Texas State University to begin spring semester remotely as COVID-19 cases surge

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

SAN MARCOS – Texas State President Denise Trauth sent an email to students, staff and faculty announcing that the university will move the first nine days of classes to remote instruction.

In an email on Monday, January 3, 2022, Trauth informed the Texas State community that classes would be moved to online/remote delivery beginning January 18, 2022, through January 30, 2022. According to Trauth, in-person classes will resume on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Trauth said that no classes will be canceled in the first few weeks of the semester, and all Texas State offices will remain open.

“I know this is not the start of the semester we were all looking forward to,” Trauth said. “We are taking these actions out of an abundance of caution and are hopeful the surge will peak quickly. It is our intention — with your continued commitment and support — to return to face-to-face instruction on January 31.”

Last week, Trauth sent an email asking students, staff and faculty to get tested for COVID-19 due to the Omicron Variant spreading rapidly throughout the state. All students living on-campus will be required to have a negative test before move-in.

According to Trauth, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Emilio Carranco has been monitoring COVID-19 transmission and infection data, especially the Omicron variant.

“After discussion with Dr. Carranco and the President’s Cabinet, the university requests that all Texas State University students, faculty, and staff get tested for COVID-19 before returning to our campuses for the spring semester,” said Trauth.

Robert Kelsay, Civil Engineering Junior at Texas State, doesn’t think students will get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus unless they feel symptoms or have been exposed.

“I think the school has an obligation to request students to get tested, although it is absurd to think many people will do it,” said Kelsay. “Most people, including me, are not too worried about it and have the common sense to not go to campus if they feel sick.”

All students living in on-campus housing will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test but can still move into the dorms as initially planned.

“Residence halls will open for move-in as planned with all residents required to show a negative COVID-19 test result prior to move-in,” Trauth said. “The move-in period will be extended for students who choose to come to campus following or during the two weeks of online/remote delivery classes.

Texas State believes that delaying the start of in-person classes will significantly decrease the number of people on campus and make it a safer work environment for employees.

“I feel fine going back to campus with the increase. I’ve heard that Omicron isn’t as dangerous as the previous variants,” said Kelsay. “Also COVID is the new normal, right now at least, and I’m ready to get back to my normal life and just ignore the constant bad news.”

Contact Tracing will still be used on Texas State’s campus through the “Bobcat Trace” program, but Trauth anticipates it will be a challenge for them to respond quickly due to the expected volume of cases.

“While the university cannot mandate actions, I strongly encourage you to be vigilant about wearing a mask, social distancing as much as possible, test regularly, and get vaccinated and boosted,” Trauth said.

To schedule an appointment to get tested before classes resume, go to the Texas State COVID-19 Testing page.