Overview
In April 2021, Rutgers University announced that all students must obtain the COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to campus. Students with religious and medical exemptions are not permitted to live in on-campus housing. On January 4, Rutgers announced that all students must have a COVID booster for the Spring 2022 semester. Again, no waivers or exemptions are permitted to live in on-campus housing.
The following protocol has been amended to update the University guidelines for testing and possible relocation of students living in on-campus residence halls on the New Brunswick campus, due to the more easily spread Omicron variant. This protocol is based on recommendations of the New Jersey Office of Higher Education (Office of the Secretary of Higher Education – COVID-19 Resources (nj.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) (cdc.gov). This protocol is subject to change based on the prevalence of COVID-19 positive numbers.
We are fortunate that the Omicron variant, while easily spread, has not been affecting students with more than mild cold and flu-like symptoms for a few days.
Please read this important information below. It is subject to change with increase in cases or other factors.
If You Test Positive for COVID-19
If a resident does a “rapid test” or an off-campus PCR test and the results are positive, please upload the results to https://rtr.ipo.rutgers.edu/questionnaire. For a rapid test, please take a photo of the “positive indicator” and label the photo with name, NetID and date of the test before it is uploaded.
If symptomatic, call Rutgers Student Health at 848-932-7402 and they can arrange for a test. If it is after hours, please call the RSH Nurseline at 1-800-8980-5882.
Isolation Housing for Positive Students
All residents who report a positive test will be asked to go home to Isolate. Those who cannot travel home for this 5-10 day period will be transported to Isolation Housing for a length of time set by Rutgers Student Health. Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety (REHS) will be notified by Residence Life to transport COVID-positive residents to Isolation housing if necessary.
Quarantine Housing for Roommates of Positive Students and other Close Contacts
Any resident deemed a close contact or is a roommate will also be asked to Quarantine at home. Because the Omicron Variant is so easily spread, and the anticipated numbers of such residents may grow, those residents who cannot go home will Quarantine-in-Place. We will not be moving them. Please remember that all residents are vaccinated and boosted. This means that their immunity is very high. Students in Quarantine must be diligent in their mask wearing, and may go to class, get takeout dining hall food, and do laundry. If such students develop symptoms, they should contact RHS and arrange for a test.
Attending Class
Residents in Isolation housing should not attend class. Residents in Quarantine may attend class if exhibiting no symptoms and always wearing a mask.
Dining
How can students get meals from the dining halls when they are too sick to go to the hall themselves?
If a student is unable to pick up meals due to a current illness, Dining Services will allow the student to designate a pick-up person who will have permission to swipe for meals (using the student’s RUID card /meal plan) at a dining hall location and bring these meals to you.
If a student is ill, the student should reach out to the dining hall manager (click here for the staff directory) with the following information:
1. The name and RUID of the person(s) designated as the “meal pick-up person”. Multiple people can be listed, if needed)
2. The duration of your illness (how long the service will be needed)
Below is the procedure for meal picked up
Pick Up Meal Procedure:
1. Visit our home page or the Rutgers app for menu offerings.
2. Tell the meal pick-up person what you would like to eat and provide them with the student’s RUID card, so the pick-up person can travel to the dining hall to pick up the meal.
3. Upon arrival, please have the pick-up person go to the meal card swipe area and ask for a Dining Hall Manager. The Manager will provide the pick-up person with a to-go container and allow them to collect the meal from the serving area. They will be permitted to leave with the to-go meal and deliver this meal to the ill student.
Further information can be found here: http://food.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick/.
Return to Permanent Space
Residence Life works with the student to return them to their original assignment based on Rutgers Student Health’s date of departure.
Isolation and Quarantine FAQs
- Why do I have to go to Isolation housing?
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Moving students to a less populated residential area helps prevent the spread of the virus. Students who have tested positive need to isolate because they could possibly infect others.
- Do I have a contact for questions or other concerns will in Isolation housing?
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In case of an emergency, call 911 or Rutgers University Police at 732-932-7211 (nonemergency).
For health-related concerns call your primary care physician Rutgers Student Health at 848-932-7402, Monday –Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. For after-hours care (evenings, weekends, and holidays call RSH Nurseline at 1-800-8980-5882. If you are experiencing severe coronavirus symptoms or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Please let them know you have COVID-19.
For Facilities related issues, during business hours, please reach out to Facilities Call Center at 848-445-1234. After business hours, please reach out to the building staff on-call for further assistance. Any students should identify themselves as being in Isolation housing so staff can take the necessary safety steps to keep themselves safe while addressing maintenance concerns.
Each student will have a Residence Life Professional Staff member that will contact and check-in with them during their stay in isolation. For requests that may not be covered by the categories above, during business hours students can connect with their Residence Life Professional Staff contact. During non-business hours, students can contact building on-call staff by utilizing the numbers posted in that specific building.
- Am I allowed to leave the building during Isolation?
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Very briefly to get fresh air or meet a delivery person but always masked. As these students are knowingly positive, limiting movement from your room reduces the likelihood of further community spread.
- How do I get food and drinks?
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Isolation: You cannot go to the dining halls. If you have a meal plan, you may order delivery from dining services. Or you may order from third-party delivery or grocery delivery services. You must wear a mask when receiving your deliveries.
- Am I able to go home instead of to Isolation housing?
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Yes! Students are encouraged to travel home to be with family or friends. Students should communicate to Residence Life their travel plans. Building access will be removed until the student is approved to return to their permanent residential space.
- Will I have a roommate?
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Possibly. Students in isolation are all knowingly positive and having a roommate does not impact spread. The spaces we are using have 2 bedrooms, each with two beds. We will limit the number of residents in each Isolation apartment, but reserve the right to increase to 4 students (of the same gender) if we need the increased number of spaces for isolation.
- Am I allowed to have visitors?
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No. You are being moved to lessen the chance of exposing other people to the virus, so no visitors will be allowed.
- What items should I bring?
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Residents should review the suggested packing list. You will be able to pack up needed items from your room before moving.
- What if I forget to bring or run out of a personal item or supply that I need?
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If you forget an item or run out of an item or supply, please connect with your Residence Life contact to discuss item retrieval. If the item is determined to be essential, efforts will be made to have item/s delivered to you. Residence Life will not be able to provide prescription or over-the-counter medication.
If you need Rutgers Facilities provided supplies (trash bags or toilet paper), please call University Facilities Service Call Center, Hours: 7:00am - 4:30pm at (848) 445-1234.
After business hours, please reach out to the building RA on-call (number posted in the building). Please let the RA know you are in Isolation housing so staff can take the necessary safety steps to keep themselves safe while addressing maintenance concerns.
- What If I need an ADA accommodation or Service or Support Animal with me?
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Please reach out the Residence Life Student Support Team.
- Whom should I call if I need medical attention, or I start to have bad symptoms?
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Call your primary care physician or Rutgers Student Health, Monday – Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm at 848-932-7402. For after-hours care (evenings, weekends, and holidays), call Rutgers Student Health Advice Nurseline at 800-890-5882. If you are experiencing severe coronavirus symptoms or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Please let them know you have been exposed to COVID-19.
- What if there is a fire and I need to evacuate?
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If you hear the fire alarm system sound, please evacuate the building immediately, wear a mask properly and be sure to maintain appropriate physical distancing in the emergency assembly point noted on the evacuation plans.
- When will I be able to move back to my permanent housing?
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Rutgers Student Health determines the length of stay. You will receive a confirmation from RSH and Residence Life as to your move-out date a few days before it occurs. Masks should still be worn in all settings.
- What do I need to do to move out?
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Move Out Checklist:
- Pack and remove all your personal belongings from the entire living space (bedroom and apartment)
- Clear and wipe down all your drawers/tables/ beds, etc.
- Take out any trash you may have to the community dumpster.
- Place a work order for any broken or non-working items in your space.
- Do a final walkthrough to ensure you have all your items and nothing is left in the space as you will no longer have access to the space.
When you complete your move, to return your key:
If you are isolating on Cook Campus, go to the PAL building to return your key.
If you are isolating on Busch Campus, go to the Buell Apartments, or to the Key Drop Box at the Richardson Apartments Laundry Room to return your key.
Then complete the following steps:
- Fill out the information asked on the envelope.
- Please place your key(s) in the envelope.
- Seal the envelope and drop it in the key drop.
- What transportation options do I have to return to my permanent assignment?
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Most students are using Rutgers buses, friends or family, taxis, or a ride app (Uber, Lyft, etc.) if they do not have a car. Residence Life can provide transportation to your permanent room assignment. Because this has to be scheduled, you may have to wait for a ride longer than you may wish. These rides are curb-to-curb, so you will need to move your belongings to the curb and into the car, and then out of the car and to your permanent room. To schedule transportation, complete the Return Information Form at least 4 days in advance of your departure. We cannot accommodate late requests.
Move out day Form completion deadline Saturday → Thursday prior Sunday → Thursday prior Monday → Thursday prior Tuesday → Sunday prior Wednesday → Monday prior Thursday → Tuesday prior Friday → Wednesday prior - If my Isolation housing is in a different parking zone, will I be ticketed by Transpiration Services?
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All residents that have personal vehicles on campus should have a student parking permit. While you are in Isolation housing, you may park in the resident student lot near that temporary building. If there are any concerns, you can contact the Department of Transportation Services directly.
- I’m concerned about my privacy; who will know about this?
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Student information is protected by FERPA and medical information is protected by HIPAA. However, during a public health emergency, information may be shared with public health agencies on a need-to-know basis only.
- Does a negative COVID test mean I can return to my permanent room sooner?
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Yes. You will be asked to take a COVID PCR test on or about the fifth day after exposure. If this test comes back negative, you will be allowed to return to your original room.
- If I need academic accommodations, what should I do?
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Students should inform their professors of their situation. Professors have been advised to provide the student with reasonable accommodations. For additional support, you may schedule a virtual appointment with the Dean of Students by emailing deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu. The Dean of Students is available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
- What happens to my mail? What if I need a package?
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All packages and mail should be delivered to your typical Rutgers mailing address. Please contact Rutgers Mailing Services if you require a package/mail extension. If there are packages that are critical to your temporary stay, please discuss this with Mailing Services and your Residence Life contact person.
- Who can I talk to about the financial impacts of this Isolation?
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There are resources on campus that may be able to help in the case of financial hardship and other circumstances which heavily impact you. You may schedule a virtual appointment with the Dean of Students by emailing deanofstudents@rutgers.edu. The Dean of Students is available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. You may also reach out to Residence Life Student Support at rlstudentsupport@rutgers.edu to schedule a support meeting and review helpful resources on campus. Student Support is available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
