University Responsibilities

The university recommends all students to be RT-PCR tested for the virus before returning to campus, subject to the test availability. If an employee or a student tests positive for the virus, USD will respond with its established protocols and procedures.

USD has taken steps to improve prevention efforts across campus. These efforts include:

Improved physical distancing measures. ○ Some entrances to classroom buildings will be controlled to allow physical distance. ○ The number of students has been reduced in each classroom. ○ Classroom seating has been modified to ensure at least 6 feet of distance between students.

Although much of the furniture remains, desks/tables have been marked where it is appropriate to sit. ○ Similar measures have been taken in the various dining, lounge, library, and residential facilities as well as other high-traffic areas across campus.

Acquisition and distribution of sanitation supplies. ○ USD has purchased more than 1,000 portable hand-sanitizing stations and distributed them in high-traffic areas. Sanitize your hands when you enter a building. ○ It is also our intention to provide disinfecting wipes for students to clean and disinfect their desks or work surfaces. If disinfecting wipes are not available, we may provide spray-bottles and paper towels for faculty members and students to utilize in the classrooms.

Cleaning of facilities ○ Custodial staff are committed to clean classrooms in between classes as frequently as is reasonably possible, especially when there are gaps in the day when classrooms may be empty. ○ Deep cleaning of classrooms will occur each night ○ Restrooms and high touch surfaces (i.e. doorknobs) will be cleaned more frequently

Classrooms and Labs ○ Faculty and students are expected to wear multilayered face coverings when in the classroom. ○ If a student does not or will not wear a multilayered face covering in class, the faculty members have the authority to tell the student to leave the class. ○ Eating and drinking in classrooms and labs is not permitted. Elevators ○ Floor stickers designate where to stand in each elevator. ○ The occupancy of elevators has been reduced to promote physical distancing.

Outdoor spaces (and outdoor classes) ○ Maintain physical distancing and wear your multilayered face covering as appropriate.

Eating and shopping on campus. Watch video. ○ Contactless transactions will be supported by a variety of orders and payment technologies. ○ Hygiene and handwashing of foodservice employees will be supported with real-time contamination feedback technology. ○ Entrance signs encourage customers and staff to follow COVID-19 guidelines for safety. ○ Entrances to dining and retail spaces will be controlled to allow for physical distance. ○ Floor markings will designate 6 feet of space where lines typically form. ○ Plexiglass guards have been added where transactions occur at high-traffic locations. ○ Seating in public areas and dining areas will be reduced or spread out per local and state guidelines. ○ All food will be served as individual portions rather than buffet-style.

Tram Services ○ All trams riders must wear a face covering. ○ Tram Ridership: Drivers will ensure that all passengers entering or riding on the tram are wearing multilayered face coverings at all times. ○ Trams will be limited to no more than 12 passengers, which includes seating and standing in designated positions to ensure physical distancing. ○ Maintain physical distancing while waiting for the tram. ○ Tram routes may be updated or increased as needed to best achieve the campus servicing needs. ○ Trams will be cleaned, and drivers will wipe down seats and handrails after each drop off. ○ Thorough cleaning of the trams will be performed twice per day and deep cleaning once per week or as needed to maintain a clean environment.

Residence Halls ○ The custodial team will work to clean residential common spaces, including common bathrooms, on a scheduled basis consistent with CDC and other public health guidelines. This schedule will be posted in residential areas.