To Our Undergraduates:
With Ohio planning to begin a gradual re-opening starting today (May 1), we have begun a limited application process for those who would like to live on campus over the summer.
As in prior years, this option is available to current undergraduates as well as those who graduate this May. That said, in light of the continued risk that the COVID-19 pandemic presents, we have adjusted this summer’s process to reduce health risks to students and the rest of the campus community.
First, you must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible to stay on campus this summer:
- Employment on campus in a role that requires your physical presence (for example, your duties include handling materials/filing in a university office);
- Involvement in research (for a capstone or other kind of learning opportunity) for which you must spend time in a university lab or other campus space;
- Employment (including an internship) in Cleveland or its surrounding suburbs; or
- Previously approved residence on campus this semester.
Second, you must stipulate that you will follow all recommended health practices while on campus, including:
- Social Distancing:
- In residence halls: Common areas such as multipurpose rooms will be closed. In other areas, stay at least six feet away from others at all times, including in hallways, stairways, laundry rooms and elevators (as some elevators may be large enough to allow this practice, signage will indicate total elevator occupancy based on size).
- On campus: Follow these same practices in campus buildings (including waiting in lines) and on sidewalks and recreational areas (e.g. fields, courts, etc.).
- Wearing Cloth Face Coverings: You must cover your mouth and nose at all times when outside your room or apartment, including in hallways, elevators, stairways, etc. You may remove your mask if your on- or off-campus work follows social distancing practices or involves working alone in a room, lab, office or other self-contained space. You can find more information on masks (including instructions on how to make and clean them) on the Centers for Disease Control's website.
- Following Hygiene Recommendations: While these are among the first suggestions circulated as COVID-19 began to make the news, the routines remain as relevant today (and will, even after states begin to lift restrictions). Campus residents are expected to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control’s hand and household hygiene guidance.
- Limiting Visitors: You may welcome visitors to your residence hall so long as:
- They follow all practices detailed in the previous bullet points while they are in the building;
- You remain with them whenever they are in public areas of the building; and
- They do not stay overnight.
- Avoiding Travel: Given the ongoing risks and wide variations in health practices, domestic travel is strongly discouraged, and international travel is prohibited.
- Reporting When Ill or Exposed: Students who are ill and/or believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 are required to report their condition to University Health Services at 216.368.2450. These students may be relocated temporarily for their own health and safety and that of the community.
Finally, as we have seen often over the past several weeks, guidelines evolve—and, in some cases, change dramatically—because of shifting circumstances. The university will advise residential students of all new guidance and, whenever possible, also communicate the possibility of revisions promptly.
To learn more about availability, dates and charges, please visit the university’s housing website. The form to apply for housing can be found on CampusGroups.
Richard Jamieson
Vice President for Campus Services
Lou Stark
Vice President for Student Affairs