Modification to Campus Operations (Feb. 5-16)

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is the source of the spike in cases?

    • Our analysis of test results indicates that some cases on campus right now are the UK strain of the coronavirus.
    • Contact tracing shows that the vast majority of transmission has occurred off campus among students in social settings.

  • What measures are being taken to contain the virus?

    • For the safety of our University and local communities, we have made the difficult decision to enact additional restrictions for all students across our Coral Gables and Marine campuses, effective Feb. 5, for a period of at least 10 days.
    • Beginning the evening of Feb. 5 and lasting until at least Tuesday, Feb. 16, Coral Gables and Marine campus students should curtail their activities to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. We urge them to leave their residences or households to engage in only the following activities:
      • Attending in-person classes and instructional labs (students must continue to test negative for COVID-19 and pass the Daily Symptom Checker)
      • Attending work, research, and internships
      • Obtaining medical care, COVID-19 testing, and vaccinations
      • Visiting the wellness center and pool (with strict adherence to protocols)
      • Getting food or meals (take-out options are available from campus dining halls and on-campus retail dining locations)
      • Student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics (fans are not permitted)
    • We continue to monitor the situation on campus closely using testing, tracking, and tracing, as well as through the UHealth Personalized Medicine Program, which provides around-the-clock support to students, faculty, and staff.

  • Are there restrictions for students on the Medical Campus?

    • The measures enacted are for the Coral Gables and Marine campuses. Students on the Medical Campus should continue to follow any guidance issued by Medical Communications for the UHealth and Miller School of Medicine communities.

  • Is the University enacting disciplinary measures for students who do not follow COVID-19 guidelines?

    • Students found in deliberate violation of our public health guidelines will face disciplinary action, including suspension of individuals and/or entire student organizations.

  • How are you able to confirm which variant is circulating on campus?

    • Our lab performed a clinical analysis of test results which indicated that some of the cases on campus are the UK strain of the coronavirus.

  • What additional safety measures are required on University campuses?

    • The following safety measures remain in place and remain mandatory:
      • Using the Daily Symptom Checker immediately before arriving on any University of Miami campus, and displaying the “Good to Go” status to enter buildings or participate in in-person activities including classes;
      • Wearing face coverings at all times, whether indoors or outdoors;
      • Practicing physical distancing; and
      • Avoiding large groups, and not gathering with more than 9 other people.

  • Are there any changes to classes or course instruction?

    • Because we have seen no in-classroom transmission since the beginning of the academic year, students who have most recently tested negative and who pass the Daily Symptom Checker will continue to attend in-person classes and instructional labs.

  • Is COVID-19 testing still required of all students?

    • COVID-19 testing for all students—both residential and non-residential—will continue. Students should schedule weekly testing appointments through MyUHealthChart as normal.

  • What dining options are available for on-campus students?

    • Campus dining halls will maintain current hours of operation but will provide take-out service only. Please feel free to visit the many dining options on campus to explore the array of foods available.
    • Retail dining locations will continue with take-out-only service and will maintain current hours of operation.

  • Are there any changes to residence hall policies during this time?

    • The current nightly curfew of midnight will remain in place and will continue to be strictly enforced.
    • Regrettably, no outside guests or other students will be permitted in residential buildings in which they do not reside.

  • Will the campus shuttle still be available to students?

    • The Hurry ’Canes campus shuttle will continue to operate on a normal schedule.

  • Are student health and counseling services still available to students?

  • Are there any changes to student activities, organizations, or events?

    • Large student gatherings (10 people or greater) will need to be rescheduled for a later date; the cancellation begins at noon on Friday, Feb. 5, and students should not congregate in groups of more than 10 at any time.
    • Due to concerning positivity rates among Greek Life organizations, fraternity houses are closed to outside guests and Panhellenic Building suites are closed.
    • Student organizations with suites in the Shalala Student Center are asked to reduce in-person utilization of these areas.
    • The Herbert Wellness Center and University Center Pool will remain open.

  • Will the library be open and available to students?

    • Library hours of operation will continue on their current schedule for the time being.

  • Will intercollegiate athletics continue or be paused?

    • Given the low number of cases among student-athletes, intercollegiate athletics will continue; however, no fans will be permitted at home games and intensive testing to track exposure to the virus will continue.

  • Are there any changes to employee work schedules or arrangements?

    • Given the low rate of infection among faculty and staff, there are no current changes to the protocols in place for University employees.

  • What are some activities students can engage in safely while still adhering to new safety guidelines?

    • Given the restrictions in place to reduce spread of COVID-19, here are tips for students on how to remain safe while taking advantage of our South Florida weather and staying connected to friends and family.
      • Enjoy a workout at the Herbert Wellness Center or participate in one of their outdoor fitness classes.
      • Swim a few laps or get ahead on class reading at the University Center Pool.
      • Walk with a friend around Lake Osceola or through the Gifford Arboretum.
      • Call your family and friends to stay connected to those important in your life.
      • Enjoy new carryout options from various on-campus dining locations, and spend some time on a campus glider.
      • Find a new student organization to join and attend one of their virtual meetings or programs.
      • Set up an outdoor picnic on the Foote University Green with your roommate.