Texas Christian University announced today initial guidance for students’ safe return to campus for classes starting Aug. 17, and what changes students may expect this fall to help protect the health and safety of the campus community.
Return to campus plans, which are outlined in this new video produced as part of the university’s public health initiative, include required face coverings in the classroom and most public spaces; physical distancing; enhanced cleaning protocols and hand sanitizing stations throughout campus; and testing, contact tracing and treating active cases on campus.
Additional safe return to campus plans include increased classroom and remote learning flexibility as well as new resources for students.
“We have implemented the measures listed below to ensure schedule flexibility and deliver an enriching academic experience in a safe, on-campus environment. As the pandemic evolves almost daily, we will be prepared to make necessary adjustments,” Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. said.
Increased Classroom and Remote Learning Flexibility:
- Students will be able to choose whether they want to take their courses online or in-person on campus. Some students and families have requested this as a preference, and will be able to indicate their choice of fully online enrollment via the “Student Center” link in the student portal at my.tcu.edu. This function is scheduled to be available by July 6. Please note that some classes must be taken in person for accreditation requirements, so your request may need to be reviewed by your academic department.
- If you choose to take all classes online, you may take the courses from your on- or off-campus residence and engage with other activities to sustain the best university experience possible.
- The university has expanded the number of courses that will be offered online. All in-person courses also will be offered online, and we are now identifying which classes will be offered online only. We will provide specific details about online and in-person class offerings by mid-July.
Student Resources and Events:
- In June, we launched our “Healthy Campus” campaign, which outlines steps we are taking to minimize risk and promote healthy behaviors. As many of you prepare for a return to campus, see this checklist of what to bring and what you can expect on campus.
- For questions about how students will engage in activities, participate in classes, get their meals and more, please see these FAQs. We update this website consistently with new information as it becomes available.
- We have expanded staff and resources in the Brown-Lupton Health Center. The clinic itself was renovated this summer to create a separate space to safely evaluate and treat students who might be COVID-19 positive. Additionally, the Health Center now has three different platforms capable of testing for COVID-19, with results generally in an hour or less. To aid in our testing and tracking protocols, the campus community should call 817-257-2684 (817-257-COVI) to self-report a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and receive support services. A “What To Do If” decision-tree is located on the COVID-19 microsite.
- TCU Counseling & Mental Health will continue to offer counseling via Zoom, in person crisis response and virtual groups and support communities.
- This fall, we will limit the vast number of typical on-campus activities that involve inviting large groups of folks to campus. Family Weekend and Homecoming activities have been cancelled to reduce travel to campus and limit large gatherings in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Chancellor Boschini reiterated the importance of personal responsibility and noted that TCU’s return to campus guidance may change as local, state and federal guidance changes:
“We expect further changes related to the pandemic and are fully prepared to pivot and continue making our decisions with the health of our community in mind. Each member of the TCU community is first and foremost personally responsible for their health and well-being. As such they should always use good judgment in any and every activity they undertake. This is a personal responsibility that is assumed of everyone in this community.”
TCU’s Connected Campus microsite and Coronavirus microsite will continue to be updated as new information is available.