FAQ - Housing and COVID
- University Housing will begin spring operations on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. University Housing will remain open during the spring semester, even during periods of virtual instruction.
- University Housing residents returning to campus after winter break will be required to submit a negative PCR COVID-19 test to Health Service prior to return. Additional move-in and testing information can be found at the housing website.
- Living units will create a "household" and will be treated as such. This means face coverings and social distancing will not be expected in the living unit (bedroom, apartment). No more than 2 residents will be assigned to each bedroom.
- Guests will not be permitted in any University Housing living area. Guests are individuals who do not reside in that residential community (residence hall and/or Cougar Village Apartments).
- University Housing will remain open per the Housing Contract Terms and Conditions during periods of virtual course instruction.
- University Housing will continue to provide a high-quality residential experience for residents including both virtual and in-person programming and support.
- University Housing will increase cleaning and sanitization of high touch surfaces and public spaces throughout the residential communities.
Visit COVID-19 Campus Information for additional information.
University Housing COVID-19 FAQs
University Housing COVID-19 Testing FAQs
University Housing COVID-19 FAQs
Do I have to wear a face covering?
Residents will be expected to wear face coverings when in all public spaces in University Housing. This includes, but is not limited to, hallways, lobbies, public bathrooms, elevator, community kitchens, social and study lounges, computer labs, and activity wing spaces. You do not have to wear a face covering in your living unit with your roommate and suitemates – that is your home! You have created a household in your shared space. Residents are encouraged to practice social distancing whenever possible.
Will Housing provide isolation space?
Generally, we will ask students if they can self-isolate/quarantine at their permanent address. However, if a student cannot or chooses not to quarantine/self-isolate at their permanent address, University Housing will have space available. Residents will be required to follow provided protocol for quarantine/self-isolation.
Are there updates to the Living Guide (University Housing Handbook)?
Yes. There is an addition to the Living Guide that captures the Health and Safety impacts on our residential communities. Please visit the Living Guide page for more information.
How many negative tests does a student living off-campus need to have to return to campus?
Students not living on campus are required to submit one re-entry test.
What does it mean that I cannot have a guest? Does that include my family?
For fall 2020-spring 2021, residents will not be permitted to bring guests past the front desk of their residence hall or into their Cougar Village Apartment. That does mean that after Move In, family members will not be permitted into the living areas. Residents are encouraged to build community and engage with other residents in their residential community. This means your building in the residence halls or any other Cougar Village resident in Cougar Village. Guest parking passes will not be issued from the Commons Building or residence hall front desks.
What is the cancellation policy for fall 2020-spring 2021?
The cancellation deadline was extended until August 1, 2020. Students who wish to cancel must meet one of the eight reasons and complete the cancellation form for cancellations during an active contract period. This can be found along with other forms here. Students may also request, in writing to housing@siue.edu, to move their contracts from fall 2020 to spring 2021. Requests must be received by August 14, 2020. All spring contracts must be canceled by December 1 to avoid penalty.
Will I get a refund if my courses are moved to virtual instruction at any point in spring 2021?
While coursework may move to a virtual format for a select period, University Housing residents will continue to have access to their living unit and campus resources. University Housing staff will continue to provide programming and support, virtually and in person. Housing bill adjustments will not be made for students who choose to engage in their virtual learning at their permanent address.
Where can I find Dining Services information as it relates to Covid-19?
Please visit https://www.siue.edu/dining/faq-covid.shtml for more information.
University Housing COVID-19 Testing FAQs
If I submit a negative Covid-19 test before my arrival to campus, do I still have to get a screening test on campus when I arrive?
Yes. To follow updated CDC guidance, we are implementing a 2-phase entry testing approach for residential students who have shifted away from their campus bubble during the winter break or are entering the SIUE campus community for the first time. In addition to the negative Covid-19 test result prior to arrival, members of the SIUE community will be required to complete a campus provided mandatory re-entry screening Covid-19 test within 48 hours of arrival. Information on this on-campus mandatory testing process can be found online.
Can I get my pre-arrival Covid-19 test at SIUE, if I live locally and can come to campus?
Yes. If you live close enough to use the campus testing for your pre-arrival test, you can do so. You will not be permitted to go to your living space or anything while on campus for the test. You will still be required to complete the campus-provided mandatory re-entry screening within 48 hours of check-in for spring.
Where can I get a Covid-19 test?
Screening test resources and information can be found online on the SIUE website. This includes a list of additional testing resources in Illinois and Missouri. If you need additional assistance identifying a test location, contact Health Service at cougarcare@siue.edu.
What must be included with my test results?
Test results must include student’s name, date of test, test result and testing facility.
Can I submit a voice recording if I get a call with my Covid-19 test results?
Yes. You can record, save and download the phone call test results by following these instructions below. The form to upload the results for review will accept audio files. After you have completed your COVID-19 PCR Test and have been notified that your results are ready, follow these instructions:
- We recommend you check your device to make sure you have the proper application on your device for recording a call. These links will help you find those apps:
- When you call your testing site, ask the respondent, “Can I record this call for the purpose of sending my results to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?”
- For iPhone: Use “Voice Memos” function to record the conversation and create an MP4/MP3 file.
- For Android: Use “Voice Recorder” function to record the conversation and create an MP4/MP3 file
- Once you have saved your file, create a file name using your first initial and last name. Example: mcougar
- Upload your audio file following the provided link for test results, beginning January 4, 2020.
What happens if I do not get my test results in time to check-in?
Proof of negative Covid-19 test results are required to check-in. We recommend getting your test done close to January 4 and allowing sufficient time (5-7 days) to receive your test results. If you wait to get the test and do not receive the results, you will have to delay your check-in until a later available time slot or after Monday, January 18. Please allow 48 hours from test submission for review and confirmation of arrival.
Why do I have to get a PCR test? Can I get an antigen (rapid) test?
PCR Covid-19 tests are considered the gold standard. It can detect the virus in people who are asymptomatic and/or individuals early in the course of disease, which makes it an exceptional screening tool. We recommend making sure to allow plenty of time to obtain your test and wait for the test results, since the PCR test is not a rapid test.
Will students in University Housing be provided a PCR test to complete and submit during the pre-entry COVID testing phase?
Residents are required to obtain a screening test in their local community. The pre-arrival test will not be provided by University Housing. Testing resources are available on the campus website.
What should a student do if they cannot gain access to testing to comply with the pre-entry testing for University Housing students?
Testing resources are available on the campus website. If a student needs additional assistance navigating their options, they can contact cougarcare@siue.edu.
How will University Housing students be expected to submit documentation of a negative test result?
Residents will receive an email with a link to upload their test results beginning Monday, January 4.
Can an individual provide an antibody test to be exempted from the pre-arrival testing for University Housing students?
No. The only exception to the pre-arrival testing policy is residents who have tested positive within the last 90 days and have submitted the campus self-disclosure form.
How many negative tests does a University Housing student need to have to return to campus?
University Housing residents are required to submit one negative Covid-19 test result prior to returning to their space in January. Residents are also expected to participate in the campus provided mandatory re-entry testing between January 4 – January 21.
If a student is remaining in University Housing over winter break, do they need to complete pre-arrival COVID testing?
No. Residents who are remaining on campus during winter break do not have to submit a pre-arrival Covid-19 test. They are expected to participate in the campus provided mandatory re-entry testing between January 4 – January 21.
