Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Kilgore College is definitely "Open For Business!”

For the Spring 2021 semester:

Kilgore College is “Open For Business” with remote and on-campus registration for spring classes.

Students can attend class in person, remotely through video conferencing, or take online courses. We’ve determined classroom and lab capacity to ensure social distancing, and will be rotating these spaces to allow for thorough cleaning between use.

FIRST DAY OF CLASS:

For the first day of each class, instructors will meet with students remotely in order to discuss the plan for in-person and remote class meetings.  For any exceptions to this (e.g., very small classes, cohort classes), instructors will contact their students before the first class meeting.  For students who come to campus in-person because they did not get the message about attending remotely for the first meeting of each of their classes, they will be allowed to attend their class in-person with the instructor on the first day of their class.

ADDITIONAL CLASS INFO:

Types of classes:

  • Online – Asynchronous (class members and instructor do not meet for class at the same time)  Note: Although there is a great amount of flexibility built in to these classes, they are not self-paced; they contain due dates for assignments to help keep students on track.  Most communication is conducted electronically.  
  • Face-to-face (f2f) classes typically meet Monday through Thursday.  Each half of the class may participate in-person on two days each week as described below.
  • Hybrid classes are a combination of online and f2f.  Typically, they meet two days per week, with additional required assignments being online.  Each half of the class may participate f2f on one day each week as described below.

Both hybrid and face-to-face classes will be conducted with a combination of in-person and remote class meetings.  Each day of instruction, approximately half of each class will meet f2f with the instructor on a KC campus, while the remaining part of the class will participate remotely via Blackboard Collaborate (or Zoom in some cases).  Groups meeting f2f will alternate during the week so that each student will have the option of attending class f2f at least once each week. 

In most cases, students will not be required to come to campus for a f2f class meeting; they may participate remotely via Blackboard Collaborate (or Zoom) for the entire term.  For some classes, in-person demonstration of skills may be required.  Students should continue to communicate with their instructors throughout the term so that instructors will know how to help each one succeed.

Health & Safety Protocols at KC:

As KC monitors circumstances regarding COVID-19 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.

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).  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:

FACE COVERINGS:

As per orders by Gov. Greg Abbott, all employees, students and visitors to any Kilgore College campus/facility are required to wear a face covering when in public areas.

Face coverings should:

  • Cover the nose and mouth
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with ties, ear loops or similar mechanism
  • Include multiple layers of fabric
  • Allow for breathing without restriction

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.

Instruction:

The Kilgore campus and KC-Longview will offer in-person, online, as well as remote classes.

Students will not be required to be present physically if they choose not to.   Students can continue to participate remotely via Collaborate or Zoom.

  • 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.

Please be advised that this is a fluid situation and any necessary adjustments will be made to accommodate the increased number of courses scheduled for the spring.  Due to the number of in-person class sections planned for Spring 2021, the college might not be able to eliminate consecutive class meetings in a given classroom.

Housing, Dining and Summer Camps:

College housing and dining facilities will be open to students in the spring.  To ascertain best practices for reopening, housing personnel have consulted with the Gregg County Health Department.  Learn more about the Housing Guidelines.

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.

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 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: