Southeast Texas colleges preparing for new challenges as students return to in-person learning in fall They can't mandate masks on campus, thanks to an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, so they're having to get creative. Author: Dominique Leh, KBMT (12NewsNow) Published: 7:31 PM CDT July 22, 2021 Updated: 7:31 PM CDT July 22, 2021 BEAUMONT, Texas — After over a year of practicing social distancing and seven months of vaccine availability, colleges are ready for to start the fall 2021 semester. School districts aren't the only ones forced to confront COVID-related issues. Colleges and universities are also reconsidering their precautions ahead of the fall semester. They can't mandate masks on campus, thanks to an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, so they're having to get creative.