Student Life
In addition to the adoption of all requirements outlined in the Health & Safety protocols, the following applies to the Division of Student Life at Union University.
Housing
Move-In
Additional time will be provided for move-in to minimize congestion. Increased move-in time is given in order to restrict the volume of vehicles and persons able to participate in each time slot. The Office of Residence Life will communicate with new and returning students on Monday, July 20, regarding the times available and the process for move-in.
Reasonable Accommodations for Student Populations
Union University, through the Office for Disability Services, will work with individuals who require reasonable accommodations related to COVID-19. To request accommodations please visit the ODS site.
Student Health and Emotional Well-Being
Union University will provide increased support and counseling to promote mental health and wellness for students. You may schedule an appointment with Counseling Services.
COVID-19 Residence Life Policies & Procedures
If a residential student has any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of over 100.4°
- Newly developed loss of taste or smell
- Cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath
- Vomiting or diarrhea
They must:
- Contact clinic@uu.edu and reslife@uu.edu to relay when symptoms began and list any Union faculty, staff, or students with whom they have had close contact up to 48 hours before onset of first symptoms or positive COVID-19 test (if asymptomatic).
- Based on recommendations from the Union Health Clinic, contact a local healthcare provider with COVID-19 testing capabilities to be tested for COVID-19.
- Self-quarantine per the guidelines noted in the medical protocols on page 7 of this document. This may be done in their apartment, moving to their permanent address, or if needed and available, in an empty apartment on campus.
A student may find that they have come in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC defines close contact as:
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them).
- You shared eating or drinking utensils.
- COVID-19 patient sneezed, coughed, or transferred respiratory droplets.
The student should:
- Self-quarantine per the guidelines noted in the medical protocols on page 7 of this document. This may be done in their apartment, moving to their permanent address, or if needed and available, in an empty apartment on campus.
- Self-monitor for symptoms:
- Check temperature twice a day.
- Watch for fever (of at least 100.4°), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop or they have a positive test for COVID-19.
- Follow Health Clinic and Residence Life guidance as it pertains to isolation for a positive COVID-19 test or suspected development of COVID-19.
Union University Residence Life expects to have approximately 30 apartments available for isolation or quarantine; 17 of those have one bathroom. According to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Senior Scholar, Eric Toller, MD: [COVID-19 positive patients] can be isolated together as long as we're sure they're both positive. There's no problem in having multiple people isolate together. But, ideally, people should quarantine separately.
Therefore, Union University will isolate same-gender students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in apartments together, when needed.
If a residential student tests positive for COVID-19, all roommates of the positive student should quarantine in their apartment if they desire to stay on campus, while maintaining social distance from each other.
Residential students who have had close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19, but is not a roommate, should quarantine away from roommates in one of the University's open apartments or at home.
DINING
Student, Faculty, Staff Protection
Union University, in cooperation with Creative Dining Services, has implemented measures to ensure the safety of the food service and dining process. Measures include increasing the number of to-go or prepackaged options, call ahead ordering, and staff-served stations at the salad bar, Home Style station, etc. Furthermore, seating has been appropriately spaced to ensure social distancing. Dining Services has also implemented contact-less payment systems in the dining hall and Lexington Inn.
Employee Protection
Campus dining employees will wear masks at all times while at work, and may in some instances receive temperature testing prior to work. The University has installed protective barriers where necessary to minimize personal contact between employees and patrons.
Service of Meals to On-campus Students in Isolation
Dining Services, in conjunction with the Residence Life staff, will facilitate the contact-free delivery of meals to residential students staying in on-campus housing designated for COVID-19 positive students.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS
Limitations on Events/Event Attendance
Student Life is committed to fostering an intentional campus community. In so doing, programs and events have been modified in relationship to capacity for event spaces, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and ability to social distance. Student organizations must submit social distancing plans to the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement in advance of events. When feasible, programs and events will be moved to outdoor venues.
Coordination with Greek Life
The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement is coordinating with campus Greek organizations and national fraternity and sorority chapters to develop plans for recruitment and education of new members. All plans associated with Greek life will adhere to guidelines published by the chapters' national governing bodies.
Greek organizations should implement standards consistent with campus plans for all on-campus events, and should strongly encourage adherence to the same standards when hosting off-campus events.
CAMPUS RECREATION AND INTRAMURALS
Limited Close Personal Contact
The Wellness Center has reduced its total capacity to ensure social distancing protocols. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols have also been implemented.
The Wellness Center has implemented CDC guidance and is remaining consistent with state and local public health orders and ordinances.
CHAPEL
Chapel worship services will be modified. All attendees will wear masks and maintain a distance of 1.5 meters from others. Services will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. As seating in the chapel has been reduced to 350, students will make reservations for their attendance for each chapel. With limited seating capacity, the chapel requirement has been lowered from 14 to 7 until further notice.
