Health and Safety

WHAT TO EXPECT FAQs

Do I have to live on campus as a first-year student if I have health concerns?

Students who feel they have a health issue that should warrant them not to live on campus will need to get an approved accommodation to live off campus through Services for Students with Disabilities and complete the On-Campus Residency Exemption Form.

What are my responsibilities as a resident living on-campus?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep your room clean.
• Students who are not vaccinated are expected to wear a face covering and practice physical distancing whenever outside their room.
• Remember that this is unusual time and you and/or others may feel anxious about what is going on.
• Be kind to one another and remember we are all in this together.

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

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers some helpful tips for dealing with the disruption that COVID-19 brought to our lives. They also offer individual counseling to help students take care of themselves. Additionally, students can sign up for a short weekly well-being check-in from Big Red Resilience and Well-being to help them navigate personal well-being.

What should students do if they show COVID-19 symptoms?

Students showing symptoms or concerned about possible exposure should immediately limit interactions with others and contact – by phone or email – the University Health Center or their primary provider.

Students should follow quarantine and isolation protocols as recommended by health care providers.

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.
• Cleaning and sanitization - Traditional hall bathrooms will be cleaned twice daily. Common areas and high touch surfaces in all halls will be cleaned frequently throughout the day. Suite- and apartment-style bathrooms will be cleaned monthly.
• Maintenance staff protocols - Staff responding to maintenance requests will be trained on health and safety protocols. They will follow the university's face covering policy 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 who are unvaccinated are asked to follow physical distancing protocols and wear face coverings. All guests and visitors should 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.
• Quarantine and isolation protocols - Students should not leave to quarantine at home with family or caregivers due to increased likelihood of spreading the virus. Instead, students should follow University Housing’s quarantine and isolation protocols.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN DINING SERVICES

• Enhanced Takeout Options - Fresh entrees are available to-go from Herbie's Markets. In the fall mobile food ordering and late-night food options will be available. Students who are not vaccinated are expected to wear face coverings when picking up items.
• Closures for cleaning - Dining centers will close between meal periods for cleaning and disinfecting.
• Staff safety procedures - Dining Services staff will follow the university's face covering policy as well as Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department protocols.