As we move to more of our services and classes being provided online, we understand that a reliable internet connection can sometimes be a struggle to maintain. Below are some steps you can take to improve your experience while studying, attending your classes online, and virtually requesting help from different services on campus.

If you don't have internet at home:

1. Try a Public Hotspot: Comcast (Xfinity) and AT&T have opened up their public Hotspots for anyone to use. Check your available Wi-Fi networks for provider hotspots. If you don't see one in your neighborhood, you can go online to the Xfinity or AT&T websites and search for a public hotspot. You may find that you have coverage in a public park in your area. Xfinity has an interactive map on their website, but you need the mobile Hotspot Locator app for AT&T.
2. Tether Your Cell Phone: If your cell phone has data service, you can turn on "tethering" and use it as a private hotspot. Be sure to check with your cell service provider as sometimes this service may come at an extra cost. Note that many providers are offering free unlimited data for the next 60 days. For more information, see what the major carriers are offering below.
3. Share Someone's Internet: If you have a neighbor with internet, ask them if they would be willing to share. Home services have the ability to set up guest accounts that will keep their network secure but still allow visitors to get internet access.
4. Get Service at Home: Service providers are offering discounted packages during this crisis and special offers for homes with students. Talk to the internet service providers to make sure you can get service in your area, but even the most basic package should work if you limit it to the essentials.

If you have poor performance at home:

1. Test Your Max Bandwidth: Use a speed test application to check your speeds. Your internet service provider (ISP) may have one that they recommend. Try to do this when no one at home is using the internet. This will tell you your maximum possible speed. If your speeds don't match the speeds that your ISP guarantees, then you should report the problem to them and see what they recommend.
2. Reduce the Load on Your Internet Connection: Your max bandwidth is shared by everyone using the service. If the family is watching video streams, gaming, or video chatting, it will consume bandwidth. Shut down the unnecessary and set priorities. If you run a speed test while you're shutting down unnecessary network use, you can watch the speeds increase.
3. Lock Down Your Network: If your home network does not require a password, you may find that you are sharing it with the whole neighborhood! Securing it with a password will let you control who has access so you can control how your data connection is being used.
4. Limit Multitasking: Your laptop or PC can only do so many tasks at a time. If you're trying to study, watching a movie, and browsing the internet all at the same time on your computer, you may be doing more than your computer or network can handle. Shut down unnecessary applications and turn off processes that are running "in the background." They will affect the performance of your computer and slow down access to your network.
5. Try a New Location: If you are using a cellular hotspot or tethering, try a different location. The distance from a cell tower and the number of walls between you and the tower's signal can impact performance. Moving to an exterior room or moving to the other side of the house may improve performance.
6. Try a wired connection:  If all your neighbors are using Wi-Fi, it can cause interference with your service. If you can connect to your home router with a wired connection, you may see improved service.

Help from Service Providers

Many major service providers are now offering different options for those who need assistance connecting to the internet for work and school. Check out the links below to see what each is doing and how you may be able to benefit.

• AT&T: https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html
• Comcast: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19  
• Sprint: https://newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.htm
• T-Mobile:  https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/ongoing-updates-covid-19#customers 
• Verizon: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus

FCC Launches the Keep Americans Connected Pledge

The Keep Americans Connected Pledge reads as follows:

Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, companies are being asked to pledge for the next 60 days to:

(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;

(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and

(3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Download the full press release.

SOURCE: University of Houston Information Technology

Your professors have been working hard, especially in courses with hands-on learning, to prepare lessons, online labs, and do-at-home kits to provide high quality instruction from a distance.

Many professors are planning to continue to teach their courses on the regular schedule with live online lectures and discussion during your scheduled class period, so it will still feel like the face-to-face course that you were taking. The Writing Center, Math Center and many other student services will also be available online to support you.

Because of this, you must continue to participate in the course work and follow your professor’s instructions to remain eligible for financial aid.

Students enrolling in distance courses (internet/online courses) during May Minimester and Summer Semesters will NOT be charged the $40 per course Distance Learning Fee normally included in addition to tuition and fees.

Emergency aid funding is available to students who experience an unexpected or unforeseen circumstance that may prevent them from achieving their immediate educational and career goals at Brazosport College.

You can learn more about this type of aid at brazosport.edu/emergencyaid.

We also recommend speaking with the Financial Aid office. They have flexibility to work with students to ensure the students are able to stay in school.

We recommend speaking with the Financial Aid office. You can contact them via email at finaid@brazosport.edu.

To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment.

We recommend reading the borrower Q&As on the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Office website to learn more about what to do in certain circumstances. They will be adding information for students, borrowers, and parents to this page on a regular basis, so please check it frequently.

We will begin online courses Monday, March 23, 2020.

Our original plan included some limited student access to our campus, but in light of new information and recommendations, the decision has been made to restrict campus access to essential employees and put all classes online.

Your professors have been working hard, especially in courses with hands-on learning, to prepare lessons, online labs, and do-at-home kits to provide high quality instruction from a distance.

Many professors are planning to continue to teach their courses on the regular schedule with live online lectures and discussion during your scheduled class period, so it will still feel like the face-to-face course that you were taking. The Writing Center, Math Center and many other student services will also be available online to support you.

Brazosport College believes that continuing our daily lives, including your college courses, with appropriate safety precautions is a good strategy for managing our way through these uncertain times. We are committed to providing a high-quality college experience.

If you are feeling worried, please give yourself at least a week to find a new rhythm for your studies. The deadline for withdrawing from a class will be extended at least to April 3 so you will have time before you have to make a decision.

Brazosport College believes that continuing our daily lives, including your college courses, with appropriate safety precautions, is a good strategy for managing our way through these uncertain times. We are committed to providing a high-quality college experience.

If you are feeling worried, please give yourself at least a week to find a new rhythm for your studies. The deadline for withdrawing from a class will be extended at least to April 3, so you will have time before you have to make a decision.

If you still feel that you must withdraw from a class, you'll need to speak with either a counselor or, if you're taking a non-credit course, a representative from Community Education to withdraw. You can find their numbers below:

Counseling Department: 979-230-3040

Community Education: 979-230-3600

Almost all courses will be conducted fully online.

Please check the Virtual Campus (http://online.brazosport.edu) regularly as your professors are beginning to communicate with you regarding details for these courses.

If you are new to the Virtual Campus, take the introductory tour.

A list of additional resources for learning about the Virtual Campus is available on the distance learning webpage.

Take a live, online, course tools tour.

Tours last an hour and you will be able to ask the tour guide questions about the Virtual Campus during the tour. Tours will run from Monday, March 23, to Friday, April 3 and are held at 9:30 am and 3:45 pm Monday to Thursday and at 10:00 am on Friday. Join the tour at the starting time by clicking here: https://join.me/BCdistancelearning.

A very small number of classes cannot be taught online and will be put on hold until we can safely hold these classes while practicing social distancing.

You should assume your classes will be taught online unless you receive a specific email that they are on hold.

Classes that are put on hold are expected to will resume in the not too distant future and we expect that you will be able to complete them no later than June 30.

If you are on the Installment Payment Plan, the next payment is scheduled for April 5. If you need an extension, send an email to stacy.lallman@brazosport.edu.

Extensions beyond April 27 cannot be made due to the end of the semester.

Yes! Below you'll find a list of all the student services still available to help you during this time.

Please keep in mind that if you have questions regarding your educational records (examples include grades, schedule, or financial aid) you MUST send emails from your official Brazosport College email address. You can access your BC email by visiting webmail.brazosport.edu.

Help with your classes

1. Writing Center, Math Tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction will continue to be available in online formats.
2. Library services will be available online, and librarians will be available during regular operating hours, including evenings.

Help with your student records

1. Counseling is available. If you wish to speak with a counselor instead of communicating through email only, you may request that in your email to ecounselor@brazosport.edu.
2. Admissions and Registrar offices are open and students may access them through the following: admissions@brazosport.edu, registrar@brazosport.edu, or Admissions and Registrar chat.
3. Financial aid questions are to be directed to finaid@brazosport.edu
4. ACE it meetings (phone or online) will be conducted by alternate coaches. Only one ACE it meeting is required for the Spring 2020 semester.

Help at home

1. Student Life is continuing to seek out resources for students. All resources will be posted on the COVID-19 webpage – please click on the Resources tab.
2. Student Wellness and Basic Needs resources and information is available to students. Please email Lisa.Unger@brazosport.edu or Kelli.SpiersForde@brazosport.edu
3. CARE team will continue to be active so if you are struggling, please reach out to CARE.

The IT Helpdesk will be open late until 9:00 p.m. from Monday, March 23 to Thursday, March 26.

If you are having password trouble, please visit: www.brazosport.edu/password.

For other issues, you can reach out the the IT Helpdesk via:

• Phone: 979-230-3266
• Email: helpdesk@brazosport.edu
• Chat: Live chat with the Help Desk

For more information, please visit www.brazosport.edu/it.

The testing department is committed to the health and safety of our Brazosport College Community. The following tests are currently postponed and will be rescheduled. Thank you for your patience during this time.

• High School Equivalency (GED and HiSET): Postponed to a later date that is yet to be determined.  
• TEAS: Postponed to a later date that is yet to be determined.
• Credit by Exam: Postponed to a later date that is yet to be determined.

Please monitor our test websites for High School Equivalency Test updates at brazosprort.edu/hseq.

ACCUPLACER-TSI

We are temporarily not offering on-campus TSI testing. Instead, we are providing remote testing using a service called Examity, which virtually proctors the ACCUPLACER, a TSI approved exam.

Please visit www.brazosport.edu/TSI to learn more and register for the exam.

Credit by Exams

Credit by Exams will not be available until we return to campus.

Although the College is restarting courses in May to finish the spring CTE courses, the college remains in altered operations through July 31.

Limited services are available on campus. All services are available through our remote operations including student services and academic support.

BC staff and faculty, where possible, will continue to work remotely. Only those employees with proper supervisor and EPG approval may return to work on campus before July 31.

The Brazosport College Board of Regents met on Monday, March 16^th and provided the authority to pay its full-time employees and part-time employees if the College has to close due to the COVID-19 virus emergency or has to ask certain employees not to report to work, unless any of that work time is scheduled to be made.

The College will not be closing. Rather, Brazosport College will be moving to altered operations where we will be delivering courses remotely and asking many of our employees to work remotely.

We want our employees to know that we are proud of your work, commitment, and focus.  We know that you will work to support the College and our students through this uncertain time.

Brazosport College’s objectives in this situation are to:

1. To protect the health and safety of our students and employees
2. To be prepared by Monday, March 23, 2020, to begin completing the spring 2020 semester through online delivery
3. To enable the majority of the College employees to work remotely, while continuing to provide necessary services, with the remainder (a small portion) of our employees working on site
4. To retain full-time and part-time employees, reduce turnover, increase morale, help employees focus on work, and facilitate future return to normal operations
5. Minimize the financial impact to BC while meeting the previous objectives

First, the College is committed to payroll being processed on the regular distribution schedule. 

The majority of the college's payroll is processed electronically directly to employees’ bank accounts, which allows for on-time delivery.

It is strongly encouraged that all employees who are not currently having their payroll deposited directly into their bank account complete the appropriate paperwork to transition to direct deposit.

You may download the direct deposit form to get started.

Compensation during this altered operations period is intended to provide employees with their normal base compensation as described below. However, in order for that to occur, employees MUST be Available for Work.

The definition of Available for Work is as follows:

1. Working onsite – These employees will include select areas such as Campus Safety, Facilities, Information Technology, and other core business functions.  These areas will be specifically requested and pre-approved by the Vice President over the work area.
2. Working remotely – We are working remotely to increase social distancing and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Although we are remote, employees must be responsive to calls, texts, and instant messages within one hour of contact; review and respond to emails; work with their supervisor for assignments and project completion and accountability; and be available for regular check-ins with their supervisor. No internet access may make someone “not available for work” unless remote work has been preauthorized by the supervisor and internet access is not essential. 

Availability to Report Onsite – Employees must be able to arrive onsite within two hours of being contacted to report. Vice President approval is required prior to a supervisor directing an employee to report onsite.

Based on the understanding that all employees will meet the requirements of the Available for Work expectation, please note the following details regarding compensation based on employee classification:

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

Full-time exempt (e.g., full-time faculty and staff at C41 and above) – Employees will be paid their regular monthly salary if they are available for work. If not available for work, employees must use personal or vacation leave time. Sick leave can be used under the sick leave provisions indicated in the current procedure.

Full-time non-exempt staff (e.g., full-time staff at B31 or lower) – Employees will be paid a minimum of 40 hours if they are available for work. If not available for work, employees must use personal or vacation leave time. Sick leave can be used under the sick leave provisions indicated in the current procedure.

Overtime will be paid when worked and must be authorized by the supervisor. Overtime will be restricted to those departments that have an absolute need to work, such as police and I.T. These employees will receive specific direction from their supervisor and Vice President informing them that overtime work is approved.

PART-TIME FACULTY

Part-time faculty paid by the course – These employees will continue to be paid for current courses.

Part-time faculty paid via timesheet submission (credit courses) – These employees will submit a timesheet for processing pay as the work is performed.

Part-time faculty paid via letter of agreement or timesheet (non-credit courses) – These employees will submit a timesheet for processing pay as the work is performed or will be paid for work performed pursuant to their letter of agreement.

PART-TIME STAFF

The following compensation provisions apply to part-time staff through this spring semester.

Part-time staff – These employees will be paid a minimum of 19 hours per week for anyone who was paid for the March pay cycle (pay date March 20) and is available for work. If assigned hours worked exceed 19 hours per week, they will be paid for all hours worked.

Student Assistants – Student Assistants will be paid for a minimum of 19 hours per week for anyone who was paid for the March pay cycle (pay date March 20) and is available for work. If assigned hours worked exceed 19 hours per week, they will be paid for all hours worked.

Human Resources/Payroll will be communicating details for submitting time and leave reporting.

We are working towards phasing employees to work remotely. If you are asked to work remotely, please complete and submit the attached Telecommuting Form if you have not already done so:

• Telecommuting Form

Please also complete and submit your remote Work Activity Log to your supervisor on a daily basis:

• Template Remote Activity Log
• Sample Remote Activity Log

The IT department will continue to provide support.

Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, there will be additional changes to building access in order to support the College’s move to remote operations.

All campus personnel, except Campus Safety, Facilities (including MBM), and Information Technology, who must access campus facilities to perform job functions that cannot be done remotely, shall adhere to the following procedure.

1. When arriving on campus, immediately contact security at 979-230-3030 or 979-236-3959. Provide security your name, contact number and what building entrance you need to access. Please allow them to unlock the door for you. Also inform the officer where you’ll be working on campus and approximately for how long.
2. Complete the work you need to complete.
3. When you are ready to leave campus, contact security again and let them know you’re leaving.  Please leave the building through the same door you entered. They will come and secure the building once you have left.

Please remember, besides those specifically noted above, employees can only be on campus to complete needed work they cannot do remotely, and should stay only while completing such work.

Student Assistants will be paid for a minimum of 19 hours per week for anyone who was paid for the March pay cycle (pay date March 20) and is available for work. If assigned hours worked exceed 19 hours per week, they will be paid for all hours worked.

Please contact your supervisor for more information.

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

It is also advised that the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. To review different templates and methods of how to make masks at home, download the CDC’s DIY Face Covering Instructions.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

Brazosport College is closely tracking the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and we are committed to the health and safety of students, faculty and staff. We are continuously monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services, and Brazoria County Health Department.

We will keep you informed about any updates as they relate to your learning at Brazosport College.

Given the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that students and employees monitor BC emails, text alerts, social media channels, and the brazosport.edu/coronavirus webpage for the most up to date information.

Meanwhile, we urge you to follow personal hygiene precautions and exercise social distancing measures as recommended by the CDC and local health authorities.

At this time all College facilities are closed. This closure includes our grounds and facilities.

We cannot manage and oversee all of the grounds while we are closed during the COVID 19 shutdown and are looking forward to when we’re able to reopen campus. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

We recommend the following organizations for more information regarding COVID-19:

• National Information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• State Information: Texas Department of State Health Services
• Local Information: Brazoria County Health Department

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

• Diluting your household bleach.
  To make a bleach solution, mix:
  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
    OR
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

  Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions.
  Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
  Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

SOURCE: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Stay home except to get medical care

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
  • Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.
  • When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick with COVID-19. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

• Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

A multi-specialty group of people across the globe are working on developing a viable vaccine and curative treatment for COVID-19.

However, there is not one at this time. The disease is viral, which means antibiotics will not help; the antiviral drugs that work against the flu do not work against coronavirus. Those with a weak immune system and those who already are sick are urged to be especially cautious.

Community Health Network (CHN) has taken all necessary steps to ensure that they are responding to the needs of our community by expanding their testing capabilities.  

While CHN is providing COVID 19 testing, patients must undergo a screening process according to CDC guidelines. Individuals wishing to be screened may call the CHN health center. CHN has outlined a detailed process for our community to help you stay informed on how you can be tested if you meet the screening requirements. 

COVID-19 SCREENING AND TESTING

• Virtual Visits

Community Health Network is practicing social distancing by offering Virtual Visits via telemedicine services for individuals to meet the screening requirements.

To schedule a Virtual Visit, individuals may call the CHN center. They can provide medical visits, psychiatric visits, and counseling services. Their pharmacies can mail out your prescriptions with no additional cost.

• Testing Centers

To protect CHN's patients and staff, they have implemented screening centers. Adoue Family Health Center in Alvin, Brazoria County Dream Center in Clute and Scarsdale Family Health Center in southeast Harris County (South Belt area) are screening and testing centers.

Please note: COVID-19 testing at these sites is for prescreened and scheduled individuals only. 

• Cost

Reputable testing sites are following CDC guidelines for COVID testing. Insured patients that meet CDC testing guidelines will have their insurance billed with no copay or deductible. Uninsured patients that meet CDC testing guidelines will not be charged for testing.

• How to Reach CHN

If an individual is experiencing or "has" any symptoms and would like to be screened for COVID-19, please call 281-824.1480, send a text message to 281-385-8401, or visit www.mychn.org.

TEST CENTER LOCATIONS

• Adoue Family Health Center

1111 W. Adoue St.
Alvin, Texas 77511 

• Brazoria County Dream Center

792 Brazosport Blvd S.
Clute, Texas 77531 

• Scarsdale Family Health Center

10851 Scarsdale Blvd., Suite 160
Houston, Texas 77089