Guidance for Higher Education

Housing

Prevention 

  • Social distancing 
    • Regular cleaning 
    • Desk cleaning between classes 
    • Avoid large gatherings/group activities 
    • Handwashing stations/sanitizer stations in buildings 
    • Virtual learning where possible  

Planning 

  • Prepare for increased absences 
    • Administrators and instructors should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism.  
      • Prepare for virtual learning options. 
    • Provide students/staff with social distancing guidelines before leaving for spring break. 
    • Check the CDC’s Traveler Health Notices for latest guidance and travel recommendations. 
    • Provide students/staff with guidance of circumstances in which they should avoid returning to campus until they have received medical care (ie: exposure; symptoms). 
    • Set up notification process for if/when students/staff is diagnosed while away from campus. 
    • Consider planning for a quarantine and/or isolation wing for students living on campus. 

What to do if you have a confirmed case 

  • Consider virtual learning options 
    • Possible stand-up of quarantine and/or isolation wing 
    • When to cancel classes and/or close campus

Classrooms

Prevention 

  • Social distancing 
    • Emphasize respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene  
    • Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by everyone. 
    • Instruct staff and students to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. 
    • Regular cleaning
    • Desk cleaning between classes 
    • Avoid large gatherings/group activities 
    • Handwashing stations/sanitizer stations in buildings 
    • Virtual learning where possible 
    • Actively encourage sick employees and students to stay home and away from others 

Planning 

  • Prepare for increased absences 
    • Administrators and instructors should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism.  
      • Prepare for virtual learning options 
      • Develop flexible attendance and sick lave policies. Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for staff or students who are sick with acute respiratory illness. 
      • Maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. 
    • Provide students/staff with social distancing guidelines  
    • Develop communication methods for immediate contact with students to ensure they are aware of cancellations or alterations in schedules and events 

What to do if you have a confirmed case 

  • Consider virtual learning options 
    • Evaluate when to cancel classes and/or close campus  

For more information