As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, Amarillo College is open to serve our students, faculty and staff through technology-supported capabilities, as well as in-person services.
Learn more below about Amarillo College’s current policies regarding safe practices on campus, hiring/training, and health & wellness resources—as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Amarillo College follows the guidelines of the CDC and The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding COVID-19. Amarillo College expects ALL employees to:
Amarillo College expects supervisors to:
When all Amarillo College employees, students and visitors follow the strict safety protocols in place at Amarillo College they have extremely limited risk of exposure to the virus while on an AC campus or worksite.
In the event of an AC employee testing positive, Campus Health will work with the employee and the public health department as appropriate to do contact tracing in the workplace and to notify others who were potentially exposed. The identity of the individual who tested positive will be shared only with those who have a business need to know, and the potential contacts will only be notified that they may have come in contact with a positively diagnosed person in the workplace. Offices and workspaces in which the positive employee had been working prior to testing positive shall be subject to deep cleaning and sanitizing as recommended by CDC guidelines. In compliance with the Clery Act, Amarillo College will post positive cases on the COVID-19 Report page.
In the event that an employee believes he/she may have been exposed outside of the workplace, the employee must notify his/her supervisor and Campus Health immediately. The employee will be asked to not return to the workplace until a determination is made regarding whether the exposure constitutes “close contact” as defined by the CDC. Being in a room with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 may or may not be exposure--employees, supervisors, and Campus Health should use this chart to help determine whether close contact occurred.
In the case of a secondary exposure, such as exposure to someone who has also been exposed but not diagnosed with COVID-19, employees should not automatically be sent home. Instead, they should self-monitor and continue to practice social distancing, face covering, and hand hygiene. Employees and supervisors should contact Campus Health.
Employees who were indeed in “close contact” with someone who either tested positive or who is awaiting test results should self-quarantine and self-monitor for 14 days after the last date of exposure to the person. If the employee is unable to telework during the quarantine period, he or she may be eligible for COVID sick leave with pay. The supervisor should contact Human Resources for guidance.
Effective June 23, 2020, all employees, students and visitors are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while on Amarillo College campuses, properties and instructional sites.
For additional information, please reference the full policy, DH.COVID.TEMP.2020 in the Amarillo College Board Policy Manual.
Do the requirements and benefits provided for in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) apply to you?
Use this tool to find out if you are eligible for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave according to the FFCRA.
Amarillo College wants employees to stay healthy, physically and mentally. Here are some resources that are always available:
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.
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.
Professional Counseling and Biofeedback Center offers three free counseling visits to Amarillo College employees.
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.
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
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.
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.