Students Stay Safe

UMSL is working to ensure that we all that the appropriate measures to allow our community to safety return in the fall semester. We have increased online course offerings to maximize flexibility in your fall course schedules while also increasing online elements in your face-to-face classes to prepare for a potential transition to remote learning if needed. These blended courses incorporate the strengths of both face-to-face and online learning to create a unique and quality experience. Course schedules will be spread across buildings and classrooms that best allow for appropriate social distancing in the classroom.

Course format options

Fully Online

Fully online and partially online courses are also being offered for fall 2020. These courses can be offered in a synchronous or asynchronous format.

• Synchronous courses are those that meet virtually at a specific day and time. If a course is synchronous, the day and time will be listed on the schedule with a meeting location of “online” listed next to it. The notes section of the schedule will also give more information about the time requirements for these courses.
• Asynchronous courses are those where the course is completed within a specific timeframe on the student’s schedule.

Blended

Blended learning is a cohesive mix of synchronous face-to-face learning experiences coupled with online learning opportunities delivered asynchronously in Canvas. This infusion of online learning into an in-person course is called Blended Learning. Faculty have designed their courses with best practices to combine a clearly communicated pattern of face-to-face class meetings with online learning experiences for a blended delivery. 

For those unfamiliar with blended learning, these courses incorporate the strengths of both face-to-face and online learning to create a unique and quality experience that makes best use of each environment. As we transition face-to-face courses to a blended delivery, there are a few things to note:

• Any two or three component courses (LEC/LAB or LEC/LAB/RSD combinations) have had the LEC sections moved to fully online. The LAB/RSD sections will meet in a blended format. 
• The face-to-face portion of these courses will be placed in rooms large enough to accommodate social distancing with the safety of the students and faculty remaining paramount. 
• Blended courses can be offered in a variety of meeting patterns: once weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or even specific dates during the semester. That information can be found on the class schedule and on the course itself in MyView. Students will be notified when the change has been made to their schedule to log into MyView and review the updated schedule.
• Face coverings will be required within all university buildings and classrooms. Faculty will wear clear face shields during instruction. Classrooms will be cleaned frequently with furniture arranged to allow for adequate social distancing.

You should not attend class if you are not feeling well. Instructors will be flexible on attendance policies.

If you cannot attend your face-to-face class because you are ill, you will be able to access course materials from the day(s) you missed. In some courses, you will be able to attend class virtually through Zoom or another streaming technology. In others, you can download recorded lectures. Instructors will have the specifics of their accommodation plan by the start of the semester.

If you already know that you want to limit your time on campus, you should consider enrolling in more fully online courses.

Faculty may modify how they hold office hours: hold office hours online, in a larger classroom where they can socially distance or build in time at the end of class for open questions.

What will classrooms look like for fall 2020?

Seating has been removed from classrooms to meet COVID-19 physical distancing recommendations to retain a minimum of 6 feet apart in all directions. There will be tape on the floor to indicate where desks should be positioned in case they get moved out of place at any time – we ask faculty and students not to move the desks and chairs out of the approved arrangement. In spaces with immovable seating such as stadium seating classrooms there will be round green stickers or other indicators of where individuals should be seated. If you would like to see a video of your classroom please visit this ITS site. https://www.umsl.edu/technology/iss/room-features/.

What is the cleaning schedule for classrooms?

Our facilities team has ensured that custodial services will be cleaning rooms between classes as well as providing disinfectant spray and paper towels in each room for any additional needs. Facilities will also provide packages of disinfectant wipes to each faculty member teaching in person this semester to take to class to wipe down keyboards at the instructor station as well as provide them for student use in the case of classrooms with student computer stations or laptops.

Yes, in buildings that have central ventilation systems the settings have been adapted to bring in fresh air rather than circulate air within the building. In buildings where the ventilation system are de-centralized it will be necessary to have windows open in classrooms and other areas to provide the fresh air return. These rooms will be marked by signage indicating that windows should be open and the specific windows that should be opened will be indicated by a sticker. Classrooms will include signage on the podium to remind you.

In addition to common spaces that are limited in capacity to ensure social distancing, there are rooms available across campus for study. Thee following rooms are available for students to study in with limited capacity, maintaining physical distancing and while wearing face coverings:

North Campus

South Campus

The Office of Residential Life and Housing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis is committed to providing on-campus housing and maintaining a learning environment that encourages academic success, student engagement, personal growth and personal responsibility.

Both Oak Hall and Mansion Hill will be open this fall and we are focused on maintaining a safe, secure and clean living environments. Emphasis is being placed on cleaning common areas in the facilities and we are encouraging students to maintain social distance in the living communities so virtual engagement opportunities are being planned as well.

COVID-19 Packing List

• Face coverings (re-usable, washable and required when in any common area outside your private suite or apartment)
• Hand sanitizer, alcohol-based with at least 60% alcohol
• Cleaning supplies (ie, sanitizing wipes)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Thermometer
• If applicable and possible, an extra month supply of any prescription medication
• Any resources needed to complete coursework remotely

Enhanced Cleaning

Campus Facilities will implement an enhanced cleaning protocol for residential facilities to best serve students and meet CDC guidelines, including frequent cleaning of high touchpoints in common areas.

• Private suite-style bathrooms will not be cleaned by the university to prevent unnecessary entry into rooms.
• Community restrooms will be closed to residents and non-bottle filler drinking fountains will be offline.
• Residents need to take standards for hygiene and cleanliness very seriously and take steps to ensure the safety of roommates/apartment-mates, adhering to CDC cleaning guidelines.

General Guidelines

• When possible, occupancy per suite will be assigned to limit the total number of residents in a given suite.
• Unnecessary room moves will be discouraged.
• Residential Life will be limiting or closing common space. This includes limiting elevator occupancy, limiting common area furniture and posting occupancy limits for common areas.
• Door access procedures will change to remove the requirement to swipe in with university ID during certain hours. Instead, residents and staff will show ID upon entry.
• Dining will provide pre-packaged, grab-and-go meal options for carryout. Locations will utilize social distancing and line queues. Face coverings will be required in all public areas of our facilities including in all dining locations, except when eating. 
• Guest Policy (until COVID concerns are listed): Out of an abundance of caution and to protect the health of our Tritons, we will no longer allow guests in Oak Hall. Family and friends can meet with students outside the building, but residents will no longer be able to check in guests or congregate in the Oak lobby.
• Community swimming pools will be closed until spring 2021.

Modified move-in

Residential Life has modified move-in procedures to provide a de-centralized, multi-day move in to limit large gatherings and allow for physical distancing by spreading out move-in over several days, requiring students to sign up for a move-in date/time.

• Residents are encouraged to home quarantine or limit activity outside their home 14 days prior to move in. This request is built on respect and trust.
• Residents are encouraged to limit what they are bringing in order to limit trips back and forth to the car causing extra interaction/passing of others (note, there will be not carts provided to assisting with getting items in) and to allow for a quicker move out should the university need to transition to remote learning.
• There will be no move-in volunteers to assist with carrying in your belongings. You are welcome to bring your own cart if you want, but still mindful in your packing.
• Face coverings will be required during move-in.
• Students must sign an informed consent document which acknowledges additional risks and responsibilities in regard to COVID-19 and emergency contact information.

Isolation/Quarantine

Students exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19 will be instructed to isolate or quarantine in designated locations. Residential Life has identified space which can be used for quarantine/isolation, if necessary. Students who test positive will be encouraged to isolate at home if it is safe and possible to do so.

A student will be released from isolation/quarantine following receipt of ‘release statement’ from Public Health and must coordinate with UMSL Health Services to gain written approval to return to on campus coursework or activities. Upon receipt of the release statement, Residential Life will work with the student on returning to their permanent housing assignment.

Because of the fluid nature of the pandemic, we are continuing to engage in conversations with our campus partners and reviewing and updating best practices and guidelines from the University of Missouri System, public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about how to continue to maintain a healthy on-campus environment in preparation for your arrival in fall.

Additional information and guidance is available on the Residential Life and Housing website.

Are face coverings required? 

The University of Missouri–St. Louis, effective July 1 and until further notice, will require the wearing of face coverings by all students, faculty, staff and visitors – including contractors and vendors – when entering or occupying a physical building or facility owned, operated or managed by the university. Additionally, face coverings will be required when utilizing campus shuttles and when a minimum physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained in any outdoor area of the university – or if otherwise required by public health order. For more information regarding this requirement, please see the following website: https://www.umsl.edu/staysafe/face-coverings.html

Why are face coverings being required?

While maintaining physical distancing, practicing good hygiene measures (e.g., frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face, covering coughs and sneezes), and staying home when ill are the best known protections against COVID-19, the CDC also advises the use of face coverings as a complimentary measure to slow the spread of the virus by helping people who may have the virus but are asymptomatic from transmitting it to others. Additionally, St. Louis County public health orders currently require the use of face coverings.

What constitutes a face covering?

Face coverings made of cloth, fabric or permeable material, as well as face shields, are acceptable forms of face coverings. Face coverings must fully cover both the nose and mouth and have no holes or valves that would allow droplets out of the mask. It should be loose fitting but still secure enough to stay in place.

What if I am unable to wear a face covering due to a health or disability-related issue?

We must all recognize that there are circumstances where individuals may be physically or medically unable to wear a traditional cloth face covering. However, there are many options for compliant coverings that may meet a variety of needs, including loose coverings, clear plastic ear loop coverings, gaiters, bandanas and face shields. Students who require a health or disability-related accommodation, or are otherwise unable to place or remove a face covering without assistance must request an accommodation through Disability Access Services. 

Where can I get a face covering?

Students are expected to supply and maintain their own face coverings. However, the university will distribute a number of cloth face coverings during the first weeks of classes and units may have disposable coverings available as needed. Additionally, face coverings, face shields and other personal protective equipment is available for purchase in the Triton Store in the Millennium Student Center. 

What will happen if I don’t wear a face covering as required by policy?

Students who are not wearing a face covering – and who do not have a university-approved accommodation to do so – will be asked to leave their class or campus activity and not return until they are wearing one. Violations of this policy will be managed through the student conduct process. In the event a student is violating the university’s face covering policy and causing a disruption to the learning environment, additional steps such as involving university police personnel, may be enacted in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of the community. Sanctions for violations could include written warnings, university probation, loss of privileges and university suspension.

Who can I contact if I have concerns with the face coverings policy?

For questions or concerns, please contact Kasey Fraser-Smith at frasersmithk@umsl.edu, or D’Andre Braddix at braddixd@umsl.edu in the Office of Student Affairs. 

UMSL is committed to have food service options available for the community, but utilizing modifications to allow for safety. For example, smaller dining spaces in areas such as the Science Learning Building and the Southside Café will be closed. The Nosh, Provincial House Dining, Oak Hall C-Store, TJ Library, Einstein’s Bagels and Subway will remain open for grab-and-go or in person orders with social distancing guidelines. Some high-touch amenities such as the Free Style drink machines and salad bars will be taken offline.  Vending machines will be available with hand sanitizing stations next to them for hand hygiene.

Our campus food service provider, Sodexo, has implemented an app for those who wish to order and pay online to have contactless pick up from their location of choice. 

Download the Bite App

Triton Pantry

Our on campus food pantry will be up and available in a pre-order and pick-up model for all enrolled students beginning the first week of classes.

Learn More

The heart of our campus is our Millennium Student Center and we plan to continue to serve our students throughout the fall semester. The student center will be open to patrons with modified hours of operation to allow our students access to key offices and services throughout the building. We are following St. Louis County guidelines for reopening and have modified traffic flow and occupancy limits throughout the building to accommodate our storefront operations and departmental needs within the student center. While social distance means a number of our seating areas are offline for the fall semester, we still have spaces for students to eat or stop during breaks, and we are exploring expansion of our outdoor seating options.

Learn More

UMSL’s Recreation and Wellness Center is open for patrons with a number of operational changes in the facility including reduced fall hours, reduced building capacity, contactless check-in and a mid-day cleaning schedule for the entire facility. Everyone is required to wear a mask in the building, including while working out, and we’ve also adjusted our fitness equipment to provide 10 to 12 feet of space between machines. Small group classes will resume for those who are interested in participating, and we will continue to offer virtual group classes throughout the semester.

Learn More

University Libraries will be open to patrons with modified operations, including:

• Library occupancy maximums will follow county and public health guidelines.
• As per university policy, everyone entering the library building will be required to wear a face covering.
• All research assistance to patrons as well as instruction sessions will be provided via Zoom, chat, email, or other online means.
• At the Public Service Desk, patrons will swipe their own ID cards during checkout.  
• Patrons will be asked to return books to a specific book cart that will then be quarantined for 72 hours before the book is available for checkout again.
• Access to group and individual study rooms will be limited.
• Access to computers will be limited, but available and cleaned between uses as appropriate.

Learn More

The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) voted to postpone all regular season competition and GLVC championships for the fall 2020 semester and move soccer and volleyball to the spring 2021 semester due to concerns of the coronavirus pandemic.

Competition will be permitted in the sports of golf, tennis, swimming and diving, cross country, and track and field during the fall 2020 semester at the discretion of each institution. A decision regarding the status of the start of basketball competition will be made by October 1, 2020.

More information about the GLVC’s decision can be found here.

The student experience outside of the classroom setting is an integral part of the benefits of college. In the fall, much of our programming will be provided virtually through activities like our Serendipity Sendoff and Welcome Back Triton Bash. On-campus event opportunities where social distance is possible may occur based on our established events policy. We are also working with our student organizations to create new ways to connect throughout the semester through virtual programs, small in-person meetings and increased use of MyEngage, our campus student engagement platform. We’ll post all of our events and activities on the campus calendar, so be sure to check out calendar.umsl.edu for all of our engagement opportunities.

• There will be co-curricular experiences on campus this fall, with the size of social gatherings and meetings based upon the guidelines set forth by the State of Missouri.
• Virtual opportunities for engagement will be plentiful. More information about those events can be found at https://myengage.umsl.edu/.
• New and returning students will have the opportunity to participate in the Triton Take-Off Welcome Experience via in-person and remote options. Visit umsl.edu/wow for schedule and additional information.

The Campus Testing Center will be open to UMSL students only with modified operations, including:

• Students are discouraged from scheduling in-person exams in the Testing Center when a Proctorio (Remotely Proctored) option is available.  In-person proctoring is intended for students who do not meet the technical requirements or have disabilities that prevent the use of Proctorio.
• Due to drastic cuts in room capacity and social distancing guidelines, Testing Center space may be expanded to additional rooms in the JC Penney Building.
• Test takers will be seated in a manner that ensures county and public health guidelines are being followed.
• As per University policy, everyone entering the JC Penney Building will be required to wear a face covering. 
• Students are discouraged from bringing personal items to the Testing Center.  Due to possible space expansion, the number of secure lockers for storing personal belongings will be limited.  
• Testing seats and workstations will be cleaned between each test taker.  

Make an appointment: https://www.registerblast.com/umsl/Exam/List

• Students are discouraged from taking public transportation when possible and should not engage in optional travel or recreation.
• However, we recognize the importance of public transportation as well as campus shuttle services in your ability to access campus.
• Students who utilize campus shuttles or public transportation should wear face coverings and avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily while practicing social distancing as much as possible.
• We also encourage students to navigate to and from their on-campus residential housing as well as from class to class via accessible outside sidewalks and pathways to their destination.