Last updated: 5/20/2020 – 2 pm CST
Important Information Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
At Vista College, our top priority is maintaining the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff while continuing to deliver on our mission. We are monitoring the ever-changing COVID-19 public health crisis, and are making daily decisions, some of which may continue to develop and change. We commit to providing you with the most current information possible on this site. Below, you will find important information regarding campus operations as well as links with information to help you stay healthy and limit the spread of this disease.
CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – Student Aid
Campus Operations
For all campuses, we are offering classes in an online or hybrid format using video conference software. The courses are occurring at their regularly scheduled days and time. If the individual campus is not under a “shelter in place” official order, it will remain available to a limited number of students who do not have the use of a computer/internet at home. A small number of employees will be at the campus to assist students with completing their programs. We are following social distancing protocols and cleaning/health guidance from the CDC and local/state health departments. We are committed to continuing to provide a quality education to our students and to support their successful program completion.
The majority of employees already are working remotely, while others are in the process of shifting to a remote environment. Campus events such as graduation ceremonies, job fairs and community events are postponed or cancelled at all campuses.
Campuses currently closed due to county/state orders to “shelter in place”:
- El Paso, Texas
- College Station, Texas
- Killeen, Texas
- Lubbock, Texas
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Longview, Texas
- Beaumont, Texas
Campuses not currently under “shelter in place” orders:
- Fort Smith, Arkansas
FAQs
How will I access my course?
What equipment do I need?
A computer with internet access is required. Audio is available by computer with a microphone and speakers, or by telephone. A webcam is preferred but not required. Zoom does not require a student to download or install any specialized software.
New students are provided a Chromebook which may be used to access Zoom and other course materials and contains a microphone and camera. Students will need internet access to use a Chromebook to access online courses.
Who is available for help?
How do I contact people when I need help?
What is the online course structure?
Zoom is live in real time, so you can see your instructor and shared visuals such as PowerPoint, pictures, videos, diagrams and other typical classroom materials. The theory portion of the class will nearly be the same as the on-ground classroom experience. Zoom will allow students to break into small groups to interact with each other to complete group projects and discussions.
Labs include a variety of learning methods including simulations, demonstrations, specialized software and at-home kits, depending on the program.
Do students need to attend at specific times?
Yes. Classes are conducted at the same time and days they would be if the schools was open for on-ground classes.Attendance is recorded each hour and students are expected to attend every hour of class.
How do students and the instructor interact with each other?
Will I earn grades for the online courses?
How are assignments completed?
How are tests/quizzes completed?
Can I get tutoring if I need it?
How will I get lab experience?
How will I get hands-on experience?
When campuses are reopened for on-campus course delivery, students will have the opportunity to experience lab activities in the physical labs. Vista will provide lab workshops for courses that have been completed online.
The Cosmetology program requires each student to complete the minimum number of hours in the Salon. Students will complete theory hours online, and then complete their remaining theory hours and Salon/Lab hours at the campus when it is reopened.
What happens when the Covid-19 crisis is over?
Useful Links About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
