Coronavirus (COVID-19) On-Campus Housing FAQs

This page serves as a location for updates and information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as they pertain to living in campus housing at the University of Arizona. Housing & Residential Life, along with University of Arizona Leadership, continue to closely monitor how this evolving situation affects our campus community. We will post more information here as it becomes available.

Please review our Living in the Dorms document. Refer to the University's main Coronavirus (COVID-19) page regularly for important campus information.

Last updated: January 11

UPDATES FROM HOUSING*

Spring 2021: 7-Day Quarantine for Students

Spring 2021: Coming Back to Campus - What you need to know

Spring 2021: Important Move-In Information

*Not an exhaustive list. For all past communications, click here.

Is the Housing office open?

Our office at El Portal (501 N. Highland Ave.) is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10AM-4PM. Appointments are available online and by phone Monday-Friday from 10AM-4PM (Arizona time). Please contact us at (520) 621-6501 or housing@arizona.edu.

If you are submitting a University Housing License Agreement Appeal Form, please email it to housing@arizona.edu.

FAQs

Submitted by adamciampaglio on 2020

What happens with the License Agreement (housing contract) if I can’t move into campus housing?

The License Agreement is binding at the time you agree(d) to its terms. From a financial perspective, however, only the provisions related to Housing Application Fees, Rent Down Payments and late cancellation fees (if any) are effective before you arrive on campus and move into your dorm. Under the terms of the License Agreement, if you cancel your housing application/assignment before you move in, or you don’t move in (you are a “no-show”), you will not be responsible for academic year rent charges beyond those application-related fees. If semester rent charges have already been posted to your account, they will be reversed at the time your cancellation/no-show is processed.

If UA closes dorms during the semester and I have to move out, will I get a refund?

Per the Housing License Agreement 2020-2021 Addendum: “In the event the University closes campus housing and terminates your License Agreement due to public health and safety emergency needs, the University will offer fair and reasonable reimbursements for impacted students as appropriate and based on information available at that time.”

If my classes all end up being online, should I cancel my dorm assignment?

Online students are welcome to live in campus housing.

Under the terms of the License Agreement, if you cancel your housing application/assignment before you move in, or you don’t move in (you are a “no-show”), you will not be responsible for academic year rent charges beyond those application-related fees. If semester rent charges have already been posted to your account, they will be reversed at the time your cancellation/no-show is processed.

If my classes are a hybrid of online and in-person learning, will I still be charged the full cost for my dorm?

Rent is charged for the dorm room regardless of the modality of your classes. More specific details will be found in the Housing License Agreement and Addendum.

What if I arrive to Move-In later in the semester? What is the process? Do I need a COVID-19 test?

If you plan to arrive later in the semester: You must receive a COVID-19 antigen test on campus before you are permitted to check into your dorm.

For late move-in arrivals, rapid antigen testing will be available for students on campus at the Student Union
Students should register for an antigen test at https://testing.wellcheck.arizona.edu/
- Testing will only be offered weekdays - no weekend or holiday testing will be available

Spring 2021: Coming Back to Campus – What you need to know

The University will conduct a COVID-19 test of all campus housing residents when you get to campus, before you return to your dorm.

COVID-19 testing will take place Friday, January 8, 2021 - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 9AM-6PM each day. Please sign up in advance for a test on one of these days at http://testing.wellcheck.arizona.edu/.

If you have a testing exemption, it must be approved by Campus Health before you check in at your dorm. In order to exempt yourself from further COVID-19 testing requirements, Campus Health and Test All Test Smart will need you to upload your test results to their secure, HIPAA compliant system at https://health.arizona.edu/uploading-your-campus-covid-19-test-result.

When You Arrive on Campus

Like you did in the fall, get your test and await the result before you return to your dorm. You will not have access to the building or your room until you have your negative results. The test results should take less than two hours.

If your test result is negative, you will be permitted to return to your assigned dorm and check back into your room. Due to current COVID-19 policies, no family members or guests will be permitted in the building.
If your test result is positive, you must isolate in the isolation dorm or in off-campus housing, following the University's self-isolation protocol, for 10 days.

Late Arrivals/Missed Testing Appointment

If you are arriving after January 12, please make sure to sign-up for an antigen test the same day you wish to return to your dorm. The last testing appointment will be 2:45PM. If you arrive when you've not been able to receive a COVID-19 test that same day, you will need to plan to stay at a hotel for the night or you may call our on-call staff 520-591-8543 when you are on campus to see what on-campus accommodations may be available for the night. You should get a COVID-19 test the next morning, and upon receiving a negative result would be permitted to Move-In to your assigned dorm.

If you are arriving on either January 17 or January 18, antigen testing will be available in the Student Union from 9:30AM-2:45PM

Spring 2021: On-Going Testing Requirements

The University will require all dorm residents and students coming to the Main Campus to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing during the Spring 2021 semester. You will have the opportunity to sign up for your weekly testing date(s) in advance at http://testing.wellcheck.arizona.edu/. You can read more about spring testing here.

Spring 2021: 7-Day Quarantine for Students

The University asking students who are arriving to Tucson from outside Pima County to participate in a 7-day self-quarantine, regardless of their initial January test result. During this self-quarantine, students should only leave their residence to:

attend essential classes
attend work
care for family members
obtain food, medical care, or medications

Prevention & Quarantine

Submitted by adamciampaglio on 2020

Guest Policy Update

We have modified our guest policy to encourage compliance with guidelines outlined by the CDC.

What if I think someone in my building is sick?

If you think someone might be ill, please encourage them to seek care at Campus Health immediately. Please remember to be respectful, thoughtful, and considerate. We are all collectively responsible for our community’s well-being. Be sure that you are taking care of yourself according to CDC guidance online here, and looking out for other campus community members.

There will be no temporary relocation of residents due to suspected positive cases, students should be directed to Campus Health.

How can Housing ensure the safety of students living on-campus?

As we all know, the risk that COVID-19 poses can be reduced but cannot be eliminated at this time. On-campus activities and dorm living present additional potential risks which should be considered carefully against the many benefits of living on-campus.

That being said, Housing & Residential Life and the University of Arizona are going to great lengths to reduce that risk wherever possible.

Each resident must adhere to the guidelines and recommendations set forth by Housing & Residential Life, Campus Health, the University of Arizona, the City of Tucson, and the State of Arizona.

Once a student moves into their dorm room or apartment, their space is considered a domestic, private domicile and not a public space where they routinely come into contact with others. We consider dorm rooms or apartments the student’s private home and thus cannot guarantee what behaviors or practices are followed within these spaces.

Housing & Residential Life will continue to provide residents with educational messaging and guidance for communal living, however it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to abide by guidance and physical distancing recommendations within their dorm room or apartment. Cloth face coverings must be worn in hallways, common spaces, lounges, community-style bathrooms, kitchens and when interacting with a Housing & Residential Life staff member. Personal hygiene activities are exempt from this policy, while in the bathroom.

In addition to providing COVID-19 antigen tests of all residents and live-in staff, Housing & Residential Life has enacted several building updates and modifications to align with CDC guidelines. We have been using our elevated cleaning protocols since March 2020. We’ve also established COVID-19 specific mitigation polices all residents will be expected to adhere to and daily wellness checks will be required for all students and employees to help keep our campus community safe. Additionally, we will encourage students to review and follow our residential best practices.

Where can I learn about the wastewater testing in my dorm?

An Environmental Science research team will test the wastewater that comes out of our dorms and other buildings on campus for COVID-19. Read more: https://housing.arizona.edu/ua-news/wastewater-testing

What if I'm not feeling well after-hours?

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after hours and have not been tested, you can call Campus Health's After Hours number at (520) 570-7898 and speak with a medical provider. The medical provider will strongly recommend you isolate in your room/home and will offer guidance on next steps.

What if my roommate or suitemate tests positive for COVID-19?

Download this information

If you have had exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and/or if your roommate or suitemate gets sick, you will need to take the following actions:

Call Campus Health to discuss next steps and testing at (520) 621-9202.
Stay in your room most of the time and follow CDC guidelines. See the quarantine instructions below.
Monitor your health for any possible symptoms. If symptoms develop, stay home and call Campus Health.

Quarantine means staying in your room most of the time unless you need to leave for essential trips. These include bathroom breaks, getting food and occasional breaks for fresh air and exercise where you can maintain physical distance. When away from your room, always wear a mask, avoid groups, and limit your exposure with others as much as possible.

How to Safely Quarantine:

No In-Person Classes – Go to classes online only and let your instructor know, if necessary.
Mask Up – Make sure to wear a mask at all times when outside of your room, no exceptions.
Watch Your Distance and Wash Your Hands – Stay at least 6 feet away from others, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
Shared Restrooms – It’s okay to use shared restrooms. Try to use the restroom during low traffic times. Please clean up after yourself.
Socializing – Social contacts will need to remain online. Do not socialize in-person during quarantine.
Food & Meals – Limit your trips out and try to go during low traffic times. When possible, order food for delivery or have a friend drop off food at your door. While in quarantine, you can order food online from the Student Union: https://union.arizona.edu/dining/mealpackage/ and enter code FALL2020B.
- If you must, it’s okay to pick up food for takeout (eat in your room or outside with appropriate physical distance), run to the grocery store, or do laundry. Make these quick trips and avoid prolonged exposures to others.
Work Online Only – Do not go to work in person.
- If you work on campus and at many off-campus employers, you may qualify for sick time through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This provides sick time for employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms, or have had an exposure. Talk with your supervisor or HR representative. More information: https://hr.arizona.edu/content/families-first-coronavirus-response-act-ffcra
Exercise and Outside Time – Go outside to walk or do light activity in places where there are few people. Walk by yourself, make sure to distance from others, and go outside during low traffic times.
Remain in Quarantine for up to 14 days, or until you receive further instructions from Campus Health or from SAFER, a group who is doing contact tracing on campus.
Watch for Symptoms – Monitor your health and call Campus Health at (520) 621-9202 if you develop any symptoms or have questions or concerns about your health. After Hours the number to call is (520) 570-7898.

For more, information go to: https://covid19.arizona.edu/self-quarantine

I'm asymptomatic. Can I get a COVID-19 test?

The University is now offering COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic UArizona students and employees at various campus locations. See the upcoming schedule: https://covid19.arizona.edu/covid19-testing/locations

If you are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay isolated, self-quarantine and call to make an appointment with Campus Health Services or your healthcare provider.

My roommate tested positive. What cleaning options are available to me?

Download this information

Cleaning Packets and Buckets are available through your front desk for check out:

Cleaning Packets consist of:
- Disinfecting wipes
  - After cleaning with the wipes, you can keep or dispose of any unused wipes, you won’t return them to the desk.
The cleaning buckets are for rooms with a private or suite bathroom and consist of:
- Cleaning bucket
- Cleaning rags
- Gloves
- Toilet bowl brush (for dorms with pod, suite-style or private restrooms)
- Roll of paper towels
- Spray bottle of disinfectant
The cleaning bucket and spray bottle should be returned to your front desk upon completion of your quarantine

Best practices for disinfecting room surfaces

If possible, wear reusable or disposable gloves for routine cleaning and disinfection
Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant
- Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface
- Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces
Follow the instructions found on the disinfectant label (often the product must be left on a surface for 5 minutes before wiping to kill the germs)
Practice daily routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces
- High-touch surfaces include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
- Shared items, like microwaves and refrigerators

Request for custodial staff to disinfect your room

You can request to have Housing custodial staff disinfect your room if your roommate has tested positive
This request can be submitted through a maintenance request. Follow the instructions at housing.arizona.edu/maintenance-request
- Custodial is available from 7AM-3PM (Monday-Friday)
  - If you submit a request after 3PM or on the weekend, it will be addressed the next business day
  - If there is an emergency after 3PM or on the weekend and cannot wait until the next business day, please work with dorm staff to submit an after-hours request
In preparation for the custodial staff’s arrival, please remove any of the following items from out in the open:
- Food and drinks
- Electronics
- Any items that touch your face, such as makeup
Once custodial staff has arrived, they will ask that you step out of the room for about 15 minutes while they disinfect the space
Once you return to the space, please open your window and leave it open for about 30 minutes

What will happen if I test positive for COVID-19, or get sick when I'm living on campus?

If you have a positive result you will go directly to our isolation dorm for a minimum of 10 days.

If students are local or have the ability to go home, we encourage you to do so for the duration of your isolation period. If going home is not an option, positive testing students will be moved to an isolation dorm. All students isolating on campus will have access to a virtual healthcare provider.
The Resident Assistant (RA) from the students assigned dorm will remain the student’s RA and will provide virtual support to the student throughout their stay in the isolation dorm.
Students will be connected to the Student Unions meal delivery service, which allows them to order meals online to be delivered to their room in the isolation dorm (three meals delivered once per day).
You must be released by your UA healthcare provider before being allowed to move back to your permanent dorm assignment.
Your fall semester dorm room assignment will be held for you and Housing will help you move once you are through with isolation.
You may be subject to additional testing during this time

You will also be sent the following information: Moving to An Isolation Dorm

Isolating on Campus

Submitted by adamciampaglio on 2020

Tested positive for COVID-19? Follow these steps:

Return to your assigned dorm room
Pack for your stay in isolation (10-14 days)
You will receive an email in about an hour with more information about your isolation assignment, transportation to the isolation dorm, and more.
- In the meantime, please review this important information:

What do I need to bring with me to the isolation dorm?

What to bring:

Clothing for 14 days (there will be no access to laundry services in this dorm assignment to minimize exposure)
Any prescribed and over the counter medications*
Toiletries (toothbrush, shower supplies, Kleenex, personal care products, tampons, pads, etc.) and other necessary toiletries, including an extra towel or two
Your textbooks and other supplies needed to continue with your studies
Your laptop and charger
Your phone and charger

Stock up now!*

You don’t want to wait until you’re sick to realize you're low on the meds you regularly need or don't have enough food, snacks, or other essentials to last a few weeks. Be sure you are prepared with some basics like tea, Gatorade, Pedialyte, microwaveable meals, peanut butter, healthy snacks, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, prescription meds as well as some over-the-counter meds.

Other things to consider:

You will have the option to have meals provided to you in your new room, but pack any of your favorite non-perishable snacks and a reusable cup or water bottle
You will be provided with a mini-refrigerator in your room
Toilet paper is provided
Bring any bed linens that will make your stay more comfortable
- Linens will be provided in your room, but feel free to bring your favorite pillow or blanket
No front desk services are available
No mail or package delivery is available during your stay

*The Campus Health Pharmacy can deliver prescriptions & OTC items. Call (520) 621-6516 to place your order.

What is provided in my isolation dorm dorm?

Mini fridge
Microwave
Linens
- Pillow + Pillowcase
- Comforter
- 2 flat bed sheets
2 bath towels
1 washcloth
Cleaning supplies
Toilet paper

How do I get food in isolation?

Please visit https://union.arizona.edu/mealpackage/IsolationMealPackage.pdf for information.

Stock up now! You don’t want to wait until you’re sick to realize you're low on food, snacks, or other essentials to last a couple weeks.

How can I get medication or other OTC items?

The Campus Health Pharmacy can deliver prescriptions & OTC items. Call (520) 621-6516 to place your order.

Are there additional fees for staying in isolation?

There are no additional fees or charges for students staying in the isolation dorm.

I tested positive for COVID-19 and have been isolating off-campus. What is the process for returning to my dorm?

If an on-campus resident tested positive and isolated off-campus, they can be cleared to move back to their assigned dorm by a Nurse at Campus Health. This would be a minimum of 10 days following their test if they were asymptomatic, or 10 days since symptoms first appeared if they have resolved.

What happens when I'm ready to discontinue isolation?

Once your isolation period is over, you must be cleared by a Campus Health provider before returning to your assigned dorm. You can contact your provider via email/secure messaging through PatientLink or call (520) 621-9202 to speak with a provider.

Will I need to get re-tested?

Students will not need to be retested at the end of their isolation and cannot test out of isolation before the recommended 10 day isolation period.