Students will not be allowed to visit other residence hall rooms this fall as part of new guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials said.
Officials announced changes to the Housing License Agreement, like restrictions on guests and an agreement to isolate if directed by officials, according to an email sent to students Thursday. Students can begin selecting a move-in time as early as Friday or as late as next Wednesday, depending on their residence hall, according to the email.
“Allowing the registration system to open by building groups will help ease congestion and not override the system with all of our residents attempting to schedule at the same time,” the email states. “Even with the phased release, we anticipate there to be many students eager to make their choice right away.”
Students will be placed in a virtual waiting room if the housing system becomes overloaded, the email states.
Administrators plan to welcome students back to campus during the two weeks before classes begin, but GW’s reopening plan is still awaiting approval from the District. Most classes will be delivered through a hybrid format, which includes a mix of in-person and online instruction, officials have said.
Students will receive a roughly 5 percent discount on housing this fall to account for departing their residence hall before Thanksgiving.
Students will move in during three-hour time blocks beginning Aug. 17, the email states. Most students will move in before Aug. 28, when traffic restrictions are expected during the March on Washington, but limited time blocks will be available the weekend before classes begin, according to the email.
Officials will only allow up to 50 students to move into each residence hall per day, and only two students per floor can move in during a given time block, the email states.
“We are scheduling time blocks to reduce the volume of comings and goings across campus,” the email states. “Move-in procedures will provide for one student/family use of an elevator at a time, less congestion at the entrance and exit and less crowded hallways.”
A maximum of two family members or friends can help students move in during their assigned time, according to the email.
As part of the updated housing agreement, officials may direct students to isolate or quarantine should it be “in the best interest” of health and safety for the GW community. Administrators will either direct students to isolate in their residence hall room or temporarily move to another building, according to the updated agreement.
“Student is a part of a community that includes fellow students, staff and visitors (when permitted) and is expected to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those around them, including respect and consideration for the health and safety of all community members,” the new agreement states. “Should the actions of student create a health or safety hazard for the community, the University may request or require student to vacate their licensed space.”
No daytime or overnight guests will be allowed in residence hall rooms, even if they are from another residence hall or another floor, the email states. Visitors found to be in violation of the new policy may be subject to arrest or administrative action and could be barred from further entry into all GW buildings, the agreement states.
Officials are asking students who no longer plan to come back to campus to cancel their housing by July 27.
