Keep Learning

We understand that this is an unusual, uncertain time and we are here to support you as much as we can. We want you to keep learning and striving towards your educational goals.

If you have questions, please email COVID-19@durhamtech.edu for assistance.

Updates for fall semester

Fall 2022 Guidelines for College Operation

View the latest Guidelines for College Operations.

The COVID-19 Campus Exposure Procedure outlines what to do if you have been exposed, show symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19. 

Campus Access

Durham Tech campuses are open and welcomes students and visitors to access campus for all available services.

Are students and employees required to wear face coverings on campuses?

Masks are optional inside buildings at all campus locations, regardless of your vaccination status. Masks may still be required in some program settings, including health and wellness, public safety programs, and clinical and work-based learning sites. Note: Mask and social distancing requirements are subject to change based on new CDC guidelines.

Are students and employees required to complete a check-in procedure before coming to campus?

No, but students and employees who come to campus should assess their symptoms prior to arriving to campus to prevent the spread of illness on campus.

What if I'm at increased risk for severe illness?

The College is working to create safe learning options for students, including those who are identified as increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, by the CDC. The College will offer these students an opportunity to explore remote learning options, or other alternatives, if they cannot resume seated classroom instruction without increased risk to themselves or an immediate member of their household. If the student is not enrolled in any seated, hybrid, blended courses in the applicable term, there is no need to complete this form.

If you or a member of your household identifies as high-risk and you would like to request a remote learning option, we have a process to review and make decisions on those requests. The attestation form and any supporting documentation should be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the desired start of the applicable remote learning option, or as soon as the student (or their immediate household member) is determined to be high risk. The portal, which will allow you to submit the attestation form and any supporting documentation, can be found at https://highrisk.durhamtech.edu.

Please feel free to email highriskstudent@durhamtech.edu with any questions or concerns regarding the above information.

What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive?

Notify your instructor and complete the Contact Tracing form. View the COVID-19 Campus Exposure Procedure and the Reporting COVID-19 Cases web page to learn about College protocol for testing, exposure, and notifications.

My program requires clinical, fieldwork, or work-based learning to complete the classes. How are these components being handled?

Students may attend clinical, fieldwork, or work-based learning (“work site”) at locations accepting students. Students will follow check-in procedures and guidelines established by the appropriate work site. Students may be required to refresh their clinical or work-based learning skills at on-campus locations prior to going to the work site. View the Guidelines for College Operations for more information.

Health and Wellness

Where can I get a vaccination or a COVID-19 test?

Everyone 5 and over is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Durham Tech will be holding vaccination clinics on main campus. The college also has COVID-19 testing Monday-Friday on main campus that is at no cost and is open to students, employees, and the community. View dates on the Vaccinations web page or find a vaccine provider near you.

Why and where to get a flu shot

Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent infection with influenza, a virus that can cause many of the same symptoms as COVID-19. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important to be vaccinated against the flu to help prevent influenza, avoid a mistaken diagnosis of COVID-19, and preserve healthcare resources.

Receive the flu shot from your personal physician or local CVS, Walgreen’s, Harris Teeter, or Target, etc. Students who do not have a health plan can visit the following locations to receive a flu shot:

Note: You must wait at least 14 days between a flu and COVID-19 vaccination no matter which vaccine was received first. 

I'm feeling overwhelmed. Is there anyone I can talk to?

Meet with a Durham Tech counselor via phone call or video chat. In addition to providing referrals to appropriate community resources, counselors will be available to assist you with your needs 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you need counseling support, please send an email from your ConnectMail account to Karen Mosley, Coordinator of Counseling Services. Once your email is received, a member of our counseling staff will contact you to discuss how we may be able to support you during this time.

Be Well at Durham Tech provides students with a 24/7 free mental health support line with licensed counselors as well as free telehealth or off campus face-to-face counseling sessions. Call 833-434-1217 to speak with a counselor or make an appointment.

View community resources on the Counseling Services web page.

Instruction

What if I don’t have access to a computer or internet at home?

Durham Tech staff are working to assist students who are struggling to access computers and internet services while the campus is closed. View options for purchasing low cost computers and internet service or request assistance if you are unable to purchase a computer.

Email Maggie West if you have questions.

Do you have any suggestions for improving online learning?

Digital Literacy Tutoring: The Center for Academic Excellence is offering tutoring in basic computer skills. To schedule an appointment, email cae@durhamtech.edu or call/text 919-694-7084.

Join Surviving Online Learning Environments (S.O.L.E.), a Durham Tech student interest group that meets virtually to share and discuss tips and strategies for succeeding and excelling in their online classes. Through the content in S.O.L.E., students will feel confident and ready to 'step' into online success!

Contact: Deidre Yancey

Is the Durham Tech library open?

Yes. The Main Campus, OCC, and NDC libraries are open. View the Library section of the website for in-person and virtual hours.

Many library resources are also available online. If you need assistance accessing these resources, email the Library with your questions or chat with a Durham Tech Librarian. Evening and weekend online chat assistance is also available.

To search for articles and ebooks, use your ConnectMail username and password to log in to the Off Campus Databases web portal or begin your search with one of the library’s databases. Also, see the Library’s collection of 83 Research Guides for a variety of courses and programs.

You may access streaming video through Films on Demand, and then look for “Films on Demand,” “Films on Demand: Allied Health,” and “Films on Demand: World Cinema.” The three collections include a large general collection with nearly 44,000 films and clips for many subjects.

I need tutoring in a particular area. How can I seek a tutor’s help?

Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) tutors are available to you both in- person and online (via Zoom). View the CAE web pages for the tutoring schedule and how to make an appointment.

Access Upswing any time by using the same username and password that you use for Self-Service. Once logged in, use the search box at the top of the Upswing Virtual Learning Platform to search for a tutor in your desired subject. If you have any questions on how to navigate through Upswing, call us at 919-694-7084, or email cae@durhamtech.edu.

Tech Skills Coaching

Have you received/purchased a laptop for your online classes but need help setting it up? Does the thought of submitting online assignments make you nervous? Do you find yourself wondering where you saved your documents on your computer? If you need help with basic computer skills, we will be happy to help! View the online schedule or contact the CAE at 919-694-7084, text 919-886-5329, or email cae@durhamtech.edu.

How do I stay connected to classmates, friends, and instructors?

Whether it's exploring resources, discussing classwork, or sharing new experiences with your online community, our new Student Interest Groups make it easy to develop relationships.

Registration

I need to register and be advised. Will I still be able to do so, and when?

View the registration section for more information about registration, payment deadlines, and drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines.

To see who to contact for advising, please visit the Advising Services page.

How do I take placement tests?

RISE for Curriculum and Accuplacer ESL tests are offered online and in-person testing. Learn more and sign up for placement testing.

What if I need to withdraw from a course because of COVID?

The College's normal withdrawal procedure and deadlines will be used. If a student experiences medical issues related to COVID after the withdrawal deadline for a course, please refer that student to consider a Medical Withdrawal. 

Tuition and Fees

Will tuition and fees change for credit courses?

No. The North Carolina Community College System Office tuition for the 2021 – 2022 Academic Year remains the same. There are also no changes to the College’s general student fees, which remain at the same level as this past year. Student fees are calculated on a sliding scale, based on the number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled. Take a look at the Tuition and Fees Chart on our website for a more detailed breakdown.

Financial Aid

Will my financial aid be affected if I stop attending or withdraw from classes?

It is important for students receiving Financial Aid benefits to continue in their courses. If a student stops attending or withdraws from courses, they must have their benefits reassessed. If you are not able to continue in your classes and have received financial aid for the semester, contact your Financial Aid adviser to discuss your particular situation. Visit the Financial Aid section of the website to find a list of Financial Aid advisers. Review the Financial Aid FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.

What are the disbursement dates of my financial aid award funds?

Spring funds will be disbursed depending on when all required financial aid paperwork is accurately submitted to the Financial Aid Office. View the Award Refunds web page for the spring deadline and disbursement dates.

I'm struggling financially. Can you provide assistance?

The COVID-19 crisis has caused financial struggles for countless families. Know that you are not alone, and that the team at Durham Tech is here to support you and your family during this challenging time.

Students who need emergency financial assistance may look to the Emergency Financial Assistance Program or the Finish Line Grant. View more information about these programs.

Food assistance is available through the Campus Harvest Food Pantry and community resources. Learn more about curbside grocery pick-up and other food assistance.

In addition to this page, we have a Virtual Student Resources Center offering links to student support services.

Additional questions

In addition to this page, we have a Virtual Student Resources Center offering links to student support services.


For questions regarding Durham Tech COVID-19 response or college operations, please email covid19@durhamtech.edu.