COVID-19 Information
Jan. 13, 2022
Today, the United States Supreme Court issued an order staying the OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard for now. As a result, the HSU COVID-19 ETS Employee Choice Vaccination Policy is suspended until further notice. We will reassess our policy as we continue to monitor the legal situation and update you regarding developments that affect our campus operations. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate through these uncertainties. Most of all, thank you for continuing to serve one another and our students day in and day out.
Jan. 7, 2022
Although Hardin-Simmons University is not mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all faculty, staff, or students, the CDC acknowledges vaccinations can help protect individuals and slow the spread of COVID-19 on campuses.
What if I am experiencing COVID symptoms, what should I do?
You should get tested if you are experiencing COVID symptoms.
What if I test positive for COVID?
You will need to email covid.students@hsutx.edu and notify them of your isolation location. A campus resident (res halls and apartments included) may not isolate in their current residential space. The university will have limited space available for isolation. If needed communicate with Student Life through covid.students@hsutx.edu for availability.
What about classes and Chapel attendance when I am in isolation or quarantine?
Classes: Check with your professor. You will need to get notes from a classmate and stay in communication with your professor to make up any work missed due to isolation.
Chapel: You need to email the Chapel Office at katie.henderson@hsutx.edu immediately. Online Chapel credit will only be available during your time in isolation.
What if I am exposed due to close contact with a positive COVID case? (Following CDC Recommendations)
If fully vaccinated, you will not be required to quarantine. We recommend getting tested at least 5 days following a known exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19 and wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings and around others for 10 days after exposure or until a negative test result (the date of last close contact is considered day 0).
If you had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (tested positive using a viral test) and subsequently recovered and remain without COVID-19 symptoms, you will not be required to quarantine or get tested after close contact. You should wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings and around others for 10 days after exposure (the date of last close contact is considered day 0).
If unvaccinated, quarantine if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19. Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days (day 0 through day 5) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. For 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19, watch for fever (100.4 F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms. For additional guidelines on “What to do for quarantine” when unvaccinated, see further recommendations from the CDC at COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC.
May I still wear a face mask in class?
Yes, face masks will be optional at each individual’s discretion. However, we will not require individuals to wear face masks at HSU.
Updated 1/18/2022
I am experiencing COVID symptoms, what should I do?
HSU is treating COVID like any other illness, so you should see your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations about testing, isolation, and return to work.
If you are absent 3 or more days, you will need to contact HR and provide a doctor’s note for return to work.
I have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID, should I quarantine?
If you are vaccinated and are asymptomatic, you will not be required to quarantine. If you are unvaccinated, you should notify HR and follow the CDC recommendations and quarantine for 5 full days.
You should also follow up with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations about testing and return to work.
If my doctor recommends self-isolation or self-quarantine, may I work from home?
Switching to remote work from home will no longer be an option with COVID illnesses and/or quarantine.
However, in certain situations, VP and Supervisor approval may be given to certain essential positions to work “up to 4 hours” per day during extended sick leave. HR must be notified.
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.
Are face masks required?
Facemasks will not be required but are still optional at each individual’s discretion. Unless you recently have tested positive for COVID, which CDC guidelines recommend individuals wear a mask for 5 days following isolation while out in public.
Is the HSU Campus requiring 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 requiring the same of others.
If you have any questions contact Tera Gibson, Director of Human Resources at tera.gibson@hsutx.edu and/or call 325-670-1077 to speak to HR.
Fall 2021 Update
On May 8, Hardin-Simmons University resumed normal operations. This means that our university campus remains at 100% occupancy for our indoor spaces and plans to maintain that occupancy level provided CDC guidelines do not change. Classrooms will return to a normal in-person experience. Masks will not be required on campus, although we do encourage them for all unvaccinated individuals. HSU does not currently require the COVID-19 vaccine, but we strongly encourage getting the vaccine if you have not done so already.
Fully vaccinated individuals exposed to COVID due to close contact with a positive case will not be required to quarantine with proper documentation of their vaccination. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID should get tested. Anyone testing positive for COVID will be required to isolate. Any unvaccinated person, or without adequate documentation exposed to a positive COVID case will be required to quarantine.
The university will have limited spaces available on campus for students who need to quarantine or isolate. As in any other absences, students will need to make arrangements with their professors for missed assignments. Please reference the attached Student FAQ for additional frequently asked questions.
Student-Athletes, as a member of NCAA Division III our athletic program follows the COVID testing recommendations provided by the NCAA. When we receive the recommendations from the NCAA, the athletic department will distribute them to you promptly.
Employees should treat COVID illness as they would any other by consulting with their healthcare provider and using sick leave for any related absences. Please reference the attached Employee FAQ for additional frequently asked questions.
As more information is gathered or different situations arise, policies are subject to change.
We are planning to provide a true in-person experience this upcoming school year for activities and events. The university will continue to monitor the COVID situation in our local community and state as we continue to keep the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff our top priority.
We look forward to a great school year.
May 2021 Update
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.
HEERF Institutional Portion Reports and Disclosures
- April 7, 2022: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act
- Jan. 5, 2022: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act
- Oct. 5, 2021: Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act
- Jan. 5, 2022 (Corrected 3Q Report): Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for CARES Act
- 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
HEERF Student Portion Reports and Disclosures
HEERF Student Portion Disclosure
Hardin-Simmons University acknowledges that it has signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that it will use the applicable amounts of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) I, II, and III designated under the CARES Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, signed into law by Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
The total amount of HEERF I, II, and III funds available for distribution to students at Hardin-Simmons is $4,628,947.00. The total student portion of each individual HEERF allocation is listed below:
- HEERF I – $967,003.00
- HEERF II – $967,003.00
- HEERF III – $2,694,941.00
As of July 6, 2020, Hardin-Simmons University has distributed all HEERF I Student Portion funds required under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
As of March 5, 2021, Hardin-Simmons University has distributed all HEERF II Student Portion funds required under the CRRSA Act.
As of October 12, 2021, Hardin-Simmons University is in the process of distributing all HEERF III Student Portion funds required under the ARP Act. Additionally, the University contacted all students via mail about the availability of a Professional Judgement per the ARPA requirement to provide notice to financial aid applicants and current financial aid recipients that they may be able to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a family member or independent student, or other circumstances
HEERF I (CARES Act) – Method of Awarding and Report Details
July 6, 2020, Update
HEERF II (CRRSA Act) – Method of Awarding and Report Details
March 4, 2021
As part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides colleges with emergency grants for their students.
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) received the Certification and Agreement form to the U.S. Department of Education on January 22, 2021.
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.
Per the guidance issued and in effect at the date of distribution, Hardin-Simmons distributed $967,705.17 to 1681 students. Block grants were offered to students in three groups.
- Group one included 744 students with a valid 2020-2021 FAFSA, verified US citizenship or permanent resident, and qualified for federal Pell grant based on an EFC less than 5711.
- Group two included 532 students with a valid 2020-2021 FAFSA, verified US citizenship or permanent resident, and an EFC between 5711 – 42686 (HSU direct cost).
- Group three included 405 students that either did not file a FAFSA but were confirmed US citizens or permanent residents or filed a FAFSA but has an EFC greater than 42686.
Award amounts for each group were as follows:
- Group one received 60% of the allocation with $780.39 to each student.
- Group two received 30% of the allocation with $545.73 to each student.
- Group three received 10% of the allocation with $238.93 to each student.
Each eligible student attending the institution was sent email communication regarding the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
There was $5,037.27 of CRRSAA funds that were not deposited by students. Per the CRRSAA guidelines, the funds were voided and reversed on the student accounts. These funds were reallocated and distributed along with the amount of HEERF III ARP funds on November 15, 2021.
HEERF III (ARP Act) – Method of Awarding and Report Details
July 28, 2021
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides colleges with emergency grants for their students.
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) received $2,694,941 of HEERF III student funds which were disbursed to students in the 2021 Summer and 2021 Fall semesters.
On July 28, 2021, HSU disbursed a portion of HEERF III funds in the amount of $129,950 to 549 students who were enrolled in 6 or more credit hours for the 2021 Summer semester.
Block grants were divided into three different student groups.
- Group one included 58 students with a valid 2021-2022 FAFSA, verified US citizenship or permanent resident, and qualified for federal Pell grant based on an EFC less than 5846.
- Group two included 182 students with a valid 2021-2022 FAFSA, verified US citizenship or permanent resident, and qualified for federal Pell grant based on an EFC greater than 5846.
- Group three included 309 students enrolled in summer courses but without a valid FAFSA.
Award amounts for each group were as follows:
- Group one received $500.00 each.
- Group two received $300.00 each.
- Group three received $150.00 each.
Each eligible student attending the institution was sent email communication regarding the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
On November 15, 2021, HSU disbursed the remaining portion of HEERF III funds in the amount of $2,564,991.00 along with $5,038.00 of the HEERF II reallocation amount and an additional $3,646.00 of HEERF III Institutional Funds to student accounts totaling an amount of $2,573,675.00. These funds were processed for students who were enrolled in six or more credit hours for the 2021 Fall semester.
Block grants were divided into three different student groups:
- Group one included 564 students with a valid 2021-2022 FAFSA, verified US citizenship or permanent resident, and qualified for federal Pell grant based on an EFC less than 5846.
- Group two included 693 students with a valid 2021-2022 FAFSA verified US citizenship or permanent resident, and an EFC between 5846-
- Group 3 included 568 students that either did not file a 2021-2022 FAFSA or those who did file a 2021-2022 FAFSA but had an EFC greater than 29526.
Award amounts for each group were as follows:
- Group one received approximately 60% of the allocation with $2,735.00 to each student.
- Group two received approximately 30% of the allocation with $1,115.00 to each student.
- Group three received approximately 10% of the allocation with $455.00 to each student.
There was $18,935 of ARP funds that were not deposited by students during the 2021 Fall distribution round. Per the HEERF guidelines, the funds were voided and reversed on the student accounts. These funds were reallocated to PELL eligible undergraduate students who first started attending HSU during the 2022 Spring semester. The total reallocation amount was $18,942 divided among 21 students who received $902 each.
Each eligible student attending the institution was sent email communication regarding the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
