COVID-19 Updates - Spring 22

The University requires students to complete the Get the Vax registration process. All students are also asked to get a booster shot. 

Students can contact Boynton Health to schedule an appointment at one of their locations (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Visit Safe Campus for more information 

The University's Face Covering Protocol no longer requires faculty, staff, students, or visitors to wear a face mask while indoors (with notable exceptions). Individuals can choose to continue wearing masks even though they are not required.

Masks available

Members of our community can continue to use cloth following university guidance. KN95 masks and AirPops are available in limited supplies at our HRL Information Desks.

We remind all residents to be respectful of one another and off-campus city ordinances or private business policies which may still require mask usage.

All campus health and safety efforts will be based on the most current science as well as guidance from federal, state and local health authorities. Visit the Safe Campus website for details on the campus-wide measures to be taken and the requirements being put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to COVID-19, there will likely be members of our community with common colds, influenza, or other illnesses. Remind yourself and others to slow the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses by practicing good health habits:

• Seek a COVID-19 test if you have been exposed to someone with a verified case, or if you have symptoms.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Clean high touch areas in your room or apartment.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Get adequate rest and eat well.
• Stay home if you are sick. Self-isolate and contact Boynton Health or another healthcare provider for guidance.

Just as with the start of the pandemic, anxiety will surely be high for many of our community members. Mental health resources exist for students, staff, and faculty and we strongly encourage you to use them when you believe necessary. 

We are proud to offer our residents a safe and stable environment to live while pursuing their academic goals. Dedicated HRL building teams and campus resources are available to provide individual student support for mental health and wellbeing.

In your building

Housing staff are available for in-person support, email questions, and virtual meetings if you prefer. Each residence hall and apartment has a Building Management Team (BMT) composed of full-time professional staff who oversee building facilities, operations, and residential life.

Campus resources

• International Student & Scholar Services, call 612-626-7100 for appointments.
• Student Counseling Services
• Boynton Mental Health Clinic
• Student Affairs Care Program
• Let’s Talk (informal drop-in consultations)
• Undergrad Update Resources
• Academic Success Centers
• Recreation and Wellness Center
• Student Unions and Activities

Residents and guests are prohibited from behaviors that create a health or safety hazard within the residential community. Our Community Behavioral Standards reflect a respect for the rights and responsibilities needed to foster engaged and inclusive community living experiences. Our staff partners with residents to create a culture where students can communicate with each other about concerns regarding noise and other personal behaviors.

Residents who violate housing policies, go through the Housing Student Conduct process. This process is designed to be educational rather than punitive and emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, the value of fairness, and the crucial role of honesty for all members of the University community. 

We encourage all students to know their rights and what is expected of them as residents. 

As the University works to balance public access to campus with greater security, all faculty, staff, and students will need to carry their U Cards at all times to ensure access to campus buildings. HRL residence hall and apartment residents need their U Cards for many spaces within our buildings, so remember to keep your card on you at all times.

Students in Isolation are not allowed to enter Residential Dining Facilities. Students in isolation must coordinate their own food until their isolation period is completed (for example, asking a friend to drop off their food). Please contact the building staff if you are experiencing food insecurity during this time.

Note: KN95 face masks are still required for individuals who are completing isolation or quarantine on campus whenever you are outside of your bedroom. 

If a resident needs to complete isolation on campus, they will either stay in their own space or request the use of an emergency space.

If you need to use an emergency space, we recommend students bring enough supplies for up to 10 days. See our packing list for more suggestions. 

Staying In Your Space

During your isolation, you must remain out of public places. This includes lounges, lobbies, study spaces, the information desk, dining centers, hallways, and other common areas. The only reason to leave your space is to go to your assigned bathroom, to be tested for COVID-19, retrieve food, critical packages, or to go to a critical medical appointment. KN95 masks are required at all times you are outside of your isolation space.

Do not interact with others in person. People with active COVID-19 or awaiting test results due to possible exposure to COVID-19 need to physically separate from others to ensure mutual health and safety. You should not use public transportation or ride-sharing. Students who violate these isolation protocols may be held responsible through our Community Behavioral Standards.

Deliveries

If a package arrives that you need before being released from isolation, you must wear an N95 mask and only proceed to and from the pick up location. You may not linger in any public spaces.  

If you are not feeling well and concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to get tested for COVID-19 either at Boynton Health or another testing location to confirm whether or not you have COVID-19. 

Do not go to in-person class, work, fitness centers, dining halls, or social gatherings until you feel well. Have a friend bring you food (or only get To-Go orders) and minimize interactions with people outside of your room until you can be tested. 

If you are unvaccinated, or have completed a vaccination series but have NOT received a booster:

• You should be tested at least 5 days after the day you were exposed and watch for symptoms. 
• If you develop symptoms at any point after exposure, get tested immediately. 
• People who have been exposed to COVID must quarantine for at least 5 days. Watch for symptoms and wear a well-fitted mask for an additional 5 days. 
• You must stay in your own room.
• If you do not have other ways to get food or  medical supplies, you may go to a grocery store or pharamacy. 
• Let your instructor know you will not be able to attend in person classes. 
• Remain out of shared spaces in your household or building. 
• Even if you have had COVID-19 already and have had a blood test that shows you have antibodies, you are expected to quarantine. 

If you are up-to-date with your vaccinations, meaning having complete series AND a booster or have had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days:

• You should be tested at least 5 days after the day you were exposed and watch for symptoms.
• Wear a mask for 10 days from exposure or until test results come back negative. 
• You do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms or receive a positive test result.

Schedule a COVID-19 test  5 days from the point of exposure.

Decide whether you will quarantine in your room, in another room on- or off-campus. Here is what you need to know about each option in order to make your decision:

• Off-campus: Students can choose to quarantine themselves off-campus. You must leave campus by the end of the day you learn of your exposure and not return until your quarantine period is over.
• In Your Room: You can quarantine in your assigned Housing space if you have a bedroom to yourself or have no current symptoms of illness and everyone is comfortable with you staying as long as:
  • Everyone you live with has been vaccinated and has had any required boosters (including the roommate who may be the positive exposure), or
  • If any of the roommates are not fully vaccinated/boosted, the individual is not showing COVID-19 symptoms.

On-campus Quarantine

Note: KN95 face masks are still required for individuals who are completing isolation or quarantine on campus.

Students must remain masked at all times outside their quarantine space, and stay distanced as much as possible. All movement outside the room should be limited to the following situations:

• Using the bathroom.
• Getting To-Go food from the dining hall.
• Getting food/packages from the Information Desk.

There are many people here to answer your questions or help.

• During business hours, you can reach out to the Residence Director or Business Operations Supervisor (BOS) of the building.
• On evenings and weekends you can reach out to the CA or HS on Duty
• Information Desks are open 24 hours a day; find the phone number and email for your building.

Health Support

If you have a thermometer, take your temperature daily and keep track of it. Generally, anything over 100.4F/38C would indicate a fever.  It will be important to know when your fever subsides.

If your symptoms worsen or you have other health concerns, please call Boynton's nurse line at 612-625-7900 for further instructions (or your personal healthcare provider). Call 911 for emergency transportation to a hospital.

Please know that most Boynton services are still operating at this time such as urgent care, pharmacy services and mental health.