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Residential Students

Residential Student FAQs

The following statements are anticipated frequently asked questions as it relates to residential issues and the university’s actions in light of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). All statements are subject to change by the University of Dallas.

This summer has certainly been unique and we appreciate your patience as we work through the seemingly constant changes due to COVID-19. We understand that students and parents are thirsting for information about August and the new school year. While we don't have all the answers, and the answers we do have are tentative, we want to provide the information below. If you have any questions, please email soldham@udallas.edu. 

Residence Life
While we recognize that residence life will look different this year, we can't wait to have students back on campus in August. We have started preliminary conversations about how we can continue to create a meaningful residence life environment while ensuring the safety of all residents. Here are some of the things we are working on to make this a reality. 
  1. The Office of Student Affairs is developing a protocol for responding to students exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Our RAs and live-in staff will be extensively trained on this protocol. 
  2. We anticipate making adjustments to policies (such as the overnight guest policy) and communal spaces to encourage students to practice social distancing where possible. 
  3. We have altered the layout of some rooms on campus to limit the number of people living in a specific room. Also, we are planning to decrease the available furniture in lounges to encourage social distancing. 
  4. We have isolated a number of rooms on campus should the need arise to quarantine students. 
As we prepare for residence halls to open, one thing we are keeping in mind is the mental health impact our COVID-19 world has had, and will continue to have, on our students. Our staff and resident assistants will undergo additional mental health training this summer to prepare to support students experiencing these challenges. 
 
While safety will be at the forefront of our minds this semester, the Office of Student Affairs is committed to making residence life a fun and communal experience for everyone. We will continue to think about and enact programs that fulfill these complementary goals. We look forward to having you on campus in the fall!
 
Move-In for New Students
Move-in day for new students is divided by residence hall and the first letter of your last name. Please arrive during your slated time slot. 
    • Thursday, August 13: Move-In for Gregory, Theresa, and Augustine Halls. 
      • A-F: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
      • G-N: 10:30-1:30 p.m.
      • O-Z: 1:30-3:30
    • Friday, August 14: Move-In for Jerome, Madonna, and O'Connell Halls.
      • A-F: 8:30-10:30 a.m. 
      • G-N: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
      • O-Z: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

If you are moving to UD without a parent or guardian staying through Friday, please fill out this form so we can ensure you have meals until the meal plan starts on Saturday. You must sign into your UDallas email in order to fill out this form. 

Move-In for Continuing Students
Since some continuing students have belongings on campus from the spring semester, we are going to require continuing students to sign up for a move-in slot. The 15 minute time slots will allow us to space students out; you will have as much time as you need to move in after your 15 minute time slot. Given the number of people who will need to move-in, we will run out of time slots. Once we run out, we will add more time slots as necessary. Please keep in mind that the meal plan will start on Saturday, August 15th. We will provide more specific instructions regarding belonging retrieval and move-in at a later date. 
 

Continuing Students: Sign Up for a Move-in Time Slot

 

The following statements are anticipated frequently asked questions as it relates to residential issues and the university’s actions in light of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

Do I have to get tested for COVID-19 before the semester? 

If you are living on campus, you must get tested prior to living on campus for the fall 2020 semester. We are testing every residential student so we can identify and temporarily separate COVID-19 positive students from the general student population in order to maintain the overall health of our campus. If you have any common COVID-19 symptoms (e.g.fever, cough, shortness of breath) please contact soldham@udallas.edu regarding being unable to move-in on your appointed move-in day. 

What type of COVID-19 test is it?

It is a rapid test that involves a simple swab of the entry point of your nose.

How long will my COVID-19 test take?

After filling out some necessary paperwork, it takes seconds to conduct the test. Once taken, results can come back as soon as 15 minutes. Since we will be doing many tests each day, it may take longer to provide you with the results; however, you will be provided your results the same day.

 

Does the test cost any money?

The university will bill the student’s insurance. It is a student’s responsibility to have adequate health insurance and we encourage everyone to inquire with their insurance provider regarding the coverage of COVID-19 tests before arrival at UD. If you receive a bill for the test, please contact the UD health clinic at udhealthclinic@udallas.edu. 

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 when I come to campus?

If you test positive, you will be notified by university staff and removed from the general student population. We encourage students and families to develop alternative plans if a student tests positive for COVID-19 upon arrival.

Can I get tested at home before I come to campus?

Yes, but the test must be within seven days of arriving on campus. Therefore, if you are slated to move-in on a Friday, you must have a test done no earlier than the previous Friday and you must receive the test results prior to coming to campus. Once on campus with a negative test result, you will be required to affirm that you socially distanced and wore a mask between your COVID-19 test and arriving on campus.

 I’m a new student. Where do I go when I come on campus? 

You will go to your residence hall first. There will be a plethora of signs as you get close to campus. Just follow the signs that direct you to your residence hall. Once at your residence hall, orientation leaders and volunteers will help take your belongings to your room. Once you get inside, you’ll be provided more directions, including where to go to take your COVID-19 test.

I’m a continuing student. When can I move in? 

All continuing students must sign up for a move-in time. You can sign up for a time slot here. Student apartment residents can begin moving in on August 10th. Clark and O’Connell residents can begin moving in on August 15th.

I’m a continuing student. Where do I go once I get to campus?

Continuing students will not be able to get their key until they receive a negative COVID-19 test. Please go to the university health clinic on the 2nd floor of Haggar as soon as you arrive on campus.

Can I bring people to help me move in? 

Yes, you are welcome to bring people to help you move in. However, they are required to follow all posted COVID-19 restrictions, including mask requirements and posted occupancy limits (occupancy plus one). 

What do I do if I am an early arrival (RA, OL, student teacher, etc.)

You will be sent an email providing instructions for your return to campus. 

I’m a continuing student, and there aren’t any time slots available to move-in. What should I do?

Please be patient! We will add more time slots soon. Continue to check the link above for added slots.

I’m a continuing student, and I left some of my belongings at UD during the spring 2020 semester. What should I do?

You must pick up your belongings by the end of the first day of class. Any belongings left over will be donated or discarded. Generally, belongings are being stored in residence hall lounges. On August 11-12, 15 & 17-19 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., students can go to the lounge in the building you lived in last spring. Student apartment residents should go to Jerome Hall.

What COVID-19 requirements apply to moving in?

All COVID-19 university policies and the Groundhog Pledge apply to move-in. You must wear a mask and do your best to maintain social distancing.

What rules have changed? 

Students are not allowed to have overnight guests during the fall semester. Also, each room and lounge will have a posted occupancy limit. Students must respect these limits.

Do I have to wear a mask in my room? 

If you are in your room with anyone other than your roommate, you must wear a mask. Also, you must wear a mask to, from, and inside other places, such as kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. No, you do not need to wear your mask while in the shower.

How will the requirements be enforced? 

First, we hope students will decide to enforce this themselves. We all want in-person classes to continue until the pandemic ceases. The best way to ensure that occurs is for everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Those refusing to do so may enter the conduct process after being encouraged to follow posted requirements by Office of Student Affairs staff.

What happens if a residential student tests positive for COVID-19?

Residential students who test positive for COVID-19 have the option to return home during their required 14 day isolation period. If they decide to stay on campus, the student will be required to relocate to an isolation room on campus. The university reserves the right to isolate students who test positive for COVID-19 together. These students will continue classes online and have meals brought to them.

I am really concerned about my housing assignment. Can I change rooms? Are there any single rooms available?

Due to the need to set aside COVID-19 isolation rooms, there is very limited availability for students to switch rooms. There are no regular single rooms available at this time. Students who are at high risk for COVID-19 or who have a documented ADA disability in need of a housing accommodation, should contact Josh Skinner at jaskinner@udallas.edu to request accommodations.