I am a student currently taking lecture classes at the Preston Ridge Campus at Collin College. I have been following the COVID-19 issue closely in the past months. Not just in the news, but following doctors from around the world who have been studying this virus. One of the common themes in their advice is to be proactive and not reactive. Active monitoring and continuing to take precautions is what you were doing before the virus reached the county. Now that the virus has been confirmed here in Frisco it is time to be proactive. I'm very disappointed to say the plan Collin College has put forth is not even reactive.

There is no more denying we are in the midst of a pandemic. Baylor University, University of Dallas, University of North Texas, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University, Tarleton University, and Paul Quinn College have all taken action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, Collin College as they have said in their own words will only, “[Continue] Active monitoring and continuing to take precautions.  The college’s Office of Emergency Management remains in continual contact with Collin County Health Care Services and Texas Department of State Health Services.”

There needs to be an alternative track and a way to finish the semester for those who do not wish to attend classes in person. This could mean continuing classes online or simply having instructors give lectures virtually. I am not an activist by nature but my parents are in the age range of the most severely affected cases, and my brothers have asthma, so I take this situation very seriously. The virus is here in Frisco, and Collin College needs to take action before a student gets sick.

Please help me send a message to H. Neil Matkin and the Board Of Trustees, whose job it is to keep us safe.