Frequently Asked Questions

It is important to underscore that the University does not intend to move classes fully online unless there is a true public health need to do so. First and foremost, the University will be guided by and consult with public health officials to make this determination. 

The decision-making process to determine if a phased, partial or full closure is recommended is complex and comes with many variables. There is no predetermined number of cases that would necessitate this move, but rather a set of criteria that needs to be weighed and considered as a whole. An objective discernment process, guided by science, is essential in this situation. 

However, we know that many are inquiring about this process and so would like to provide some context and criteria that we are looking at on a daily basis.

• Do we have an uncontrolled outbreak, as defined by the public health department? This includes evaluating case count, momentum and trajectory. 
• Are cases centralized in a particular population or widespread? For example, the floor of one residence hall or all across our population? If cases are widespread, it is less controlled. 
• How much quarantine and isolation space is being used? If we are close to reaching capacity, we will evaluate alternatives.
• How much personal protective equipment do we have on-site? If we have limited supplies left, we will need to identify a reliable supply chain. 

Additionally, the University is planning for a number of scenarios that could be employed before transitioning to a fully online environment. Examples include:

• Pause in-person instruction (for weeks or days at a time)
• Further de-densify on-campus living (e.g. voluntary housing contract release)
• Move to online, but continue labs and studios in-person
   

Saint Joseph’s University is committed to offering a rich educational experience to all of our students, whether on-ground or online. As an essential function, we aim to provide as much of that instruction and experience in person as possible, while observing all necessary health and safety precautions.

The University is using a variety of communication mechanisms to keep our community informed including frequent updates to this website, emails and more. Be sure to monitor these resources closely.

Parents and families can keep informed by visiting this website frequently. University Announcement emails are posted on the “Latest Info” tab. 

Undergraduate students can now update their parent or guardian contact information, including email address, through the Nest. This ensures the whole family will receive timely, important information from Saint Joseph’s. This is the only way for parents to be included in University communications. Parents and guardians can opt out of segments of University email by using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each message.

Visit the University Calendar for event information. 

Cleaning and disinfection has been prioritized based on risk of transmission and guided by the latest scientific evidence and recommendations. Housekeeping Services will be cleaning and disinfecting certain areas two or more times per day, including high traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, elevators, public restrooms, residence hall bathrooms, classrooms, common areas, dining areas. High-touch surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons, and stair rails in busy public areas will be cleaned at a higher rate, several times per hour. Housekeeping exclusively uses products that are on the EPA list of approved disinfectants for COVID-19.  

Disinfectant wipes will be provided in classrooms for students and faculty. Students will be asked to wipe their desks upon entering the classroom. Faculty are asked to wipe instructor’s equipment, including the lectern, keyboard, mouse and desktop. Housekeeping will be routinely re-stocking classroom disinfectant wipe supplies. In addition, housekeeping will be cleaning and disinfecting classrooms twice daily. 

Housekeeping is cleaning all offices prior to employees returning, and will resume the normal weekly schedule thereafter. Disinfectant wipes will be provided to department offices and all community members are asked to wipe their individual work surfaces once daily.

High-touch surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons, and stair rails will be sprayed with a virucide and wiped. Surfaces in areas such as restrooms, classrooms, and computer rooms will first be cleaned with a standard cleanser, then disinfected by misting with a virucide and allowed to remain wet for 10 minutes before wiping, or allowed to air dry when possible. 

Public health and scientific guidance emphasizes that hand washing is a primary means of infection control. Hand sanitizers are not intended to be used as a substitute for hand washing, but to supplement hand washing, or when washing facilities are not readily available.  

Additional hand sanitizer dispenser stations are being installed throughout the campus at entrances, lobby areas and common areas.  Individual hand sanitizer bottles are available to employees for use in shared department offices, work areas and university vehicles.

The current CDC guidance emphasizes the importance of practicing proper physical distancing, wearing face masks and frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In addition to these measures, the CDC and ASHRAE have recommended improving ventilation wherever practical. 

SJU has many different types of ventilation systems in use and different approaches are needed to optimize system performance. Facilities maximized airflow in all buildings by increasing the ventilation rate and mixing as much outside air as possible and as weather conditions permit.  Mechanical ventilation systems will use improved filtration wherever possible. In buildings that do not have re-circulating air systems, natural ventilation like opening windows, where it is possible and safe to do so, can be done to increase outdoor air dilution, weather permitting.  Opening windows for long periods of time can have a negative impact on comfort and the effective operation of systems in buildings with centralized mechanical ventilation systems when the weather is very hot and humid, or in extreme cold. 

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sets industry standards and best practices for achieving energy efficiency and indoor air quality in the operation of building ventilation systems. 

The response plan is being revised to address public health and government guidance, which changes frequently. Responses will be situational for different scenarios.  

If an employee with a private office or a student with a private room is presumed or confirmed positive for coronavirus, the room will be closed off with appropriate signage. No one will enter for at least seven days, as recommended by the CDC guidelines for spaces that do not need to be immediately reoccupied.

Spaces that need to be reoccupied, including student residence rooms and shared office spaces, the area will be disinfected by a designated member of the housekeeping staff who has been specifically trained and provided with the appropriate level of personal protective equipment. 

Spaces that can be closed for 24 hours prior to disinfection can be cleaned by any member of our housekeeping staff, in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

Yes. All water is sourced from public water systems from the Philadelphia Water Department and Aqua. Water systems in the buildings have been flushed in accordance with best available guidance and industry practices. As always, anyone using a water fountain should not make contact with the spout.

The University is offering free pre-arrival, entry and surveillance testing to those students selected for these programs. Testing for symptomatic students and those with possible exposure is conducted through the Student Health Center and billed through insurance. Students and employees can receive a free COVID-19 test at one of the City of Philadelphia’s sites. 

Visit Color’s frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed there, email Color at mycovidtest@color.com.

If someone you know is coughing, short of breath and not feeling well, encourage them to contact their health care provider immediately. Students should call public safety at 610-660-1111.
 

Visit the CDC website for comprehensive recommendations. 

As always, any student requiring a disability or health accommodation will be assisted. Contact the Office of Disability Services for more information.

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should call the Office of Public Safety and Security at 610-660-1111. This initiates a protocol which will include connection with the Student Health Center, necessary testing and isolation. The University has identified spaces for students who need to isolate or quarantine.

The University will work with public health officials, to identify and disclose any on-campus exposures involving close contact. This will happen on a need-to-know basis and will not be communicated widely. Read the Health and Safety Plan for more information on testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine.

The University will work very closely with public health experts and our medical care provider to establish protocols for on-campus cases. If a significant number of people become ill, we may transition to virtual instruction, as we did in the spring of 2020. We are fully prepared to offer instruction, advising and support services to our students virtually. 

All communication with advisors will continue and registration remains on schedule. Email your advisor or schedule your appointment through Starfish.

These may be worked out on a case-by-case basis and require submission of the COVID-19 Technology Needs (Student Form).

The Office of Student Disability Services will continue to provide support to students. Faculty and students will continue to use the Accommodate system for accommodation requests.

Visit the Keep Learning! page for information and assistance. An explanation of each learning modality is available in the Health and Safety Plan.

Many resources continue to be available both in-person and virtually. Visit What's Open When for specific information.

Any students or parents that need to discuss their personal financial situation, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, should contact the Office of Financial Aid. Scholarships, merit and other funding may be available for eligible students.

Students are able to defer their enrollment according to our current procedures. Contact the admissions department to discuss your individual circumstances. Please keep in mind that we are very optimistic about welcoming students to campus for the fall semester. And if government or public health department restrictions prevent this, we will deliver virtual instruction within the Jesuit tradition of excellence, as we have for over 160 years.

We are committed to the success of our international students. The Office of International Students and Scholars is working with our international students to assist with their ability to study at SJU whether on ground or virtually. A student’s exact plan is contingent on many factors such as travel ability and VISA status. 

Students who are able to work remotely would be able to continue to receive work study funds, on approval from their supervisor.

Many resources are available including the Instructional Continuity webpage, Keep Teaching!, your department chair and the Office of Teaching and Learning. Faculty are encouraged to take advantage of these resources.

The Office of Student Disability Services will continue to provide support to students in the online environment and will help you build accommodations into your teaching plan. Faculty and students will continue to use the Accommodate system for accommodation requests.

These needs will be worked out on a case-by-case basis and students should describe their situation by submitting a COVID-19 Technology Needs (Student Form).

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, tested positive, or been exposed to someone who has should fill out the COVID-19 Self-Disclosure Form.

If you can continue to fulfill your duties through telework, and you are well enough to work, you may do so from isolation or quarantine. Refer to the University's telework policy for more information. If you are unable to fulfill your job requirements through telework, you can use your available leave to cover your absence. All University leave policies apply. 

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. If we -- in consultation with public health officials -- feel that we can safely operate residence halls during online instruction, we will do so. However, the very nature of college living does not easily lend itself to this set-up. 

Students who wish to be released from the 2020-2021 Housing Agreement for the Spring 2021 semester may contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@sju.edu for more information.

While we anticipate remaining on ground, changing conditions may lead to SJU to move all classes on-line and close our residence halls. If this happens, students who vacate the residence halls will receive a prorated refund of their room and board costs based on the date we close the residence halls. This is consistent with our standard refund policy for room and board costs. Adjustments to our board charges were already made to reflect the move to online education after Thanksgivings and the elimination of the fall break.

Consult the residence life website for more FAQs.

Travel is discouraged. Contact your department chair with specific circumstances. 

The City of Philadelphia has designated certain states as higher risk and is recommending travelers from these locations to quarantine for 14 days prior to or upon their arrival in Philadelphia.The University recommends that all students, faculty and staff comply with the state and local guidance regarding travel-related quarantine 

The Atlantic 10 Conference postponed fall sports out of concern for the student-athletes’ health and overall experience. Visit sjuhawks.com for more information.

The Department of Athletics is committed to maintaining athletic scholarships awarded for the 2020-21 academic year for student-athletes who remain enrolled in classes, regardless of the status of intercollegiate athletic competition.