UPDATES (5/17)
Campus closure. The health and safety of the college community and the public is of the utmost importance, and Collin College continues to monitor the situation closely. Collin College has implemented a phased approach to reopen offices and additional campus operations. Employees should refer to the COVID-19 Recovery Plan for details. The college’s facilities will remain closed until further notice. (An exception includes a limited number of summer classes that may meet in person while practicing social distancing and observing recommended safety measures.)
Registration. Registration is underway for summer and fall classes. Due to the uncertainty of the impact from the Coronavirus, classes currently scheduled to meet on campus may change to a hybrid or online format. Should this occur, please be aware that you will need access to dependable technology to aid in your success, which could include a laptop or personal computer, web cam, stable internet access, and software specific to your classes.
Summer June. 5-week and 10-week June summer classes are offered online.
Summer July. The 5-week July summer session will see a combination of online and in-person classes; however, the in-person classes will largely consist of coursework that cannot be accomplished online and will be handled under the same strict conditions we are utilizing currently. Due to the uncertainty of the impact from the Coronavirus, classes currently scheduled to meet on campus may change to a hybrid or online format. Should this occur, please be aware that you will need access to dependable technology to aid in your success, which could include a laptop or personal computer, web cam, stable internet access, and software specific to your classes.
Fall semester. We are moving toward more normal operations for the Fall semester but will be offering expanded online sections. Further information will be forthcoming. Due to the uncertainty of the impact from the Coronavirus, classes currently scheduled to meet on campus may change to a hybrid or online format. Should this occur, please be aware that you will need access to dependable technology to aid in your success, which could include a laptop or personal computer, web cam, stable internet access, and software specific to your classes.
Online services. Student Services, math and writing centers, and libraries are available online.
CARES Act. Collin College and the U.S. Department of Education are teaming up to help meet the needs of our students during this difficult time. With funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Collin College will be providing emergency assistance grants to aid students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. We encourage students who are in need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2019-2020 and/or 2020-2021, if you have not done so. Once the FAFSA is complete, you will also need to apply for this funding assistance. You must have been enrolled at Collin College in the Spring 2020 semester as of March 13, 2020 and have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. To complete the application, please sign in to CougarWeb and click on “My Financial Aid” under the “Student QuickLinks.” Once you are in the Financial Aid section, select “Emergency Grant Assistance,” and answer the four questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Health Academic Operational Employees
Collin College prioritizes the health and safety of students, employees, and campus visitors.
Please monitor your email and CougarAlert 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 should Collin College students do if they believe they have Coronavirus (COVID-19) or have tested positive for it?
A. Students 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;”
- notify the Dean of Students Office. Email dos@collin.edu or call 972.881.5604;
- if residing in student housing, then immediately notify student housing staff. Email studenthousing@collin.edu or call 972.881.5151.
Q. If Collin 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).
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. How will fall classes be offered?
A. We are moving toward more normal operations for the Fall semester, but the college will offer expanded online sections. Further information will be forthcoming.
Q. I am a part-time student employee. When will my employment end?
A. Part-time student positions typically end at the completion of the semester. Effective May 15, 2020, all part-time student positions, and the pay received for those positions, will end.
Q. If campuses are closed to the public, how will I receive academic support?
A. Classes, student services, math and writing centers, and libraries are available online.
The following information is provided to assist students with online classes.
- Verify that you can log into CougarWeb and access your class in Canvas (My Courses Tab): https://cougarweb.collin.edu/. Canvas is a mobile-friendly platform.
- For log-in assistance or tech support contact the Student Help Desk at 972.377.1777.
- Log in to your Collin email and Canvas and read all communication from your professor.
- Prepare for future instruction through Canvas by visiting the eLearning Center website https://www.collin.edu/academics/ecollin/studentcanvasresources.html.
- Be mindful that online instruction is not self-paced. Your instructor will provide you with a calendar and clear deadlines for completing your coursework each week. To optimize your success, prepare to meet these deadlines, and log in to your course site regularly.
If students have questions regarding available student services during this time, they can contact
- Veteran Student Services – vrc@collin.edu
- Financial Aid – financialaid@collin.edu
- Admissions – admissions@collin.edu
- Advisement – academicadvising@collin.edu
- Counseling/Access – personalcounseling@collin.edu
- Dual Credit – dualcredit@collin.edu
- Libraries – http://www.collin.edu/library/aska.html
- All other student services questions – studentsuccess@collin.edu
Q. Will Maymester and Summer classes be online?
A. Collin College Maymester (May 18-June 2), 5-Week June (June 8-July 9), and 10-Week June (June 8-Aug. 11) classes will be conducted entirely online. 5-Week July (July 13-Aug. 11) will be a combination of online and in-person classes; however, the in-person classes will largely consist of coursework that cannot be accomplished online and will be handled under the same strict conditions the college is currently utilizing.
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 the college has:
- Moved classes to an online delivery format
- Cancelled all nonessential gatherings
- Suspended the Seniors Active in Learning (SAIL) face-to-face classes as senior citizens are considered a vulnerable group due to their age. SAIL is offering a limited number of online classes
Q. How can I get the latest information about Collin College classes and campus openings?
A. College officials will inform employees and students of campus openings via college email, these FAQs and/or the college’s website at http://www.collin.edu. Please continue to check these FAQs for the most updated information.
Q. Will Collin College change the May 2020 graduation date?
A. Collin College looks forward to celebrating Spring and Summer 2020 graduates. We will update this FAQ as details are finalized.
Q. My child is enrolled in dual credit classes. What should I know as a parent?
A. Please visit the dual credit web page for new Dual Credit Virtual Registration FAQs.
We continue to work closely with our dual credit ISD partners, and we are prepared to be flexible and align with their plans including offering online classes. For any questions about dual credit, contact dualcredit@collin.edu.
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. Please continue to check these FAQs for the most updated information.
Q. Will Collin College offer summer camps?
A. Thank you for your interest in Collin College summer camps. Unfortunately, all 2020 summer camps are cancelled due to the Coronavirus impact and our concern for participant safety. We appreciate your continued support of future summer camps.
Q. Will spring semester classes continue online?
A. Collin College classes will continue in an online format for the remainder of the spring semester.
Q. Is there a plan for students to complete all courses including labs, clinicals, workforce, or skills-based classes?
A. The college has developed a robust comprehensive plan that will allow every student to complete spring courses. The vast majority of the courses will be completed online. Any exceptions to the online format will be communicated by professors as information becomes available. Faculty teaching some lab courses, clinicals, or workforce courses requiring specialized equipment will communicate directly with their students about completion plans. If you have questions, please contact your professor. This information also applies to dual credit students.
Q. Is the college’s grading system changing?
A. Collin College will continue to use the normal grading system for all classes.
Q. Are there any new solutions for students who have limited internet access?
A. Collin College has established free “Wi-Fi Drive-Ins” (external hotspots) on the second floor of the parking garages of the Frisco Campus (Preston Ridge) and the McKinney Campus (Central Park). “Wi-Fi Drive-In” spots will be available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Parking garages will be monitored to manage traffic flow. Each “Wi-Fi Drive-In” can handle up to 30 connections.
To access the “Wi-Fi Drive-Ins”
- Bring your laptop computer and drive to one of the “Wi-Fi Drive-Ins”
- You will be directed to park in one of the designated “Wi-Fi Drive-In” spots
- Stay in your car and follow all CDC social distancing recommendations
- Use your normal Collin College log in process to complete your course work
Q. On March 23, the college moved to a remote learning format. What do I need to focus on while taking online courses?
A. A few steps to consider:
-
- Work directly with your professors to see how the new method will work for your specific classes.
- Stay in touch with your professors by checking your Collin email and Canvas account.
- Be an active member in your courses and communicate with your professors about any issues you may be experiencing.
- Make sure to check the FAQs listed at the top of the college’s homepage located at www.collin.edu. They are continually updated with new information.
Q. When should I log in to Canvas?
A. Log in to Canvas daily rather than waiting for your normally scheduled course time.
Q. If I am receiving financial aid, what do I need to know about my coursework?
A. If you are receiving federal and state grants and loans, you are required to complete 67% of your cumulative course work. Please try your best to complete the semester successfully. Financial aid questions can be emailed to financialaid@collin.edu.
Q. I am having trouble logging in to my class or having device issues. Who should I contact?
A. For log-in assistance or tech support, including device issues, contact the Student Help Desk at 972.377.1777.
Q. I do not have internet access. Who should I contact?
A. If you do not have internet access, please call 972.755.9847.
Q. If I need to research a topic for my class, what resources are available?
A. Collin College libraries are a great source for research. Here is a quick tutorial for accessing library databases https://youtu.be/MdSDJk7oBjI.
Also, check out this link to the library’s FAQs: https://www.collin.edu/library/faqscovid19.html.
Q. Can I still apply for financial aid?
A. If you have not already applied for federal financial aid for the 2019-2020 aid year, it is not too late. Please visit www.fafsa.gov to complete the free application for federal student aid in order to be considered for available grants and loans. The 2019-2020 deadline for students to apply for financial aid is June 30, 2020. The 2020-2021 deadline for students to apply for financial aid is June 30, 2021.
Q. Are there any other resources for students who have lost access to course materials because their campus is closed?
A. Students who were enrolled in a course that began prior to March 16 can access free e-textbooks for their use through May 25, 2020 from a program called VitalSource Helps. To learn more about VitalSource Helps, see this FAQ.
Q. What if I need to buy a book from the bookstore?
A. All campus bookstores are closed at this time. You may order from the bookstore’s online portal and use the bookstore’s free delivery option. Store pickup is not an option at this time.
Operational
Q. When will college offices reopen?
A. The health and safety of the college community and the public is of the utmost importance, and Collin College continues to monitor the situation closely. Collin College has implemented a phased approach to reopen offices and additional campus operations. Employees should refer to the COVID-19 Recovery Plan for details. The college’s facilities will remain closed until further notice. (An exception includes a limited number of summer classes that may meet in person while practicing social distancing and observing recommended safety measures.)
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 testing positive for COVID-19, specific protocols are used to thoroughly clean the area and will include but are not limited to closing off areas until all parts of that area used by the person who is sick, such as classrooms, offices, bathrooms, common areas, and shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, and keyboards, can be cleaned and disinfected. The areas impacted will be closed for a period of 24 hours.
Q. Is Collin College taking precautions to reduce the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission?
A. Collin College has worked with the janitorial service contactors to assure that all locations meet or exceed the established CDC guidelines. This is accomplished by all identified surfaces being cleaned and disinfected with approved EPA-registered solutions to remove and kill the germs by a team of trained personnel that are afforded the proper personal protective equipment.
The janitorial service contactors routinely clean 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. The rental of all college facilities to external groups for meetings and conferences are suspended until at least September 1.
Employees
Q. When are full-time personnel returning to work?
A. Full-time employees are returning to work in phases with all full-time personnel back to work no later than June 1. You will be notified by your supervisor as to your report-to-work date, which may be May 18, June 1, or another date designated by the college. Please check your email for details. If you have questions, speak to your supervisor.
Q. Are there health and hygiene measures employees returning to work in the office should be aware of?
A. All personnel must strictly adhere to the Health and Hygiene Measures as well as the mitigation measures outlined for each phase of the Collin College COVID-19 Recovery Plan. Please check your email for additional details. If you have questions, please check with your supervisor.
Q. May faculty return to campuses or facilities?
A. Most courses are currently offered online through the end of the Summer semester (August 11, 2020). In compliance with Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-18, faculty may return to campuses to conduct online instruction or perform administrative duties to the extent such duties cannot be performed remotely. However, with the start of the July 5-week session (Summer II) specific lab and career and technical courses will be offered on-site. Once campuses and facilities fully re-open, or re-open with limited access based on specific course offerings, faculty may return to normal schedules in accordance with any future announcements or guidance issued by the college.
Q. I am a part-time student employee. When will my employment end?
A. Part-time student positions typically end at the completion of the semester. Effective May 15, 2020, all part-time student positions, and the pay received for those positions, will end.
Q. What should I be aware of as a full-time or part-time hourly employee?
A. Effective May 15, 2020, all full-time and part-time hourly employees will be required to enter hours worked on Time Clock Plus. Please contact your supervisor with questions.
Q. I am a full-time employee who cannot work from home and is not scheduled to come to work until June 1. Is my salary guaranteed?
A. Salaries are guaranteed through May 31 for all full-time employees who are not scheduled to come to work until June 1 and cannot work from home.
Q. I have work-related travel plans. What should I be aware of?
A. Travel restrictions will remain in place until at least September 1.
Q. What should Collin College employees do if they believe they have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A. Employees who believe they have COVID-19 should:
- contact their primary care providers
- notify their supervisors
- follow the CDC guidelines for “What to do if you are sick”
Employees with a fever should not leave their homes unless all 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 AND,
- At least seven (7) days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
Q. How can I retrieve something from my office on one of the college’s campuses if the campuses are closed?
A. If you do not have a fever or are not experiencing any of the identified symptoms, access to the college facilities is obtained by contacting either facility operations or the college’s police department. Remember to bring your college identification card and call for access. Check your email for additional information.
Q. What if I am planning a work-related event?
A. All nonessential 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. We will continue to update the FAQs with new information as it becomes available.
Revised 5.17.20