COVID-19 Response Center
Faculty and Staff Information
Fall 2020 will bring certain challenges and require innovation from all TAMIU students, faculty, staff and administrators.
This TAMIU Back Together Plan is the product of five committees formed by President Arenaz that included faculty, staff, students and administrators. Their recommendations, along with guidance from The Texas A&M University System, guides our safe return to campus this Fall. Our goal has always been to create an environment that is as safe as possible for all our community members, while ensuring our mission – excellence in learning, teaching, and scholarship – continues.
We all need to take personal responsibility to respect and follow the guidelines and restrictions that now affect our daily lives. This University is no different from any other campus or community entity responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Each of us must resolve to do our part to help and protect not only ourselves, but others as well.
Below are details of our TAMIU Back Together Plan for Fall.
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- All faculty and staff must complete a mandatory COVID-19 safety-training course in TrainTraq and sign a certification form before returning to work. You will not be allowed on campus until you complete the training. For staff, the certification must have been completed by June 1. For faculty, training will be available beginning Friday, July 31 and must be completed by Thursday, August 13.
- All students must complete a mandatory COVID-19 safety-training course and sign a certification form before they can return to campus. Training will be available in Blackboard approximately one week before the beginning of the Fall Semester.
- All members of the University community (faculty, staff and students) will be asked to self-certify prior to returning to campus each day that they:
- have not been determined to be actively infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,
- do not have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19 as listed on the CDC’s website,
- have not been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days, and
- have not returned from travel or traveled in or through an area with federal, state or local travel restrictions that mandate quarantine upon arrival home in the previous 14 days.
- If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, you should NOT come to work or school.
- Students who test positive or believe they have been exposed should follow the Student Health Services process for reporting and/or consultation found at
- All faculty, staff, students, and visitors must practice social distancing, wear face coverings, and frequently wash their hands while on campus. It is highly recommended you also carry a personal bottle of hand sanitizer.
- Wearing a face-covering is mandatory and required in all campus buildings and outdoors. Face-coverings must cover both the mouth and the nose. Exceptions are:
- When you are alone in a private office, however, you will need to put your face covering on any time someone enters your office;
- When eating or drinking while practicing social distancing, including in campus dining facilities;
- For students, when alone or with a roommate in an assigned dorm room;
- When an alternative such as a face shield has been approved as part of the Americans with Disabilities or religious observance accommodation.
- Community members are required to wear a face-covering while on campus. This is required in all campus buildings and outdoors.
- Hand sanitizer will be available across campus, and disinfectant (spray and/or wipes) will be available in each office and classrooms.
- Water fountains will be turned off, but those fountains with bottle fill stations will remain functional.
- High-traffic work stations/areas will have the added protection of plexiglass shields.
- Air handlers in all buildings have been refitted with higher efficiency filters.
- We are working with the Texas A&M University System to develop a strategy for testing select members of the University community, including some surveillance testing and testing of those who may have been exposed or exhibiting symptoms. The Texas A&M University System is providing a limited number of test kits to each institution for students and employees. Instructions for accessing testing will be announced in early August.
- We are working with the Laredo Health Department to conduct our own internal contact tracing for TAMIU community members who test positive for COVID-19. All information provided to our contact tracers will follow public health privacy requirements.
- Only two people will be allowed in an elevator at a time and there will be a limit on the number of people who can use restrooms at one time.
- Campus signage will reinforce current CDC guidelines, including social distancing.
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- The Fall 2020 semester will begin Monday, August 24. Instruction will end Wednesday November 25, the day before Thanksgiving. It is expected that most students will remain away from campus for the remainder of the semester. Final exams will be given online beginning Tuesday, December 1.
- Each learning space/classroom has been assessed for maximum capacity in accordance with the current COVID-19 CDC guidelines for social distancing, and furniture has either been blocked off or otherwise marked as unavailable to ensure adherence to the new capacity. Classes will only be assigned to rooms where social distancing can be maintained.
- Face coverings will be required for students and faculty in all classrooms.
- For most courses, students will have the option of choosing to attend in-person or remotely (online).
- There will be four modes of delivery for classes:
- In-Person or Face to Face (F2F): These are courses where at least some essential material can be acquired only through in-person attendance. Students enrolled in a fully F2F class will attend class on campus during regularly scheduled class meetings. Fewer than 2% of our classes will require F2F for every scheduled class meeting.
- Online Classes: Classes developed and designed so that students can attend class online. Students who are enrolled in fully online courses must adhere to the participation expectations outlined in the course syllabus. Just under 18% of courses for the Fall are fully online.
- Hybrid Classes: A class that has both an in-person and a remote learning component, with the frequency of in-person meetings determined by instructional needs. Students enrolled in hybrid classes attend scheduled in-person meetings and adhere to online participation expectations established by the instructor of the course. Just under 2% of Fall courses are hybrid.
- TAMIUFlex Classes: As with Hybrid classes, students in TAMIUFlex classes attend class meetings when they are scheduled to attend. When they are not scheduled to attend their classes on campus, they will be able to watch lectures in synchronous, live transmission at its scheduled meeting time. Should that not be possible, students can view the recording of the class meeting in Blackboard when it is made available by the instructor. At 46%, TAMIUFlex is the largest mode of delivery this Fall. The balance of classes are offered in their own unique delivery mode like internships, clinicals and practicums.
- In face to face, hybrid and TAMIUFlex courses, lectures will be streamed and recorded to allow students who become ill or who need to self-isolate to keep up with the class.
- Should reduced room capacities require it, a course may have to be changed from one mode of delivery to another (e.g., from in-person to TAMIUFlex or hybrid). This decision will be made by the Dean of the College or School on the recommendation of the department chair. Such changes will be made before August 1, and the instructor and all students enrolled in an affected course will be notified. Students will be given the opportunity to make schedule changes after consulting with their advisors.
- In-person, hybrid, TAMIUFlex and online courses are assessed the same tuition and fees.
- Every course will have an instructional continuity plan should we be forced to modify delivery mode because of COVID-19 or in the event of instructor illness.
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- New faculty members report to campus on Monday, August 17. All other faculty members report on Tuesday, August 18.
- The Office of Instructional Technology and Distance Education is offering multiple opportunities in July and August for faculty members to become proficient using technology and online pedagogical practices. The long-term goal is for all faculty members to become familiar with the basics of effective online pedagogy. To that end, we will attempt to have all faculty members complete the introductory Quality Matters (QM) course prior to November 25.
- All faculty members developing online courses must undergo the full QM training and have their course(s) QM certified. For courses previously developed without QM, we are requiring that they be revised to achieve QM certification.
- Faculty members teaching in-person must observe social distancing when lecturing and conferring with students and colleagues. Faculty members will be provided with a face shield.
- Faculty members may choose to hold office hours on campus while adhering to campus safety, face-covering and social distancing guideline, or virtually via WebEx or similar platform.
- Faculty members with medical conditions or other risk factors, as defined by the CDC that place them at high risk for COVID-19 may request a temporary workplace modification. Please contact Human Resources for further information.
- Faculty members who have a COVID-19-related childcare limitation concern should explore flexible work processes and review leave options with Human Resources.
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- Staff members with medical conditions or other risk factors that place them at high risk for COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, may request a temporary workplace modification. Please contact Human Resources for further information.
- Staff members who have a COVID-19-related childcare limitation concern should explore flexible work processes and review available leave options with Human Resources.
- Student employees should work with their supervisor to determine their work location and schedule.
- We encourage supervisors and employees to work together to find solutions to address any current or future concerns.
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- We are currently planning, in consultation with the Lonestar Conference, to have Fall sports.
- Policies have been implemented for the return and monitoring of athletes and coaches. For more information, please read the Athletic Department’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures Manual
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Effective August 24, 2020, the following schedule will be observed for all University buildings this Fall.
The Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Fall Schedule is as follows:
- Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: CLOSED
- 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Visit this page for more Library details
Academic Innovation Center (AIC) – 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 5 p.m., Saturday closed
Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall (CWT) – 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – noon, Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Bob Bullock Hall (BLK) – 5:45 a.m – 11 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.- noon
Center for the Fine & Performing Arts (FPA) – 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – noon
Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHT) – 5:45 a.m. – 10 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – noon
Student Center (STC) – 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall (CNS) – 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at p.m., Saturday closed
Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall (PLG) – 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 5 p.m., Saturday closed
Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center (LBV) – 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center (ZSC) – 7 a.m – 9:30 p.m. (M-Th), Friday close at 6 p.m., Saturday closed
Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center (REC) – 8 a.m. – regular closing hours, Friday – Saturday (regular REC hours)
Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (KLM) – 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. (M-Th); Friday close at 5 p.m., Saturday closed; Sunday noon – 8 p.m.
All office hours and services subject to change, contact specific department/office or visit their respective website for updated information.
Dusty Camp/Dusty Transfer
Dusty Camp and Dustdevil Transition, required for all incoming students, will be provided in a virtual format. Dusty Camp is TAMIU’s orientation for incoming first year students. Dustdevil Transition is TAMIU’s orientation for incoming transfer students.
A combination of sessions will be available for all students, allowing them to interact with the incoming Class of 2024, faculty, and staff. Students can expect a mixture of educational and social activities aimed at ensuring the best possible transition to becoming a Dustdevil. Find out all the details here.
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TAMIU's Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) team has created several pages to assist professors' transition to the online environment.
Faculty and Staff Frequently Asked Questions
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 eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid sharing food, beverages, and utensils. Avoid close contact with those who may be ill. Stay home when you are sick or have flu symptoms. Cover cough/sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces. Get your annual flu shot.
We recommend you also follow all CDC and State guidelines and City of Laredo ordinances.
- If you are feeling ill, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Students can make an appointment at Student Health Services by visiting the website or by calling (956) 326-2235.
- Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other healthcare facility without calling first. Your provider may need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. Telemedicine may also be available, enabling you to consult a provider from home.
- Do not go to an emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
- Practice social distancing. Stay indoors and avoid contact with others, just as you would with the flu. Those with contagious diseases should stay home from work or school until they are well. People with fever, cough and respiratory issues should seek immediate medical attention.
Members of the TAMIU community seeking help with stress now have an online ally at their fingertips: Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). It’s open to all actively enrolled students and employees too. Use your University email and login to TAO.
You’ll be redirected to login with your current University credentials (University email and password). Employees must use the enrollment key: Wellness19-20 (case sensitive/no spaces). Students do not need an enrollment key.
After logging in, you’ll complete an approximately 5-minute wellness survey and then will have access to all available assistance modules and a mindfulness library. Additional services will be added online as available.
Read our dedicated COVID-19 Self-Care Packet, produced by TAMIU Student Counseling and Disability Services for Students.
Can't Find Your Answer?
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