COVID-19 INFORMATION

LAST Updated: JULY 21, 2021

Important Documents

HEERF REPORTS

FOR STUDENTS

MTI COVID-19 Student Return to Campus Form (If Positive Testing Occurred)
COVID-Student-Policy-and-Procedure-JUNE 2021

FOR EMPLOYEES (If Positive Testing Occurred)

MTI COVID-19 Employee Return to Work (If Positive Testing Occurred)
COVID Employee Policy and Procedure-JUNE 2021

COVID-19 Operating Policies/Procedures

UPDATE: JULY 21, 2021

As of June 2021, in accordance with Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order (GA-36), MediaTech has made masks & face coverings optional for all students, staff, faculty and visitors.

In addition,

MediaTech will no longer require a temperature check upon entering either the Dallas or Houston campus.
MediaTech will continue to provide hand sanitizer, and provide masks upon request.
The Covid Exposure Policy & Procedure protocols are still available on our COVID web page and at the front Desk of each campus.
Please continue to use the form provided on the COVID-19 web page and provided at the Front desk of each campus allowing employees and students to voluntarily disclose any instances of coronavirus infection or exposure.
The majority of the MedaTech facilities provide for spacing in excess of three feet between individuals.
We will resume all classes at the normal capacity for the Fall 2021 term.

As always, we continue to work and consult with our local and state health officials in monitoring the conditions and will make any changes to our plan as appropriate.

PRIOR UPDATES

Updates: FEBRUARY 1, 2021

All students, faculty, and staff must wear masks at all times except when permitted by instructors to remove said masks for projects such as voiceovers, makeup applications, etc.
24” sneeze guards have been installed in each classroom to provide separation between workstations. In the event that sneeze guards are not installed, workstations have been spaced out by 6 feet to ensure proper social distancing.
Touchless hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the campus
MediaTech Institute branded face masks have been purchased and provided to the student population to ensure everyone on campus has appropriate face mask protection.

Face shields have also been provided for programs such as Acting and Makeup for when program requirements necessitates the removal of a face mask.
Gloves will also be provided to those students in Acting and Makeup for courses that may require the physical touching of other classmates during training or makeup applications.

Studio rentals will limit the number of guests allowed to attend in order to limit the number of people on campus and the number of people in a studio at any one time, to ensure proper social distancing.
Our Lab Technicians have been provided UV Disinfecting Wands, recommended by the CDC, to disinfect the electronic devises and high touch areas after each class session or studio session.

Update: SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

PROGRAMS REQUIRING HANDS-ON LABS (FACE-TO-FACE)

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Recording Arts
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Digital Film and Video Production
Recording Arts Program
Digital Film & Video Arts Program

The lecture portion (didactic) of each class has been added to an online modality for all classes. The following policy and procedures have been designed to provide limited scheduled labs for students during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure all person’s safety and health while on campus. Students will be informed prior to coming to campus via telephone or email of their required compliance to schedule on campus labs. Upon arriving to campus students will be screened and required to sign off that they have been informed and will comply at all times with MediaTech’s COVID-19 Procedures.

SCREENING PROCESS

Students are instructed to wear a mask or face covering prior to coming to campus.
Screening of instructor and students will occur at the MAIN entrance of the campus.
Anyone who has been in close contact with a person confirmed with COVID within the past 14 days or has an immediate family member diagnosed within the last 14 days, will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Non-contact temperature checks will be taken and recorded.
Should students exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, chills they will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Students are reminded of CDC guidelines and directed to review the posted posters from CDC on the front door entrance of the building, at the respective workstations, and at the restroom’s entrances of the building.
Students will sign an acknowledgement of COVID-19 Liability and Waiver Form.

LAB TRAINING

The Dallas campus consists of 32,640 square feet and the Houston campus is 14,520 square feet.

Lab areas will also be equipped with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

This plan provides execution of following health care precautions and social distancing. This plan will go into effect at both the Houston and Dallas locations of MediaTech Institute on Monday, September 14, 2020.

Updated: JUNE 29, 2020

DOWNLOAD IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

FOR STUDENTS

FOR EMPLOYEES (If Positive Testing Occurred)

ON CAMPUS LABS

Updated: JUNE 18, 2020

PROGRAMS REQUIRING HANDS-ON LABS (FACE-TO-FACE)

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Recording Arts
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Digital Film and Video Production
Recording Arts Program
Digital Film & Video Arts Program

The lecture portion (didactic) of each class has been added to an online modality for all classes. The following policy and procedures have been designed to provide limited scheduled labs for students during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure all person’s safety and health while on campus. Students will be informed prior to coming to campus via telephone or email of their required compliance to schedule on campus labs. Upon arriving on campus students will be screened and required to sign off that they have been informed and will comply at all times with MediaTech’s COVID-19 On Campus Lab Policy and Procedures.

SCREENING PROCESS

Students are instructed to wear a mask or face covering prior to coming to campus.
Screening of instructor and students will occur at the MAIN entrance of the campus.
Anyone who has been in close contact with a person confirmed with COVID within the past 14 days or has an immediate family member diagnosed within the last 14 days, will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Non-contact temperature checks will be taken and recorded.
Should students exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, chills they will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Students are required to place gloves on prior to entering the building.
Students are reminded of CDC guidelines and directed to review the posted posters from CDC on the front door entrance of the building, at the respective workstations, and at the restroom’s entrances of the building.
Students will sign an acknowledgement of COVID-19 policy and procedures

LAB TRAINING

The Dallas campus consists of 32,640 square feet and the Houston campus is 14,520 square feet.

Scheduling would allow up to 4 students or less and 1 instructor in the building at a set time.
Between every rotation of students and instructors, the building will be wiped down and disinfected by a trained staff member.
The next group would not be permitted to enter the building until the building is cleared and all work areas have been wiped down and disinfected.
Separate workstations are set up for each lab following the 6 feet apart guideline.
Lab areas will also be equipped with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

Updated: JUNE 18, 2020

This plan provides execution of following health care precautions and social distancing. Only staff essential to support online learning and laboratory procedures will be present in the building. All other MediaTech employees will continue to work remotely, which will limit the campus usage to only those individuals with set lab times. MediaTech Institute submitted and the plan above was approved by Ray Martinez III, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Workforce Education with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on May12, 2020. This plan will go into effect at both the Houston and Dallas locations of MediaTech Institute on Monday, May 18, 2020.

Update: MAY 18, 2020

EFFECTIVE: 05/18/2020

COVID-19 On Campus Lab Policy and Procedures

Programs requiring hands-on labs (face-to-face):

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Recording Arts
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Digital Film and Video Production
Recording Arts Program
Digital Film & Video Arts Program

The lecture portion (didactic) of each class has been added to an online modality for all classes. The following policy and procedures have been designed to provide limited scheduled labs for students during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure all person’s safety and health while on campus. Students will be informed prior to coming to campus via telephone or email of their required compliance to schedule on campus labs. Upon arriving on campus students will be screened and required to sign off that they have been informed and will comply at all times with MediaTech’s COVID-19 On Campus Lab Policy and Procedures.

SCREENING PROCESS

Students are instructed to wear a mask or face covering prior to coming to campus.
Screening of instructors and students will occur at the MAIN entrance of the campus.
Anyone who has been in close contact with a person confirmed with COVID within the past 14 days or has an immediate family member diagnosed within the last 14 days, will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Non-contact temperature checks will be taken and recorded.
Should students exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, chills they will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Students are required to place gloves on prior to entering the building.
Students are reminded of CDC guidelines and directed to review the posted posters from CDC on the front door entrance of the building, at the respective workstations, and at the restroom’s entrances of the building.
Students will sign an acknowledgement of COVID-19 policy and procedures

LAB TRAINING

The Dallas campus consists of 32,640 square feet and the Houston campus is 14,520 square feet.

Scheduling would allow up to 4 students or less and 1 instructor in the building at a set time.
Between every rotation of students and instructors, the building will be wiped down and disinfected by a trained staff member.
The next group would not be permitted to enter the building until the building is cleared and all work areas have been wiped down and disinfected.
Separate workstations are set up for each lab following the 6 feet apart guideline.
Lab areas will also be equipped with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

MediaTech Institute submitted the plan above and the plan was approved by Ray Martinez III, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Workforce Education with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on May12, 2020. This plan will go into effect at both the Houston and Dallas locations of MediaTech Institute on Monday, May 18, 2020.

UPDATE: APRIL 3, 2020

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructed Texans to stay at home for the next month unless they are taking part in essential services and activities, announcing a heightened statewide standard to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. He also announced that schools would remain closed until at least May 4. All Dallas and Houston campus students will continue to attend their classes online through the remainder of the term ending on Friday April 24, 2020.

Returning and new students will begin the May 4, 2020 term attending classes on campus. We understand moving to online classes was a major adjustment for our students and we are pleased to report most of our students have acclimated very well even requesting to continue to offer some classes online once we are allowed to return to campus. This very well might be an option in the future for students to attend lectures online and perform labs on campus. MediaTech will provide more details as they are available.

I want to recognize that our faculty has done an outstanding job of ensuring that our students continue to receive their education and training online. MediaTech is a technology school and our faculty were well equipped to rise to this occasion.

Well done!

And we are all so proud of our students! All our students have been phenomenal during this unexpected transition from on campus to online learning. It is evident that our students are serious about working in the audio, film and animation industries. Their passion to not allow anything to stand in their way to successfully graduate is awe inspiring. I am so proud of all our MediaTech’s!

I know students and parents have questions seeking possible concessions due to the disruptions of COVID-19. Below please find preliminary information regarding financial relief for students. We are tirelessly researching information & options and will notify you as they are released.

I look forward to seeing you all on campus soon,

Tracy Doyle

President

Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents

American Council on Education Simulates Distribution of CARES Act Emergency Funds:

“We expect the ED (Department of Education) to release detailed guidance related to the Emergency Stabilization Fund, including emergency grants to students, in the near future. Fifty percent of the $14 billion in emergency funds received by institutions under the CARES Act must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the spread of the new coronavirus. Emergency grants to students can be used for eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.”

US Department of Education:

On March 27, Secretary DeVos joined President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for the daily White House Coronavirus Task Force press briefing. She was invited by the Vice President to provide the nation with information about the Department of Education’s response to COVID-19. Below are excerpts from her remarks regarding assistance with student loans.

“Mr. President, you promised to defeat this invisible enemy and to keep our economy strong. You took immediate action and provided student loan relief to tens of millions of borrowers. We set all federally held student loans to zero interest rates and deferred payments for 60 days (see Suspending Federal Student Loan Payments and Waiving Interest During National Emergency). Now, with the CARES Act that you signed into law, Mr. President, those actions will extend to six months.”

“Those who are, or become, delinquent on their payments as a result of the national emergency will receive an automatic suspension of payments, without having to request it. Additionally, we’ve stopped federal wage garnishments altogether for students and families in default. And, I have asked private collection agencies that contract with the Department to stop all collections correspondence (see Stopping Wage Garnishment, Collections Actions for Borrowers).”

“These are tough times, but ‘We the People’ are tougher. So, in closing, let me offer just a few words of encouragement. To our students, your education can — and should — continue. Learning can happen anywhere, and we will help make sure it does. We believe in you! To our teachers, we will support you and help you. You are doing great work. Keep it up! And to every parent and family, we know these are challenging times. But it’s in the face of great challenges that Americans have always risen to the occasion and embraced greatness. And I know we’ll do that once again.”

MediaTech Institute strives to implement strategies needed to protect the students, faculty, and staff from the COVID-19 virus while continuing to operate for the success of our students. MediaTech continues to closely monitor the pandemic of COVID-19 and has implemented an emergency response plan for the campus to follow. With information afforded to the campus by Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, ACCSC, TWC, THECB and all of our Government Entities (federal, state, and local), MediaTech Institute continues to update our students, faculty, staff, and administration of recommendations as they develop.

FAQ:

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Known as the CoronaVirus, this respiratory virus was first introduced in Wuhan, Hubei, Providence, China. Learn more about this virus from the Centers for Disease Control website www.cdc.gov

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19?

Mild to severe respiratory issues with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID19-symptoms.pdf

HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD?

Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person between people in close contact (within about 6 feet). The virus spreads through respiratory drops from infected persons who cough and/or sneeze and these droplets infect those in relatively close proximity. It is possible this virus can also spread by touching a contaminated surface from an infected individual. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

HAS ANYONE AT MTI BEEN INFECTED?

No cases of COVID-19 have been reported at MediaTech Institute of Dallas or Houston campuses. For information regarding Texas areas impacted please see the Texas Health and Human Services website. https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?

See the CDC guidelines link provided to help best prevent the spread of COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

HOW IS MTI KEEPING STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF INFORMED?

We are communicating with our community through the following channels:

Email blast and text messages to all students
Website: www.mediatech.edu
Social Media Channels

To stay up to date with immediate campus messages, we encourage all students to reach out to their Instructors. Instructors will reach out to their immediate supervisors. Staff and administration will reach out to the Campus Director for any questions and concerns regarding COVID-19.

WILL ADDITIONAL CLEANING MATERIALS AND HAND SANITIZER BE PROVIDED FOR ON CAMPUS USE?

MTI is providing additional cleaning products and hand sanitizer to disinfect the campus during this pandemic.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL?

Students and staff who are feeling ill should not attend class or come to campus. Students should contact their Instructors. Staff should contact their immediate supervisor.

MARCH 17, 2020

MediaTech Institute Students:After reviewing guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, Federal, State, and Local authorities, regarding the COVID-19 virus, MTI has decided at this time to move the student educational experience to a virtual classroom modality via Google Classroom.

Students should receive information regarding this process through each class they are currently already enrolled in a Google Classroom. Students are enrolled into Google Classrooms on day one of each term. This process is not new to our student population; however, the addition of virtual class via Google Hangout is the new component added today to assist our students to achieve educational success.

We will hold all classes and labs on Google Hangouts. A link will be provided in each Google Classroom for the students to join into the classroom lecture and lab each assigned day. All students will continue this format of education through March 27, 2020, at which time the campus will make the determination of continuing education through this modality or potentially moving classes back to on campus in the classroom.

We understand this could potentially disrupt the educational flow, due to our current semester being week 10 of 15. Our goal is to transition you into the virtual classroom online modality as smoothly as possible. Your education team is working with you on a case-by-case basis.

Reach out to your instructors for any additional concerns during this process.In addition to virtual classroom modality at this time, we will still allow students to book studio time and come to campus to work on tutoring and/or labs. These sessions must be pre-booked with the instructor/tutor/or receptionist. We are limiting all sessions on campus with students to not exceed six (6) students at the time.Currently, all campus extra activities have been postponed. We will keep you updated on the future activities planned at the end of March.

MediaTech will continue to evaluate the COVID-19 situation and will update you as quickly as possible should any additional precautions need to be taken. We want to ensure your success, but we also understand the need for precaution measurements to be taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

We realize you may have additional questions and concerns and welcome the opportunity to speak to you on an individual basis to answer these questions and concerns. You will be receiving additional information from your instructors regarding your classes, expectations, and how we are moving forward to accommodate your needs. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we all work together with your best interest in mind.

We will continue to update the website, Google Classroom, emails, and text messaging with any future updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

Looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus,

Tracy Doyle

President

MediaTech Institute

Dallas/Houston