Concordia University Texas prioritizes the health and safety of its students while delivering a high-quality, caring academic environment.
With new information from the CDC, Concordia University Texas will no longer require masks in indoor public spaces beginning Wednesday, March 2, 2022. This change means students, employees, and guests will not be required to wear masks on campus. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask may do so. However, they may not require anyone else to wear a mask. Masks would still be required for off-campus locations that require them, such as hospitals, medical facilities, schools, and other places that might still have mask requirements in place.
Throughout the pandemic, we have learned how essential in-person classes are to learning, socioemotional support, and building a sense of community on campus. Despite the changes and challenges we experienced because of COVID-19, we are confident we have provided high-quality virtual learning experiences. However, we recognize the immense value of learning face-to-face, collaborating with other students, and having access to resources for each student's personal and academic development.
Concordia University Texas is working diligently to keep all students safe. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Student Central at studentcentral@concordia.edu or 512-313-4700.
Read the following sections for more information for students about Concordia’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
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MASK REQUIREMENTS
Masks and face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status. Failure to wear a face covering inside could result in disciplinary action. Students can apply for a medical exemption by contacting a member of the Academic Support Center team.
While Concordia does not require individuals to wear a specific type of mask or face covering, the CDC has provided mask recommendations.
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RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Our residence halls will follow the University's health and safety protocols. Concordia will continue implementing its cleaning and sanitation practices, providing hand sanitizing stations, and practicing social distancing.
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CLASSROOMS AND LABS
Concordia’s academic leadership team is working to ensure we use our larger meeting rooms, classrooms, and spaces (such as the chapel and Black Box Theater) to allow students to distance themselves as much as possible in these spaces.
When feasible, lab courses will spread students over two different lab spaces to reduce the number of students in one room. When collaboration is required, groups will work in smaller teams to minimize the risk for exposure. All classrooms and lab spaces will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between each use. Personal protective equipment such as goggles will be assigned to individual students for the semester rather than shared between students.
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VACCINATIONS
We encourage each member of our community to receive a vaccination. However, vaccinations are not required. All vaccinated faculty, staff, and students who report vaccinations to the University will not be required to undergo testing or quarantine in the event of positive exposure. Those who have not reported or are not vaccinated will be subject to testing and quarantine protocols.
While we will not require all students to report vaccinations, individuals engaged in certain group activities will be required to report vaccinations to remove other COVID-19 related testing and quarantining protocols. These activities include athletics, performing arts, university-related travel, and student groups that meet in person. Nursing students will also be required to report vaccinations.
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POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST
Per CDC guidance, we will now require those who test positive for COVID-19 to quarantine for five days. This five-day quarantine period is the minimum duration if you are symptom-free. If symptoms continue, the quarantine period may need to be extended.
If you receive a positive test, stay home. Report to Concordia as soon as possible using the online COVID-19 Case Reporting Form. Someone from Concordia's Contact Tracing Team will reach out to you directly and discretely to assess the specifics of your case, determine procedures for quarantine, and coordinate support.
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COVID-19 EXPOSURE
If you are fully vaccinated and have reported your vaccination to the University, you will not experience any restrictions after exposure to a person with COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to stay home and report your exposure to Concordia as soon as possible using the online COVID-19 Case Reporting Form. Someone from Concordia's Contact Tracing Team will reach out to you directly and discretely to assess the specifics of your case, determine procedures for quarantine, and coordinate support.
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EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
We recognize the ongoing health concerns of the pandemic might be difficult for some students. We have several resources to help students navigate these challenges. If you need help, contact Student Central at studentcentral@concordia.edu. You may also schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center by emailing counseling@concordia.edu.
Additionally, our Campus Ministry team will continue to provide pastoral counseling, spiritual care, prayer, and encouragement. For more information, visit Campus Ministry.