HRL and COVID-19

Housing and Residential Life is committed to providing a living environment that is as safe as possible while the University navigates the new normal of physical distancing. As the global pandemic continues to evolve, we will make necessary updates to the information provided below.


The University's COVID-19 Response

Our Commitment to Cleanliness

Housing and Residential Life is closely aligned with Facilities and Operations to establish the best practices for the cleaning of our spaces. Our increased cleaning efforts include:

Hand sanitizer stations will be available at all building entrances, elevator lobbies, area offices, and desk entrances.
ABM cleaning staff will utilize CDC-directed cleaning methods and EPA registered disinfectants to wipe surfaces and clean high-traffic areas.
Plexiglass panels will be placed at all reception desks and security posts.
The communal bathrooms in Hecht and Stanford residential colleges will be sanitized 3 times each day and deep-cleaned daily using CDC-directed cleaning methods and EPA registered disinfectants.
All lobby or communal bathrooms will be equipped with hands-free devices such as faucets, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers.
Guiding signage will be present in all high-traffic areas as a reminder of proper physical distancing practice. This includes directional traffic signage, 6-foot markers, and entry and exit markers.

Additionally, our staff is trained to provide the best experience possible in this new and evolving landscape. We are here to provide you with assistance while maintaining safe and physically distant practices.

Closed and Restricted Amenities

To encourage physical distancing and personal safety some of our amenity spaces will be restricted or closed until further notice.

When possible, seating in lobby and communal areas will be rearranged to provide 6’ distance between individuals. This extends to small gathering areas, such as floor lounges.
Drinking fountains will be turned off. Water bottle filling stations and ice machines remain operable.
The Mahoney Residential College communal kitchens have been closed until further notice.
LSV recreational equipment such as foosball tables will be stored and unavailable for use until further notice.

Dining Services

Housing and Residential Life works closely with UM Dining to provide safe dining options to residents. The dining halls are located outside of Stanford Residential College and Mahoney & Pearson Residential Colleges.

Help Us Slow the Spread

As resident students, there are a number of expectations while living on campus during the increased restrictions of COVID-19. We have put together a guide to help roommates maintain a clean and safe living environment. Students can report concerns about unsafe behaviors of others to 'Canes Care for 'Canes.

Everyone must wear a face covering while in an indoor public space on campus, including any communal areas of your residential community (hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms, study spaces, etc.). 
Residents are allowed one guest who must be a University of Miami student. Non-student guests and anyone unaccompanied by a resident will not be permitted entry.
Students must not gather in groups within study lounges, hallways, lobbies, or inside any resident room/apartment. Students who host or attend any gatherings that exceed occupancy and guest limitations will face disciplinary action and be subject to a housing contract review even on the first offense.
Students must not host or attend off-campus events such as house parties, large gatherings at restaurants, or other activities that bring large groups of students close together where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Assigned roommates are considered a “household” for contact tracing purposes. 
Residents are expected to regularly clean and sanitize their living spaces. Cleaning supplies for resident use will not be available at reception desks.
Any courier service (Postmates, Uber Eats, Instacart, flower delivery, etc.) must meet the resident outside of the buildings.
The University reserves the right to notify parents or families without a student’s prior consent in health or safety emergencies. If you are found in violation of these policies, your ability to continue to live in housing will be reviewed and your parent/guardian will be notified of the outcome of that review.

Summer 2021 Testing Requirements

Any student who is not fully vaccinated or has not provided proof of vaccination and will be on any University of Miami campus at least twice per week during the summer term will be required to take a COVID-19 test two times per week. This includes students who live in on-campus housing.

The Coral Gables Campus testing site is located in Pavia Garage and is available each week, Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The University strongly encourages all students to be immunized against COVID-19. If you have not yet been vaccinated, please visit vaccinefinder.org to find a vaccination location near you.

Isolation and Quarantine

For clinical assistance, please follow the instructions on the Student Health Service website

Students who test positive for COVID-19, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have been potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19 will be advised to self-isolate or self-quarantine. Affected students will be advised to follow self-isolation or self-quarantine guidelines and will receive specific instructions to their University email address.

  • Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.
    • Students who are required to quarantine as a result of contact tracing will likely be asked to quarantine for up to 14 days.
    • Students who are required to quarantine while the University awaits the results of testing may be asked to quarantine for a short time (generally five days), but that quarantine may be extended based on test results.
  • Isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from people who are not infected.