Updated Information for Students for the Fall 2020 Semester - Seton Hall University
Friday, August 7, 2020
Seton Hall's founder, Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley, called Seton Hall "a home for the mind, the heart, and the spirit." Today, we continue to embrace his vision, and the important role it plays in fostering student success.
As you've read in President Nyre's announcement, while we will begin with remote instruction for the fall, our timetable for the semester remains unchanged, and our residential campus will open for students as planned. As students return to campus, the Division of Student Services remains committed to providing a supportive and engaging student experience.
Please read the following information carefully. Additional measures and information are outlined below. The health and safety of our campus community are paramount.
All Students
- We ask all students to self-quarantine for the two weeks before the first day of class on Monday, August 24. Classes will then conclude November 24 with review sessions, reading days, and final exams administered remotely in the following days. Residence halls close on November 24. Our Academic Calendar will be helpful in planning.
- The Seton Hall Pledge, which asks all of us to do our part to keep ourselves, each other, and our community members healthy and safe — is our shared responsibility. The University will require that all community members, including residents and those living in off-campus locations, as well as visitors, comply with symptom monitoring, mask-wearing, and physical distancing policies. Students who do not abide by the Pledge will be subject to the consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Residential Students
- When students first arrive on our campuses, they will receive a copy of the Seton Hall Pledge in welcome packages that include protective masks and hand sanitizer. All resident students must abide by, acknowledge, and sign the Seton Hall Pledge.
- All residential students will be directed to the University's COVID-19 testing site when they arrive for Move-In. Testing is being provided to students through the University’s Health Services free of insurance copays and free of charge for students whose insurance does not cover testing.
- Quarantine Order: As a service to our students, those arriving on campus from states on New Jersey’s quarantine list will be provided single-occupancy rooms for a state-advised, voluntary 14-day self-quarantine and will have access to campus services and supports. Unfortunately, the state has indicated that quarantining at home in any of the states on the list (prior to arriving in New Jersey) is no longer valid.
- Consistent with state guidance, the University will have reduced density in residence halls. To accommodate the quarantine order and reserve our limited resources, we will consolidate our buildings and close The Complex residence halls (Serra, Neumann, Cabrini) for the fall 2020 semester. Unfortunately, this will mean we will need to change existing room assignments of several students. We will do our best to accommodate roommate requests, but it is not guaranteed. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Throughout the semester any student who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home if possible. If that is not possible, the University has designated Ora Manor, an off-campus residential building, for short-term isolation and quarantine under strict restrictions.
- With residence halls open and while the State of New Jersey remains in Stage 2 of its reopening plan, NO guests will be permitted in residence halls. When New Jersey reaches Stage 3, limitations on guests in the residence halls will be restricted to enrolled Seton Hall students. Other guests will not be permitted in order to reduce the possibility of the spread of COVID-19.
Dining and Facilities
- Seton Hall has developed protocols for enhanced cleaning and disinfection of all facilities throughout campus.
- Outdoor seating, mobile ordering, and "grab and go" options will highlight our dining model. Capacity in dining facilities will be reduced to allow for appropriate physical distancing and to follow state guidelines.
- The Recreation Center will remain closed until the State of N.J. moves to Stage 3 in its reopening plan.
- The Walsh Library will be open at limited capacity determined by State guidance. Modifications have been made to ensure physical distancing.
Student Appointments
- Students should continue to utilize our Student Services departments, including the Academic Resource Center, Health Services, and Counseling and Psychological Services. To limit in-person interactions, Student Services will primarily use our virtual appointment systems to help reduce density.
- Digital tools like Microsoft Teams and email will help you stay connected with virtual meetings and information sharing.
Student Life and Engagement
- Seton Hall Shuttle operations will be limited and adhere to the statewide guidance on transit regulations for reduced capacity and density.
- Social gatherings and in-person event capacity will be limited based on State guidelines (no more than 25 people or 25 percent room occupancy) for student engagement activities including community service. Gatherings, masked, in outdoor spaces will be encouraged and preferred for student programming and events.
- Although physically distant, we are creating ways for you to remain socially connected and engaged through innovative digital, virtual, and limited in-person programming. Masks will be required in all public spaces on campus. Follow our Event Calendar or @hallstudents for more information.
- We will continue to recognize and celebrate the many Seton Hall campus traditions for our community throughout the semester.
We know you have many questions and concerns, which we will continue to answer through regular communication and updates to the FAQ page. Our Family and Parent Page can be shared with your loved ones for up-to-date information.
We are a resilient community; we know we will share in the success of Seton Hall's 165th academic year. It will be a year like no other, but we are — and will remain — prepared.
Please continue to visit our Planning for Fall 2020 website for additional information and to submit feedback.
Sincerely,
Shawna Cooper-Gibson, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Services
Categories: Campus Life