Western Tech Extends “Stay At Home Order” Until June

May 15, 2020

Greetings Students and Staff,

We hope that you all have received and read the communication regarding the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants. If you have not, visit https://www.westerntech.edu/emergencygrants/ for details. It is important to note that you will need a signed and approved CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants Student Certification Form on file with the College and ensure that your contact information and address are updated on the Campus Student Portal. You may address any questions regarding the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants to wtfinancialaid@westerntech.edu. Checks for the first pool of funds will begin to be mailed out this week for the students that have submitted their Certification Form.

We understand that most of you are excited to get back to the hands-on training. We share the same excitement and we are committed to getting you back to a safe learning environment when it’s safe. As we have all continued to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the El Paso area, there continues to be an increase in cases and, sadly, deaths too. Because of this, our local elected officials have asked that we delay returning students to campus as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Therefore, WT will resume some classes 9 school days later than planned or Monday, June 1, 2020. Hopefully, by that time, we will see a decrease in all Covid-19 stats.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if any other changes are necessary.

Please understand that this situation has never happened before and there are some questions no one really knows the answer to. WT is doing the best we know how to consider both safety and your need to get back to hands on learning.

Not all programs will be returning to hands-on training at their campus at the same time. Those scheduled to phase in hands-on training on June 1st are the Welding, HVAC, Diesel, Automotive, PTA, and EET programs.

Programs that will return to their campus at a later date are BSN, BBA, MCA, MBC, MT, and ISS.

Your program director or instructor will contact you regarding scheduling and, to the best of their ability, answer any questions you have.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE
In the interest of everyone’s safety, when the above-mentioned programs return to their campuses on June 1st, WT has contracted with a medical firm to take temperatures and check for other Covid 19 symptoms before students enter the buildings each day. Additionally, hand sanitizers will be available and rooms, including shops and labs will be reconfigured for social distancing. I know we are all eager to return, but we must exercise patience and safe practices to protect everyone’s health.

STAFF & CAMPUS HOURS
Both campuses remain closed until further notice. Western Tech faculty and staff will continue to work from home and will be available to support your needs between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday.

We understand all the frustrations, concerns, and uncertainties that you and your families may be feeling. The decision was not an easy one to make however, we felt that it was the best one to make considering the current circumstances. Thank you for your support and understanding through these trying times. We will continue to get through these challenging times together.

Stay Safe and Healthy,

Brad Kuykendall

Chief Executive Officer