As of Monday, April 26, 2021 Amarillo College's campuses-wide mask mandate was replaced with a masks-optional policy. AC recommends social distancing where possible.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbot in March lifted his longstanding statewide mask mandate.  AC delayed compliance with the governor's ruling only long enough to give all students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to get fully vaccinated if they desired to do so.

To aid the process, AC partnered with Walgreens Pharmacy and twice served as a host site for vaccine clinics on the Washington Street Campus, one in March and one in April.

AC will continue to monitor local COVID-19 data and reserves the right to again require masks if an increase in cases should warrant it.

NOTIFICATION OF POSITIVE CASES

As part of the Clery Act requirements for all colleges and universities, Amarillo College is required to post a notification for students and employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Please see this page for the most current information.

WORKING ON CAMPUS: GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY

GUIDELINES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Amarillo College follows the guidelines of the CDC and The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding COVID-19.  Amarillo College expects ALL employees to:

• Be aware of COVID-19 symptoms.   
• Be aware of social distancing and exhibit courteous behavior to others.
• Consider requests for virtual meeting options where possible.
• Wash hands often, for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect spaces and surfaces frequently.
• Do NOT report to work and notify supervisor and Employee Health if experiencing fever above 100.4F or other COVID-19 symptoms. 
• If experiencing symptoms, notify supervisor and Employee Health, and seek treatment if appropriate, self-isolate until free of symptoms as recommended by the CDC.
• Do NOT report to work and notify supervisor and Employee Health if awaiting COVID-19 test results.
• If confirmed with positive COVID-19 diagnosis, follow healthcare provider’s direction and treatment plan, reporting to work on campus only after cleared to do so by Human Resources and Employee Health.

GUIDELINES FOR SUPERVISORS

Amarillo College expects supervisors to:

• Maintain frequent and transparent communication with employees.
• Model and enforce safe and courteous behaviors while on AC Campuses.
• Consider requests for virtual meeting options where possible.
• Notify Employee Health immediately of an employee who is reporting they were recently in “close contact” (greater than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period, less than 6 feet, with or without a face covering) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19; reporting symptoms consistent with COVID-19; awaiting test results for COVID-19 infection; currently diagnosed as positive for COVID-19 infection.
• AVOID attempting to manage COVID-related employee issues and concerns alone, and consult Human Resources and Employee Health.
• Remind employees about available resources and supports, linked further down on this page.
• Understand that with respect to injuries sustained in the course and scope of employment, the protocol is the same for working remotely while in quarantine as for working on campus.  If such injury is life-threatening or results in serious bodily injury, immediately call 911.  For non-urgent injuries, the first step is to report the injury to the supervisor and to Human Resources.
• Model and enforce upholding confidentiality of employees’ private health information.

POSITIVE CASES AND DETERMINING EXPOSURE

In the event of an employee testing positive, or being exposed to a COVID-19 positive person, contact Employee Health immediately for further instruction.  

Face Covering Policy

As of April 26, 2021 face coverings are optional on Amarillo College campuses.

For additional information, please reference DH.COVID.TEMP.2020 in the Amarillo College Board Policy Manual.

Health & Wellness Resources

Amarillo College wants employees to stay healthy, physically and mentally. Here are some resources that are always available:

Virtual Visits

For employees and their dependents covered on the BCBS HealthSelect medical plans: 

Utilize virtual visits from the comfort of your home for treatment of both physical and mental health concerns. COVID-19 related virtual medical visits are available at no cost to participants in both BCBS HealthSelect of Texas and Consumer-Directed HealthSelect.

Therapy Assistance Online

For all employees and students: 

Utilize Therapy Assistance Online for a wealth of mental health resources. Find out more at www.actx.edu/counseling/tao.

If you’re already working with a therapist, TAO Connect can help supplement your sessions outside of business hours. The app utilizes a method called low intensity-high engagement therapy, combining online and mobile educational modules and practice tools with short phone conversations or video conferences with a therapist. More than 100 studies in 20 countries have shown this method to be as effective as hour-long, in-person individual therapy for common disorders.

TAO Connect can also be used as a purely self-guided tool, consisting of educational and interactive modules, practice tools, journals and progress measures. Their self-help option allows you to move through the courses at your own pace, when you’re feeling down and need encouragement, or visiting our mindfulness library when you need a moment to meditate. 

Employee Assistance Program

Professional Counseling and Biofeedback Center offers three free counseling visits to Amarillo College employees.

Mental Health Support Line

A 24 hour 7 day a week Mental Health Support Line is available to all Texans who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

Additional Mental Health Resources

Here are a few more resources to help employees deal with added stress and uncertainty during this season:

Resources and tips for supporting your mental health during COVID-19

Free meditations from Headspace

Tips to deal with stress and coping from the CDC

Retirement Funds

This crisis has had a negative impact on Wall Street and many retirement plan balances.  If you are in the ACBP or ORP programs, remember that staying the course is important and it is important not to make short-term decisions in a moment of fear, which could affect your long-term goals.  If you have questions about the CARES Act and your retirement plan funds, contact July Services (for ACBP) or your ORP vendor.

Hiring & Training

The AC Human Resources department will continue to receive and process employment applications to meet our hiring needs. Hiring managers and search committees will continue to review applicant materials, schedule technology-supported interviews, and follow search processes and protocols.

For additional training resources to support you and your team during this season, please visit www.actx.edu/hr/learning.