Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Impact at UNF

• How many positive cases of COVID-19 are there at UNF?

  Two UNF employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. Each employee had minimal contact with others on campus. UNF officials are in communications with the employees as well as reaching out individually to those who may have been in close contact with this person. Both employees are self-isolating at home. (as of 3/27/20)

• How long is remote instruction?
  Remote instruction is through the end of the spring semester.
• What is the status of summer sessions?
  All courses for UNF Summer Sessions A and C will be conducted remotely in adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing protocols and guidance from the State University System of Florida. Summer Sessions A and C both begin on Monday, May 11. At this time, no decisions regarding Summer Session B have been made. Students should contact their academic advisors with questions about building their summer schedules. 
• Will dining services continue?
  Dining services will continue with limited services during the period of remote instruction. View dining locations and hours via the webpage.
• What Carpenter Library resources and services will be available?
  View Carpenter Library updates.
• What are special hours of operation for campus facilities?
  Hours of operation are being updated on the Special Hours webpage.
• Will campus tours for prospective students be held?
  Tours are temporarily postponed for prospective students.
• Are visitors allowed on campus?
  Visitors to UNF are strongly discouraged and previously scheduled visits should be postponed.
• Are events still taking place on campus?
  No events are currently taking place on campus.
• Are athletic events still taking place?
  All UNF Athletics’ home and away competitions have been suspended.
• What disinfection procedures are taking place at the campus facilities?
  Crews are cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, restrooms and common areas in university buildings, classrooms, residence halls, recreation facilities and the Student Union with cleaning products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. Bus shuttles are supplied with Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer. Bus drivers are wiping down surfaces throughout the day and the AC is being kep at maximum cold capacity to prevent the spread of germs. 

Housing

• Will the residence halls remain open?

  Residence halls have some restrictions. We are asking all residential students still in housing to please prepare accordingly and encourage you to relocate to your permanent place of residence or off-campus as soon as possible. For those students who have nowhere else to go, UNF will work with each of you on housing arrangements. 

• Can I return to my residence hall to move out my belongings?

  No. UNF advises that all students who were away for spring break and/or residing off campus not return to campus until further notice. Residents who have personal belongings remaining in residence halls will have their items secured at no cost until it is safe for them to return to campus.
  
  If you have essential items (i.e., computers and/or medications), you should contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life by email at housing@unf.edu as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate requests for essential items and will coordinate delivery of these items to you in a safe manner.  

• Can I get a refund for my housing?

  UNF will implement a Student Refund Plan for all students who have paid or have been assessed housing charges for the Spring 2020 semester and have vacated (or are immediately vacating) campus housing. Residence hall costs will be prorated through March 23, 2020 for all of these students, with the exception of The Flats at UNF. Flats residents who have vacated (or are immediately vacating) will be released from their housing contract for the remainder of contract terms.
  
  Refunds will be provided through UNF Student Financial Services. To expedite the refund process, please ensure that your direct deposit is set up through your e-Refunds account, which can be accessed through the My UNF Bill tile in UNF myWings. If no direct deposit is established, a refund check will be mailed to your address on file. Students who have outstanding balances with the University will have this amount deducted before the refund is disbursed. We are currently anticipating 2-4 weeks for refunds to be sent and/or credited.
  
  Residents with extenuating circumstances and written approval to stay in residential housing through the end of the semester will not receive a housing refund.
   

Travel Restrictions/Self-Quarantine Requirements

• What travel restrictions are in place for UNF students, faculty and staff?
  UNF-associated international and domestic travel by faculty and staff is canceled until further notice. UNF discourages any personal travel, both international and domestic, at this time due to the continuing spread of COVID-19.
  
  International university travel by UNF students for Spring and Summer 2020, including but not limited to faculty-led and third-party study abroad programs, exchange programs, conferences and field work, is canceled.
  
  
• What is the status of the university's study abroad programs?
  All study abroad programs for Spring and Summer 2020 have been canceled. The International Center will work with students and faculty leaders on repatriation and program cancellations.
  
  In recognition of potential financial hardship caused by travel cancellations; students are asked to report specific financial losses directly associated with their study abroad program to the International Center at intlctr@unf.edu. In the subject line, please include “COVID-19 Financial Impact_LAST NAME.”
• What are the university's self-quarantine guidelines?

  UNF is asking all members of the campus community who have recently traveled domestically or internationally or have been in close contact with someone who recently traveled to self-isolate at home and avoid contact with others during a period of 14 days, even if you have no symptoms of illness. UNF also requests that all members of the campus community who have recently traveled to any hotspots within the United States (for example, New York) or taken a cruise to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

   

  More information can be found on the Human Resources page.

• When and how can students come to campus?

  Students who do not live in campus housing should not come to campus unless it is absolutely required for their academic degree progression and no remote alternatives satisfy that goal.

   

  Students must not come to campus for instruction. Students who come to campus to use specific equipment or practice rooms must do so alone and practice social distancing.

  • The names of these students must be registered with UPD beforehand by a UNF faculty member (email unfpd@unf.edu) – this will give them access to rooms.
  • Students should bring ID with them.
  • If students cannot get into a building or room, they should call UPD at 620-2800 for help.
  • Students may not use equipment or chemicals that might be dangerous in any way.

  It is important to note that future state or local regulations may change access to campus.

   

Students

• Important student guidance and resources for remote learning

  UNF instruction is now remote. No instruction will be in person. For courses involving experiential learning, such as internships, clinicals, etc., contact your professor or department to explore options.
  
  

  Students collaborating on group projects should do so by using virtual means and should not meet in person. Most remote instruction, including live sessions, will take place on Zoom and/or Canvas.

  Faculty have been advised to adhere to existing class schedule times for all live sessions. Professors have been encouraged to record class sessions so that students have the option to review at alternate dates and times.
  
  

  For courses that conduct remote learning through alternate/additional online applications (beyond Zoom and Canvas), professors will reach out directly to those students via Canvas or e-mail for instructions.
  Contact your professors directly through either Canvas or via e-mail for specific questions regarding coursework.
  
  

  In the event that you have difficulty with access to technology for any reason, contact the Library information desk at (904) 620-2615 or ask@unf.libanswers.com and/or contact your professors to make alternative arrangements.
  
  

  The Library is offering services remotely. Visit the Library webpage for more information. If you need technology support (internet access, hardware, access to software, etc.) contact the ITS Help Desk by phone at (904) 620-HELP (4357), by email at helpdesk@unf.edu, or by visiting the Help Desk webpage.
  
  

  Academic support such as tutoring and Supplemental Instruction, as well as academic advising services will continue through Zoom, email and phone. Visit the Undergraduate Studies webpage for more information.
  
  

  Graduate students should visit the Graduate Studies webpage for answers to key questions.
  
  
• How do students report to the university if they need to self-quarantine?
  If you need to self-quarantine, call UNF Student Health Services at (904) 620-2900 immediately so that we can make sure you are healthy and safe. We are also asking all students who self-quarantine to please fill out UNF’s online Self-Reporting Form. You should also reach out to your professors to arrange ways to complete your academic obligations remotely.
• Who should I contact about my study abroad scholarships and financial aid due to program cancellation?
  If you have questions about how the cancellation of your study abroad program impacts your scholarships, awards or federal financial aid, contact Will Hunter in Financial Aid at (904) 620-2409 or FinAidEmergMgmt@unf.edu
• What counseling resources are available for students?

  The Counseling Center coronavirus resource page includes resources for dealing with anxiety or concerns.

• How will commencement be affected?

  Traditional on-campus UNF commencement ceremonies will not be held this spring. UNF is hoping to reschedule spring commencement to a later date and the University will provide more information when updates are available.

   

  Graduates who have already placed an online order for regalia items will be contacted by the UNF Bookstore and/or Herff Jones, Inc., at the email or address that was provided when the order was placed.

Faculty and Staff

• Important faculty guidance and resources for remote learning

  UNF instruction is now remote. No instruction will be in person. Students collaborating on group projects have been advised to do so using virtual means and should not meet in person.  All live instruction, including Zoom lectures and Canvas online chats, must adhere to existing class schedule times. 

   

  Changing times of live sessions would create conflicts for both other faculty members and students. Please be flexible with students who may have difficulty with access to technology during scheduled class times. Consider recording class sessions so that students have the option to review class sessions at alternate dates and times. 

   

  If conducting remote learning through other online applications, beyond Zoom and Canvas, please ensure that all students have the ability to access. Students have been encouraged to contact the Library information desk to gain access to additional technology but may need to work with you to make alternative arrangements.  

  
  If you need technology support (internet access, hardware, access to software, etc.) contact the ITS Help Desk by phone at 620-HELP (4357), by email at   helpdesk@unf.edu , or by visiting the   Help Desk webpage .   

   

• What other resources are available for faculty to ensure academic continuity?
  Faculty resources for academic continuity are available through the Center for Instruction and Research Technology.
• Should UNF employees continue to report to work?
  The University has transitioned to temporary remote work until further notice.
• What employee resources are available for faculty and staff?
  A Human Resources webpage has been created specifically for employee concerns. 
• How do faculty and staff report to the university if they need to self-quarantine?
  If you need to self-quarantine, please contact your direct supervisor and then Human Resources at (904) 620-2903 immediately so that we can make sure you are healthy and safe. We are also asking all employees who self-quarantine to please fill out UNF’s online Self-Reporting Form. You should work with your direct supervisor to discuss what options are available for performing your job duties remotely.

About the Coronavirus

• What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
  The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the outbreak and regular updates can be found here.
• What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
  Patients with confirmed coronavirus infection generally experience mild to serious flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Person-to-person spread is believed to occur via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how other respiratory pathogens spread.
• What are tips for prevention?

  The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• What is the treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19)?
  There is currently no specific antiviral treatment recommended or vaccine to prevent the coronavirus. People infected with coronavirus are treated with supportive medical care to help relieve symptoms.
• What is meant by "close contact" and "recently?"
  "Close contact" is defined as being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) or within the room or care area for a prolonged period of time (e.g. heathcare personnel, household members) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. With regard to "recently," current evidence suggests that a typical incubation period (time from exposure of the virus to the development of the symptoms) is up to 14 days.
• What happens if there is a confirmed case on campus?
  If a case is confirmed on campus, CDC protocols will be followed. Those who have had close contact with the patient will be contacted and monitored by the Florida Department of Health. UNF will fully support this effort and any other recommendations as defined by the CDC.
• How can I stay up-to-date on this situation?
  UNF continues to monitor and provide updates via email and online at www.unf.edu/coronavirus. Helpful resources or more information about the coronavirus, prevention, symptoms and travel advisories can be found at:
  

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • CDC Coronavirus Travelers Health Information
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • U.S. Department of State