Living on Campus
Will I need to wear a mask in my residence hall?
Students will be expected to wear masks in building public areas (lounges, kitchens, laundry rooms, hallways, and stairwells). Students are not expected to wear masks in their own bedroom or suite/apartment common area (when alone or only with their roommate) or designated bathroom. While in the company of students other than their roommate, students are expected to wear masks and maintain social distancing. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.
What are the expectations for social distancing in housing?
Students are to follow guidance about the size of group gatherings and the recommended space between self and others in all areas. There are some common spaces where use is limited to one person at a time due to the size of the space and the inability to social distance within them (e.g., elevators, small laundry rooms, small kitchens). Signs are posted in areas with specific expectations. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.
Will I be able to have guests or visit friends in other buildings?
Residential students will only have fob access to their own hall and may not enter other housing buildings. As described in the COVID Operational Plan, there will be a phased approach to guests in College housing. Initially, students’ ability to host and visit students in other buildings will be restricted. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.
Is there a limit to the number of guests I may host in my room/suite/apt/house?
In Operational Levels 1 and 2, students may host guests. The total number present may not exceed double the room or suite/apartment occupancy (i.e., in a double, four people can be present) or five people, whichever is lower. See the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.
Will I be able to host non-Lafayette guests?
Residential students are not permitted to host non-student guests or Lafayette students who are not approved to access campus. See the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Handbook and the COVID Operational Plan for additional information.
What will be the arrangement for bathrooms?
Specific bathrooms will be designated for use by each residential cohort. Similar to a household, limiting the individuals in this space reduces risk of infection to/from students. In addition, based on the size of the residential cohort and restroom configuration, occupancy in bathrooms may be limited. Signs will be posted with specific expectations.
What is a residential cohort?
Students who live in proximity and share common living spaces are considered a cohort. Examples of cohorts include: individual off-campus houses and apartments, Fisher or Watson Court apartments, residence hall wings or floors, and small buildings (e.g. Greek chapter house, Mckelvy House).
What are the expectations for students living in off-campus housing?
The policies in the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Handbook and the COVID Operational Plan apply to all students, including those living in private and College-owned off-campus houses and apartments.
Are there safety measures related specifically to housing?
Yes, including the wearing of masks, social distancing, no cross-visitation between buildings, no visitors, and limitations on student guests. There is more information in the COVID-19 addendum to the Student Handbook and the COVID Operational Plan.
How will the residence halls be cleaned?
The custodial team will clean residential common spaces on a scheduled basis consistent with CDC and other public health guidelines. Common spaces include hall bathrooms, building kitchens, lounges, hallways, stairwells, and elevators. Unchanged is students’ responsibility for cleaning their own bedrooms, apartments, en-suite bathrooms, and other private spaces. Students are responsible for bringing appropriate cleaning supplies. It is recommended that roommates/suitemates devise a plan for cleaning/sanitizing.
What happens if I have to quarantine because I was exposed to someone who has COVID?
Read the full explanation of quarantine procedures.
What happens if I test positive for COVID during the semester?
Read the full explanation of isolation procedures.