sanitize your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Wear a face covering any time you are not alone in a personal space or vehicle.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. For more information, visit the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control

• Texas Department of State Health Services

• Grayson County Office of Emergency Management

Instruction & Student Affairs

Q. What are my options for Fall 2020 classes?

A. For academic transfer courses, the majority of classes noted on the schedule will be online only. There are some exceptions with regards to Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geology labs as well as Co-Requisite English and Math sixteen-week courses. Workforce and Health Science programs will begin the semester face-to-face as regularly scheduled. 

Q. What do I need to know if I registered for Fall 2020 classes?

A. Be sure to check your schedule in MyViking. Faculty will be connecting with students via email and Canvas learning management system (both are linked in MyViking). For students attending classes on campus, screening prior to entering classrooms will be enforced and face coverings will be required. Refer to our Screening Plan for further details. 

Due to extenuating circumstances, including public health issues, course and testing delivery methods, instructional schedules, housing contracts, campus procedures and/or operating hours may be altered, interrupted and/or ceased for a limited or extended period of time. Such changes will be posted on the College website. 

Q. What if I need to buy a book from the bookstore?

A. The bookstore is available to serve students both remotely and on campus. Refer to their website for further details including operating hours. 

Q: How can I take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment?

A. At Home- If you have a computer with a network connection, a camera and a microphone, you can likely take the TSI Assessment from home. Send your full name, date of birth, phone number and email address to testing@grayson.edu. Also let us know if you wish to take the whole TSI Assessment (math, reading and writing) or just part(s) of it. We will create a test voucher code for you, which will include contact information for Examity. You will make your test appointment with them, and they will charge $25.

On-Campus- We are testing on campus by appointment only. Appointments will be made for 8:30am or 12:30 pm Monday through Friday at both campuses. To make your TSI Assessment appointment, please follow these steps:

1. register for the exam online. 

2. complete steps 1-5 and click "add to cart"

3. click "complete registration" and then see your email confirmation message for information about COVID-19 precautions and test fees.

Q. Is face-to-face assistance for admissions, advising and financial aid available at Grayson College?

1. While we continue to serve students remotely, some of our offices are available for face-to-face appointments. Information on making an appointment is available on our website. 

Q. Can I pay for my Grayson College classes in person?

A. While we encourage students to pay for classes through MyViking, payments can be accepted in person and over the phone. Contact the Business Office at 903.463.8718 or businessoffice@grayson.edu to learn more.

Q. Is there any financial assistance available for students related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

1. Students in financial need are encouraged to complete the Application for Emergency Student Aid, so our team can get you connected to what you need. Local resources are also listed on our Grayson Cares website. 

Q. If campuses are closed to the public, how will I receive academic support?

1. The Writing Center, Math Hub and Tutoring will continue to be available remotely through appointments (Zoom), email and UpSwing (online platform). 

Q. Will the College cancel any classes or events?

1. Due to extenuating circumstances, including public health issues, course and testing delivery methods, instructional schedules, housing contracts, campus procedures and/or operating hours may be altered, interrupted and/or ceased for a limited or extended period of time. Such changes will be posted on the College website. 

Q. My child is enrolled in dual credit classes. What should I know as a parent?

A.  Grayson College is working closely with each ISD to provide the best options for students in each district. Please connect to your ISD Dual Credit contact for specifics regarding fall 2020 course schedules and delivery method. 

Q. If I am receiving financial aid, what do I need to know about my coursework?

A. Financial Aid:

• Students must attend and pass their classes each semester. Failure to do so may result in a balance due from the student.

• Students must continue to stay in good standing (minimum 2.00 GPA & 67% cumulative completion rate) to continue receiving financial aid.

• Once your financial aid is finalized, if you have remaining funds after your classes have been covered, you can use your financial aid in the bookstore to purchase books and supplies.

• Financial Aid will only pay for courses that are part of the student's declared major (degree/certificate). Center for Workplace Learning classes aren't covered.

Veterans Affairs:

• Students receiving Chapter 33 Post-911 benefits must have at least one course on campus to be eligible for full BAH allowance. However, when students are enrolled in a course that was originally planned as on campus but changed to online, the SCO will certify the course as "on campus."

• Students on Chapter 33 Post-911 benefits will continue to receive a book allowance based on the hours enrolled. This allowance is capped at $1,000.00 per academic year. 

• Students who don't attend their classes will be reported to VA as non-attendance.  Also, students who don't pass their classes will be reported to VA with their Instructor reported last date of attendance, and a balance may be due from the student. 

• Veteran students who are absent more than 15% of the total program and/or being absent five {5} consecutive days each semester will be reported to VA.

• VA & Hazlewood will only pay for courses that are part of the student's declared major (degree/certificate). Center for Workplace Learning classes aren't covered.

Q. I am having trouble logging in to my class or having device issues. Who should I contact?

1. Our HelpDesk provides instructions for accessing MyViking. If those instructions don’t address your needs, submit a ticket on that page, and our team will connect with you. Sometimes the HelpDesk can assist with individual devices. Submitting a ticket is the quickest way to get a response.

Q. I do not have internet access. Who should I contact?

A. If you need assistance with internet access, submit an Application for Emergency Student Aid to see if our team can get you connected.

Q. If I need to research a topic for my class, what resources are available?

1. The Library resources and staff are available remotely. Curb-side service is available when resources are not available digitally. Staff are available to answer questions via messaging, email and phone. 

Q. Can I still apply for financial aid?

1. Applications for financial aid are still available for the 20-21 academic year. The application for the 21-22 school year will open in October 2020. Early submission is encouraged to ensure funds are available before the first day of class. To learn more, visit the Financial Aid webpage or email finanacialaid@grayson.edu. 

Operations

Q. When will College offices reopen?

1. Although most of our team is working remotely, Grayson College is fully operational. We are watching local and federal directives closely for cues on when we can safely return to on-campus operations. Watch the COVID-19 updates page for further information.

Q. If an individual who is on campus tests positive for COVID-19, what cleaning protocols will be used?

A. In the event of an individual tests positive for COVID-19, specific protocols are used to thoroughly clean the area, including, but not limited to, closing areas until all parts of that area used by the person who is sick (classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas and shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens and keyboards) can be cleaned and disinfected. The affected areas will be closed for a period of 24 hours.  

Q. Is Grayson College taking precautions to reduce the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission?

A. Grayson College has worked with the maintenance department to ensure that locations meet or exceed the established CDC guidelines. To accomplish this, a team of trained personnel who are afforded the proper personal protective equipment clean and disinfect all identified surfaces with specialized approved EPA-registered solutions that remove and kill the germs.

The maintenance department routinely cleans high-traffic touchpoints like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, handles, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. For soft surfaces, such as carpeted floors, rugs and drapes, soap and water as well as an appropriate cleaner is used. Additionally, a deep clean is accomplished nightly to cover the same areas, as well as those not routinely touched throughout the day.

Q. Are College facilities available for rental?

A.  Use of campus facilities by outside parties will be limited and will not be permitted until Phase 4 of the Return to Campus Plan without the approval of the College President.

Employees

Q. When are full-time personnel returning to campus?

A. Grayson College is returning to campus in a phased approach. Please check your email for the latest information and refer to the COVID-19 webpage for more information.

Q. What health and hygiene measures should employees returning to campus be aware of?

A. All personnel must strictly adhere to the suggested health and hygiene measures as well as the mitigation measures outlined for each phase of the Grayson College Return to Campus Plan. Please check your email for additional details. If you have questions, please check with your supervisor. 

Q. What should Grayson College employees do if they believe they have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A. Employees who believe they have COVID-19 or have tested positive should:

• contact their primary care providers

• follow the CDC guidelines for “What to do if you are sick”

• complete the Exposure Form

• contact their supervisor

Employees with a fever should not leave their homes unless all of the following CDC guidelines are met:

• no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

• other symptoms have improved 

• at least seven (7) days have passed since symptoms first appeared

Q. What if I am planning a work-related event?

A. All non-essential gatherings are suspended. Check with your supervisor if you have questions.

Q. As an employee, who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?

A. Please work through your supervisor if you have any questions or concerns. Stay alert and watch for updates. Please continue to check the FAQs, as they will be updated when information is available.