COVID-19 Information

As you are aware, we have been maintaining COVID-19 campus safety protocols through the end of the Spring Semester, which concludes at commencement on Friday, May 7.

Based on guidance from Governor Abbott’s office, Hardin-Simmons University has decided to resume normal operations starting Saturday, May 8. This means that students, faculty, staff, and guests will no longer be required to wear face masks, practice social distancing, or adhere to reduced occupancy limits.

The threat continues to subside as we see a constant trend of 0 infections on campus and a low number of cases throughout Taylor County. If the county or HSU experiences an increase in infection or hospitalization rates, HSU will re-evaluate our safety and health protocols.

As we make this transition, you are strongly encouraged to visit with your healthcare provider about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

After May 8, if I believe that I have been exposed or suspect that I have COVID-19 symptoms, what should I do?

If you are currently going to be on campus in any capacity (campus housing or campus work) or are currently enrolled in summer term classes you should continue to report any potential exposure or onset of COVID-19 symptoms to Student Life at covid.students@hsutx.edu.

If I am in isolation or quarantine, may I attend classes online?

Yes, we will continue to work with you for alternative solutions. Please reach out to us at covid.students@hsutx.edu for us to make arrangements.

May I still wear a face mask to class?

Yes, face masks will be optional at each individual’s discretion. However, we will not require individuals to wear face masks at HSU.

May I still maintain social distancing in class?

HSU is returning to regular operations. Classes, meetings, and campus events will be conducted without social distancing. In situations where individuals have adequate space to socially distance, and wish to do so may exercise their own practices as long as they are not requiring the same of others.

What if I am at high risk because of a medical condition, and my doctor has advised me not to resume normal activities or to get the vaccine?

If you require medical accommodations, you must contact Student Life to request such allowances. They will provide you with further instructions, including what supporting documentation is required before approving any such accommodations.

After May 10, if I believe that I have been exposed or suspect that I have COVID-19 symptoms, what should I do?

As of May 10, you no longer need to report symptoms or positive COVID-19 tests to Human Resources. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider about whether you should self-isolate. As with any contagious illness, to protect others, you should stay home/away from work if you are sick until your healthcare provider advises that you can resume regular activities.

If my doctor recommends self-isolation or self-quarantine, may I work from home?

As of May 10, switching to remote work from home will no longer be an option with COVID-19 illnesses.

You may elect to use your available paid sick leave/vacation during your absence. Report your absence using your department’s regular process. Remember, you do not have to give any medical information to your supervisor when you call in sick, but if you are absent for three or more days, you must promptly contact Human Resources for further information about your absence. If you don’t have enough paid leave to cover your self-quarantine period, contact HR to discuss your options.

May I still wear a face mask at work?

Yes, face masks will be optional at each individual’s discretion. However, we will not require individuals to wear face masks at HSU.

May I still maintain social distancing?

HSU is returning to regular operations. Classes, meetings, campus events, and other job activities will be conducted without social distancing. In situations where individuals have adequate space to socially distance, and wish to do so may exercise their own practices as long as they are not the same of others.

What if I am at high risk because of a medical condition, and my doctor has advised me not to resume normal activities or to get the vaccine?

If you require medical accommodations, you must contact Human Resources to request such allowances. They will provide you with further instructions, including what supporting documentation is required before approving any such accommodations.

May students who test positive attend my class?

HSU Campus Life will continue to monitor and oversee COVID-19 exposure protocols, which means students may be asked to isolate or quarantine.

Faculty or staff should notify Student Life with questions; or if you become aware of a student with potential exposure or symptoms.

Student Life will continue to work with those students to figure out appropriate accommodations for class participation.

There are currently 0 active confirmed positive HSU-related case(s) (updated 5/17/21)
If you would like information regarding current Taylor County cases visit https://abilenetx.gov/933/COVID-19

June 30, 2021: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act

March 31, 2021: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act

Jan. 7, 2021: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act

Oct. 14, 2020: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act

July 6, 2020 Update

In June 2020, it was discovered that one student who was originally distributed funding was not eligible. As such, funding previously distributed to this student was returned to the U.S. Department of Education on June 5, 2020.

As of July 6, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to HSU students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $966,319.30. These funds were distributed on May 4, 2020.

Per the guidance issued and in effect at the date of distribution, 1,445 students were eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

As of July 6, 2020, each of the 1,445 eligible students has received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant in the amount of $668.74. Funds were distributed evenly to all eligible students.

May 22, 2020 Update

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides colleges with emergency grants for their students.

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) signed and returned the Certification and Agreement form to the U.S. Department of Education on April 13, 2020. HSU intends to use no less than 50 percent of funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

HSU has received $967,003 from the U.S. Department of Education pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Financial Aid Grants to Students.

As of May 12, 2020, the total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to HSU students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is $966,988.04. These funds were distributed on May 4, 2020.

Per the guidance issued and in effect at the date of distribution, 1,446 students were eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. To be eligible, students must have been attending face-to-face classes before March 13, 2020, and have demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

As of May 12, 2020, each of the 1,446 eligible students has received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant in the amount of $668.74. Funds were distributed evenly to all eligible students.

Each student attending the institution was sent email communication regarding the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. The information from the email can be seen in the May 1: CARES ACT Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund update below.