Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

In order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Kilgore College moved all credit classes (biology, English, history, mathematics, etc.) to remote formats, including video-conferencing, online instruction and other virtual formats through the Summer I semester.

As KC monitors circumstances regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in the state and across the country, the safety and well-being of students and the campus community is KC's highest priority. While KC has no cases of COVID-19 on campus, the college will continue to assess risks to the community regularly and take steps to help mitigate and decrease any potential risks. KC will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and communicate routinely with Gregg County Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services. As a result, KC is implementing the following steps to decrease the spread of the virus, and protect the health of the community:

  • Transition of Instruction: The college has shifted the lecture portion of courses to remote formats (video conferencing, online and alternative instruction). These adjustments will remain in place through at least the Summer I semester.
  • Non-credit/continuing education classes will be held on a case-by-case basis.
  • KC residence halls are closed for the remainder of the spring semester.
  • The Watson Library is open with limited hours.
  • KC offices and services (Financial Aid, Cashier's Office, Library, Registrar's Office, etc.) can be accessed in-person, but it is recommended at this time to contact them remotely by phone or email.
  • Part-time staff and student workers should communicate with their supervisors to determine their work schedule.
  • Instructors will contact their students with instructions for virtual classes, labs and clinical practicums. Students should check their KC email regularly.
  • The college has implemented travel restrictions, travel reporting and self-quarantine protocols.
  • KC has established the email address covid-19@kilgore.edu to answer questions from the KC community. A hotline (903-988-3747) is available Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • Campus events have been canceled until further notice. 

Safety Protocols at KC:

All offices are currently providing services remotely, although some buildings on campus are open for student services.  It is required that visitors wear face coverings and obey all instructional signage on campus to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Facilities are being maintained using aggressive sanitization and hygiene protocols as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).  This includes increased custodial cleaning and the availability of hand sanitizer dispensers at all entrances, common areas and elevators.

The following are safety protocols for employees, students and visitors:

SOCIAL DISTANCING:

  • All employees, students and visitors to any Kilgore College campus/facility are required to abide by social distancing guidelines.  These include:
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Do not gather in groups.
  • Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

PERSONAL HYGIENE:

  • These precautions must also be followed:
  • If you are ill, do not enter any campus facilities.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Utilize available hand sanitizer.

FACE COVERINGS:

All employees, students and visitors to any Kilgore College campus/facility are required to wear a face covering that fits the following criteria:

  • Covers the nose and mouth
  • Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • Is secured with ties, ear loops, or similar mechanism
  • Includes multiple layers of fabric
  • Allows for breathing without restriction

Thank you for your continued support as we monitor and respond to this fluid situation.

Brenda S. Kays, President
Kilgore College

COVID-19 Additional Resources and Info

FAQ - Coronavirus Information

General:

Is Kilgore College closed?  No, Kilgore College remains open.  Spring Break has been extended for one week.  The only change is the transition of in-person classes to remote instruction (video conferencing, online, or in an alternative format) through the end of the spring semester. The library, computer labs, admissions, financial aid, registrar and counseling services remain open.

What is the best source for COVID-19 updates?  For the most up-to-date Kilgore College specific information please see this link www.kilgore.edu/COVID-19.  We recommend you seek additional guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Accessing Student Services by phone or online:

Are student services available if I choose not to come to campus?  Yes, services are still available to students by phone and web request.

Scheduling summer and/or fall classes:  Call (903) 983-8206 to schedule a video conference or telephone appointment.

Tutoring (The Zone in Kilgore):

  1. Email a question to a tutor at TheZone@kilgore.edu and receive a response within 24 hours between Monday and Friday
  2. Call (903) 988-7491 to speak directly with a tutor or leave a message, and a tutor will return your call within 24 hours between Monday and Friday.

Tutoring (The KC-Longview North Zone):

Request an appointment via remind app by enrolling in KC-Longview North Zone Tutor Lab.

Email lnzonetutors@kilgore.edu.

Disability accommodations:

Call Disability Services at 903-983-8682.

Mental health counseling:

Call (903) 983-8206 to schedule a video conference or telephone appointment.

International Student Services:

Call KC Office of Admissions and Registrar and ask for an available SEVIS Designated School Official at (903) 983-8606.

Transcript Requests:

Request a Kilgore College transcript:  https://www.kilgore.edu/future-students/transcript-request-form

New Students:

I plan to start to KC this summer or fall, can I apply online?  Yes, the admissions and financial aid processes can be accomplished online.

                Start the admission process:  https://www.kilgore.edu/future-students/new-students-start-here

                Start the financial aid process:  https://www.kilgore.edu/future-students/student-services/financial-aid

Can I check my admissions status online?  Yes, once the admissions application has been received and processed by KC Admissions, applicants can follow their status online at this link: https://accesskc.kilgore.edu/ICS   Be sure to check the email account you used on your admissions application for additional information. 

Can I monitor my financial aid status online?  Yes, once results from the FAFSA have been received and processed by the Office of Financial Aid, students can track their financial aid status online, https://accesskcaid.kilgore.edu/student/Logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fstudent%2fPghome.aspx  Be sure to check the email address you used on your FAFSA for additional instruction.

Financial Aid:

If I make an adjustment to my courses schedule, will this affect my financial aid already awarded for this semester?    It might.  Students making any adjustments to their course schedules at this time, should contact Financial Aid before making any student initiated changes at 903-983-8211.

Kilgore College made changes to my existing course schedule, will this change effect my bill?  College mandated changes to student schedules will be made in the students’ best interest as possible and will not result in an additional charge or penalty to the student.

Students:

When do classes start following Spring Break?    Undergraduate credit courses (Biology, English, History, Mathematics, etc.) will resume remotely (video conferencing, online, or in an alternative format) beginning March 23, 2020.  Please watch your KC Email for additional faculty instructions.  Non-credit/continuing education classes (Certified Nursing Assistance, Fire Academy, Lineman Program, Police Academy, etc.) will be held on a case-by-case basis.  Your CE program will contact you with additional information and details.

How do I change my schedule from face-to-face to online classes?  KC is using the extra week of spring break to transition classes to a remote delivery mode (online, video conferencing, or alternate format).  No schedule changes are required of the student. Faculty are also preparing for this change. Please continue to monitor your KC email for additional details from your instructors.  Additionally, be sure to log into your courses on March 23 and participate as instructed.

How do I access my classes online?  Kilgore College utilizes the Blackboard Learning Management System for all courses.  Please see this link for additional information: https://www.kilgore.edu/academics/online-classes-elearning

How will KC continue to accommodate students with disabilities?  Accommodations will continue to be administered and Disability Services will continue operations to assist students learning remotely. If you need additional support or information, please call 903-983-8682.

I am a student worker/work study student, when do I return to work?   Student employees should consult with their supervisors regarding work schedules.  

Housing:

What if I can’t come back to check out from the dorm?

If you are not able to be on campus to move out and/or you have a friend or other proxy moving out for you, please remember the following: 

  • You will need to send an email from your KC email to amason@kilgore.edu stating your proxy has permission to move your belongings out on your behalf.  You will need to include their name and the address on their form of identification for verification purposes.   
  • Your proxy will need a form of identification to verify the address you provided.  Your proxy will also be asked to confirm your cell phone number. 
  • Only items in your assigned room can be taken unless expressed written permission is submitted by your roommates. 
  • Temporary key fobs will not be given out.  Campus Life will unlock your room one time to give your proxy access.

What is the procedure for moving out of the residence halls?

  • If you are currently on campus, you can begin moving out immediately and will need to complete your move-out by March 22. You do not need to sign up for a check-out time.
  • If you are currently away from campus, you will have until March 22 to collect your belongings and check out of your room. You will need to sign up for a check-out time slot through a link received March 14 through your student email.
  • Check out at the front desk of your building. (For Quads and Stark Hall, please check out at the front desk of Stark Hall)

 This process allows us to manage the number of students in the hall and practice social distancing.

What if I already moved out?

  • If you have already moved all of your belongings out and do not need to return to campus, please contact the Coordinator of Campus Life, Ashley Mason, at amason@kilgore.edu to make arrangements for returning your key and getting officially checked out.

Will I receive a refund for the unused portion of my housing and meal plan charges?

  • Yes. You will receive the pro-rated adjustment for your housing bill. Refunds will take up to 30 business days from March 22 to complete.

What if I am unable/don’t want to leave? Am I able to stay on campus?

  • No. All students are required to leave campus at this time. Please contact the Coordinator of Campus Life, Ashley Mason, at amason@kilgore.edu if you are an international student or have housing insecurities. We are sensitive to all situations and are eager to assist you in working toward a solution for unique situations.

International Students:  

Kilgore College changed my class schedule to all online courses, will this cause me to lose my current SEVIS status?  Kilgore College is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor’s Program (SEVP) to help our students maintain good standing.  

My Optional Practical Training (OPT) plans have changed due to COVID-19, what do I do?  Make immediate contact with the Office of Admissions and Registrar to speak with the International Specialist at 903-983-8209.

Other international questions – Please contact the Office of Admissions and Registrar to speak with the International Specialist at 903-983-8209.

List of postponed or cancelled events due to COVID-19

Click here to view a list of postponed or cancelled events at KC due to COVID-19.

Coronavirus Prevention Information & Resources

Prevention for coronavirus is similar to preventive action for diseases like the flu, the common cold or other communicable diseases. Recommendations from the CDC include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
    • There is a correct way to wash your hands.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

Resources:

For the latest information about coronavirus, visit the dedicated CDC webpage.

Download CDC one-page informational flier:

Download NET HEALTH one-page informational flier:

Download NET HEALTH handwashing poster:

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Blackboard Collaborate Help and Resources

Instructional Videos:

Is there a Blackboard app?

Yes. The Blackboard app is designed especially for students to view content and participate in courses.

Recommended internet browsers:

  • Browsers recommended for PC users: Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge
  • Browsers recommended for mobile users: Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge

Still having issues or need technical support?

Call the Help Desk at (903) 988-7522 or email them.

Mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic:

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. This is normal! Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. 

If you or someone you know needs to talk with someone, here are some helpful resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741
  • Crisis Text Line - Special keyword for students of color - Text STEVE to 741741
  • COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line:  833-251-7544  **(If you are experiencing stress/anxiety related to current stateof emergency)
  • National Parent Helpline at: 1-855-427-2736

Below is a list of articles and websites with helpful information on how to navigate these unprecedented and stressful times:

Related Videos

Learn how to stop the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19

You can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like Coronavirus Disease 2019. Follow these simple daily precautions. NOTE: This video was not created by Kilgore College but is shared on YouTube for informational purposes.

COVID-19 Message from Dr. Brenda Kays, KC President

COVID-19 Update (March 2020)

For information about COVID-19 questions or concerns::

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
covid-19@kilgore.edu