As the new school year charges on, the University of New Haven has made many new announcements and regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and campus life.

The university’s COVID-19 information page reads, “The University of New Haven has long prided itself on being prepared for all eventualities – and instilling that mindset in our students.”

As of Aug. 1, all students, faculty and university staff were required to upload proof of vaccination. In collaboration with the Northeast Medical Group and Yale-New Haven Health, vaccine clinics were offered in the Beckerman Recreation center on Aug. 11, Aug. 19, Aug. 21 and Aug. 27.

With over 90% of the university community vaccinated, it currently stands at a Green (low risk) alert level. With this, those who are fully vaccinated can reintegrate themselves back to a somewhat pre-pandemic Charger experience. This includes full capacity in classrooms and dining halls, allowing students to dine indoors, no weekly testing for those who are fully vaccinated and limitless gatherings on campus and inside residence halls.

Senior health science major Selena Aponte said that she is thrilled that the high vaccination rate allows students to go back to in-person classes. She said that this is a “brand new start to the school year.”

Junior chemical engineering major Alex Kased said that although these updated regulations may be an adjustment to some, she likes the return to a sense of normalcy. She said that she is most excited to rekindle with people in her major, as in-person classes will allow them to meet in groups, study, complete assignments and more.

Unvaccinated students and staff who have been granted a vaccination exemption must wear a face mask on campus, undergo COVID-19 testing on a weekly basis and must quarantine if in contact or have tested positive with COVID-19. When outside, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people are required to wear proper facial coverings and practice physical separation.

As of Aug. 3, when entering any university facility, all individuals, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, are expected to wear an appropriate face covering.

The Student Handbook reads that only immediate family members will be permitted to visit the university and enter resident halls. Guests must either show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR or viral antigen test within 72 hours of arrival. No other non-student visitors will not be allowed on campus. Residential students are also now allowed to have other University of New Haven students as visitors in the residence halls, including overnights.

Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) hosting events should follow all Center for Student Engagement, Leadership and Orientation (CSELO) event regulations, and should use CoVerified to guarantee that participants are permitted to be on campus at the time of the event, as well as to ensure mask-wearing and safety. Outside vendors will also be allowed to contract with RSOs for events if they submit an event registration in Event Management Systems (EMS) that is reviewed and approved by the COVID Task Force. Event Coordinators have the authority to invite non-University guests to events.

Aponte said these new regulations are important for social interactions as “This gives sophomores a brand-new chance to finally make friends and meet new people. I think this will do wonders for our campus culture” She is excited to get out and have the opportunity to meet the underclassmen.

As MyCharger says, “In the midst of the ongoing global pandemic, the health and safety of all members of our community remain our top priority.”

Anthony J. Santella, COVID-19 Coordinator, released an overview of more measures that are in place to keep the campus community healthy and safe.

All regulations are subject to change and updates because of the COVID-19’s ever-changing nature. All questions and concerns should be directed to Anthony J. Santella, COVID-19 coordinator and COVID Task Force co-chair and Ronald M. Quagliani, associate vice president for public safety and administrative services, [email protected] and [email protected].