What are you doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during move-in?

Residential Life is taking multiple steps to make your experience on campus as safe and exciting as possible when you arrive in August. During the move-in process we will be conducting an expedited move-in procedure to reduce the number of people that you come into contact with. Here are specific practices and protocols that will be in place during move-in:

1. We are adding more move-in dates and times to reduce the volume of students and families on campus at any given time.
2. We are conducting enhanced disinfection of the many high-touch areas within our facilities — like door handles, light switches, handrails, and tables.
3. We are cooperating with partners across campus to promote social distancing and current health protocols.
4. Students will have to schedule an appointment to check-in.
5. We are limiting the number of people who will be assisting students during move-in, to two helpers.
6. We are limiting elevators to one family at a time.
7. We will encourage you to bring your own dolly or cart to assist you with your move-in, as this will speed up the move-in process and we will not be providing volunteer helpers or moving assistance equipment.

Do I need to bring any COVID-related items to campus? 

We encourage all residents to bring with them:

• 7 Face coverings (washable or re-usable)
• Hand sanitizer, alcohol-based with at least 70% alcohol
• Cleaning supplies (i.e., sanitizing wipes)
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Thermometer
• If applicable and possible, an extra month’s supply of any prescription medication
• Any resources needed to complete classwork remotely

Will there be any COVID-related items provided?

Yes! The Residential Life office will provide a welcome basket with a mask, small hand sanitizer, and information regarding COVID and living on campus to all students moving in.

What kind of help will be available during move-in?

Due to social distancing guidelines, we will not have volunteers to physically help move your personal belongings.  You can expect to see resident advisors and other Residential Life staff around campus. We will be there to welcome you, answer questions, and support you as you transition to life at STU.

Will there still be opportunities to build community and get involved?

Yes! We are evaluating all residential programming to limit group sizes, while still offering plenty of opportunities to build community and get involved.

Why did Residential Life move to a multi-day sign-up process?

We need to ensure social distancing during the move-in process, so we have created hundreds of time slots during which you can move into your residence hall in groups of 20.  This allows for decreased density in any given hall during the move-in process and aligns with other practices we have instituted to create the safest move-in possible. All students need to sign up for an appointment to move-in so that their files can be prepared prior to their arrival.

What if I have unique circumstances and need accommodations in selecting a move-in time or during the move-in process?

Please send an email to reslife@stu.edu and provide us information about your unique needs and situation.

Do I have a roommate?

Unless you are in a single room, you most likely have a roommate. You will get your roommate’s name and email as soon as you are both assigned.

How do I contact my roommate or suitemate?

You will receive your roommate’s information in your room assignment email/letter in July.

Can I move off-campus mid-year?

No.  Your contract is for a complete academic year (fall and spring). All residents who have signed a housing contract are required to fulfill their responsibilities.

Will lounges, study rooms, and other common areas still be accessible in the fall?

Currently, common areas will remain open for students in the residence halls but will be capped at 10 people.  Residential Life will have health and safety procedure signs posted outside of all common areas. Students are expected to practice social distancing and follow all guidelines posted. Lounges, study rooms, and other common areas may be subject to closure at any point during the semester.

Will students living in the residence halls have to wear a face covering?

Yes. Students will be expected to wear a face covering when traveling anywhere on campus, to and from classes and within the residence halls. You will not be required to wear a face covering in your personal residence hall room.

What if a student living in the residence halls does not feel well and is experiencing symptoms?

Individuals with symptoms or who have had potential, close contact to COVID-19 exposure, are encouraged to contact the Baptist Clinic or their primary care provider to discuss their symptoms and schedule an appointment for testing.  While an individual is waiting for test results, one MUST self-isolate in the designated space provided, not in their residence hall room, or return home.

Will there be designated areas to temporarily isolate students who live on campus if needed?

If a student tests positive for COVID 19, the student will be encouraged to go home for their required quarantine period if possible.  Those within driving distance from STU will be expected to return home during their quarantine period.  However, STU will maintain a quarantine facility separated from the residence halls that will be used only as necessary.   Students should follow the case management program as instructed by Baptist Health Center or their primary care provider.  Housing and Residential Life maintenance staff will deep clean and sanitize the student’s initially assigned room while the student is self-isolating in the temporary room. If the resident has a roommate that was exposed, the roommate may also be temporarily relocated to a separate designated room for the 14-day self-isolation period and may be referred to Baptist Health to determine if a COVID-19 test is necessary.

Will students living on campus be expected to clean their own restrooms?

Yes, unless you live in a residence hall with a community-style restroom. Students with private or suite style restrooms will be responsible for cleaning their own restrooms. You will need to coordinate with your roommate and/or suitemates to ensure that your restroom and common area remain clean and sanitary. Community and public bathrooms throughout the residence halls will be cleaned and sanitized by custodial staff daily.

All residential students need to be diligent in cleaning their individual rooms. Residential life will be conducting additional health and safety checks to ensure that residents are taking proper sanitary precautions in their respective rooms.

Will residential students be provided with cleaning products?

Students with private or suite style restrooms will be responsible for cleaning their own restrooms.  You will need to have your own cleaning products to ensure your restroom is thoroughly cleaned.

What will the overnight guest and visitation policy be?

Overnight guests will not be permitted for Fall 2020 semester.  The residential life team will manage each centralized entrance during the evening hours and will ensure that only residents and their guests are in the building.  All guests will sign in and must leave the halls by curfew.  Visitation Hours will be 10am-12am daily.

Guests will be permitted based on the following restrictions:

1. Guest must be a currently enrolled STU student
2. Only 1 guest per resident will be permitted at a time

Where can I get help if I am concerned or anxious about COVID-19?

You can contact our Student Counseling services who will offer some helpful tips for dealing with the disruption and uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to our lives. She also offers individual counseling sessions to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health related concerns. You can schedule an appointment with:

Maria Garavito-Bedoya | Licensed Mental Health Clinician
Director of Student Health
(O) 305.628.6695
Mgaravito@stu.edu