Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Collin College prioritizes the health and safety of students, employees, and campus visitors.
Please remain calm and monitor your email and Cougar Alerts for any change in status. The article below provides information you may find helpful:
Coronavirus: Ten reasons why you ought not to panic
Health
Q. What is Collin College doing to prepare for a potential Coronavirus (COVID-19) case?
A. The Collin College Office of Emergency Management is in contact with Collin County Health Care Services and is actively monitoring the status of this developing situation. The college follows the guidance of national and local officials to help protect students, employees, and campus visitors from communicable diseases.
Q. Have there been any confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Collin College?
A. There are no confirmed cases reported at Collin College.
Q. If Collin College employees or students are diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19), will the college community be notified?
A. Public health agencies closely track reports of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and take steps to notify individuals and organizations who have been in close contact with individual(s) diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19). If the college learns of a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the college will notify the public as needed and comply with all laws.
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.
Q. Where can I get more information?
A. For more information, visit the following websites:
- Centers for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Texas Department of State Health Services – https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
Academic
Q. Collin College’s regularly scheduled spring break is March 9-15. Will spring break be extended at Collin College?
A. Collin College will extend spring break for students by one additional week to include March 16-22. All student activities are cancelled during this time. The college has the ability to move to online instruction after the extended spring break if it is deemed necessary. As monitoring continues, the college will inform students via email and/or the CougarAlert system of changes and any other important decisions.
Q. Will the college cancel any classes or events?
A. The Collin College Office of Emergency Management is in contact with Collin County Health Care Services, and, to date, health officials are not advising cancellations or enacting social distancing actions.
However, as a proactive measure, the college has enacted the following:
- Cancelling all student activities during the extended spring break period of
March 16-22 - Suspending the Seniors Active in Learning (SAIL) classes through April 15 as senior citizens are considered a vulnerable group due to their age
Q. How will I find out if the college cancels classes or closes?
A. College officials will inform employees and students in the event of campus closures via college email, CougarAlert, and/or the college’s website at http://www.collin.edu. To receive emergency notifications by text, please subscribe to CougarAlert at https://www.collin.edu/cougaralert.html.
Q. If there is a disruption of face-to-face instructional delivery, how will I take my classes?
A. The college has the ability to move to online instruction. Classes may be postponed or changed to alternative delivery methods, if needed. College officials will provide employees and students with details.
Q. My child is enrolled in dual credit classes. What should I know as a parent?
A. As many of our dual credit courses are taught on site at local high schools, we are in communication with our ISD partners and are closely monitoring ISD plans to accommodate changes as they relate to college operations. As monitoring continues, the college will inform students via email and/or the CougarAlert system of changes and any other important decisions. Check the Collin College website at www.collin.edu for updates or subscribe to CougarAlert at https://www.collin.edu/cougaralert.html to receive emergency notifications.
Operational
Q. Is Collin College taking precautions to reduce the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission?
A. Collin College maintains thorough cleaning throughout its campuses and centers and complies with an environmental cleaning regimen that meets or exceeds the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. As with any seasonal respiratory illness, routine cleaning is an effective protocol. We are continuing enhanced custodial cleaning procedures, including deep cleans during times when campuses are closed and more frequent cleaning of high-traffic public areas during open hours.
The college also has hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the district for use by students, faculty, and staff. The college is enacting sanitizing enhancements in daily operations.
Q. Will Collin College be open during the extended spring break of March 16-22?
A. Collin College plans to maintain normal business operations throughout the extended spring break. As a result, faculty and staff will resume routine work as previously scheduled.
Employees
Q. I have work-related travel plans. What should I be aware of?
A. Effective March 11, the college suspended all employee nonessential travel outside of the college’s service area through April 15. As events unfold, travel may be reinstated prior to April 15 or suspended past that date if deemed necessary. Faculty should direct questions to their campus Vice President/Provost. Staff should direct questions to their supervisors.
Q. What if I am planning a work-related event?
A. All nonessential gatherings are suspended through April 15. Check with your supervisor if you have questions.
Revised 3.12.20