Important Information for Students Quarantining on Campus

Dear Students and Families:

Later this week, you will officially join the Syracuse University family. I recognize the circumstances under which you are joining are not ideal, nor what you expected, but we are prepared to warmly welcome and help you transition to life at Syracuse University.

I am writing today because you are among the group of incoming students impacted by the New York State Department of Health travel advisory, and more specifically because you plan to complete your mandatory 14-day quarantine in one of our residence halls.

As you prepare to travel to campus, I ask that you please read this letter carefully. It contains important information related to your pre-arrival preparations this week, your arrival on campus and your quarantine period at Syracuse University.

Pre-Arrival Testing

All new and transfer students arriving on Sunday, August 2, (for on-campus quarantine) are required to demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival. To facilitate this process, the University has engaged a highly reputable testing company to make an FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 testing kit available to all students arriving on August 2. For students over 18 years of age, the test kit is being shipped to you today, via overnight mail. You will self-administer the COVID-19 test and return it by way of a pre-paid overnight mailer (included in the kit) to the testing company. For students under 18 years of age, the test swab must be observed either by a physician at home or a Barnes Center staff member via Zoom. Your test kit will arrive on Wednesday with instructions on how to schedule a time with a Barnes Center staff member. Test results will be available approximately 48 hours after the laboratory receives the sample, and the laboratory will simultaneously notify you and the University of the test results.

• It is important that you administer the test as soon as it arrives, and immediately return the test via the included pre-paid overnight mailer. Students who are under 18 years of age must have the test swab observed either by a physician at home or a Barnes Center staff member via Zoom. The test kit will include detailed instructions as to how to administer the test, including a link to a video demonstration. If you have any questions about the test or testing requirement, you may contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000.

Your Syracuse University I.D. Card

Your Syracuse University ID (SUID) card is essential to carry with you on campus. You will need it to enter your residence hall, enter dining centers, ride campus transportation, pay for food, and much more.

If you submit your ID photo to the Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services office by July 30, your SUID card will be available when you check into your housing assignment. If you have not yet submitted your photo, please do so as soon as possible. If you do not submit your photo by July 30, 2020 you will face a delay in obtaining your ID card, as it will not be available for you at check-in.

Learn more about the I.D. card photo submission process.

What to Pack

Given the COVID-19-related constraints of the move-in process this year, we are urging our students to pack light. Every residence hall room is furnished with an extra-long bed, dresser, desk, desk chair and wardrobe. Accordingly, students should bring only the essentials:

• Clothing for late summer and fall
• Toiletries for the first few weeks—we recommend having additional items shipped after arrival
• Medications
• Extra-long twin sheets, comforter, pillows and towels
• Laundry supplies—consider pod style detergent and a laundry bag instead of basket
• A small fan
• Academic supplies for the first few weeks
• If you would like a micro-fridge in your room, please complete the rental request form by August 1
• Additional details on what to bring and not to bring are online here

Finally, we ask that you please not bring additional furniture, large lamps, shelving, rugs and excessive grocery items like cases of water.

Shipping to Campus

As a general rule, students should address their packages directly to their residence hall room number and address. Access on-campus addresses here. Please note, however, that packages sent to campus from August 2-17 must be delivered to the residence halls by Syracuse University staff. Accordingly, we ask that during this period you please keep packages to a maximum of two items of 50 pounds or less. After the quarantine period ends, commercial carriers will be able to deliver directly to residence halls.

Transportation From the Syracuse Airport

For those flying to Syracuse, NY, the University has arranged transportation to campus from Hancock International Airport (free of charge). Register for the transportation service here.

Moving Into the Residence Halls

Students will need to report to Manley Field House wearing a mask or face covering before they move in to their residence hall. This is to confirm testing prior to arrival, as well as to be tested upon arrival. Students will also be supplied with additional information at this time.

Once a student completes testing confirmation at Manley Field House, they will be cleared to go to their residence hall for check-in. They will receive their room key at this time, as well as instructions for moving in. As a reminder, students have two hours to move in, and may have only one guest assist them with this process.

Your Quarantine Experience

Syracuse University is required to manage your on-campus quarantine experience consistent with guidance and directives set forth by the New York State Department of Health (DOH). These guidelines exist to safeguard individual and public health during the COVID-19 health emergency. For that reason, be advised that the quarantine experience will not be typical of the traditional first-year experience at Syracuse University. That said, we have worked hard to incorporate opportunities for engagement, community-building and learning into your on-campus quarantine, while still complying with DOH mandates. The University will share additional details related to the quarantine experience throughout the week; however, the following FAQ is provided to address some general questions related to what to expect upon arrival.

1. Will students be allowed to socialize with other students in quarantine?

Students will be able to socialize with the other students quarantining on the same floor. Per public health guidelines, floors or groups of students will be treated as a “family unit.” Students will not, however, be able to socialize with students outside of their family unit.

2. How will meals work while in quarantine? What if students want a snack during the day?

Students will be provided three meals a day and there will be plenty of options for grab and go snacks as well. Students will have a daily online order form to place their food orders. The form will be available from the Food Services website (foodservices.syr.edu), and there will also be instructions in their room to explain how to access the form to place their order, including an email and phone number to contact if they have questions or concerns. Their first boxed lunch will also contain instructions on how to access the form.

This form will include options to select gluten-free and vegan meals, and indicate additional dietary needs. Contact information will be provided for our registered dietitian. Meals will be prepared and delivered to each residence hall floor, individually bagged with a student’s name on it.

Finally, Food Services will pre-stock all rooms with some shelf-stable snacks and drinks, such as goldfish crackers, Dole fruit cups, cookies, water, etc.

3. What if I have special dietary needs? Can those be accommodated while in quarantine?

Absolutely. Food Services is prepared to meet the dietary needs of our students. Students will be issued a meal order form when they arrive; there, they can identify any dietary restrictions they may have.

4. Will students be required to wear masks while in their quarantine residence hall?

You will not need to wear a mask while in your residence hall room; however, you will need to wear a mask or face covering while in public spaces on your residence hall floor such as in the hallways and floor lounges. You will need to wear a mask when around individuals outside your family unit.

5. Will students have shared bathrooms while in quarantine?

Students will share restrooms with other individuals within their family units. Supplies will be provided to wipe the bathroom down before and after use.

6. Can students go outside while in quarantine?

Yes, there will be outdoor time during the 14-day quarantine, but there will be guidelines which will be shared with students during their welcome meeting when they move in.

7. Can students exercise while in quarantine?

Yes, students will be able to exercise. We’re finalizing a schedule that will allow individuals within the same family unit to exercise during the same time window.

8. Will students have access to laundry facilities while in quarantine?

Yes, students will have access to laundry. Students within family units will have designated times to do their laundry.

9. Who will supervise and monitor students in quarantine?

Staff from the Office of Student Living will do rounds in the building, as well as virtual check-ins with students. There will also be 24-hour Residential Security Officers at the main entrances of the residence halls to monitor building access.

10. Will there be opportunities while in quarantine to learn about Syracuse University, the region and other topics?

We are planning a number of engagement opportunities for our students during quarantine. We are doing our very best to make this unusual time feel as normal as possible.

Again, we are looking forward to your arrival on Sunday, August 2, and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome you in person to the Orange Family. Please pay close attention to additional messages and guidance we will be providing throughout the week. If you have any questions, please contact newtosu@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Amanda G. Nicholson
Interim Deputy Senior Vice President
Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience