We are planning for a smooth semester welcoming students to residence halls and on-ground and online classes. And we remain vigilant that, as we all learn to live with COVID together, there may be changes as the pandemic evolves. While we can’t predict the future, we will be prepared to respond quickly and thoroughly as required and will work with you to ensure that any necessary transitions will be smooth and will not interrupt your education. We are here for you always, and deeply committed to your success and well-being.
When do I find out about my housing assignment?
The office of residential life will be reaching out directly to students who have registered for housing and will be providing additional information regarding all aspects of your move to campus.
If I am permitted to reside on-campus, will there be a discount on the cost of room and board because services have been altered?
The cost of room and board for students permitted to reside on campus will not change. Students living on campus will be provided a single room at the double occupancy rate and will receive the same number of meals per the meal plan selected. The Carpe Diem Café will be open for students, too. Please note the menu selection may change to be in accordance with state and local public health requirements for the University.
When is move-in for on campus housing?
Both new and returning students will be allowed to enter into housing between September 3rd and September 7th, 2020. A member of the residential life team will reach out to you directly to officially schedule and confirm an appointment time as well as with reminders about any necessary paperwork (IE emergency contacts, etc) to be completed. Two approved individuals (listed when completing the request for an appointment form) will be permitted to enter the residence halls with you to help you move in. Members of the student life team will be there to welcome you but, to protect your health, will not be available to help move your items in.
Can I move-in earlier?
If you live in the immediate area, we will offer opportunities for you to drop off your items, by appointment only, on 8/31 or 9/2 for item drop off and testing.
Move-in will be between (9/3 - 9/7) for those who have already participated in testing. Students not able to test on 8/31 or 9/2 will need to wait until 9/8 or 9/9 to move in and be tested.
What happens if on-campus housing closes for the Fall semester?
The office of residential life will be working with each student, prior to move-in for the fall on contingency planning in the event the University must close campus again. Any student approved for housing will be asked to consider planning for relocation due to campus closing as well as have a travel budget in place.
What happens if I sign up for housing and need to cancel my housing agreement? Can I change my residential status to commuter?
You can change your status from resident to commuter until the end of the add/drop deadline without financial penalty. To change your status, please email Lindsie Lavin, Executive Director of Student Life & Commencement.
Is there a possibility my housing assignment could change?
Yes. All students will be administratively assigned a single occupancy space. If you selected a medical single, your room assignment may change but your accommodation will be honored.
Will I have a roommate for fall 2020?
Many of you were looking forward to having a roommate this fall. To maintain the health and safety of our community, residential housing will look a little different this fall than it usually does. This means each student will have a single-occupancy space with no roommates, even if you have already selected a roommate. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this decision and we do hope you understand. This is an interim plan while we are amid the pandemic, and once we are beyond these COVID19 times and feel it’s safe to do so, we will look to returning to allowing students to share space. A specific date can't be given at this time but we will certainly keep you posted. We don't expect a change this fall.
Are there any social distancing guidelines for living on campus?
Residence halls are consistent with all other campus buildings. You will be required to wear a mask at all times (except within your assigned residence hall room), practice social distancing, follow the same way traffic flow, as well as all other campus guidelines for congregating in groups and distancing.
What will be the steps to keep the residence halls clean?
The University has implemented an enhanced cleaning frequency to clean and disinfect residence hall bathrooms and high touch surfaces. Touchpoints including entrance handles, handrails, elevator buttons, restroom stall handles and door handles are being cleaned at least once daily, seven days a week, using EPA-registered disinfectants. The University has deployed newly purchased Victory electrostatic sprayers that will be used to disinfect residence hall bathrooms at least once per day.
Restrooms and shower areas are single-stall and allow for adequate social distancing for those students using them. Student Affairs staff will also work with students to establish “community standards” for bathroom use.
Additionally, hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout residence halls, including entrances, common areas, stairways, and hallways.
Are visitors allowed in the dorms? Other students? Commuter students? Family members?
No visitors will be allowed in the residence halls. Should you want to visit with an external guest, family member, commuter student, or other resident, you are encouraged to do so outside while following proper social distancing measures.
Overnight guests, both Bay Path as well as non-Bay Path individuals, will not be permitted.
If you wish to spend time with another resident (whether from your assigned floor, building, or otherwise), you are encouraged to use an outdoor space while safely distancing. Guests of this type will not be permitted within your residence hall room to limit cross-contamination within the buildings.
As a resident student are there any restrictions to my leaving the residence halls or campus?
The Dean of Students is conferring with other schools to determine best practices regarding this issue. Specific guidelines, which will be communicated later this summer, will likely include the provision that if you travel for an extended period of time, you will need to notify the Dean of Students and Director of Health Services. Testing and potential quarantining may be required upon your return to campus.
The Community Compact you will be required to sign before coming to campus to start the fall semester will confirm your commitment to avoid activities and travel when you are off-campus that could impact your health and therefore the health of other members of your Bay Path community.
I understand the shared kitchen spaces in the residence halls will be closed. Will there be a microwave or refrigerators available?
All public microwaves and refrigerators will be unavailable at this time. Currently, we are working with a vendor and hope to have MicroFridge rentals available for students. You will also be allowed to bring your own MicroFridge unit as well.
Remember:
We all share and accept the responsibility for keeping ourselves and each other healthy.”
