Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Kilgore College is definitely "Open For Business!”

KC is open for "business as usual," serving our students.

For Summer II and the Fall semesters:

Classes will be held in-person and remote formats (including video-conferencing, online instruction and other virtual formats).

Summer II begins July 6 and runs through Aug. 6. The fall semester at KC begins Aug. 24.

Both KC bookstores are handling in-person customers while still making available for those who prefer curbside pick-up.  Student support services are also open for in-person assistance as well as online help.  The library is currently open 7:30-5:00 (M-Th) and until 3:45 on Friday.  The Zone in Kilgore is open for computer use, free printing, Proctor U testing, and in-person as well as online tutoring.  On other fronts, both the East Texas Oil Museum and the Rangerette Showcase have resumed tours and gift shop services to customers.  Parks Fitness Center is also open (Mon-Fri from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Instruction:

The Kilgore campus and KC-Longview will offer in-person classes for both Summer II and Fall (Fall I and Fall II).  

About 50% of the courses scheduled for Summer II have an in-person component.  Maximum capacities for each classroom/lab have been determined to ensure that social distancing guidelines are observed.  Classes will meet according to the original schedule; however, classes are being moved so that a given classroom is not used by consecutively scheduled classes when possible (i.e., a classroom will not be in use for both the 8 a.m. and the 10:10 a.m. scheduled class times.)  Classroom reassignments and moves will lessen physical interaction for students when exiting and entering a classroom and allow time for disinfecting student spaces. Face-to-face class meetings will rotate through the week, allowing those who want the in-person experience to have that opportunity.   However, students will not be required to be present physically if they choose not to.   Students can continue to participate remotely via Collaborate or Zoom.

As KC pilots procedures for on-campus meetings during the Summer-II term, those pilots will inform any adjustments necessary to accommodate the increased number of courses scheduled for the fall.  Due to the number of in-person class sections planned for Fall I and Fall II, the college will not be able to eliminate consecutive class meetings in a given classroom; a new class schedule is being contemplated that will allow additional time between class meetings.

Housing, Dining and Summer Camps:

College housing will be open to students in the fall.  To ascertain best practices for reopening, housing personnel have consulted with the Gregg County Health Department.  College housing will entertain a trial run of its services for summer II to work out any challenges for the fall.  Concurrently, summer camps are also in the planning stages.   Last but not least, the World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes will hold a modified high school camp July 2-4 and conduct tryouts for the 81st line July 5-8.

Tuition Dollars Available for Students:

It is not too late for students to fill out a scholarship or financial aid application for the 2020-2021 school year.  

Summer $ix Tuition Scholarships:

Also, courtesy of the KC Foundation, students who register during a six-week span (June 8 through July 17) will have the opportunity to receive a $1,000 scholarship!  An Early Bird $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each week  to one lucky student who registers during the week.  Find out more by clicking here!

KC Connection Dual Credit Tuition Discount:

The KC Connection Dual Credit Tuition Discount is available for all graduating seniors who took at least 12 hours of dual credit with KC before graduation.   Those students will have the opportunity to carry-over the 40% discount they enjoyed as a dual credit student into their enrollment with KC!

Wireless Internet:

Thanks to some very generous donors, all of KC’s instructional buildings will be wireless prior to the beginning of the new academic year.  Due to the fact that KC has established a strong wireless network at the college, it will expand the wireless environment to include external wireless access points.   The Lee Mall/Mike Miller Plaza, the parking lot between Engineering Science Building and the East Texas Oil Museum, the parking lot behind the Applied Technology Building, and the parking lot outside of the Hendrix building at KC-Longview will have wireless capability.  The signal strength for each of these four areas is strong enough to support connectivity and access to online coursework for 100 devices per location.

Health and Safety:

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. KC 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:

With the college returning to full operations, several health and safety policies, procedures, protocols and practices are now in place:

  • Social Distancing:  Public health officials have advised KC that social distancing is one of the best preventatives available.   To facilitate this direction, chairs/tables/benches have been removed from hallways and other open areas.   Computer stations, drinking fountains and restroom facilities are now covered or cordoned off as necessary.  Elevators are limited to one individual at a time, and tape or decals show the six-foot intervals.
  • Advanced Cleaning Protocols:  KC has collaborated with its custodial vendors to conduct advanced cleaning protocols per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, and custodial services will perform additional cleanings.
  • Plexiglass Shields:  To protect direct customer service employees and campus visitors, the college has installed plexiglass dividers to maintain physical separation.  
  • Hand Sanitizer Stations:  Additional hand sanitizer stations are in the common areas of every college facility for use by employees and students.   Disinfectant is available for use by staff, faculty and students to wipe down work and instructional spaces as warranted.

Questions or concerns?  Let us know!

  • 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.

Safety Protocols at KC:

It is required that visitors 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 should 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 encouraged to wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible.

Face coverings should:

  • 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 is 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:

Find out how to request a Kilgore College transcript by clicking here.

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.

You can also apply in-person through Ranger Registration!

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:

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 or click here.

Housing:

For housing information, click here.

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.

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:

For information about COVID-19 questions or concerns::

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