COVID-19 Announcements and FAQs

COVID-19 Announcements and FAQs

Announcements from Dean Marvin Chun

Town Hall on Residential Reopening

On Friday, August 28, at 5:00 p.m., Dean Marvin Chun hosted an online discussion of the opening of Yale College, including preparations for COVID-19, along with campus officials. The discussion was recorded and is available in the provided link.

Frequently Asked Questions

The information on this page is being updated frequently. Please check back often.

Last updated November 20, 2020

Fall Semester Departure Information for On-Campus Students (New November 6, 2020)

Intercession - November 21 until the start of the Spring 2021 Semester (New November 20, 2020)

Policy Summary

Policies and information about enrollment status -- enrolled in residence, enrolled remotely, and on leave – are summarized, below.

Academics

Public Health

Life on campus

Life off campus

Arts

For more information

Fall Semester Departure Information for On-Campus Students (New November 6, 2020)

Is there a formal check-out process before I leave? (Updated November 11, 2020)

Yes. This semester, all on-campus students will need to check out through an online portal, which is available here. Using the portal, you will be able to indicate your departure date, upload a photo of your room and any belongings you have packed to leave behind, and fill out a move-out checklist.

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I understand that I need to pack my belongings. How does that work? (Updated November 9, 2020)

When you leave campus, you should take as many of your belongings home with you as possible, including all cash, gift cards, jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, passports, valuable papers, medicines, and objects of sentimental value. Anything you leave needs to be securely packed and labeled.

  • Pick up boxes, tape, tags, and pre-printed labels, all of which will be supplied by your college. (If there is an error on your labels or if you need more, contact your college Operations Manager as soon as possible.)
  • Pack everything you wish to store in boxes. If an item cannot fit in a box, you must tag and label it.
  • Do not pack cash, gift cards, jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, passports, valuable papers, medicines, liquids, perishable food, or objects of sentimental value. Do not pack items that are fragile or sensitive to temperature extremes.
  • Boxes must not exceed 50 pounds total weight.
  • Document the contents of each box (take photos, create a list, etc.) and retain the documentation.
  • Seal all boxes.
  • Place your pre-printed labels on all your boxes and on any tags.

Anything that is not in a box or labeled as instructed may be discarded or lost.

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I am planning to come back to campus in the spring. What do I do with my packed belongings? (Updated November 12, 2020)

You may leave your belongings in your room. If all goes well, you will just unpack when you return in the spring – but this way, we will be prepared to manage your belongings if the campus cannot reopen as planned. If you are moving rooms, your items will be moved for you over the break. You do not need to request storage.

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I am not coming back to campus in the spring. Can I store my belongings? (Updated November 9, 2020)

Yes, you will be able to store as many boxes and items as you need to, at no cost to you. But these belongings will not be available until your class is invited back to campus, so only store items you are sure you will not need in the interim. Yale is only liable for a maximum total of $100 for damaged or missing items. If you wish to insure your items for more, you must purchase insurance for that purpose. Some homeowners or renters policies will cover these items. We recommend purchasing “Personal Belonging Coverage” through a program such as this one, which offers a range of coverage limits and deductible options, and will be in effect until 9/1/2021.

There will be storage trucks parked near each residential college from November 16 to November 21. During the check-out process, students who are not returning to campus in the Spring will be able to make an appointment to drop items off on the sidewalk at the nearest truck. The movers will not accept items if you do not have an appointment.

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Will I be able to donate or dispose of items I no longer want? (New November 9, 2020)

Yes. Yale Sustainability is setting up donation bins for each residential college that will remain until November 21. Facilities will also be increasing the capacity of trash receptacles.

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I am a first-year who has applied for special permission to be on campus in the spring, but I do not yet know if it has been granted. Should I store my belongings? (Updated November 9, 2020)

You will hear back about your petition before you need to leave campus. In the meantime, you should prepare for departure by signing up for storage. Whether or not you are able to remain on campus, you will need to pack any belongings you are leaving behind.

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What do I do with my room key?

You will receive instructions from your college about where to drop off your key. Please do not take it home with you over break.

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May I leave early? (Updated November 9, 2020)

Yes, as long as you are not in isolation or contact quarantine, and as long as you have had a negative test within the 72 hours prior to your departure. Follow the instructions for packing as above. If you need to store items but are leaving before November 16, you may leave your packed and labeled items in your room.

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I am on contact quarantine. May I leave? (Updated November 9, 2020)

The strong recommendation is that you quarantine in place. Otherwise, you put your family at risk, as well as people you encounter as you travel. If you feel strongly that you need to quarantine elsewhere, be in contact with your residential college dean, who can assist you in making those plans. If you leave, you should not plan to return this semester.

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I am on isolation. May I leave?

No. It is not safe for you to travel. If you have questions, please discuss this with your health care providers.

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Intercession - November 21 until the start of the Spring 2021 Semester (New November 20, 2020)

What access to campus will be permitted after November 21?

Campus buildings are closed to all undergraduates between November 22 and the start of the spring semester, even to continue in-person employment or research; remote employment and research permitted, however. Students who have received special permission to remain on campus have access only to their building's residences and the corresponding courtyards.

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May I do on-campus research at any time during the quiet period or the winter recess?

No one may do on-campus research during the quiet period. During the winter recess, starting January 4th, seniors who cannot complete their senior projects without access to campus facilities may petition for on-campus housing and campus access. The process for applying for a research exception closed on November 9th.

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May I do research off campus during the quiet period or the winter recess, and is Yale funding available for that research?

Under some circumstances, yes. The Off-campus Research and Fieldwork Committee has published full guidelines for undergraduate off-campus research here. If, based on these guidelines, you need to apply for permission, you should work with your adviser or DUS and will find the application for research reactivation here. If you are eligible to conduct such research, you may use Yale funding awarded for that purpose toward the research.

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Policy Summary

Enrolled in residence (Updated August 3, 2020)

Students in this group have been invited to be part of the residential community and have accepted that invitation. They will have access to campus, participate in the community compact, and be required to undergo twice weekly viral testing.

Students enrolled in residence fall into these categories:

  • First-year students in the fall living on campus;
  • Sophomores in the spring living on campus;
  • Juniors and seniors living on campus;
  • Juniors and seniors living off campus but in the neighborhoods adjacent to it or within commuting distance and who expect to interact with the residential community;
  • Other students with special permission to live on campus.

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Enrolled remotely

Students in this group will not be part of the residential community. They will not have access to campus (with the exception of the health center), they will not be eligible for routine testing, and they are asked to avoid interacting with the residential community for reasons of public health.

Students enrolled remotely fall into these categories:

  • Eligible members of the enrolled-in-residence cohort, above, who decline the invitation to be part of the residential community, regardless of their residential location;
  • Enrolled first-year students in the spring, regardless of their residential location, unless they have received special permission to live on campus for the spring semester;
  • Enrolled sophomores in the fall, regardless of their residential location, unless they have received special permission to live on campus for the fall semester.

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On leave

Students who are on a leave of absence, regardless of their residential location.

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Summary table

  Enrolled in residence Enrolled remotely On leave
Community compact, including regular viral testing Yes No No
Access to campus, including residential colleges Yes None None
Cost of Attendance Full Reduced None
Campus Job Priority #1 Financial aid; #2 Others #2 Remote only #3 Remote only
Participation in Student Organizations Yes Remote only Remote only

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Academics

For distinction in the major, how will spring 2020 courses be calculated, since they were all graded under the mandatory pass/fail system? (New September 4, 2020)

Calculation of distinction in the major, for students who were required to take a grade of Pass/Fail for courses in their major in the spring term of 2020, will exclude all courses taken that semester. It will also not require that 75% of grades in the major subject or program be A or A-, as published in the YCPS; instead, it will use the formula in the table below. To use it, count how many credits you earned in your major in semesters other than the spring of 2020. Next, find the corresponding number in the left column. Finally, look at the right column, where you will find the number of whole credits with grades of A or A- needed to earn distinction.

Credit count in the Major, excluding Spring 2020 Full Credits with A/A- needed for distinction, rounded down
6 4
7 5
8 6
9 6
10 7
11 8
12 9
13 9
14 10
15 11
16 12
17 12
18 13
19 14
20 15

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Can I complete my degree at the end of this fall semester if I am entering my seventh term and have enough acceleration credits to accelerate by one semester? (New September 2, 2020)

Yes. Although the Academic Regulations ordinarily require one-term accelerants to complete their degrees at the end of a spring semester, in most cases requiring them to take a one-semester leave of absence, permission will be granted as a special COVID-19 exception to this rule. Contact your dean as soon as possible, and no later than September 14.

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How will courses be taught?

Most Yale College courses will be offered online, featuring live Zoom seminars and a mix of live and recorded lectures. The faculty and staff are working hard to provide the best possible courses online, incorporating feedback from last semester’s and this summer’s online courses.

Some discussion sections, lab courses, studio courses, and collections-based courses will be offered in person, with smaller enrollments to allow for physical distancing and observance of all other precautions under public health guidance in force at the time the programs start.

Where possible, there may be some associated in-person component for courses that take place in an otherwise online fashion.

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What is the academic calendar for fall semester?

Date Event
August Schools of Architecture, Law, Management, and Medicine will begin during August
August 24 Students in Yale College begin returning to campus in phases through August 30
August 31 Yale College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences begin classes
August 31 Schools of Art, Divinity, Drama, the Environment, Music, Nursing, and Public Health will also begin the week of August 31
November 20 Yale College in-person classes end; the last week of instruction, reading period, and final exams would take place online
December A “quiet period” with in-person activity on campus kept to a minimum
December 4 End of classes in Yale College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
December 18 Fall 2020 semester ends for Yale College, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and select professional schools

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What is the academic calendar for spring semester?

To date, there has been no change in the spring semester calendar. If a second wave of COVID-19 affects Connecticut in the fall, the start of spring semester may be postponed. This decision will be announced in mid-November.

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What fees will change? (Updated August 12, 2020)

For the fall term of 2020, the housing relinquishment fee is waived; students who relinquish housing after August 31 will only be charged a per diem room and board rate. (No room or board charges apply between August 24 and August 30.)

In addition, students arriving after August 31 will not be charged for the room and board they do not use from August 31 until the day before they arrive.

Once relinquished, housing is not available for the rest of the semester.

Rebates of other undergraduate charges follow standard policy.

The fall term student activities fee will be reduced to $25. This will not affect the budgets of student organizations.

There will be no extra charge for face coverings, testing, or isolation or quarantine housing.

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Can I enroll part time, taking one or two classes? (New July 9, 2020)

A student may not enroll in a program of study worth fewer than three course credits in one term. A student enrolled for three course credits may withdraw from one course credit between midterm and the first day of the reading period, receiving the neutral designation W (Withdrew) in that course. Similarly, a student enrolled for four or more course credits may withdraw from one or more courses as described above, but at no time may any student carry a schedule of courses that will earn fewer than two course credits in a term. More information is available at http://catalog.yale.edu/ycps/academic-regulations/course-credits-course-loads/. Any student who fails to earn more than two course credits in a single term is placed on Academic Warning. For more information, see Academic Penalties and Restrictions in the Yale College Programs of Study.

Please note that varsity athletes, international students on an F-1 visa, and ROTC candidates may have strict minimum enrollment requirements. If you fall into one or more of these categories, and if you are considering enrolling in only three course credits in August, and later dropping to two course credits and a W after Midterm in October, consult with the appropriate office. (Athletics, the Office of International Students and Scholars, or your Commander) to ensure that you do not endanger your eligibility or visa status.

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How will dean's excuses be handled this fall? (New August 19, 2020)

The policies about dean's excuses apply as they appear in the Yale College Programs of Study. As always, the basic responsibility for permitting postponement of work during the term rests with the instructor. However, the residential college dean may give permission for a student to make up work missed or delayed during the term in the cases described in the Academic Regulation. (see YCPS, section H, “Work Missed During the Term”) Students with questions about whether they qualify for a dean’s excuse (or think that they might need one) should communicate with their college dean.

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Can I take courses from another university during my leave of absence? (New July 9, 2020)

Yes; a student may apply as many as two course credits earned at another college or university toward the 36-course-credit requirement for graduation from Yale College; please see http://catalog.yale.edu/ycps/academic-regulations/credit-from-other-universities/ for more information about outside credit policies. Many universities will offer courses online rather than in person during the coming academic year; under the Academic Regulations, online courses can earn Yale credit only if they include regular, synchronous interaction with the instructor, as well as regular feedback; additionally, online courses cannot be applied to distributional requirements (with a rare exception for languages not taught at Yale).

Other criteria and restrictions apply; please consult the full regulations on outside credits here.

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I was planning on studying abroad. Where can I get more information? (New July 30, 2020)

Please see the student abroad FAQ.

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What is the grading policy in Yale College?

Yale College will return to the usual letter grade policies, with no provision for a universal pass/fail system.

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What are the special arrangements for the 2021 summer session courses available to first-year students and sophomores? (Updated September 8, 2020)

First-year students and sophomores who enroll for both the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, with at least one term taken remotely, will be eligible to take two courses in Yale Summer Session (YSS) New Haven, Online, or Abroad in any summer before senior year; the special arrangement covers tuition for two courses, which do not need to be taken in the same session or year. If enrolling in YSS courses in New Haven, first-year students and sophomores who also receive financial aid may be eligible for additional financial support to cover on-campus room and board for one five-week session. If interested in a YSS Program Abroad, you may apply these two courses toward the cost of tuition of two credits. Please note that admission is not guaranteed for YSS Programs Abroad and enrollment is limited. The special arrangement does not cover tuition for any courses taken outside of Yale Summer Session.

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Will the museums be open for teaching and research? (Updated July 22, 2020)

Yes, the Yale University Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art will be available by appointment.The Yale Peabody Museum’s collections are open, but its galleries are closed for renovations.

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Will the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning be open?

The Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning will be open on a by-appointment basis and will also provide a full range of online services.

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Public Health

How do I schedule my viral testing? (New September 2, 2020)

  1. Set up your MyChart account using the activation code you received from Yale Health. If you have trouble, contact Member Services.
  2. Go to covidtesting.yale.edu.
  3. Enter your Yale netid and password.
  4. Click on the scheduling link. It will take you automatically to your assigned testing location.
  5. Select a day based on your assigned testing pattern (Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday).
  6. Select a time on your assigned scheduling day.
  7. Confirm your appointment.
  8. It's a good idea to schedule both weekly appointments now. To do that, go back to covidtesting.yale.edu.

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Is testing available to me if I am enrolled remotely or on leave but living in New Haven county? (New October 1, 2020)

Yes. If you would like to participate in free, voluntary testing for COVID-19, it is available to you this semester by appointment. Weekly testing is recommended. Although getting tested will not grant you access to campus, it helps protect your health and the community’s, especially when you also follow protocols for isolation, contact tracing, and quarantine. If you test positive, the Yale Health team will provide basic follow-up support, tell you how to isolate, and help you identify others who may be at risk.

To schedule tests:

  1. Set up your MyChart account using the activation code you received from Yale Health. If you have trouble, contact Member Services.
  2. Go to covidtesting.yale.edu.
  3. Enter your Yale netid and password.
  4. Click on the scheduling link.
  5. Select a date and time.
  6. Confirm your appointment.

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What is Yale doing to reduce the risk of infection spreading among students, faculty, staff, and community members?

Yale began reactivation of on-campus research on June 1. Following guidelines from the State of Connecticut and the expert advice of Yale faculty in medicine, nursing, and public health, the university has developed phased Returning to Yale plans that include testing, contact tracing, self-isolation and quarantine, daily health checks, social distancing and face coverings. We are also reducing housing density in Yale College and some dormitory-style graduate residences. The university is following a careful, phased approach to resuming operations on campus, taking into consideration public health guidance, the needs of vulnerable populations, and the mission of the university.

Faculty at Yale and at the Yale New Haven Hospital have been active in treating COVID-19 and researching the biology and the transmission of the underlying coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Although Connecticut was originally one of the hardest-hit states, the rate of transmission (Rt) in the state as of July 1 is below 1, and as a result the number of new cases has fallen consistently since late April.

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What public health guidelines am I required to follow?

All students, trainees, faculty, and staff will be required to follow public health requirements in place at the time in-person activity resumes. Although the health risks to young people are in general less severe, it is essential that students comply with social distancing, face coverings, testing, contact tracing, self-isolation, quarantine, and other protocols not only for their own sake but also in order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus to other community members including those in more vulnerable populations. Current public health guidance includes:

  • All members of the university community will be expected to wear face coverings except when in their residential suites, or alone in their offices or when eating, or exercising outdoors.
  • The university will supply face coverings and other necessary supplies to all students, trainees, faculty, and staff.
  • All university community members must observe social distancing requirements.
  • All individuals living, working, or studying on campus will be asked to monitor their health daily for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
  • Students must undergo viral testing according to the requirements in place for the Yale school in which they are enrolled and must follow any resultant isolation and quarantine requirements.
  • All university community members will share responsibility for regular hand-washing, surface cleaning, and other required hygiene.
  • All faculty, staff, students, and trainees will follow the detailed guidelines outlined below.

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Who are the Public Health Coordinators? (New September 10, 2020)

Public Health Coordinators (PHCs) are graduate and professional students living in the residential colleges to help support community wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHCs will be drawing on their own professional experiences, as well as in-depth training for this role. Many have a background in pastoral care, public health, and education, and all have an active interest in student affairs and community engagement. Learn more about the PHCs.

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How can I tell someone about behavior that puts the community at risk? (New September 10, 2020)

If you have concerns about situations or behaviors that may be putting the community at risk, you have options for how to respond. You can of course talk with the people involved; if you do, you will have the most impact if you focus on support, goals, and problem-solving. You can also turn to your PHC or Head of College. If you prefer to share your concerns in writing, you can use this form to communicate with the Office of Student Affairs.

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Where can I find the Community Compact? (New September 10, 2020)

The community compact is available on the Registrar's website.

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How will the Community Compact be enforced? (New September 10, 2020)

The Compact Review Committee (CRC) will consider repeated, serious or flagrant failures to meet the Community Compact commitments that are brought to its attention or any instance of noncompliance that poses a serious risk to the health and safety of the student or other community members. Find more information about the CRC.

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Must I wear a face covering?

Yes, all students, trainees, faculty, staff, and visitors must wear face coverings except when in their own residential college suite or apartment or alone in an office or when eating or exercising outdoors. Wearing a face covering is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission of the coronavirus.

All members of the community should follow social distancing guidelines and good hygiene, including at meals.

People exercising outdoors need not wear face coverings as long as they maintain six feet distance from others. Rules for indoor exercise will follow state and public health guidelines.

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What are the requirements for social distancing?

In general, people should maintain six feet of distance from others whenever possible, including in classrooms, communal living spaces, and other campus locations. People living in the same suite or apartment will be considered a “family unit,” and it is not necessary to maintain distance from suitemates.

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What do I do if I have symptoms? (New September 10, 2020)

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should stay home and avoid interactions with others. These symptoms currently include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell 
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Consult Yale Health’s website for recommendations about managing your symptoms and deciding whether to contact your healthcare provider.

If you have questions about COVID-19 at Yale, please call the Campus COVID Resource Line at 203-432-6604.

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What if I test positive?

Those who test positive will generally be required to self-isolate for 14 days. If you test positive before traveling, please wait 14 days before traveling to Yale.

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How will the university trace contacts of those who test positive?

The university has trained contact tracers who will identify close contacts and ask them to quarantine for 14 days. Testing will be recommended for all sustained contacts of anyone who tests positive.

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When will I be expected to self-isolate or self-quarantine?

Self-isolation applies to those who test positive for COVID-19. Self-quarantine applies to those who may have been in contact with an infected person or who are traveling from an area where COVID-19 is prevalent. Students who test positive will usually self-isolate in designated buildings on campus or in their normal housing off-campus. Students who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive will self-quarantine in their own housing or in designated buildings on campus, depending on the results of contact tracing.

In addition, those arriving from international destinations or states with high prevalence may be required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the State of Connecticut to self-quarantine for 14 days. The State of Connecticut requires a 14 day quarantine for travelers arriving from certain other U.S. states ( see current list at CT.gov).

Those who are in quarantine or in self-isolation will be able to take their courses online or through other remote options.

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What would cause the university to change its plans?

The university will follow guidance from the State of Connecticut that requires a change to these plans. See https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus.

If the public health situation worsens considerably in the next few weeks, the return to campus will be delayed. In that case, all courses – undergraduate, graduate, and professional – will be conducted exclusively through on-line delivery until the public health situation changes.

If the public health situation worsens considerably during the fall semester, students should be prepared to “stay-in-place” in their place of residence, whether residential colleges, other on-campus residences, or off-campus apartments. For those with meal plans, the university will continue to provide meals during any stay-in-place period. Classes would be held exclusively online during such a time.

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How can I learn more about public health requirements?

The university is requiring completion of a training program by all students, trainees, faculty, and staff prior to their return to campus. Please see the “Mandatory training for everyone returning to campus” section on the Health & Safety Guidelines page.

Yale also will establish rules regarding visitors to campus, travel away from campus, and other requirements to limit transmission of the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers guidance on living in shared housing.

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What if I am at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

We recommend that students with health conditions that make them especially vulnerable to COVID-19 consider remote options for study. Yale staff should consult the “Accommodations for Staff Returning to Campus” page or contact the Employee Service Center. Faculty should refer to the first question in the Faculty and Staff section above.

See guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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I have a hearing disability and need to read lips. Face coverings and social distancing will make this impossible. What accommodations will be made?

Most classes will have an online option that does not require wearing face coverings. For students with hearing disabilities in in-person classes, their instructors and classmates will be provided with special transparent face coverings or face shields to allow lip-reading.

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Life on campus

Will I have access to campus if I am living off campus? (Updated July 30, 2020)

Juniors and seniors enrolled in residence but living off campus will have access to campus, but not those on a leave of absence or enrolled remotely, regardless of location. In order to reduce travel and on-campus density, first-year students and sophomores will not have access to the campus during the semesters in which they are studying from home.

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If I am living on campus, will I be able to eat in the dining hall? (Updated August 28, 2020)

Yale Dining will operate with additional service locations, extended hours in some locations, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Packaged take-out meals, grab-and-go, and pre-ordered meals will be available in all dining halls, with special provision for those with dietary restrictions and allergies. Seating in college dining halls will be reduced in order to provide social distancing, but additional seating will be provided in common rooms, courtyards, and other locations. Because of reduced capacity, seating within the dining hall will be limited to college residents.

A FAQ posted by Yale Hospitality answers more questions about dining options. It is available here.

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Can I have visitors?

In the fall semester, visits to campus by people who are not Yale students, faculty, or staff are discouraged. These limits will be reviewed in mid-November in accordance with prevailing public health guidance. No non-Yale visitors will be allowed in the residential colleges.

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What meetings and gatherings will be permitted?

The university will limit the size of gatherings both indoors and out to accommodate social distancing and conform to density guidelines and state rules. Classrooms and other common spaces will have reduced capacity. All who are gathered in groups of any size must wear face coverings and stay six feet away from each other.

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Can I reserve classrooms? (Updated October 9, 2020)

Yes. Classrooms in William L. Harkness Hall (WLH), Linsly-Chittenden Hall (LC), and the Watson Center (WTS) are available for study space, student meetings, and other very small student gatherings. For these purposes, there may be no more than ten students per room or fewer as directed by the posted capacity limits. Classrooms may never be used for larger social gatherings or for parties. Hours are 7:00 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.

Individual students -- not undergraduate student organizations -- can reserve classrooms here.

Undergraduate student organizations must use their YaleConnect group page to reserve classrooms -- by creating a new event, selecting “on-campus room reservation” for location, and, as in past years, following the existing event approval process for registered groups.

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Will the cultural centers and other student centers be open? (New August 17, 2020)

Several centers and offices – the Afro-American Cultural Center, the Asian-American Cultural Center, La Casa Cultural de Julia de Burgos (the Latino Cultural Center), the Native American Cultural Center, the Office of LGBTQ Resources, the Chaplain’s Office, and the Office of International Students and Scholars – will be conducting their programming virtually. For more information, see their respective websites. Their spaces will not be open as they are usually, but they may be, in limited ways and in accordance with public safety guidelines, and with the approval of the Center Director.

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May I visit classmates from other residential colleges and access spaces within my residential college?

Students may go to many spaces on campus, including visiting other residential colleges, as long as they wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Certain spaces, such as buttery kitchens, other student kitchens, and residential colleges gyms, will be closed until public health guidance indicates that it is safe to reopen them. 

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Will there be places to study and socialize outside of the residential colleges and classrooms?

Yes, most facilities on campus will be open, with social distancing in force. While the weather is good, we encourage you to use outdoor spaces, as the risk of transmission of the coronavirus is lower outdoors.

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Will I be able to study in the library?

Yes, most libraries on campus will be open, with changes to seating, hours, and some services.

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May I take a student job on campus or remotely? (New July 14, 2020)

Maybe. Social distancing constraints are expected to reduce the number and variety of student jobs, so the highest priority for employment will be given to students enrolled in residence who are on financial aid. Second priority will be given to other enrolled students.

On July 1, this FAQ advised students on leave that they could not take campus jobs, even remote ones. In response to questions about this policy, public health experts confirmed that students on leave cannot work on campus. This decision is guided by safety concerns; the community needs to maintain a low density of students on campus and not overburden the community’s testing capacity. As an update to the July 1 announcement, students on leave can be considered for jobs that can be conducted remotely, but those jobs are not guaranteed, and students enrolled in residence will receive higher priority even for those jobs.

When a student job is posted, all interested students can apply, but priority for filling them follows this order:

  1. For the first two weeks after a new student job is posted or until September 14 (whichever is later), it will only be offered to students receiving financial aid and who are enrolled in residence.
  2. After a new student job has been posted for two weeks or September 14 (whichever is later), and after the Student Employment Office has determined that no other qualified student on aid is seeking the position, it may be offered to other enrolled students as the second priority, and then remote jobs can be offered to students on leave as the third priority. Federal work-study funds cannot be used to pay students on leave.
  3. Some student jobs, such as Undergraduate Learning Assistants, need to be filled well before September 14, so they will post earlier deadlines with priority given to enrolled students receiving financial aid, approved to live on or near campus.

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I normally conduct research in a laboratory. Will I have access to the lab? (Updated July 15, 2020)

Maybe. Only students enrolled in residence will have access to campus, including labs and on-campus jobs; however, students enrolled remotely or on leave are eligible to participate remotely. For more information, see the FAQ about campus jobs.

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What athletics programs will continue? (Updated August 28, 2020)

Ivy League varsity sports have been canceled for the fall of 2020, and a decision about spring 2021 will be announced later in July. Club, intramural sports, fitness classes, and recreational athletics may be permitted if they can be conducted in accordance with state guidance and appropriate social distancing. Varsity athletes should consult with the athletics department concerning NCAA eligibility requirements.

More information about intramural sports is available here.

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Will the gym be open? (Updated August 28, 2020)

Yes. For more information, please see the letter from Athletic Director Vicky Chun to Yale College.

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How has the timeline for the Schwarzman Center’s physical launch been impacted by COVID? (New August 19, 2020)

The Center’s physical launch has been delayed until 2021, and we expect to announce our new physical launch date once campus has fully reopened.

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What are the Schwarzman Center offerings planned for the residential/remote fall semester? (New August 19, 2020)

Physical distancing has underscored the vital role that online communities play in fostering collaboration, wellness and belonging. To that end, the Schwarzman Center recently began producing online programming that encourages social cohesion and creativity, beginning with the web series One. The new Schwarzman Center website, which we look forward to announcing in coming months, features a way for students to share and collaborate on creative works, which is just one way we are continuing to engage students in the development of the Center’s digital, and later physical, programming.

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Which extra-curricular activities will be canceled?

Activities that cannot be conducted with appropriate social distancing, such as dramatic performances, undergraduate productions, singing groups, and some other musical groups will have to be re-imagined to take place online.

Most other extra-curricular activities will continue, with appropriate social distancing.

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Which large group events will be canceled or moved online?

Certain large group events, such as first-year orientation, first-year assembly and family weekend, will take place online.

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Life off campus

If I return to residence in New Haven, can I leave for any reason? If I have to leave for a family emergency, would I not be able to return?

Travel outside Connecticut will be discouraged for the duration of the pandemic. Undergraduates may travel only for emergencies or must seek approval from their residential college deans’ offices for travel that is essential for educational or personal reasons. Those returning from states with high prevalence of COVID-19 will be required to self-quarantine in accordance with state requirements.

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Can I go to stores and restaurants in New Haven?

Students may go to stores and restaurants in New Haven as long as they follow public health guidance currently in place, such as wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.

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What guidance regarding public health must I follow?

All students who are living on campus or in the New Haven area, will be required to sign a community compact and are expected to comply with all social distancing, testing, and quarantine protocols.

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Can I engage in community service?

Community service will need to be restructured to minimize spread to the local community.

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Arts

Can I produce a theater, dance, comedy, musical, or other performance this fall?

In-person performances (indoors or out) are not permitted this semester, to address COVID transmission risks among audience members and production team members, but performances can be envisioned to take place online in many forms. Undergraduate Production (UP) Technical Directors are already working to advise and support student teams working on virtual projects. Students interested in exploring the options for virtual performance should contact any of the UP Technical Directors. You can view projects being planned for the fall, and browse opportunities to get involved on the Yale College Arts website.

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What will membership in the Yale College Ensembles (Yale Concert Band, Yale Jazz Initiative, Yale Precision Marching Band, Yale Glee Club, Yale Symphony Orchestra) be like this year?

The Yale College ensembles (Yale Concert Band, Yale Jazz Initiative, Yale Precision Marching Band, Yale Glee Club, Yale Symphony Orchestra) will remain vital, active spaces this coming fall, with a focus on maintaining and growing their communities, expanding and diversifying their repertoire, and on welcoming new members. In addition to other activities, the ensembles will make music together and share it with the Yale community. Modes of music making will be different this fall, relying primarily on virtual platforms, and the ensembles will make the most of opportunities to connect across distance and to celebrate together.

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Can I join or participate in an a capella group this semester?

The Singing Group Council (SGC) has cancelled Rush for fall 2020. Auditions will next take place in Fall 2021. Meanwhile, the member groups are committed to creating other opportunities for students to connect with singing groups at Yale, especially for first-year students. The SGC will work with member groups to support virtual concerts and Jams as well as social events for first-years to interact with the groups.

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Can I take music lessons this semester? (Updated August 19, 2020)

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only for-credit lessons will be offered Fall Semester of 2020. The ongoing nature of the pandemic as well as the safety concerns surrounding lessons and practice spaces have required the Yale School of Music to cancel the Non-Credit Lessons Program this fall semester. All for-credit lessons fall semester will take place online.

Students wishing to apply for credit lessons must fill out an application for lessons. Students will then be invited to upload an audition video on Canvas. More information about the Music Program at Yale can be found on the YSM website, as well as the Department of Music website.

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What are my options for practicing music this semester? (New August 19, 2020)

Practice rooms in the colleges are not available. All music students (graduate and undergraduate) are encouraged to practice in their own rooms whenever possible.

Undergraduate students taking for-credit lessons in piano may apply to their Head of College office for single-person use of pianos in music rooms, but not common spaces. Practice rooms for students taking credit lessons will be available in the Adams Center for Musical Arts, on a need-based and limited basis. The risk mitigation measures being taken in the music buildings will significantly cut down the number of hours available in these rooms.

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Are there opportunities for student-run music groups to make music and perform together?

Yes. All performance must be virtual this semester and there are resources available to help student music groups adapt to this mode. Yale College Arts is making opportunities to work with VirtualChoir available to all music making student organizations. The resulting videos will be published on the Yale College Arts website, on the Yale Arts Calendar, and will be available to groups to link to from their own websites and/or social media spaces. Please contact Daisy Abreu, Administrative Coordinator for the Arts (daisy.abreu@yale.edu), if you are a music organization leader interested in creating a virtual performance.

More information regarding virtual performance opportunities can be found on the Yale College Arts website.

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Will the Creative and Performing Arts awards be available to support student art making this fall?

Yes, Creative and Performing Arts Awards will be available this fall, with adaptations to fit the residential/remote mode. CPA funding is available to support solo projects or projects that are made using virtual collaborations. Any project funded by a fall 2020 CPA must make the final project available online, in order to be accessible to the residential/remote Yale College community. These virtual projects could take several forms and the Yale College Arts team is available to help students think about the possibilities. Details will be published on the Creative and Performing Arts website.

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I am a visual artist. How can I share my work with the entire Yale Community online?

The Yale Office of Career Strategy has partnered with Wix to provide a multi-year premium account for free to currently enrolled Yale students. Students interested in exhibiting their visual arts projects may use this resource to share their work with the Yale community and beyond. Check out the Yale BA Art 2020 Digital Thesis Archive for inspiration on how to use Wix as an exhibition space. Find more information regarding online exhibition resources on the Yale College Arts website.

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Can I access the Center for Collaborative Arts and Media (CCAM) this semester?

In-person CCAM computer lab and studio use is not available for the fall 2020 semester, for reasons of public safety during COVID-19. Curricular use of the CCAM Virtual Computing Lab will be available to designated enrolled students beginning September 2, 2020. CCAM photo and filmmaking equipment will be checked out on term-long loans to students who need the equipment to complete coursework. More information about the CCAM Virtual Computing Lab and long-term loans through the Lending Lab can be found here. CCAM will offer student employment opportunities, involving remote assignments. More information about student employment opportunities at the CCAM can be found on the CCAM website.

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For more information

Where can I get more information? (Updated September 2, 2020)

For guidance from Yale College:

These FAQs will be updated regularly. For more information, please write to yale.college@yale.edu.

For guidance about study abroad:

https://studyabroad.yale.edu/prepare-go/study-abroad-covid-19-coronavirus

For guidance about financial aid:

https://finaid.yale.edu/fall-2020-ufa

For guidance about COVID-19:

https://covid19.yale.edu
Campus COVID Resource Line
203-432-6604 or 866-924-9253
Available seven days a week, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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