President Rudin’s Letter to Students Regarding the Spring 2022 Return to Campus

Dear Students,

I hope you have enjoyed a peaceful and well-deserved winter break with family and loved ones. We understand that there is misinformation being circulated about the spring 2022 semester. Please understand that official university messaging will be provided via university email, social media and the website. That said, we are excited to welcome you back to campus and our extended university sites for the spring semester! Classes will begin as scheduled.

As you probably know, daily cases of the Omicron variant in Northeast Texas are increasing. While many questions remain, several expert projections indicate that Omicron will spike and then potentially recede by the end of January. In response, we are taking several steps to minimize the spread of the virus. Your health and safety remain our top priorities, and we are making every effort to maintain a healthy learning environment here at A&M-Commerce.

Please note:

• In-person classes will be held on campus and extended university sites, as scheduled. However, some professors may choose to conduct classes online during the first week (Jan. 12-14). If so, they will inform you via email. (Please check your student email for updates.)
• Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to you at locations across campus.
• On-campus testing for COVID-19 is available:
  • While testing is not mandatory, testing locations will provide free walk-up rapid COVID-19 tests for all students. Dates and times of testing services will be posted at Stay Healthy Lions.
• COVID-19 testing by appointment:
  • Our excellent Student Health Center offers COVID-19 testing by appointment. To make an appointment, complete the consent form for testing and then book an appointment at Free COVID-19 Testing.
• EOC and CDC guidance:
  • As a reminder, anyone testing positive is required to notify the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at [email protected] for guidance. As you probably know, the CDC has recently modified their guidelines surrounding quarantine and isolation for those who test positive for COVID-19. The Texas A&M University System, based on new CDC recommendations, has provided guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation.
• Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics are held locally. Please consider getting a vaccination or booster. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Together, we can promote a healthy learning environment and enjoy a successful Spring 2022 semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]. Thank you for your continued flexibility and commitment to excellence in the face of these unique challenges.

Go Lions!

Mark Rudin

President