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Return to Campus

Kean University has developed a comprehensive Climb Higher Restart Plan for the Spring 2021 semester. Please visit the Return to Campus page to find details and contact information for student services, admissions and more.

COVID-19 Policies and Expectations

Residence Halls Expectations

In order to maintain a safe and vibrant learning environment, we recognize that we must protect the health and safety of all members of our Kean community and minimize the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. All Kean University resident students are expected to:

  • Take an active role in the fight against COVID-19 
  • Commit to responsible actions to protect the health and safety of the community. 
  • Comply with all health and safety protocols and guidelines established by Kean University. 
    • Protocols and guidelines will continue to evolve as the public health crisis evolves and may include additional health screenings
  • Adhere to social distancing guidelines
  • Comply with Kean’s COVID-19 safety protocols by agreeing to be tested by the university on a bi-weekly basis
  • Capacity limits 
  • Wearing PPE
  • Quarantining if you’ve had direct exposure to someone who has been tested positive for COVID-19
  • Abide by the no visitor policy
  • Additional cleaning and disinfection requirements within the residence halls. 

Adherence to these health and safety protocols and guidelines is required by all Residents. Failure to do so will result in referral to the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct for violation of the Student Code of Conduct. 

The University expects all its students to: 

CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES

  • I will self monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 daily on the #CampusClear app and report to Student Health Services or a medical professional if I experience: 
    • Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher 
    • Dry cough 
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
    • Chills and/or repeated shaking with chills 
    • Muscle or body ache 
    • Headache 
    • Sore throat 
    • Loss of taste or smell 
    • Unexplained fatigue 
    • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 
  • I will wash my hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer frequently.
  • I will provide my local address and emergency contact information and agree to update each as needed throughout the academic year. 

CARE ABOUT OTHERS 

  • When I leave the residence halls, I will adhere to capacity limits in social situations and comply with social distancing protocols for student groups and organizations. 
  • I will maintain appropriate social distancing, especially in classroom settings or in the presence of older members of the community. 
  • I will stay home if I feel ill or after exposure to someone who is exhibiting symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19. 
  • I will wear an appropriate face covering and other protective gear at all times while on campus, as directed by the University. 
  • I will be positive, attentive and helpful to anyone around who may be in need of support. 
  • If I travel to parts of the country that are one of the states on the travel advisory list, I will quarantine in place for 14 days before coming to campus. 

CARE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY 

  • I will participate in testing and other health screenings, as required or recommended by Kean, to preserve the safety and wellness of the community. 
  • I will follow all isolation and quarantine protocols, as directed by Student Health Services and/or public health officials, in the event that I have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who tests positive. 
  • I will cooperate with Kean’s contact tracing efforts. 
  • I will comply with directions from health officials and follow public health guidelines and recommendations in place to help protect myself and others. 
  • I will not invite guests to the residence halls or to any campus events. 
  • I will keep my clothing, belongings, personal spaces and shared common spaces clean.
  • I will carefully observe instructional signs and follow directions. 

Residence Hall Entry 

Resident students will access into their residence hall via their ID card and the proximity reader situated on the exterior of the building.  A student or professional staff member will be stationed at each security desk. Students will be required to present their ID’s to the security staff.  

Elevator Usage

In order to maintain social distancing, only two individuals will be allowed in each elevator.  Signs have been placed in each elevator to inform where each student can stand inside the elevator when it is being used. Residents are encouraged to use the stairs whenever possible.

Traveling Off-Campus

Residential Students may travel off-campus to shop, visit family and friends, to receive medical attention, etc. While traveling off-campus, students must adhere to the guidelines including wearing face coverings, washing hands and following social distancing guidelines. Students must avoid attending events or gatherings that prevent them from following these guidelines.  

Upon returning to campus, residents may experience additional procedures such as temperature checks or questionnaires to ensure the safety of the individual and community.  

Guest Policy

To minimize potential exposure, guests will not be allowed to enter the residence halls during the semester. Modifications to the guest policy will be reviewed throughout the semester.

Visiting other Residence Halls

Residential students will only have access to their respective residence halls. Students who live in the same residence hall may not visit each other. Modifications to the guest policy will be reviewed throughout the semester.

Cleaning of Common Areas

ABM custodial staff has established a schedule to regularly sanitize all touch surfaces in the residence halls, including elevator buttons, stairwell banisters, vending machines, public bathrooms, etc. throughout the day. Hand sanitation stations are installed at the entrances of all residence halls, including the area outside of the computer lab. 

Signs will be displayed throughout the residence halls reminding students to wear face coverings when they are in elevators and to maintain social distancing of at least six feet from others.

Overnight Visitors

At this time there will be no overnight guests allowed in the residence halls.  

Floor Meetings

Floor meetings will be facilitated by Resident Assistants virtually once a month to provide necessary information regarding changes in housing guidelines, including, Residential Student Services policies, room inspections, community building and any essential updates.  

Room Inspections

Room Inspections will be scheduled in advance with residents and will be facilitated by Resident Assistants virtually twice a month.

Computer Lab

The computer lab located in the Upperclass Residence Hall will be open during limited hours for student usage with seating maintaining social distancing guidelines. The lab will be sanitized regularly throughout the day.

Fire drills/Evacuation

At this time, fire drills will be suspended and be reviewed on a monthly basis. Fire safety and evacuation will be provided to residents via Residential Student Services newsletter. 

Laundry Rooms: Social Distancing 

When in the laundry room, students are expected to follow social distancing. Additionally, students will have access to the Queen App which allows students to know in real time when machines are occupied and when they become available. Students will not be permitted to remain in the laundry room while machines are in use.

Community Kitchens

Community kitchens will be available to our residents by appointment only.   Community kitchens will be sanitized throughout the day.

Community Programing

Community programming has been scheduled for residents and promoted via Cougar Link. Resident Assistants will provide additional information during floor meetings.  

Outdoor Activity Policy

While most programming will be held online, it is expected that PPE is worn and social distancing is practiced during occasional outdoor activities and programming.

Parking Policy

Freshman students are prohibited from having vehicles on campus.  Students requesting exceptions must request it in writing via the Office of Residential Student Services. All other residents may have vehicles on campus, must register their vehicles via the parking website and park either at the Cougar Hall or Hardwood parking lots for overnight parking.

Multipurpose/Screening Rooms

All multipurpose and screening rooms will be closed for student use.

Open Lounges/ Learning Spaces

Couches and chairs have been spaced out so students maintain social distancing.  In some instances decals have been adhered to the couches or chairs to prevent students from utilizing them.  

Instructions for Residents On Campus Self Isolation or Quarantine

***Isolation means you tested positive for COVID-19, area awaiting test results or are presumed positive with symptoms of the virus.***

***Quarantine means you are not sick, but have had a close contact with someone who is positive or presumed positive for COVID-19.***

What you need to do:

❏ Remain in your assigned self-isolation or quarantine room. Under no circumstances should you leave your assigned room unless you are seeking medical care, approved by Student Health Services or Residential Student Services, or there is an emergency.

❏ Those who test positive for COVID 19 or who are symptomatic and are waiting for test results will be placed in a private room in Dougall Hall for the duration of their illness.

❏ Suitemates who are not positive but with the same exposure risk factors can quarantine together but should practice social distancing within the suite.

❏ No visitors, even from within the same building are allowed in your room or suite.

❏ Keep track of your symptoms. Check your temperature twice a day and record the number. Report to Student Health Services any new onset of fever (temperature over 100.3F or 38C) or increasing temperature. Keep a daily log of any other symptoms you may have.

❏ If you do not have a thermometer or over the counter medications, notify Student Health Services and they will supply these items.

❏ Seek medical care if you are having a change in symptoms or worsening symptoms. If you are having life threatening symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face or any symptom that causes you alarm, call 911 to reach campus police and emergency response. Tell them that you are in self isolation or quarantine for COVID-19. For non-emergency concerns you may call Student Health Services at 908-737-4880 during established hours of operation.

❏ Get rest and stay hydrated

❏ Take over the counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen

(Motrin) for fever reduction or body aches.

❏ Any reason to leave your room must be cleared by Residential Student Services or Student Health Services. You must wear a face covering any time you leave your room.

❏ Wash your hands often (20 seconds with soap and water), especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom and before eating. If washing your hands is not available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. (Especially for those quarantining with a suitemate).

❏ Clean “high-touch” surfaces such as countertops, tabletops, door knobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables everyday with a disinfectant wipe, especially for those quarantining with a suitemate.

❏ You are encouraged to keep a window open for ventilation and fresh air.

Resources

  • Food - Arrangements will be made with Gourmet Dining Services to provide appropriate meals to students in either quarantine or isolation. RSS will work with Gourmet Dining Services to provide delivery of meals.
  • Laundry - Schedules and arrangements will be made for laundry needs of students in quarantine/isolation. When needed, separate times may be scheduled to reduce interaction with others.
  • Garbage pick up - Arrangements will be made by RSS staff to dispose of trash properly.
  • Medical Supplies- If you need any medical supplies such as thermometer, or medications notify Student Health Services and they will arrange for delivery to your room.
  • Cleaning Supplies- Cleaning supplies will be available in designated rooms in Dougall Hall for isolation housing and will be provided as needed for students in a quarantine status.
  • Academic Support - Should you need academic support, you may contact your advisor or the Dean of your college for assistance.
  • Collection of personal belongings - Students will be escorted to his/her room to pick up essential belongings.

a. Medication

b. Cell phone charger

c. Clothing for two weeks

d. Bed linen, towels, toiletries

e. Books and laptop

f. Eyeglasses, contact lenses

University Support (Staff you can call when you need something)

  • Contact Tracer - This person will be reaching out to you at least every three days depending on if you are in isolation or quarantine. They will check on your symptoms and if you need any additional assistance
  • RSS staff- Members of the RSS staff (RHD on-duty and RA’s) will communicate with isolated students at least twice per day.
  • Kean Counseling Center -You will be assigned a Counselor who will set up specific appointments for the duration of your isolation or quarantine or longer if needed. They will reach out to you by phone or email. 
  • Emergency Contact - Your emergency contact will be contacted to inform them of your status.

Student Health Services Hours & Contact Information

Student Health Services (SHS) is available for your medical needs call them at: (908) 737-4880.

SHS Hours 

Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can also email general questions to hsnurses@kean.edu or contact SHS Director Robin Mansfield, APN at rmansfie@kean.edu and Associate Director Joseph Henson, APN at jhenson@kean.edu.

Residential Student Services Hours and Contact Information

Monday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students can email general questions to reslife@kean.edu or contact the main office located in Whiteman Hall, (908) 737-6800.