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, is closely monitoring how evolving situation affects our campus community. We will post more information here as it becomes available. As always, we are here to support you.

Please refer to the University's main Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page regularly for important campus information.

Last updated: July 28, 7:52 a.m. MST

UPDATES FROM HOUSING*

July 24: Updated Move-In Details from UA Housing

July 23: COVID-19 Testing Information from UA Housing

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

Is the Housing office open?

The Housing & Residential Life office is closed and staff is working remotely. Please contact us at housing@arizona.edu or (520) 621-6501.

What if I have damaged or missing items from the spring consolidation process?

To submit a claim, please contact Eric Cunningham (520-621-3482, ecunningham@arizona.edu) or Miguel Delgado (520-621-5392, mdelgado1@arizona.edu) for assistance with this process.

I left my bike on campus. How can I get it back?

Parking & Transportation will not take any action to remove bikes from the dorms until the fall semester. If your bike was locked in an interior bike locker inside a dorm, you can make arrangements to obtain access in order to pick it up with the Community Director On Call this summer. Please contact res-dormretrieval@email.arizona.edu for information.

If you believe your bike has been lost or stolen, please submit a Missing Bike Search Request at https://parking.arizona.edu/bicycle/bicycle-search-request/.

Move-In 2020

Fall 2020

Submitted by adamciampaglio on 2020

Is housing application still open?

At this time, the housing application is still open, however students who apply after May 1 will be assigned to a room by us later in the summer. The application will close if we get to the point where we are full for the fall semester, or at the discretion of Housing due to University and/or room occupancy decisions.

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 classes are online-only for the fall semester, will my Housing Application Fee and/or Rent Down Payment be refunded?

There are currently three possible scenarios:

1. Classes and University operations return to normal for the fall semester. Application fees are non-refundable and Rent Down Payments are refundable only if your housing application is cancelled BEFORE you are assigned to a room.

2. All classes remain online-only for the fall semester, but the dorms are still open and available to you. Application fees are still non-refundable. Your Rent Down Payment will be refunded as long as you cancel your housing application by the deadline that will be provided to you if/when a decision is made to keep classes online-only.

3. All classes remain online-only for the fall semester or other circumstances result in our inability to provide you with housing in the dorms. Your application fee AND Rent Down Payment will be refunded.

Classes are online after Thanksgiving. Will I get any refund for housing?

Housing will remain open throughout the duration of the fall semester. For more information, please see: Fall 2020: UA Going Online After Thanksgiving

If I decide to take my classes remotely during the fall semester, can I live in a dorm in the spring?

Online students are welcome to live in campus housing.

If you decide to cancel your fall assignment you can re-apply for spring-only housing (the spring housing application opens September 1). The $150 non-refundable application fee covers the academic year, so if it was paid for the fall semester, we can apply it for spring that same academic year if you apply again.

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 I cancel my fall assignment, will the room I picked be available in the spring if I decide to come then?

If you cancel your housing application and decide to apply for spring only housing, we cannot guarantee your same room will be available. We will assign you based on your dorm preferences and our availability at that time.

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 forthcoming Addendum.

The University will have a on-ramp approach for in-person classes. Should I still live on campus?

The University has announced an on-ramp approach for in-person instruction on campus. On-campus housing will be available to offer students the experience of living on campus and will be open for the entire 2020-21 fall semester, from August 14 through December 18.

With the on-ramp approach, students have a choice with their on-campus housing:

1. LIVING ON CAMPUS THE FULL ACADEMIC YEAR – Students would move-in on their selected move-in date August 14-22. The student will be responsible for the full academic year rent and any refunds will be addressed in accordance with the license agreement and housing policies.

2. KEEP ROOM ASSIGNMENT, ARRIVE LATER IN SEMESTER – Students who want to keep their room assignment for the academic year but would like to move-in later in the semester are allowed to. The student would notify Housing of this choice and will be responsible for the full academic year rent. Any refunds will be addressed in accordance with the license agreement and housing policies.

3. CANCEL HOUSING APPLICATION – Students may cancel their housing application and reinstate it at any time during the academic year.

If the student cancels before they move in, they will not be responsible for the remainder of the academic year rent.
The student’s application fee and rent down payment are non-refundable but will not have to be paid again if they reinstate their housing application.
Students who cancel will lose their current room assignment.
If the student decides to reinstate their housing application they will select their preference of dorms and Housing will assign them to a room, based on availability.
A students who reinstates their application will have their rent pro-rated from the day they tell Housing they will move-in through December 18.

Note: Students who wish to defer their start date through Admissions will follow the process outlined by Admissions: admissions.arizona.edu/faqs/deferment-policy

How do I get a QR code for the COVID-19 test?

Registering for your COVID-19 testing appointment is a two-part process:

1. Students should complete their pre-arrival Online Check-In at https://myuahome.life.arizona.edu/StarRezPortalx/ to select their Move-In day and testing appointment time. Students will receive an email confirmation when this process is complete.

2. Next, students should register on the UA's testing website at http://testing.wellcheck.arizona.edu. Students will receive their QR code when registration is complete. Students should show this QR code on their Move-In day when they arrive for the COVID-19 test.

Am I still able to switch rooms or roommates?

At this time, we can no longer provide assignment changes or roommate swaps.

I'm arriving on campus after hours. Can I get a COVID-19 test?

If you are arriving to campus in the evening or are otherwise unable to obtain a COVID-19 test that same day, you will not be permitted to check-in at your assigned fall 2020 dorm.

You will need to go to Kaibab-Huachuca dorm for the night. Kaibab-Huachuca is located at 940 4th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719. You will receive a COVID-19 test the next morning, and upon receiving a negative result would be permitted to Move-In at your assigned fall 2020 dorm.

Unfortunately the University is not able to help you with your luggage or provide transportation or unloading assistance.

Prevention

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.

Do I need to get tested before I Move-In?

The University will conduct a COVID-19 test of all campus housing residents when you get to campus, before you move into your dorm. Please read more about testing at housing.arizona.edu/ua-news/covid-19-testing-information-july-23-2020.

For more information about the test and what to expect, please view this brief video from Campus Health: How To Do A Self Swab Rapid Antigen Test.

Do parents need to get tested if they are they are helping their student move-in?

No, at this time parents/family members assisting their student during Move-In will not need to receive a COVID-19 test. All students and their families who enter McKale for antigen testing will be required to go through a well check. This well check will include two steps:

1. Temperature Check – Each person’s temperature will be checked using a no-touch forehead thermometer. If someone’s temperature is 100.4 or higher, they can sit in a “Cool Down Zone” near the well check area for 5-10 minutes to cool down.

2. Symptom Check - A team member will ask each student and family member, “Have you had any of the following symptoms?” They will show a screening sign that says:

In the last 24 hours have you experience any of the following symptoms?

Cough
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty Breathing

Or any TWO of these symptoms:

Fever
Chills
Repeated Shaking with Chills
Muscle Pain
Headache
Sore Throat
New Loss of Taste or Smell

If a student’s temperature is still high after the cool down period and/or they have symptoms of COVID-19, they will need to seek a test and care at Campus Health.

If a family member’s temperature is still high after the cool down period and/or they have symptoms of COVID-19, they will not be admitted into McKale, and will be encouraged to seek care with their primary care provider.

What's being done to prepare for fall semester on-campus housing?

Housing & Residential Life has establishing plans surrounding health and safety in the dorms for the fall semester, in consultation with Campus Health Services and University Leadership. Our intention is to provide students with a positive on-campus experience while abiding by all local, state, and federal protocols. These plans may change as we continue to monitor and respond to recommendations and guidelines from the appropriate authorities. More information can be found by visiting https://housing.arizona.edu/news.

We continue to educate our residents and staff regarding taking basic proper precautions around health and safety, including handwashing, sanitizing, staying home when feeling sick, and avoiding others who may be sick. This includes display of digital signage in each dorm common space, as well as distributing prevention messaging throughout the dorms.

Additionally, and in consideration of the health and safety of our residents and staff, we have modified the following:

We have suspended all dorm tours.
We will no longer offer amenities like cookware or recreational equipment for checkout from the front desk. If you anticipate this being a hardship, please contact your Community Director.
We ask that any students currently residing in the dorms limit the number of packages they receive. We are unable to accept perishable items like food or flowers, or deliveries that require refrigeration. If your delivery contains a perishable item, it will be returned.
We are canceling all dorm events scheduled until further notice.
We will handle our conduct hearing processes via phone.
We will provide cleaning supplies and gloves for staff, as needed.
We have limited student access to some public spaces in the dorms.

I have specific medical concerns or question about the COVID-19 testing. Who can I contact?

For specific questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 testing at Move-In, please contact the Testing Center directly:

UACOVID-19Testing@arizona.edu

1-833-345-0246

520-848-4030

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.

Isolation & Quarantine

Submitted by adamciampaglio on 2020

What happens if I get test positive or get sick?

IF YOU RECEIVE A POSITIVE TEST RESULT:

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

Will there be additional fees for students who stay in the isolation dorm?

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