Now more than ever, we as individuals must commit to protecting not only ourselves, but also our entire community. In order to reduce person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the risks for all who return to campus, each of us—all students, faculty and staff—is required to agree to the following UArts Healthy Promise. The standards outlined below are addenda to the student, faculty and staff handbooks for the next academic year, and adherence will be required. Each student and employee returning to campus will be asked to sign and acknowledge the UArts Healthy Promise. 
 

Review and sign the UArts Healthy Promise

Download the PDF  > > >

I recognize that as a member of the UArts community during the 2020–2021 academic year, my actions and the actions of all who return to campus will be important in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. I promise to do my part and to the best of my ability, uphold the following.

Before Returning to Campus
I agree to the following.

• For the 14 days prior to my return, I will adhere to strict physical social distancing of at least 6 feet and use a face mask in public settings outside my household. 

• For the 14 days prior to my return, I will avoid large gatherings wherever possible and limit my in-person interactions to the best of my ability to those within my household or for essential activities only, like work and essential shopping.

• If I or another member of my household tests positive for COVID-19, I will voluntarily share this information with UArts Health Services if I am a student, or HR if I am an employee, and seek advisement regarding my return to campus.

• I understand that opening plans and course delivery methods for UArts may change if federal, state, city or university guidances and directives change, and I agree to abide by all current and future federal, state, city and University of the Arts mandates, policies, protocols and procedures.

On Campus:
Daily Health Check & Self Care

I agree to the following.

• I will voluntarily participate in a daily self-care and health assessment (self-screen) as recommended in the Fall 2020 Opening Plan and promise to report any symptoms to UArts Health Services if I am a student, or my supervisor if I am an employee.

• I won’t attend any in-person events on campus including classes, functions and/or reporting for work, if I am exhibiting any COVID-19 like symptoms.

• If I exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, and I am a student, I will contact Health Services to determine my next course of action; if I am a faculty or staff member, I will contact my healthcare provider.

• If I test positive for or am diagnosed with COVID-19 and I am a student, I will notify Health Services immediately, follow guidance with respect to campus activities and cooperate with all contact tracing activities. 

• If I test positive for or am diagnosed with COVID-19 and I am a faculty or staff member, I will notify HR immediately, follow guidance with respect to my work obligations and campus activities, and will cooperate with all contact tracing activities. 

• If I am a residential student and I test positive for or am diagnosed with COVID-19, I understand that I might be asked to return to my permanent residence, if feasible, or relocate to an isolation area on campus. I will only return when I am medically cleared.

• If an immediate member of my household tests positive for COVID-19, I will notify Health Services (students) or Human Resources (employees).

• If I am a residential student and I become ill and/or test positive for COVID-19, and if I am unable to return to my permanent home, I agree to follow the isolation procedures prescribed by the CDC and UArts.

• If I am a residential student and it is determined through contact tracing that I have come into contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19, I will follow UArts’ quarantine protocols.

Face Coverings & Personal Hygiene

I agree to the following.

• I will wear a face mask (cloth masks or surgical ear loop masks that adequately cover the nose and mouth and that do not contain offensive language or symbols are acceptable) at all times while on campus, except in those areas which have been determined safe for mask removal, like residence hall rooms or designated dining areas. 

• If I am a smoker/vaper, I will only remove my mask to smoke in designated areas, and I will maintain at least 6 feet of distance at all times. 

• I will wash my hands frequently throughout the day, and for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water. When I am unable to wash my hands, I will use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• I will avoid touching my face as much as possible.

• I will avoid sharing personal items that are not essential to be shared, such as phones, pens and pencils or certain studio tools that do not need to be shared.

• I will follow all cleaning protocols, using the provided supplies as communicated, in studio, classroom, office and/or communal spaces. Those protocols may include wiping my desk / work area, studio tools, computer equipment or other frequently touched objects before and after I use them.

Social Distancing

I agree to the following.

• I will maintain appropriate social distance from others—in most instances, a minimum of 6 feet—in any location on campus.

• I will abide by all posted signs and COVID-19 related instructions, which could include elevator or space occupancy limits, classroom or office spacing designations, and stairwell and corridor one-way directional instructions. I will also prioritize individuals with special access needs for elevators and seating in communal areas.

• If it is feasible and if I am physically able, I will use the stairs instead of elevators when it is reasonable to do so.

• I will avoid large gatherings outside of classes, official meetings or programs. In any such gatherings that are unavoidable, I agree to wear a mask and maintain safe distancing practices.

• I will not organize or plan any gatherings of 10 or more people without appropriate approval. In any such gatherings, I agree to wear a mask and maintain safe social distancing practices.

• I will observe appropriate social distancing when waiting for elevators or access to spaces and will not use hallways or lobbies as social gathering places. 

• I understand that measures have been taken to improve air circulation, including opening windows in some spaces and increasing outdoor air handling by HVAC systems. This may result in spaces that have variable temperatures, and I will prepare accordingly.

Visitors & Guests

I agree to the following.

• I understand that for the fall 2020 semester, UArts will be a closed campus, meaning our buildings, programs and resources will be open only to currently enrolled students as well as essential faculty and staff. 

• I will not bring or invite visitors to any part of campus, with the exception of those who may be approved to assist with residential move-in or move-out. I understand that visitors are defined as anyone other than of UArts current students, faculty and staff, and include friends, family members and alumni.  

• If I am a residential student, I understand that the residential guest policy has been suspended and I am not allowed to have any guests—including other UArts students who are not also residents of my apartment—visit my room, with the exception of move-in and move-out. 

• If I must bring visitors to campus (example: move-out helper), I will ensure I have appropriate approval. I will also advise my visitors of the health-monitoring and masking protocols in place and their required participation in order to obtain access to campus. 

Travel

I agree to the following.

• I will limit any unnecessary personal travel. I understand that all University-related international travel is suspended for the time being, as well as most domestic University-related travel. 

• I will only travel for personal reasons when I absolutely must, and will abide by all protocols regarding self-quarantine as required by the UArts travel policy or by the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the City of Philadelphia before I return.

Dining Services

I agree to and understand the following.

• I agree to only consume food and beverages in designated places on campus and/or in my residential room/apartment. I understand that this includes snacks and beverages, and the only exception to this rule may be the use of personal water bottles with straws which may be permitted in certain spaces and consumed without taking my mask off. I also know that, weather permitting, eating outdoors can provide additional options.

• I agree to abide by the social distancing measures in place at each designated dining area, and if the area exceeds occupancy, I will wait or move to another designated space.

• I understand that all dining services will be take-out only, and I will maintain social distancing while in line for dining services as well as when dining at a designated dining space.

• If I am a faculty or staff member, I agree that I will not eat in my classroom, shared office or any space that is not specifically designated for eating. 

In Closing
I understand that as a member of the UArts community, I will play an important part in keeping our entire community healthy and safe. I understand that the standards outlined above, and those policies detailed in the Fall 2020 Opening Plan and other sections of the website, will be upheld and viewed as addenda to the student, faculty and/or staff handbook. Failure to comply with these policies can result in disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to, imposed limits on my ability to be on campus, in person and remain at UArts.

I also understand that the expectations outlined above apply to all members of the UArts community, and I that I may report incidents which are in conflict with the UArts Healthy Promise to healthypromise@uarts.edu.

Review and Sign the UArts Healthy Promise

Download the PDF  > > >

Our Partners: Jefferson

UArts has engaged one of the most elite and preeminent healthcare providers in our city, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, to partner with us in addressing the health and safety needs of our reopened campus. By expanding our existing partnership with Jefferson, we will ensure that the health and safety protocols we enact for reopening UArts for in-person instruction meet or exceed the social distancing standards recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and governing authorities, as well as surpass best practices for higher education institutions. UArts is continuing our partnership with Jefferson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine to provide primary care services for our students, and we could not be more pleased to further expand its advisory role as we develop the health and safety reopening guidelines for the UArts community. Planning conversations began in March and continue among the senior staff of our respective institutions.

Before Returning to Campus

All UArts community members will be required to take the following actions, as outlined in the UArts Healthy Promise.

• For the 14 days prior to my return, I will adhere to strict physical distancing and use a face mask in public settings outside my household. 
• For the 14 days prior to my return, I will avoid large gatherings wherever possible and limit my interactions to the best of my ability to those within my household or for essential activities only, like work and essential shopping.
• If I or another member of my household tests positive for COVID-19, I will voluntarily share this information with UArts Health Services if I am a student, or HR if I am an employee, and seek advisement on my return to campus.

In addition, all students, faculty and staff will be required to complete remote training and sign the UArts Healthy Promise before returning to campus. 

Students
To best prepare for the fall semester, we ask that all students take the following actions.

• Confirm your health insurance 
• Download your health insurance company’s telemedicine app to your personal phone
• Register as a patient with Jefferson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine at JFMAregistration@jefferson.edu or 215-955-7190, so that if an appointment ever becomes necessary, one can be secured in a timely manner—typically within 24 hours.
• Consider completing the Release of Information Form and returning to Student Health Services. This will enable your medical and/or health information to be shared with UArts and those you designate.
• Consider getting your flu shot (influenza vaccine) before you arrive, or plan to attend a flu shot clinic on campus, which will be administered via Rite Aid this fall (dates TBD). 
• Visit and bookmark the Student Health Services website and make note of its healthservices@uarts.edu email address.

Face Masks & Prevention

As described in the UArts Healthy Promise, all students, faculty and staff will be expected to uphold a number of prevention practices to protect the health of our entire campus community. One of the most important practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is the requirement for all students, staff and faculty to wear protective face masks at all times while on campus. This requirement is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Higher Education and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH). Acceptable face masks include reusable cloth masks or surgical ear loop masks that adequately cover the nose and mouth and do not contain offensive language or symbols. Face shields are not considered a face mask, though they may be worn together with a face mask. Faculty and others who may need to speak for prolonged periods of time may be provided face shields to use together with a face mask and/or plexiglass barriers may be installed. The University will provide two reusable cloth face masks to students, one at the beginning of the semester, and one at the midway point. The University will provide faculty and staff with one reusable cloth face mask. Individuals must provide their own acceptable mask if their University-provided mask is lost. Masks will be available at the UArts Bookstore for purchase.

Wearing a mask can sometimes be inconvenient, especially when wearing one for prolonged periods of time, however it is necessary to minimize the chance of viral transmission in social settings. Academic program directors and Student Affairs will have the responsibility for managing students who do not comply with this policy, and supervisors will have the responsibility for managing employees who do not comply with this policy. There will be zero tolerance for intentional and/or repeated disregard or refusal of mask wearing.

Finally, and as described in the Healthy Promise and throughout the Opening Plan, all students, faculty and staff must abide by all prevention protocols, which include social distancing practices which will most often be maintaining a minimum of 6 feet apart, washing hands frequently and for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water, and caring for and cleaning all personal belongings including your face mask, clothing and high-touch equipment. 

Daily Health Check & Screening

Screening is a strategy used to help identify those who have symptoms pf COVID-19 and may need further evaluation or testing. As a part of the UArts Healthy Promise, all community members including students, faculty and staff are expected to participate in daily self-care and health assessment by self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms using one of the tools below.

• CDC self-check symptom guide
• CDC self-check symptom app for Android
• CDC self-check symptom app for Apple
• UArts COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checklist for Students 
• UArts COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checklist for Faculty/Staff 

A reminder to complete the daily self-care and health assessment will be sent as a push notification to all students via the UArts App each morning throughout the fall semester. To protect privacy, UArts will not monitor screening answers.

Have Symptoms? 

The Centers for Disease Control has identified common symptoms of COVID-19 as including but not limited to: fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Students, faculty and staff exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and report symptoms to UArts Health Services (students) and/or their primary care physician (faculty/staff) and Human Resources.

Testing

Testing for COVID-19 allows for quickly identifying and treating cases so that measures can be taken to isolate and prevent spread. UArts will facilitate and refer those in need of testing in accordance with guidelines and recommendations as issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as local and state public health agencies.

Students
COVID-19 testing needs for students will fall into three categories.

• Students with respiratory symptoms needing evaluation and testing
• Students “screening positive” on daily screening and in need of testing
• Students who are asymptomatic and require testing because of potential close contact with a confirmed case

Through Student Health Services, students who are determined to be in need of COVID-19 testing will be referred to Jefferson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, which will evaluate and determine if testing is necessary. Any student who is tested for COVID-19 should follow isolation protocols as directed by their physician and Health Services, and should not return to in-person activities while they await results, even if symptoms subside.

Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff who self-screen and exhibit symptoms, or have been confirmed through contact tracing to have been exposed, should contact their primary care physician and Human Resources, if they have not already done so. Those faculty and staff who are tested for COVID-19 should not report to work while awaiting their results, even if symptoms subside.

Testing Sites
In most instances, students will be referred to Jefferson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, where they will receive evaluation and if determined necessary, testing. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care physicians for testing referrals and notify HR. Additionally, testing for COVID-19 is available throughout Philadelphia, and testing sites are listed online. However, students are strongly encouraged to contact Student Health Services for assistance, except in the event of a true medical emergency, when they should contact 9-1-1. Whenever feasible, testing locations should be contacted in advance to ensure availability and health insurance coverage.

Health Insurance
Both the student health insurance policy as well as the employee health insurance policy cover COVID-19 testing. Some policies may have referral requirements. For coverage questions, students should contact Health Services, and employees should contact Human Resources, or refer to the latest PAISBOA HBT COVID-19 communication.

Contact Tracing

Contact tracing is the process in which those individuals who are known to have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are identified, listed and contacted. Usually, those individuals are asked to observe measures to break the chain of community transmission by quarantining for a period of time. Contact tracing is conducted by healthcare professionals. 

• In the event of a known positive case, UArts will work with PDPH and notify those individuals who have been in close contact. The infected individual will not be identified in this process. 
• UArts will work with the state and local health departments to identify any contacts within our community and beyond. 

UArts is also currently evaluating contact tracing apps that may be used to assist the process. In addition, UArts has developed a Contact Tracing Form to assist PDPH in this important work.

Quarantine, Isolation & Self-Care

Residential Students
In the event that a positive case is confirmed for a residential student, PDPH will be contacted, and UArts will work with PDPH and the student’s healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. It is likely that if the student is able and can travel safely via automobile with the assistance of a family or household member, they will be encouraged to recover at home. If the student is unable to travel, they will be moved to an isolation room on campus. Currently, the university is holding a number of vacant apartments on campus for this use. Those residential students known to have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case may similarly be asked to quarantine in their private apartment or temporarily relocate to an alternate and designated apartment and/or room for quarantine. The 2nd floor hall of Juniper is vacant for the fall 2020 semester and is being held for this purpose. In the event of on-campus isolation or quarantine, the student will be supported by Student Health Services and Residential Life in a number of ways to assure their health and well-being, including daily check-ins, meal delivery and essential supply delivery. Counseling Services and all other academic and student support services will remain available to students as well. Only when a student has received medical clearance from a physician and completed the university’s Quarantine Release Form may they return to campus.

Commuter Students
In the event that a positive case is confirmed for a commuter student, PDPH will be contacted, and UArts will work with PDPH and the student’s healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. The student will likely be advised to isolate and recover at home. A similar process may be enacted for those who are confirmed to have been in close contact with a known positive case. Only when a student has received medical clearance from a physician and completed the university’s Quarantine Release Form may they return to campus.

Faculty & Staff
In the event that a positive case is confirmed for a faculty or staff member, PDPH will be contacted. UArts will work with PDPH and the employee’s healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. The employee will likely be advised to isolate and recover at home. A similar process may be enacted for those who are confirmed to have been in close contact with a known positive case. Only when one has received medical clearance and shared this clearance with HR may they return to campus. 

Enhanced Cleaning & 
Building Safety Protocols

University of the Arts partners with Aramark for Facilities Services and Allied Universal for Public Safety. Together with our partners, UArts has devised a Pandemic Plan that is organized and responsive to the level of COVID-19 transmission within both the Philadelphia area and UArts specifically. All protocols meet or exceed the provided guidance as outlined by the CDC, as well as state and local authorities to minimize community members’ exposure to contaminants. Preventative protocols will be implemented across campus, including

• Dining areas will be provided in well-ventilated, socially distanced spaces where community members can unmask. Venues include well-ventilated indoor spaces, as well as both covered and fully open outdoor spaces.
• Surfaces with frequent touch points such as classrooms, corridors, restrooms and other high-traffic areas will receive multiple cleanings each day. 
• Installation of communal cleaning supplies stations as needed, like wipes and/or cleaning disinfectant, to support customized cleaning protocols for specific studios and classrooms.
• Invited guests (e.g., contractors) will be allowed on campus only with explicit permission and will be expected to abide by all campus and building-specific protocols. 
• Mechanical ventilation systems in Terra, Anderson, Arts Bank and Gershman will be operated to maximize the amount of fresh air entering the ventilation systems from outside these buildings. To further aid in introducing fresh air into building spaces, the university is working to allow windows to be opened in locations where the windows are designed to do so.
• Restrooms that cannot accommodate social distancing will be lockable by occupants while in use.
• In buildings with multiple stair towers, individual stair towers will be delineated as one way up or down to facilitate social distancing. Community members who are physically capable of climbing stairs will be encouraged to use stairs rather than elevators.
• Occupancy limits will be established in waiting areas, lounges and all class/meeting areas. Furniture may be removed/modified in certain common areas and lounges to support occupancy limits and social distancing.
• Elevator occupancy will be limited to 4 passengers, spaced one in each corner of the elevator cab. Smaller elevators in residential buildings will be limited to 2 passengers per cab.
• Sanitizing stations will be located throughout campus for easy access and usage. All sanitizer used at the university contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Water fountains will be inoperable unless they are also designed as—and functioning as —bottle-filling stations.
• Building and studio hour adjustments will be made to further reduce and coordinate facility access and to accommodate regular cleaning regimens.

In addition, all students, faculty and staff may be expected to extend personal hygiene cleaning practices to tools or surfaces they personally touch, within reason. For example, you may be expected to “gel-in” and “gel-out” of certain classrooms with provided hand sanitizer, or wipe down your desk and/or studio tools both before and after use with provided wipes. 

IMPORTANT DATES

WHAT TO EXPECT 

In order to prioritize the health and safety of the UArts community while still delivering an in-person and on-campus academic experience of excellence, the Academic Plan for the fall 2020 semester has been modified in several significant ways. First, please be sure to refer to page 12 to review the important dates relative to the modified calendar for the fall 2020 semester. 

All students will receive details on the specifics of their schedule over the course of the summer. However, there are some overarching adjustments that will apply to most academic experiences.

• Adjusted Course Meeting Times
  To meet social distancing protocols and cleaning schedule enhancements, some changes in class start times and room assignments are necessary and may require evening and weekend scheduling, as well as additional instruction spaces. More details will be shared as each school confirms its plans.
   
• Critical Studies & Lecture-Based Major Requirements Delivered Remotely
  To minimize the number of students, faculty and staff on-campus at any time and to maximize our ability to practice the highest level of social distancing, the academic plan for the fall 2020 semester will require that all Critical Studies courses and most lecture-based major requirements be delivered remotely. This will also facilitate students who are unable to return to campus due to heightened health or family concerns to have the choice to continue earning credit toward degree completion. For those students who return to campus, your schedule may comprise a hybrid experience. Please also note that some major requirements within Creative Writing will have in-person courses.
   
• Grading
  Students will be assigned letter grades in all courses completed, except for courses that are already specified as “pass/fail.”
   
• Strict Social Distancing, Face Masks & Personal Hygiene Protocols
  All students, faculty and staff will be held to the standards as outlined within the UArts Healthy Promise. There will be zero tolerance in classrooms for violations of personal adherence to University policy on the issues of mask wearing, social distancing instructions, prohibition of food/beverage consumption, and specific cleaning protocols relative to individual classroom and studio spaces. A minimum of 36 square feet per person will be maintained at all times. The average in-person class size for the semester will be 15-18. Occupancy limits will be established for each course and space.
   
• Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
  Cleaning protocols across campus will be amplified in a variety of ways. In addition to more frequent routine cleaning of all high-touch and communal surfaces that will be carried out by UArts’ facilities team, many classrooms, studios and offices will implement cleaning protocols specific to the tools and equipment students, faculty and staff personally use. All students, faculty and staff may be expected to extend personal hygiene cleaning practices to tools or surfaces they personally touch, within reason. For example, you may be expected to “gel-in” and “gel-out” of certain classrooms with provided hand sanitizer, or wipe down your desk and/or studio tools both before and after use with provided wipes.
• Student Support & Academic Services Adjusted
  Student Support and Academic Services will be delivered adhering to socially distant delivery methods. In some instances, services may be provided remotely or via a hybrid experience. How services are delivered within areas like Academic Advising, the Counseling Center, the Registrar’s Office, Media Resources, the Library and Financial Aid, among others, will change. Detailed plans for each area will be made available through virtual Orientation prior to the start of the fall semester and by each respective department.

________
What to Expect within Each School

School of Art
School of Dance
School of Design
School of Film
School of Music
School of Theater
School of Critical & Professional Studies

Dining Services
On-campus dining will be offered “to go” only. Students, faculty and staff will only be permitted to eat in designated areas on campus and/or within their private bedroom in a residence hall or private (not shared) office on campus. Eating in classrooms and hallways will not be permitted. Specific information on dining options will be communicated before the beginning of the fall semester.

Work Study
Our goal remains to lower the number of interactions on campus, slow the rate of transmission and protect our community. With this in mind, all work-study positions will be evaluated to determine if the service/activity is essential. If essential, and as approved by a senior staff member overseeing that respective area, the position may be allowed to continue either in-person or remotely. If non-essential, the position will be suspended for the duration of the fall 2020 semester.

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center will be closed for the fall 2020 semester.

Library

In fall 2020, the University Libraries will be open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., for “curbside” pickup of materials, including interlibrary loans, requests for scans of library materials and by appointment only to browse the library’s collections. After making an appointment, one person at a time will be permitted in the library to browse collections. All other library services will be provided remotely, including research help, instruction and course reserves. Information about services and options for searching collections can be found on the Libraries’ website.

The Libraries will follow strict protocols for cleaning shared surfaces, social distancing and quarantining library materials after they have been used.

Travel

Effective immediately and until further notice:

• All University-related international travel is prohibited, and all travel programs through fall 2020 have been canceled.
• All personal international travel is strongly discouraged.
• All University-related non-essential domestic air travel is prohibited. Check the state and territorial health department websites for the latest information.
• We strongly urge extreme caution and judgment for your personal domestic and/or international travel.
• Anyone who returns or arrives to campus from a location with a CDC level 3 travel warning for COVID-19 or with an advisory from the City of Philadelphia must contact either Human Resources (employees) or Health Services (students) at least 48 hours before your return/arrival to campus and self-isolate until you receive formal guidance from Human Resources or Health Services. Most self-isolations will last 14 days.

In general, travel can increase the risks of exposure to you and the community. Government restrictions and public health measures are changing fast. If you travel, those changes may make it hard for you to resume your academic and professional activities.

Visitors & Guests at UArts 
UArts will operate as a closed campus for the fall 2020 semester, meaning only current students, faculty and staff may be on campus and in person, with exceptions only granted for those individuals involved in the delivery of essential activities (example: course instruction, essential co-curricular activity or a facilities maintenance contractor) who have the approval of a member of senior staff. This policy includes all family members and friends of UArts current students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni. Please note that residential students will have exceptions granted for move-in and move-out.

Essential Non-University Guests
Non-University guest speakers, artists and/or contractors involved in the delivery of essential, in-person activity at the University will only be permitted when

• Approval by a President’s Council level leader is granted
• Confirmation of review and signing to the UArts Healthy Promise is received 
• Answers no to all questions on our voluntary symptom checklist prior to entering our facilities. 

Non-University Attendees and/or Event Participants
At this time and until further notice, non-University guests will not be permitted to attend any UArts in-person, on-campus events.

Meetings & Events 
Non-Curricular Programming Guidelines

For the fall 2020 semester, and in accordance with guidance as issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as local and state authorities, only essential co-curricular activities for the UArts community will run in person. All other non-essential events may run remotely when feasible. Routine small group meetings should always be held remotely. For those events that are considered essential and must run in person, the location of the event will determine how many attendees can attend. Thirty-six (36) square feet of space per person must be allocated and maintained at all times within the event space. 

Determining Essential Co-Curricular Activities & Events
In order to determine if an event is an essential co-curricular activity, it must meet the following criteria.

• Afford a first and formative social engagement experience that is critical to our students’ ability to form a community 
• Provide a critical opportunity to assure students’ emotional, physical or social well-being
• Strengthen and/or establish connections for students to their UArts community
• Cannot achieve the goals of the event if hosted virtually
• Receive approval from the Office of Campus Life and/or Residence Life if student-led, OR 
• Receive approval from a member of senior staff if faculty and/or staff-led 

Attendance Tracking
All essential events that run in person must track attendance by gathering attendees’ legal names, UArts ID numbers, phone numbers and email addresses. Those staff/faculty organizing events which have received approval as essential will receive guidance on how to track this information and will be required to share this information with their supervisors at the end of every event.

Safety Guidelines
All event attendees must wear masks and abide by the UArts Healthy Promise. Reminders of these guidelines should be communicated to guests prior to the event and again upon arrival at the event. Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations should be readily available at all event locations as well as disposable masks. Spaces should be configured in such a way as to maintain proper social distancing of 6 feet between attendees (ie: seating spaced six feet apart). 

Tabling in Lobbies
Tabling in the lobbies of Terra, Anderson, Spruce, Pine and Furness halls will be suspended during this time due to the inability to comply with appropriate physical distancing requirements. Contactless tabling only will be allowed in Gershman Hall (ie., no objects, including papers, may be distributed).

Food
Food and beverage consumption will not be permitted for almost all meetings and events, with few exceptions limited to essential, orientation events. Those essential events which require catering and/or food service availability must be discussed and approved with the Office of Campus Life or by a member of senior staff.

Event Supplies
Participants at essential events should be provided with or encouraged to bring their own supplies (e.g., scissors, pen, paint brush). Sharing of equipment and/or supplies at any essential event is strongly discouraged and alternatives actively pursued. In the event sharing must occur, personal cleaning protocols should be established (example: each individual wipes item before and after use with provided disinfecting wipes).

Event Communications
Prior to the essential in-person event, all communications should reiterate the UArts Healthy Promise and any social distancing and/or health and safety protocols that will be in effect during the event. During the event, the following measures should be implemented where possible.

• Display signs/posters/table tents/digital images reminding participants of prevention measures.
• Announce actions participants should take to protect themselves and limit infection spread at the start and throughout the event.
• Encourage people to replace handshakes with greetings that don’t require skin contact.

Residential Life

The residential experience for students living in UArts campus housing for 2020–2021 will look different than in past years as we navigate a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust our plans based upon the latest guidance from public health officials. Your safety and well-being are of paramount importance. The staff in Residence Life remain committed to offering programs, services and opportunities to build community with your peers and with student residential hall staff; whether this engagement occurs online or in person will depend upon guidance from public health authorities and campus leadership. 

Plans for housing have also been modified to accommodate a safe and healthy living environment. For fall, we plan to house up to 622 students. We will have 422 residents living in on-campus spaces and 200 upperclass students in local hotels (the DoubleTree and Cambria hotels on Broad Street). In efforts to minimize the density within residence halls, the University will not assign double or triple occupancy bedrooms. Every individual resident will be assigned a personal space in each unit/apartment. Each unit/apartment on campus was assessed, and appropriately sized individual spaces have been allocated. In some cases, students will share the kitchen and bathrooms with roommate(s). Contracts with hotels are being negotiated for the overflow amount of students. At this time, spring semester plans will continue with our normal housing capacity in our four residential facilities. As such, we are requiring all residents to move out for the Winter Break from November 22 to the start of the spring 2021 semester. 

Housing Occupancy Plan for Fall 2020
To ensure as safe a housing environment as possible, the University has changed room and apartment occupancy for the fall 2020 semester. In order to reduce occupancy and density in residential spaces, the following changes have been made:

• First-year student move-in will take place August 12-13, 2020, with staggered check-in times. 
• Continuing student move-in will take place September 12-13, 2020, with staggered check-in times.  
• Residence halls and hotel access will close on November 22 by 5 p.m., and students will be required to remove all personal belongings. This means that all student items will need to be removed from all on-campus housing and hotels, which is required for the University to prepare and make adjustments for the spring semester. With this change in mind, please bring only essential items to your residence. Residents are required to move out within 24 hours of their final in-class meeting or by November 22 at 5 p.m. 
• Every individual resident will be assigned a personal space in each unit/apartment. Each unit/apartment on campus was assessed, and appropriately sized individual spaces have been allocated (the University will not assign double or triple occupancy bedrooms).
• In some cases, students will share the kitchen and bathrooms with roommate(s). 
• Contracts with hotels are being negotiated for the overflow amount of students and will provide housing for returning students with reserved housing placements.  

Student Housing has revised occupancy plans and will offer housing based on a variety of criteria (i.e., incoming first-year and transfer students, students with approved accommodations through the Office of Educational Accessibility, international and out-of-state students).

Considerations made by the University 

• One floor will remain unassigned for fall housing and reserved for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine purposes.
• All previous housing and roommate requests will be considered when the residence life staff creates new placements for students. 
• Hotel space will be assigned to our returning upperclass students.
• All students will be charged the shared rate for the fall semester regardless of their housing placement.
• The University community commits to maintaining a healthy residential experience.

Additional specific information about housing assignments will be forthcoming and communicated to residents via their University email account. 

First-Year Move-in
Student arrival to residence halls and undergraduate apartments will be staggered to avoid the typical high-density move-in experience. 

Dining Options
On-campus dining will be offered “to go” only. Students, faculty and staff will only be permitted to eat in designated areas on campus and/or within their private bedroom in a residence hall, or private (not shared) office on campus. Eating in classrooms and hallways will not be permitted. Specific information on dining options will be communicated before the beginning of the fall semester. 

Spring Housing Options
Housing contracts are for the full academic year 2020–2021; if you wish to live on campus for the fall, your contract will be for both fall and spring. Spring occupancy and placements will be communicated to residents toward the end of the fall semester and assigned in accordance with public health guidance. 

Maintaining a Healthy Residential Experience
The University is committed to frequent cleaning of common and high-traffic areas. Students living in campus housing can also expect the following safety measures (noting that plans are subject to re-evaluation and change).

• Required adherence to public health practices, including frequent disinfecting of physical space, hand hygiene, physical distancing, proper cough/sneeze etiquette, symptom assessment, possible temperature checks
• Requirement to wear a face mask outside of your apartment/hotel rooms, which includes the hallways and common areas as recommended by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
• No access to buildings by non-residents, including outside guests, non-residential staff and others unless approved by University staff  
• Restrictions on events and social activities, as per current physical distancing guidance
• Possible limitations on face-to-face interactions with members of the Residence Life staff, as per public health guidelines
• Lounge/study spaces will be reconfigured in the residence halls to promote social distancing (allowing students to remain a minimum of 6 feet apart). In some cases, furniture may be removed to promote this goal. Residents should also adhere to any noted occupancy limits for these spaces.

Residential Staff Response Protocols 
In the event that a positive case is confirmed for a residential student, the Philadelphia Department of Health (PDPH) will be contacted, and UArts will work with PDPH and the student’s healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. It is likely that if the student is able and can travel safely via automobile with the assistance of a family or household member, they will be encouraged to recover at home. If the student is unable to travel, they will be moved to an isolation room on campus. Currently, the University is holding a number of vacant apartments on campus for this use. Those residential students known to have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case may similarly be asked to quarantine in their private apartment and/or temporarily relocate to an alternate and designated apartment and/or room for quarantine. In the event of on-campus isolation or quarantine, the student will be supported by Student Health Services and Residential Life in a number of ways to assure their health and well-being, including daily check-ins, meal delivery and essential supply delivery. Counseling Services and all other academic and student support services departments will remain available to students as well.

Staff Training
In addition, all training manuals and policies for Residential Life staff, including the Professional on Duty (POD) who is likely to be the first responder and coordinator of student incidents, and policies for possible relocation of COVID positive students on campus have been revised with social distancing and health and safety protocols. Residential Assistants (RA) manuals and training have similarly been revised, and will facilitate contactless check-ins as appropriate and socially distant protocols for routine responsibilities. Detailed information on such protocols will be provided to those staff impacted directly.

What to Expect if Asked to Isolate
Students who are directed to isolate by Student Health Services and/or a primary care physician will be supported in a variety of ways. Additional health related supplies will be provided and delivered, which may include items like thermometers, disposable masks, soaps and linens as appropriate. The student will be monitored through telehealth means, and possibly in-person appointments should the circumstances warrant. Meals will be delivered in a contactless fashion. Masks will need to be worn anytime contact is possible with another, like receiving meals or supplies. Movement outside of the isolation space will in most instances not be possible and only permitted when it is absolutely necessary to do so. Students will be isolated individually so long as it is feasible. Cohort isolation will only occur when directed and advised by health care professionals.

Important Dates

Residential Student FAQ
 

• Is the cost of housing prorated? Am I paying for a single space if I don’t have a roommate?
  The cost of housing is prorated for the number of weeks a student resides on campus. For example, first year students will be on campus for more weeks than returning students and that will be reflected in the cost.

  All students will be charged the shared rate for housing for the fall 2020 semester, regardless of their assignment in a hotel, single, or private bedroom. 
   
• How will my residence hall room be set up? What if I have a preferred roommate?
  Each residence hall room will either be a single occupancy or shared occupancy, depending on the size of the apartment. For those students living in shared occupancy, the furniture will be configured upon move-in to allow for each student to have their own personal space—a private bedroom, a rearranged common area, etc. Residents in apartments with shared occupancy will share kitchens and bathrooms. For students with preferred roommates, if you have not already, email reslife@uarts.edu to request to live with each other. Residence Life staff will do its best to honor all requests. 
   

• What if I want a room change?
  We will not be hosting room change periods during the fall semester. Students with concerns about their housing assignment should contact Residence Life at reslife@uarts.edu to discuss their concerns. 

• What if I want to cancel my housing contract?
  As acknowledged in the Housing agreement for 2020-2021, any student seeking early termination of this Housing & Meal Agreement must communicate with the Office of Residence Life and Community Standards to submit a request. Submitting a request does not guarantee termination of this Agreement.  In all cases of termination of this Housing Agreement, the student forfeits their University Housing Deposit as referenced in the University Catalog. If the request for termination is received and approved by June 1, 2020, the student will not be charged a termination fee. On or after June 2, 2020 up the first day of classes in the Fall semester, a request for termination can be made; however approved students will incur an early termination fee in the amount of $500. During the Fall Semester and up to the first day of classes in the Spring Semester, a student can request a release for the Spring Semester; however the termination fee will be $250. If other releases occur after the first day of classes of each semester, students will receive a prorated refund listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. The University may terminate this agreement by written notice if the student fails to comply with the agreement. The student remains liable for housing and meal charges for the full academic year unless released from this agreement by the Office of RLCS.

• When will the revised housing placement be communicated to students?
  First-year students who have cleared their bill with Student Financial Services will receive their housing assignment by July 15, 2020. Returning students who have cleared their bill with Student Financial Services will receive their housing assignment by July 31, 2020. Students who clear their bill after housing assignments have been sent will receive their assignment within 5 business days of clearing. 

• How does laundry, Wi-Fi, etc., work for those students assigned to hotel living? Will there be maid service in the hotels, or will students clean their spaces?
  Wi-Fi will be included, and the hotels we have contracted with have onsite laundry, and/or students may elect to pay for laundry service through the hotel. There are also nearby laundromats available. Specific details about hotel amenities and services will be provided in the same email as the students’ housing assignment.

• What about residential move out, will that be staggered?
  Residence halls close at 5pm on Sunday, November 22. Residential students should move out within 24 hours of their final in-person class meeting. The Office of Residence Life will send an email communication to all residents in early October to begin coordinating move-out plans. Residents are required move out all personal items in November. 

• Can I leave some items behind in November move out?
  No. Students are required to remove all items during the November move-out so the University to prepare for the spring semester. Here are some options for Philadelphia area storage.

  • U-Haul Storage: 12th Street and Washington Avenue: 215-336-8080

  • U-Haul Storage: 24th Street and Oregon Avenue: 215-468-2014

  • CubeSmart: 501 Callowhill Street: 844-427-1409

University of the Arts is committed to the health and safety of the entire UArts community, including our faculty and staff. In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the University will follow the guidance as issued by the CDC, local and state authorities with respect to operations for the fall 2020 semester. Only essential activities, which include all course instruction designated for in-person delivery and those activities and services that can only be successfully delivered in-person, will be permitted on-campus. All essential in-person activities will be modified in their delivery to adhere to social distancing and health and safety protocols. For both essential activities that need not be delivered in person, as well as all non-essential activities and services, the University will continue to recommend remote and/or alternative modes of delivery when it is reasonable to do so. All faculty and staff will be required to attend training and orientation prior to the start of the semester.

Essential In-Person Instruction
All studio courses have been designated as essential for in-person delivery in most instances. Lecture-based courses, with some exceptions, will be delivered remotely.

Other Essential In-Person Activities
For all activities outside instruction, the following criteria and considerations will be used to assist department leaders in determining essential activity that must be delivered in person. 

The activity/service satisfies at least one of the following.

• Provides a critical function or support to the delivery of in-person instruction
• Provides a critical service to the operations of the University, without which the University cannot function 
• Protects and assures the safety and health of our community and/or the safety of our campus
• Provides access to materials or resources that are necessary for our students to meet the requirements of their coursework
• Affords a first or formative social engagement experience that is critical to our students’ ability to form a community
• Provides a critical service to assure students’ emotional, physical or social well-being
  
  AND can only be successfully delivered in person

Note: Many activities and services will be designated essential but can be successfully delivered remotely or modified and delivered through a hybrid model.

Health & Safety
All essential in-person activities will be required to adhere to University health and safety protocols to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. All faculty and staff who return to campus to support essential in-person delivery of classes, activities or services will be provided training and be required to agree to the UArts Healthy Promise. Face masks will be required at all times and one sustainable face mask will be provided to each faculty and staff member. Faculty leading in-person instruction should consult with their program head and dean to learn about the health and safety protocols that will be implemented and customized for each classroom experience. Staff delivering in-person services or activities should consult with their supervisor for health and safety protocols that will be implemented and customized for each department on campus.

Faculty Accommodations
Faculty who are required to deliver in-person course instruction and/or essential activities but have a documented medical or family need that may place them at greater risk of contracting and/or becoming ill due to COVID-19 may request an accommodation here through Human Resources. 

Full Time Faculty: for information on paid sick time, click here.

Staff Accommodations
Staff, who are required to deliver essential and in-person services or activities but have a documented medical or family need that may place them at greater risk of contracting and/or becoming ill due to COVID-19,  may request a reasonable accommodation through Human Resources.

Types of Leaves of Absence
If risk concerns persist, there are two types of leaves available: FMLA and Personal Leave. Learn more. 

• I am a UArts student, faculty or staff. How can I stay updated about changes?
  All students, faculty and staff are required to check their UArts email accounts frequently. All official and formal updates will always be sent via email. Updates will also be made to this webpage: uarts.edu/fall2020. In addition, we advise all members of the UArts community, and especially our students, to download and install the University app (for Android | for Apple) and enable push notifications. In addition, all students, faculty and staff should register to receive UArts Alerts to receive text message notifications during any instance of urgent or emergency matters.

• I am a family member of a UArts student. How can I stay up to date? 
  Families and parents should bookmark uarts.edu/fall2020, where public updates will be chronicled. It is also recommended that families sign up for the Generations email newsletter to receive public announcements. In addition, families may ask their student to register them for UArts Alerts text messages. UArts Alerts are sent during any instance of urgent or emergency matters on campus. Finally, we encourage families to be in touch frequently and directly with their students.

• Will masks be made available by UArts for purchase in the store or other areas?
  Yes. Masks will be available for purchase through the School Store. In addition, students will be provided two sustainable cloth masks but will be individually responsible for masks and for their care. Students are also encouraged to bring their own. Masks should be cloth or surgical ear loop masks that adequately cover the nose and mouth and should not contain offensive language or symbols.

• What is your “return to school” policy after testing positive for COVID-19?
  Medical clearance, which can only be issued by a physician or health care provider, is necessary to return to in person activities. Students should contact Student Health Services at healthservices@uarts.edu or call 215-717-6652 to coordinate the completion of the Quarantine Release Form. Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources at hr@uarts.edu prior to their return.

• I am traveling from an area of high rate of infection, or internationally. Is there anything I should be aware of?
  Students traveling from a U.S. state or territory with a high rate of infection or internationally should adhere to the following prior to their arrival on campus.

  • For the 14 days prior to their return, adhere to strict physical distancing and use a face covering in public settings outside their household

  • For the 14 days prior to their return, avoid large gatherings wherever possible and limit my interactions to the best of my ability to those within my household or for essential activities only, like work and essential shopping

  • Wear masks, wash hands, limit exposure as much as possible and take precautions as they travel to campus

  • If a student has any of the following: a cough, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or been placed on quarantine for possible contact with COVID-19 or has been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or a local public health official, they should not come to campus and should email campuslife@uarts.edu and healthservices@uarts.edu to notify University staff. Alternate arrangements might need to be made for their Orientation, move-in and/or academic start dates.

• Is there anything commuters should be aware of?
  Commuting to campus whether you walk, bike, drive or take public transportation is common among students, faculty and staff. We remind all members of our community to wear a mask when in public areas, keep 6' distance from other people, and sanitize or wash their hands when they arrive at their destination. 
   

• What spaces on campus will be available for commuters between classes?
  We are currently assessing common areas of campus; once spaces have been evaluated, an updated list will be provided in this FAQ. 

• Why are first-year students coming in advance of returning students? 
  This fall, first-year students have been invited to begin their orientation program less than two weeks early, advancing the start of orientation from Wednesday, August 26 (original date), to Friday, August 14 (revised date). In addition, upper-level student courses will begin remote engagement Tuesday, September 8, and in-person instruction Monday, September 14, just one week after originally slated. The start date of coursework was moved from Monday, August 31, to Tuesday, September 8. All residential students will move in over two days, instead of during the traditional one day, to facilitate a socially distanced move-in process.

  There are several reasons for these changes. First, we must ensure that our new students are afforded a unique and unifying orientation experience and the necessary access to space to do this safely. Due to the global pandemic, additional time has been afforded to jump-start their experience, orienting them to the University, their co-curricular and social activity options, their academic experience and the city of Philadelphia.

  Second, we must stagger the return of our student, faculty and staff populations. We know the risk of transmission of COVID-19 increases as the number of individuals who circulate and convene within any given space increases. With each group of students that returns to campus, so must larger groups of staff and faculty to support and deliver their in-person experiences. Staggering the return of our students allows for a staggered return of faculty and staff as well. This phased return will be done first and foremost to protect the health and safety of all but will also afford our staff and faculty critical time to enact and scale up the safety protocols that will be required across campus.

  Finally, though the number of weeks that new students are on campus differs from the number of weeks upper-level students are on campus, our faculty are hard at work evaluating and adjusting the meeting times of our courses to ensure that all classes meet for the necessary period of time to ensure learning objectives are met. Some courses may meet later into the evenings, and a few, especially within the School of Dance, may take advantage of weekend hours.

• I am a returning student. Can I come to campus early? 
  No. Only first-year students and the faculty, staff and returning students who are officially supporting first-year students (e.g., residential assistants and first-year guides) may return to campus before Sept.14. Returning students who are living on campus will be assigned a move-in date of either Sept. 12 or 13. The move-in date assignments will be communicated via UArts email.

• How will elevator occupancy work if we are supposed to maintain 6' social distance?
  Our Crisis Management Team has discussed this with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. It advises that elevator occupancy be determined based on the size of the car. Some of our elevators might have an occupancy of one, while others might hold up to six passengers. We will be installing markers on the floor of each elevator so passengers know where to stand. UArts will require passengers to wear masks while in the elevator and discourage passengers from talking during their ride. Signs will be posted in elevator lobbies and inside elevators to remind riders of the protocols. 

• How will my residence hall room be set up? What if I have a preferred roommate?
  Each residence hall room will either be a single occupancy or shared occupancy, depending on the size of the apartment. For those students living in shared occupancy, the furniture will be configured upon move-in to allow for each student to have their own personal space—a private bedroom, a rearranged common area, etc. Residents in apartments with shared occupancy will share kitchens and bathrooms. For students with preferred roommates, if you have not already, email reslife@uarts.edu to request to live with each other. Residence Life staff will do its best to honor all requests. 

• Can I keep my off-campus job?
  Many students work off campus during the year, whether at jobs or internships. We ask all students to practice safe habits—wearing masks, social distancing, frequent handwashing, etc., to keep our community healthy and safe. Employers will likely be requiring the same behaviors in their workplaces. 

• Do I have to empty my academic studio space in November?
  Students should speak with their program director for specific guidance about studio spaces. 

Residential Student FAQ
 

Have questions about Residence Life? Visit the Residence Life tab for more FAQ.