COVID-19 Campus Resources
As the coordinating board for public higher education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education is sharing resources available to the higher education community to assist college and university leadership as they consider potential courses of action in concert with each campus governing board.
OSRHE will continue to update this page with new information and resources as they become available.
Note: The State Regents have provided links to several related websites and hope that they are helpful. However, the State Regents cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or content of those pages or guarantee full access to those pages.
Oklahoma Higher Education (Campus) Response to COVID-19 (last updated 4/5/21) (PDF, 407k)
State System COVID-19 FAQs (PDF, 169k)
Academic Policy Guidance – COVID-19 (PDF, 80k)
OSRHE Academic Affairs and Student Services Inquiries – Who Can Help? (PDF, 108k)
Virtual Town Hall Meeting (featuring Chancellor Glen D. Johnson and Tulsa Community College President Leigh Goodson)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Disinfection Letter and Flyer to Colleges and Universities (PDF, 158k)
- The White House Coronavirus Task Force Recommentations for College Students (external PDF)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Handouts and posters related to COVID-19 and guidance for how higher ed institutions should prepare and respond
- Campus reopening guidance from the American College Health Association (ACHA)
- CARES Act Information for Higher Education
- Internet resources for Oklahoma residents during public health emergency
- Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH): General and higher-ed specific information
- Official federal government COVID-19 information/resources
- American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU): Updates about COVID-19 relief packages, USDE guidance for IHEs and COVID-19's possible effect on the college-going rate
- U.S. Department of Education student loan information
- Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS): Compilation of state and national mental health resources
- Federal law enforcement agencies: Resources regarding criminals taking advantage of the crisis
- Southern Regional Education Board (SREB): Resource page for educators, districts and states
- Office of Postsecondary Education: Guidance for interruptions of study
- Education Commission of the States (ECS): State response resource document
- State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO): Compilation of national resources, including legislative updates and information about the Census, civil rights, FERPA and more
CARES Act Information for Higher Education
- Office of Postsecondary Education: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
- USDE Updated Guidance and FAQs (May 15, 2020, updated June 16, 2020)
- USDE Funding Notification (PDF, 375k)
- State System Campus Allocations Table (PDF, 22k)
- Student Aid FAQs (PDF, 59k)
- Institutional Aid FAQs (PDF, 54k)
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has issued COVID-19 guidance for institutes of higher education (IHEs) in Oklahoma.
Presentation (PDF, 54k)
Guidance Document (PDF, 54k)
Below are additional resources from OSDH related to COVID-19:
- OSDH COVID-19 Information Updates
- COVID-19 Talking Points (PDF, 140k)
- COVID-19 Public Symptom Checker
- COVID-19 Guidance for Colleges and Universities (PDF, 226k)
- Spring Break Travel Advisory (PDF, 82k)
- Returning Travelers Infographic (PDF, 159k)
Coronavirus.gov
www.coronavirus.gov
This is a primary lane of information for the public regarding COVID-19. It is a portal for public information that is curated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force at the White House, working in conjunction with CDC, HHS and other agency stakeholders. Coronavirus.gov will link to the appropriate federal agency website as the authoritative source for that information as necessary.
What the U.S. Government Is Doing
www.usa.gov/coronavirus
Spanish: www.usa.gov/espanol/coronavirus
This landing page on USA.gov is a catalog of all U.S. government activities related to COVID-19. USA.gov can support both English and Spanish content.
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has provided an update about COVID-19 relief packages, U.S. Department of Education guidance for IHEs regarding interruptions of study and the Clery Act, and the possible effect of COVID-19 on the college-going rate.
The U.S. Department of Education has developed coronavirus and forbearance information for students, borrowers and parents.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has compiled the following state and national resources to support mental health, stress management and self-care during the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 and Mental Health Services
- ODMHSAS has put together a Mental Health Guide to COVID-19 that includes tips for supporting your mental health during this time, as well as resources and information for families, educators/childcare providers and treatment providers.
- Recognizing that regular fellowship is an important part of one's recovery journey, ODMHSAS has created a resource listing for online recovery support services.
- Mental Health Association Oklahoma has started hosting its Oklahoma City and Tulsa support groups virtually. There are a number of virtual support groups available including: Depression Management, Survivors of Suicide, Anxiety Management, and Parents Supporting Parents.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone and chat and Crisis Text Line are available 24/7 and can be accessed from the comfort of your home. You can call the Lifeline at 800.273.TALK or access the chat service. The Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741.
Mental Health, Stress Management and Self Care
Experts are sharing tips for staying well as we practice social distancing. Tips include staying connected to loved ones, practicing self care, stepping outside for some fresh air (away from others), and reaching out to supports like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Crisis Text Line when needed.
- Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
- Helping Children Cope Emotionally With the Coronavirus (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress)
- Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Outbreak (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
- How to Help Someone With Anxiety or Depression During COVID-19 (Mental Health First Aid)
- Safe Space online page for evidence-based self-help tools, resources, and education (Vibrant Emotional Health)
Federal agencies have developed resources related to criminals taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence Note: Terrorists Exploiting COVID-19 Pandemic to Incite Violence (PDF, 516k)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Liaison Information Report: Criminals Exploiting COVID 19 Outbreak
- FBI Public Service Announcement: FBI Sees Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic (PDF, 330k)
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS): Malicious Actors Hide Info-Stealing Trojan in Fake Coronavirus (COVID-19) Maps (PDF, 415k)
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) has compiled a COVID-19 resource page for educators, districts and states, including some distance learning resources.
Analysis: Federal Education Funding in the 2021 American Rescue Plan (external link)
The Office of Postsecondary Education has issued guidance for interruptions of study related to COVID-19, including an FAQ.
The Centers for Disease Control has made several COVID-19 resources available, including:
- Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education (updated Dec. 31, 2020)
- Testing, Screening, and Outbreak Response for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)
- Using Social Media to Promote COVID-19 Mitigation Behaviors Among College and University Students (webinar resources)
- Considerations for Monitoring and Evaluation of Mitigation Strategies Implemented in Institutes of Higher Education
- When to Quarantine
- Several printable versions of handouts and posters related to COVID-19, including factsheets and guidance about handwashing. There are resources available in multiple languages.
- Easy-to-read COVID-19 safety resources are available on the CDC website. The resources are part of a project to provide essential COVID-19 information in Braille, American Sign Language (ASL), simplified text, and other alternative formats to people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
- Guidance for how IHEs should prepare for, and respond to, COVID-19, including a decision tree.
- Guidance for administrators of colleges and universities in planning and preparing for COVID-19, along with recommended response measures for those with the virus in their community.
- Guidance for institutions of higher education (IHEs) related to foreign travel. The CDC has asked IHEs to consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs and recommends IHEs consider asking current program participants to return to their home country, as well as asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. The CDC recommends that IHEs consult with state and local health authorities on the best approach for when and how study abroad students might return.
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has prepared a resource page regarding various state responses to COVID-19.
The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) has compiled the following national resources regarding COVID-19:
- Many resources can be found on SHEEO's COVID-19 Resources webpage, including SHEEO state agency plans and resources. This page will also contain regular legislative updates and an opt-in to a special listserv that will provide regular email updates as SHEEO learns the latest information around policy issues that might affect higher education. SHEEO will continue to summarize developments through its regular legislative updates. The listserv is for those who feel that more immediate information could be useful.
- SHEEO Policy Update: President Biden Signs American Rescue Plan of 2021 (external link)
- Federal Stimulus Bill: President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020, a massive $2 trillion economic relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill contains a $30.75 billion Education Stabilization Fund, of which 46% will directly aid institutions of higher education and college students. The bill also contains important flexibilities on laws pertaining to the administration of federal student aid and suspends monthly student loan payments until Sept. 30, 2020, without interest or penalties. SHEEO joined other higher education associations in advocating for increased federal aid for students and institutions, new funds for technology, access to low-cost capital, and regulatory flexibility. SHEEO released a statement praising the new investment in higher education but also noted that the costs associated with this emergency far exceed the funding in this package.
- Economic Relief Package Signed: On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law an economic relief package that includes funding for paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, free COVID-19 testing and food assistance. Higher education was not included in the bill text.
- Bill to Maintain GI Bill Benefits for Online Students to Be Signed: President Trump will soon sign into law S.3503, which will give the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authority to continue current GI Bill benefits for students transitioning to online education programs due to COVID-19. The new law will expire on Dec. 21, 2020. SHEEO signed on to a coalition letter in support of the legislation.
- Higher Education Associations Call for Increased Federal Aid to Students and Institutions: SHEEO joined two coalitions of higher education associations this week on letters (Letter 1 and Letter 2) calling for Congress to increase aid to institutions and students, provide institutions access to low- cost capital, support transitions to online education, and temporarily suspend certain regulatory provisions related to the eligibility, determination, and disbursement of Title IV financial aid. SHEEO will continue to keep its members current on responses from Capitol Hill related to these proposals.
- New ED Accreditation Guidance on Virtual Site Visits: This week the U.S. Department of Education provided guidance permitting, but not requiring, on a temporary basis accrediting agencies to perform virtual site visits coupled with in-person follow-up visits within a reasonable period of time. The guidance also provides accreditors with the flexibility to develop, adopt, modify and implement temporary virtual site visit policies, as well as flexibilities on other accreditation policies.
- Census 2020 Statement on Counting College Students and Update for College/University Student Housing Administrators:
On March 15, 2020, the U.S. Census released a statement with new information on how they plan to adjust operations to successfully count college students, protect the health and safety of their staff, and fulfill their statutory requirement to deliver the Census counts to the president on time. This includes contacting schools regarding updating their preferences for counting students living in on-campus housing. They will also remind schools to contact their students to respond to the Census even if they are off campus. Census also provided updated information directed at college and university housing administrators.
- OCR Fact Sheet and Webinar on Civil Rights and COVID-19: The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights have released a fact sheet for school districts and postsecondary schools related to discrimination stemming from COVID-19, as well as a video about online education and website accessibility.
- Legislative Package for Education Announced: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee, announced a legislative package March 13, 2020, addressing disruptions in education brought on by COVID-19. It includes provisions for early childhood, K-12 and higher education. The measure is cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). A companion bill has been introduced by Democrats in the House of Representatives. The legislation includes:
- $1.2 billion for grants to governors to provide funding for K-12 and higher education institutions to plan for closure, such as providing meals to students, supporting efforts to clean and sanitize educational facilities, providing training on how to ensure buildings are safe for students’ return, and coordinating response efforts with public health departments and other agencies.
- $1.2 billion in emergency financial aid for students to address basic needs resulting from the COVID-19 disruptions, including food, housing, health care, and childcare needs. The funds would be provided to colleges and universities who would will make the grants to students.
- A waiver for Title IV rules related to paying back Pell Grants or repaying loans that were taken out during a disrupted term. The legislation also loosens financial aid rules related to satisfactory academic progress and subsidized loans.
- Flexibility for foreign institutions of higher education serving American students abroad through distance education.
- FERPA FAQ Posted: The U.S. Department of Education posted a document to assist school officials with frequently asked questions related to applicability of FERPA to disclosures related to COVID-19.
- Fact Sheet on Arrival Restrictions: The Department of Homeland Security has posted a fact sheet with information on COVID-19 travel restrictions. These travel restrictions stem from three proclamations from President Trump banning the entry of non-U.S. citizens who are from or have recently been in China, Iran, or 26 European countries. On March 14, 2020, this ban was extended to include the United Kingdom and Ireland.
- The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance related to compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) for those that are impacted by COVID-19. The department’s guidance offers flexibility under its existing authority to help IHEs continue to serve students.
- The U.S. Department of Education is providing information related to COVID-19.
