Spring 2021 Housing and Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions
As our understanding of COVID-19 evolves, Seton Hall works to update our plans and policies appropriately. The following frequently asked questions will be updated as new information becomes available.
Testing
Why do I have to get a test before arriving on campus?
Seton Hall has joined with many other colleges and universities throughout New Jersey,
New York, and Connecticut in establishing this requirement. We believe this is an
important step in providing for healthy start to the spring semester.
What kind of test do I have to get?
You need to get a PCR or antigen test. An antibody test is not acceptable. Since the
test must be completed, and results received no more than 5 days prior to your arrival
on campus, we encourage you to consider getting a rapid test.
Where can I get a test?
To find a location near you providing COVID-19 testing please use this resource. In addition, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and similar drugstore chains provide testing,
as do many urgent care clinics.
What if I get a test but my results aren't back yet?
If you took your COVID-19 test within 5 days of your return to campus but don't yet
have your results, contact the Dean of Students Office ([email protected]) 24 hours prior to your arrival and attach evidence/verification that you took the
test. We can then accommodate you in campus Quarantine housing (Serra Hall) until
your test results are received. Note that when quarantining in Serra, you are not
permitted to leave your assigned room. Meals will be delivered to your room. To avoid
this situation, we encourage you to request a rapid test prior to your arrival on campus if it is available.
Do I have to pay to get a test?
Federal law requires private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid to cover COVID-19 tests.
All SHU students are required to have health insurance.
How do I upload my information to the student health portal?
- Log into PirateNet
- Click on "Student Health Portal" chicklet
- On the top toolbar, click "upload"
- Under "choose document you are uploading", select "COVID negative result" or "COVID positive result" from the drop-down menu.
- Click "select file" and locate your document (COVID test result) to upload from your computer
Please call Health Services at (973) 761-9175 if you need assistance.
What if my test comes back positive?
If the test result is positive, the student must remain home for 10 days before returning
to campus. The test result must be uploaded to the student health portal before you
may return to campus. Once you are 10 days past the date of testing positive, your
ID will be activated, and you will be able to access the residence halls.
What if I have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past?
Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days before arriving
on campus do not need to test again. Please be sure evidence of your positive test
is uploaded to your student health portal. If you tested positive through Health Services,
Health Services will manage that for you. If you received your test results elsewhere,
please upload your test results to your student health portal.
What if I have received the vaccine for COVID-19?
This is an excellent question. We asked the local department of health for guidance
on this and they reached out to the state Department of Health who is following the
guidance of the CDC which states "Given the currently limited information on how much
the vaccine may reduce transmission in the general population and how long protection
lasts, vaccinated persons should continue to follow all current guidance to protect
themselves and others." Based upon this information, even students who received the
vaccine are required to test for COVID-I9 and provide negative test results not more
than 5 days prior to arriving on campus.
Travel Quarantine
Why do I have to quarantine if I test negative?
This is a requirement of the State of New Jersey, not Seton Hall. The University is
opening the residence halls early – on January 15 – so that students required to comply
with the Travel Quarantine can do so comfortably in their own room.
What about meals?
The dining hall will provide three meals per day for students in Travel Quarantine.
Students will be able to order and pick up their meals. Special dietary needs will
be met. There will be no charge for the meals.
What if I want to do my Travel Quarantine elsewhere in NJ?
You can certainly do that. You will just need to provide us with information and verification
by completing this form. Remember: You will still need to meet the negative COVID-19 test requirement, meaning that
you will have to test for COVID-19 and submit a negative test result no more than
5 days prior to arriving of campus (not NJ).
Is there an exception to the Travel Quarantine if I tested positive for COVID-19 previously?
Yes. Following the guidance of the CDC, the local Department of Health has advised
us that anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days is not subject to the Travel Quarantine and therefore does NOT need to return to campus until January
22 or after.
What if I have received the vaccine for COVID-19?
This is an excellent question. We asked the local department of health for guidance
on this and they reached out to the state Department of Health who is following the
guidance of the CDC which states "Given the currently limited information on how much
the vaccine may reduce transmission in the general population and how long protection
lasts, vaccinated persons should continue to follow all current guidance to protect themselves and others." Based upon this information, even students who
received the vaccine are required to comply with the Travel Quarantine requirement.
Will I be stuck in my room?
A Travel Quarantine is not as restrictive as a Medical Quarantine (when you have been
exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19).
- You are restricted from leaving campus until January 25.
- You must strictly adhere to all aspects of the Pirate Pledge and practice safety measures – wear a mask when in public, maintain a distance of 6' from others, wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- You may access campus resources such as the Library and Fitness Center while strictly adhering to the safety practices in place in those locations.
- All campus services will be available to you – Campus Ministry, CAPS, HRL, Student Engagement, etc.
- Specific programs and activities are planned for you during that period of time. Of particular note, you'll want to check in on Weeks of Welcome.
What if I can't arrive by January 15 and I'm from the Travel Advisory Area?
We can accommodate you in campus Quarantine housing (Neumann Hall). Please contact
the Dean of Students Office in advance ([email protected]) so that we know when to expect you. You will not be permitted to go to your own
room first; you will have to go directly to the Travel Quarantine room in Neumann
Hall. Note that when quarantining in Neumann, you are not permitted to leave your
assigned room except to pick up your meals from the dining hall. Remember: You will still need to meet the negative COVID-19 test requirement, meaning that
you will have to test for COVID-19 and submit a negative test result no more than 5 days prior to arriving of campus.
Types/Facilities for Quarantine during January Opening
Note: these designations are only for January opening and are subject to change. Students should check their email and the University website for updates as needed.
For Students from Travel Advisory Areas:
- Students’ Own Rooms – Travel Quarantine
- ✔ For students from Travel Advisory areas arriving on campus on January 15.
- ✔ For students who test for COVID-19 and provide a negative test result no more than 5 days prior to arrival on campus.
- Neumann Hall – Travel Quarantine for Late Arrival
- ✔ For students from Travel Advisory areas arriving on campus after January 15th.
- ✔ For students who test for COVID-19 and provide a negative test result no more than 5 days prior to arrival on campus.
For All Students from Any State/Area:
- Serra Hall – Quarantine waiting for Test Results
- ✔ For students from any state/area.
- ✔ For students arriving on campus on any date for move-in.
- ✔ For students who are tested for COVID-19 before arrival and are waiting for results.
Students may leave Serra when test results arrive and are uploaded to the health portal. They will move to their own room or Neumann Hall depending upon date/need for Travel Quarantine. - Ora Manor – Medical Isolation/Quarantine
- ✔ For students who reside on campus and test positive for COVID-19 during the semester or who are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.