PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – This year is “round two” in the age of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Thankfully, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) faculty, staff, and students emerged from 2020 victorious, in more ways than one, continuing to further the university’s mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. As we prepare to open the campus ahead of the spring 2021 semester, we put together a short list of things to be aware of as we, Panthers, Push Forward.
Return-to-campus COVID-19 Testing
On-campus students: Students who reside in on-campus housing will be required to be tested for COVID-19 between January 13 and February 15 by Houston Methodist Wellness Services. Houston Methodist Wellness Services provides PCR (nasal swab) COVID-19 testing in the Student Recreation Center. Students must schedule an appointment using the following registration link: pvamu.edu/coronavirus/onsite-campus-testing. Note: if you are under 18, you will be required to provide signed parental consent. You can find the consent form in the registration link above.
Off-campus students: Students who live off campus can utilize on-campus testing sites, including the Curative kiosk located outside of the Willie A. Tempton Memorial Student Center (MSC) and random testing program events. (More details about random testing program events are coming soon.)
Curative offers a self-administered, oral PCR test. To register for Curative testing, use the following link: tamus.curativeinc.com/welcome.
Employees: Employees can also use the Curative kiosk on campus for COVID-19 testing and can register here.
*Any student or employee who tests positive for COVID-19, or comes into contact with someone with COVID-19, must stay home and report their test results by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 936-261-9000. Student Health Services must clear you before you can return to any of the university’s campuses.
Ongoing testing: Students and employees are strongly encouraged to test for COVID-19 throughout the semester and participate in the Know Your Status Campaign (details coming soon).
COVID-19 Safe Practices Training
Students: All students registered for spring classes, whether online, hybrid, or entirely in person, must complete the Student COVID-19 Safe Practices Certification Training. Students who do not complete the training by January 15 will have a conduct hold placed on their record, in addition to other sanctions. Holds will remain until the COVID-19 training course is completed. The training can be accessed here.
Employees: At the end of the fall semester, all employees were reassigned and required to complete TrainTraq courses: #2114131: Safe Practices for Returning to the Office During the COVID-19 Pandemic and #2114130: Protocol and Certification for System Member Employees.
Spring 2021 Classes
The spring semester begins on January 19 and ends on May 5. Students should continuously check their class schedules, as building and room assignments are still being made; however, dates, times, and the mode of delivery will not change. Another mini-mester will be offered in May.
If you need a refresher on online classes, check out these tips from the director of Student Academic Support Services.
*Spring Break for students and employees has been shortened to March 18-19 to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Mental Health Resources
PVAMU’s Student Counseling Services (SCS) is mindful of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the campus community. It is normal to feel stressed, anxious, frustrated, and isolated during these uncertain times. Still, SCS staff is available to offer resources and professional counseling. Be sure to take advantage of these strategies and services should the need arise.
Stay Updated
The university will keep the campus community updated throughout the semester. You can also stay on top of everything and view frequently asked questions for students and employees by visiting the Coronavirus Update website. COVID-19-related campus announcements, housing FAQs, and the latest case reports are posted there, as well as a list of helpful community resources.
On the university’s homepage, be sure to check out our Happenings on “The Hill” section, as plenty of virtual events are scheduled this semester, beginning with a series in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You can check out those events here.
PVAMU expects about 7,000 undergraduate degree-seeking students this spring, along with approximately 1,000 graduate students. To returning and new students alike, welcome to “The Hill,” and stay safe, Panthers!
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