Health and Safety

Housing COVID-19 Updates:
Fall 2020 Updates Health & Safety

HEALTH AND SAFETY at NEBRASKA

The health and safety of our students living on campus is our priority. In consultation with the University Health Center and university leadership, we've established these procedures to provide students with a positive on-campus experience while abiding by all local, state and federal health protocols. These plans may change as we continue to monitor and respond to additional recommendations and guidelines from the appropriate authorities.

Freshman moving into his new dorm
HEALTH AND SAFETY DURING MOVE IN
  • Move-in appointments - Students will be assigned a move-in day and time based on their room assignment. To increase the level of service while decreasing the traffic volume for move in, the university has contracted with a national company that offers a full-service university move in.
    Students with early arrival groups will not have the full-service option. Instead, students will be assigned a self-move time slot to help limit the number of students moving in at one time.
  • Limited contact - The check-in process has been updated to offer a low-contact process in a large venue where physical distancing can be maximized. Students are required to wear face coverings while going through the check-in process.
  • Reduced density - During move in students and up to two guests may enter the residence hall to unpack and help the student settle in. Similarly, a limited number of staff will be on hand to allow for increased physical distancing.
  • Elevator capacities - Elevators will have limited capacities to promote physical distancing. This will be monitored during peak move-in times. Capacity limits will stay in effect after the move-in period.
  • Designated traffic flow - Students and guests will be expected to follow directional signs that signal traffic flow throughout buildings. Stairwells will indicate a one-way flow (*except in case of an emergency). Directional traffic flows will stay in effect beyond the move-in period.
  • Hand sanitizer stations - Hand sanitizer stations will be available in all halls and in elevators.
  • Face coverings required - Students and guests are encouraged to wear face coverings to help protect others around them.
  • Trained staff to assist - University Housing staff will be proficient in health and safety protocols so we can continue to help students while respecting measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE RESIDENCE HALL & ROOM
  • Community Living Guide - This guide includes healthy community safety procedures for the residence halls.
  • Bedroom occupancy - One or two students will be assigned per bedroom. Students who are at high risk because they have a disability may request an accommodation through Services for Students with Disabilities by June 25 for a single bedroom and/or with en suite bathroom, if available.
  • Enhanced cleaning - Traditional hall bathrooms will be cleaned twice daily. Common areas and high touch surfaces in all halls will be cleaned frequently throughout the day.
  • Physical distancing in rooms - All beds will be placed 6-feet apart, head-to-head, and need to remain in that location throughout the year. Bunked beds will not be permitted, but students may loft beds for storage.
  • Physical distancing in halls - Study rooms and lounges will have limited capacities. Floor decals will be placed in spaces where lines form. Plexiglass barriers will be installed to reduce contact at service desks.
  • Reduced contact - Suite- and apartment-style bathrooms will be cleaned monthly to reduce the potential spread of the virus.
  • Maintenance staff protocols - Staff responding to maintenance requests will be trained on health and safety protocols. They will wear face coverings when entering student rooms, follow appropriate PPE procedures and disinfect the work area before leaving the room.
  • Guests and visitors - Non-resident guests and visitors are asked to follow physical distancing protocols, wear face coverings, and frequently wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. More information on guest and visitor policies is available in the Community Living Guide.
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN DINING SERVICES
  • Enhanced Takeout Options - Students may choose to dine in or takeout at dining centers. Mobile food ordering and late-night food options will be available. Students are required to wear face coverings when picking up items.
  • Reduced seating in dining centers - Zone seating will be in effect with seating capacities reduced by two-thirds. There will be a maximum of six per party at tables. Once seating is full, students will be asked to wait until others exit, and tables can be disinfected and sanitized. Social distancing floor decals will be placed in areas where lines form.
  • Simplified menu options - Dine in and takeout options will have a simplified selection and will include salads and desserts. Fresh entrees are also available in Herbie's Markets.
  • Serving stations - Instead of buffet-style options, students will follow a single-direction serving line and receive ample portions of items they select. Students are required to wear face coverings while in line.
  • Closures for cleaning - Dining centers will close between meal periods for cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Staff safety procedures - Dining Services staff will wear face coverings and follow Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department protocols.