COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to supporting you, our students in this new environment. Know that our staff and faculty are working hard to make sure you have the support you need to succeed. Call any one of our call centers with questions!
As calls are forwarded from our office phones, we are unable to see your phone number. In the event that your call is not answered, please be sure to leave a message with your name, student ID number, and your phone number. We will return your call within 24 hours.
Call Centers for General Questions:
Uvalde Student Call Center (including Hondo) – (830) 591-4163
Eagle Pass Student Call Center – (830) 758-4165
Del Rio Student Call Center – (830) 703-1504
Crystal City Student Call Center (including Pearsall) – (830) 374-2828
Admissions Questions - (830) 591-7255 or admoffice@swtjc.edu
Dual Credit Questions - (830) 591-7374
Financial Aid Questions - (830) 591-7368 or fao@swtjc.edu
SWTJC wants you to stay on course with achieving your educational goals regardless of the hardships you may be facing due to the impact of COVID-19. Please complete the application below to explain any financial challenges or issues you are facing. SWTJC has a task force ready to process the distribution of financial assistance to help keep our students progressing toward academic and personal goals. The application deadline is October 9, 2020.
Class Type Codes
General Information
Please refer to the Exposure Protocol Flowchart to help you stay informed on what to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19.
The chart is provided by the Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force.
Added August 17, 2020
All SWTJC campuses and sites are closed to students and to the general public.
Updated March 31, 2020
Email, text messaging, and emergency alerts via Facebook, Twitter, and the SWTJC website will be used to communicate important changes.
Our website at www.swtjc.edu will continue to serve as the official source of information on Coronavirus and SWTJC District and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Emails and texts will be sent to employees and students to address more specific circumstances. We know that the Coronavirus situation is not only disruptive to our education and work, but also to our daily lives and families.
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
- Maintain distance between yourself and other people, even if a confirmed case of COVID-19 has not been confirmed in your community.
- 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.
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.
Facemasks are required on campus
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.
Content courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The SWTJC District will follow best practices, as recommended by the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services, related to social distancing. These include:
- Canceling meetings, events, and gatherings or transitioning them online until further notice.
- Canceling all on-campus sporting events and extracurricular activities until further notice.
Colleges and universities across the country are taking similar precautions and making adjustments to operations and instructions to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 in communities.
Updated March 31, 2020
Yes, but in modified form. There is no higher priority than the health and safety of our AEL participants. As such, and in response to the COVID‐19 situation we want to thank each and everyone one of you for doing your part in continuing your educational endeavors while complying with the rapidly changing CDC and government guidelines. We appreciate your patience and cooperation with us as we transition our program and services to online and remote learning in order to minimize the interruption of services to you. Together we can continue to function as normal as possible and continue to provide the services that will no doubt address your literacy needs and open doors for you down the road.
Contact Centers:
Crystal City – (830) 374-2828
sescamilla@swtjc.edu
Del Rio – (830) 703-1586 or (830) 703-1572
yrcariaga@swtjc.edu
Eagle Pass – (830) 752-1761
mpbernal@swtjc.edu
Hondo – (830) 426-2018 ext. 1731
hmbrumage@swtjc.edu
Uvalde – (830) 278-4391 or (830) 278-5208
dmperez@swtjc.edu
Main Office – (830) 591-7385
ael@swtjc.edu
New Student Orientation (NSO):
- Conduct online NSO via Zoom (blank documents shared or emailed)
- Program POC (Point of Contact) information is shared
- (phone numbers, best times to call, emails, webpage, social media, etc.)
- SEF (Student Enrollment Form) is filled out over the phone
- Student drops off required eligibility documentation to local sites
- (CDC/Govt. recommendations apply)
- The student is screened to minimize COVID-19 exposure risk (SWTJC‐Survey)
- Students are scheduled sporadically to come in and be baseline assessed
Instructional Delivery:
- Students are scheduled sporadically to come in and accumulate 12+ face to face instruction hours (unless the requirement is waived by TWC)
- Students are provided a class syllabus
- Students are transitioned to remote instruction
- Classes are conducted via a combination of Zoom and Google Classrooms
- GED Ready Vouchers are provided to eligible participants
- Students are placed in supplemental DL Curriculum options (Aztec Software; USA LEARNS; CA Distance Learning; Skills Tutor)
- The student is screened to minimize exposure risk (SWTJC‐Survey)
- Students are scheduled sporadically to come in and be post‐progress assessed
Updated March 31, 2020
The Powers and Kirchner Day Care Center will remain closed. The SWTJC Re-open Committee will soon evaluate an opening date.
Updated June 11, 2020
The Uvalde campus Cafeteria will be closed until further notice.
Updated March 24, 2020
SWTJC Libraries may have their doors closed, but Librarians are still here to help! As always, the Library has many resources you can access via the Library homepage using your student login information. Resources include Databases, E-books, Digital Magazines (Flipster), and Newspapers (Newsbank). Students in need of a Chromebook can call their local library and schedule a pick-up time Monday - Friday. If you have any questions, please call your local SWTJC Library. Uvalde (830) 591-7254, Del Rio (830) 703-1563, Eagle Pass (830) 758-4118, Crystal City (830) 374-2828 ext. 7611. Librarians can be reached by calling the Campus Library phone numbers listed above. You may also email all questions to library@swtjc.edu.
Updated April 1, 2020
Bookstore Hours
Curbside is available to pick up items.
Uvalde Campus
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Del Rio and Eagle Pass Bookstores will reopen on August 17th through August 28th, the hours are as follows:
Del Rio Campus
Monday – Wednesday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Eagle Pass Campus
Monday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday - Thursday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Order online through the SWTJC Bookstore website or call the Bookstore at (830) 591-7270 with any questions.
Updated August 17, 2020
Help Desk (830) 591-7323
The SWTJC IT Department Help Desk is available REMOTELY Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
By Appointment Only
If you need to visit the Uvalde IT Department for technical support in person, please email helpdesk@swtjc.edu or call (830) 591-7323 to make an appointment. Help Desk technicians will not be on campus unless an appointment is made to drop off devices or equipment in order to maintain minimal contact with others.
Updated March 29, 2020
Student Information
Yes! SWTJC wants you to stay on course with achieving your educational goals regardless of the hardships you may be facing due to the impact of COVID-19.
The application deadline is October 9, 2020.
Please complete the CARES Act Student Emergency Aid Application to explain any financial challenges or issues you are facing. SWTJC has a task force ready to process the distribution of financial assistance to help keep our students progressing toward academic and personal goals.
Updated September 10, 2020
The SWTJC Library can help!
What do I have to do?
- Have access to Wi-Fi and a Gmail account
- Go to the library website
- Read the information and complete the quiz
- Call your local SWTJC Library to schedule a pick-up time
- Sign a Chromebook agreement
Please call your local SWTJC Library for details
Uvalde (830) 591-7254
Crystal City (830) 274-2828 ext. 7611
Del Rio (830) 703-1563
Eagle Pass (830) 758-4118
You may also email library@swtjc.edu
Added August 24, 2020
Wi-Fi Hotspot Access on Campus
SWTJC is providing Wi-Fi access for students, faculty, and staff in parking lots at the Uvalde, Del Rio, and Eagle Pass campus locations. If you need access to Wi-Fi, you can park in a spot within the red highlighted area and access Wi-Fi safely while practicing social distancing in your own vehicle.
Uvalde Campus Wi-Fi Hotspot Parking Lot
Crystal City Campus Wi-Fi Hotspot Parking Lot
Del Rio Campus Wi-Fi Hotspot Parking Lot
Eagle Pass Campus Wi-Fi Hotspot Parking Lot
Discounted Internet Access
Spectrum Internet Assist - The Spectrum Internet Assist program provides reliable, high-speed internet access at an affordable price for those who qualify. Eligible low-income households can receive discounted 30 Mbps high-speed internet, along with Security Suite and an internet modem, at no additional charge. Spectrum Internet Assist requires no contracts, and as always, there are no data caps or hidden fees.
Updated August 21, 2020
Given the rise in COVID-19 cases statewide and in SWTJC’s service area and the uncertainties associated with this rise, the SWTJC administration has decided the following:
- All Fall 2020 Academic/Transfer courses will be offered virtually/remotely via Zoom, Teams, or Canvas Conference. These include classes originally scheduled as “regular,” in-person face-to-face.
- Technical Program classes will meet virtually for lectures and meet in-person for hands-on labs, observing safety and social distancing procedures.
The following Technical Programs will conduct face-to-face learning (which will also include some remote learning):
- Law Enforcement Academy
- Airframe Mechanics
- Registered Nursing (ADN)
- Vocational Nursing (VN)
- Radiology Technology
- EMT
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Cosmetology
- Automotive Technology
- Automotive Body Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Wildlife Management
- A/C & Refrigeration
- Welding Technology
- Professional Truck Driving
- Lineman Training
The following Technical Programs will be conducted remotely:
- Criminal Justice
- Child Development
- Computer Information Systems (CIS)
- Administrative Information Technology (AIT)
- Management
Updated July 24, 2020
Visit SWTJC's self-service Student Planning page to get started with registering for classes! Student Planning provides academic planning tools that help students and advisors see what courses and requirements students need to fulfill to stay on track and graduate. Student Planning is easily accessible from any mobile device, allowing students to access plans and register for courses.
Added July 23, 2020
Due to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, SWTJC officials announced adjustments to the undergraduate admissions criteria and processes for Fall 2020/Spring 2021 and waive Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) scores as a requirement.
The announcement effectively extends changes that previously had been adopted for new students applying for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.
“By waiving the standardized testing requirement, our intention is to remove potential barriers to new incoming students pursuing their higher education goals, especially where TSI testing may continue to be limited,” said Margot Mata, vice president of student services.
Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor with placement related questions.
Added July 14, 2020
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting- Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
- Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) received funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”). The College has signed and returned the Certification and Agreement required by the Act and intends to use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to eligible students.
- SWTJC will receive $1,868,479 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Title IV eligible students.
- As of 6/29/2020, SWTJC has distributed $688,700.00 to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- SWTJC estimates that 2,177 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act, as of 6/29/2020, is 1118.
- SWTJC uses a method of student application and eligibility certification by its Financial Aid office to determine which students will receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Each eligible student will receive an award of $500 for an initial award. In the event that remaining funds are available, the institution will re-examine needs of student applicants.
- Each student receiving an Emergency Financial Aid Grant received the following notification and instruction from the Financial Aid Director:
WebAdvisor account. The award will be transmitted through the
arrangements you have made with your BankMobile account.
federal statue, nor Department of Education regulations. As such,
these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial
aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).
these funds will not be applied to any balance owed to SWTJC and will
be paid directly to you.
disbursed directly to the student and may not be applied toward
outstanding balances. To use these funds to pay-off an outstanding
balance with SWTJC, a student must make a payment to their account on
WebAdvisor.
Questions document from the Department of Education:
For assistance with passwords and logging on to WebAdvisor, please
contact the Help Desk at (830) 591-7323.
Yvette Hernandez
yvetteh@swtjc.edu
Director of Financial Aid
Southwest Texas Junior College
2401 Garner Field Rd
Uvalde, TX 78801
Added May 21, 2020
New students to SWTJC must complete an application online using Apply Texas. Please create your profile first in Apply Texas and then you will be able to begin the application process. The Office of Admissions will send you an acceptance letter in the mail. Please allow a few business days for processing.
Former students of SWTJC should complete the Readmission Form. Save the form to your computer, fill out the form, save changes and submit via email to the Admissions Office account which is admoffice@swtjc.edu.
Added April 17, 2020
Student Call Centers
General Questions:
Uvalde Student Call Center (including Hondo) – (830) 591-4163
Eagle Pass Student Call Center – (830) 758-4165
Del Rio Student Call Center – (830) 703-1504
Crystal City Student Call Center (including Pearsall) – (830) 374-2828
Admissions Questions - (830) 591-7255
Dual Credit Questions - (830) 591-7374
Financial Aid Questions - (830) 591-7368
Updated July 2, 2020
All college courses offered for dual credit will continue via remote/Internet format, including SWTJC courses taught by High School faculty. Your instructors should have already contacted you through email, text, or phone; if not, please contact one of the Call Centers at the numbers listed in the previous item on this page. If you are not sure which number to use, call the Uvalde number.
Updated March 31, 2020
The Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990
The helpline will help anyone who needs assistance when it comes to the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the coronavirus pandemic. Available 24/7 free of charge
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line (833) 986-1919
Texas Health and Human Services
Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have a new statewide support line available 24/7.
Updated March 31, 2020
We will not hold face-to-face tutoring hours until further notice, however, we realize that tutoring is an essential resource for many of our students. Therefore, we will offer individual online tutoring for the remainder of the semester.
In-Person Advising will NOT be available until further notice. You may schedule appointments starting April 1st and you will be contacted via phone or email by your Academic Advisor. Please make sure valid contact information is provided.
Updated March 30, 2020
- New dates for TSI - Remote Testing posted every Monday
- New dates for In-Person TSI Testing at the Uvalde Campus posted every Thursday
Updated July 27, 2020
This site will be available for the next 30 days.
To access online resources, visit www.go2ie.com/onlinelearningstudent and follow the next steps:
- Create an account
- Fill out the information about who you are and where you study
- Start utilizing online orientation and student success workshops
Faculty & Staff Information
Please be advised that if you traveled out of state or out of the country (including Mexico), Administration recommends employees stay home for five workdays. If no symptoms arise, you may return to work the following Monday.
The SWTJC IT Department can help you install Cisco Jabber, an app that can be used off-campus to make and receive phone calls from your SWTJC campus phone number. Cisco Jabber allows office calls to be made and received on iPhone, Android, Windows PC, or Mac devices. Users have the ability to use all of the same features of SWTJC 's phone system; for example, transferring calls, checking voicemails, conducting conference calls, etc., along with chat and video calling capabilities. Calls made from within Cisco Jabber will display your SWTJC office number, allowing personal cell phone numbers to remain private. If Cisco Jabber is used on mobile devices, it will use the cell phone's data plan if it is not connected to WiFi. At lunch hour or at the end of the day, the end-user can log out of Cisco Jabber so that they do not receive work-related phone calls while not on the clock.
Please submit a ServiceDesk Plus Support Ticket with the IT Department Help Desk to get started with Cisco Jabber. The following tutorials will assist you in using Cisco Jabber for each platform.
For Windows
https://youtu.be/dhxzE8X5Qbo
For iPhone
https://youtu.be/af89su1pE1g
For Android
https://youtu.be/JGvqItG1oc8
Added May 20, 2020
Follow the links below to download the Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client software to your respective device.
Installing, Configuring and Using Fortinet VPN Client for Chromebook
Installing, Configuring and Using Fortinet VPN Client for Mac
Installing, Configuring and Using Fortinet VPN Client for Windows
Next, download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Google Play Store, the App Store, or the Microsoft Store, whichever corresponds to your respective device. Please Note: Most Windows devices should already have Remote Desktop installed by default.
Lastly, please contact the SWTJC IT Department Help Desk at (830) 591-7323 to configure Remote Desktop in order to remotely access your office computer.
Updated April 2, 2020
The Texas Department of Information Resources has shared the information below with guidelines to help you maintain a safe cyber environment while working from home.
Forwarding Calls to Your Cell Phone
- Press the Fwd All button located under your phone screen.
- Type in your number exactly the way you normally dial out For example 9XXX-XXXX for local calls and 91(210)XXX-XXXX for long-distance calls. If you cannot physically access your phone, please send an email to the IT Department at helpdesk@swtjc.edu with your name, extension and the number you wish to forward your calls to and we will apply the forwarding to your phone.
- When you return to your office, turn this feature off by pressing the Fwd All button again.
Checking your Voicemail from Off-Campus
- Call your office phone number.
- Press * as soon as your greeting begins.
- Enter your ID (your four-digit extension) followed by the # button.
- Enter your PIN followed by the # button. This is the same PIN you use to check voicemail from your office.
Changing Your Voicemail Greeting
If you are needing to temporarily change your Voicemail Greetings, we recommend activating the Alternate Greeting. By doing so, you can switch back to your Standard Greeting when you no longer need the Alternate Greeting.
- Access voicemail. If you are off-campus, follow steps 1-4 of Check Your Voicemail.
- Press 4 for Setup Options
- Press 1 to Change Your Greeting
- Press 3 to Edit Other Greetings
- Press 3 to Edit Your Alternate Greeting
- Press 1 to Re-record This Greeting
- Press 3 to Turn On or Off
- Press # to Leave On Indefinitely
Please use the following resources posted to our Canvas Faculty Training Course:
https://swtjc.instructure.com/courses/36/pages/online-assistance