Alfred University Move-in Update

Dear Alfred University alumni, parents, and friends,

As we approach the date for the return of our students to Alfred University’s magical valley, more detailed information regarding the schedule of those returns has been finalized.  We apologize for the delay in providing you with this information.  However, COVID-19 has continued to create new travel restrictions.   

During the last two weeks, 14 more states, along with Washington DC and Puerto Rico, have been added to New York’s travel advisory list, increasing the number of students who must be quarantined. Students from out of state should check New York’s travel advisory list regularly in case their state gets added to the list so they can make proper plans to quarantine. 

We have heard from many of you that a later arrival date may be more convenient and, as a result, have revised our student arrival plans to accommodate these requests. As a consequence, we also have revised our plans for course delivery for the first two weeks of classes as well. During that period of time, all courses will be offered online.  

Regarding new and returning students: 

• Please remember to bring face masks or face coverings and a thermometer (to be used for your daily health screenings)
  
• Move in schedule for new and returning students:
  
  • Move In Group 1--International students and out-of-state students from locations on New York State’s travel advisory list returning on August 5 or August 7 
    • 14-day quarantine is required; students may do so in their assigned room on campus at no added cost, except those students who have an assigned room in Openhym who arrive before August 18; these students will have to quarantine in temporary space until Openhym is ready for occupancy  
    • We ask that you click on this link to let us know what day and time of day you will arrive to campus; this “reservation” will promote greater health protection, order and efficiency for the move in process. Unless otherwise contacted by Residence Life, your selected arrival date and time is guaranteed
      
  • Move In Group 2--New York State residents and students from areas not on the travel advisory list return between August 21 – August 23 
    • No quarantine is required 
    • Students will move into their assigned rooms 
    • We ask that you click on this link to let us know what day and time you will arrive to campus this “reservation” will promote greater health protection, order and efficiency for the move in process. Unless otherwise contacted by Residence Life, your selected arrival date and time is guaranteed 
    • Students who are living in Openhym are advised to select the later dates, as Openhym is on track to be finished just before move-in
      
  • All other students—Those students from U.S. states appearing on the New York travel advisory list (these students must return to New York to quarantine off campus before moving into assigned rooms) 
    • 14-day quarantine is required  
    • Students must quarantine off-campus in New York with family or friends, or in a NYS hotel/Airbnb/VRBO 
    • If a student quarantines off-campus they can move into their assigned room following their 14-day quarantine period on August 21, 22 or 23, and will be required to provide certification of their compliance with the quarantine requirement 
    • We ask that you click on this link to let us know what day and time of day you will arrive to campus; this “reservation” will promote greater health protection, order and efficiency for the move in process. Unless otherwise contacted by Residence Life, your selected arrival date and time is guaranteed
      
• If you must quarantine upon arrival in New York, the state guidance requires that you not go out in public or outside your place of residence during the two-week quarantine period 
• Once you arrive to campus, follow the signs to the McLane Center parking lot (Visitor Center) where you will receive a health screening by our Wellness Center staff 
• Students who pass the health screening will enter the Joyce & Walton Center to receive their room key. First year students and new transfer students will also have your ID photo taken 
• You will then go to your residence hall and move into your designated room  
• You will be allowed to have one other person assist you with your move. That individual must also have been screened by our staff before accompanying the student on campus 
• Residence Life staff will be available during move in to answer any questions  
• Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 conditions later in the fall, we ask all students to be prepared to move out of the residence halls at the end of the semester, making it possible for us to clean the halls thoroughly in preparation for the start of the Spring semester; as a result we suggest that you bring to campus only the necessities and supplies you will need for the Fall semester 
• We also ask everyone who must quarantine on campus to pack and bring a separate bag filled with essential items you will need for 14 days. This bag should contain bedding, toiletries, some small comforts from home, laptop, phone and chargers, and enough clothing for two weeks 
• During quarantine for those who must do so, meals will be delivered to all students in their residence halls 
• For those students who quarantine on campus (Group 1), compliance with the quarantine provision requires them to remain in their residence halls, and to follow all social distancing, facial covering and cleanliness requirements for the greater health and safety of all residents, faculty, and staff  
• All students traveling from international locations and New York travel advisory states must file a travel advisory form with the New York health department before arriving in New York

All of us at Alfred University are looking forward to seeing you on campus and in classes soon. We will continue to focus all our energies on protecting the bubble throughout the semester, but we need your help in doing so. Please keep in mind that you share this important responsibility, and can do your part by maintaining social distancing, washing your hands frequently with soap, and wearing your mask.  Together we can make this semester at Alfred University safe, educational, and fulfilling for all.  

Fiat Lux!
Alfred University Reopening Implementation Team