We realize that you will have questions as students and families plan for the upcoming academic year. To this end, we invite you to carefully review these frequently asked questions (FAQ) for additional information. For additional questions, please email housing@scu.edu.
In addition, we continue to follow the guidelines of Santa Clara County public health officials and will update this FAQ as needed. For the latest information and details on testing, contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation protocols, please go to Prepared SCU: Plan for Fall 2020.
Will students be able to live on campus this fall?
Given the necessity to protect our campus from worsening COVID-19 trends, fall 2020 campus housing contracts will be canceled. We strongly recommend students reconsider housing plans and remain home this fall. Emergency housing for undergraduate students will be available for those meeting one of the criteria below.
- Safety and Security: Student from a home environment that is not safe or healthy; where a member of their household has a chronic illness or is terminally ill; or a student with an approved accommodation under ADA.
- Housing Insecure: Students who are homeless, or who do not have a permanent residence to which they can return; or international students who are currently in the US who have immigration, travel, and/or visa restrictions or are without off-campus housing options.
- Academic Success: Students who identify on-campus housing as necessary to serve their academic success. This includes students with extremely limited internet connectivity at home; a requirement for in-person course attendance to make progress toward their degree; student athletes; or students who are unable to effectively study from an off-campus location.
- Financial Security: Students who have a financial hardship for which the student needs campus accommodations (in consultation with the Financial Aid Office).
If you believe you meet one or more of these criteria, you must log into your Housing portal via eCampus starting Monday, August 10 and complete a supplemental application by Monday August 17. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis.
In the coming days, we will have additional details. Only those students who receive an assignment through the supplemental application process will be billed for student housing and meal plans once fall assignments are confirmed.
Will my financial aid be adjusted now that my housing arrangements have changed for fall?
Financial aid will first be used to pay for tuition costs. These amounts will not change. Any excess financial aid is normally used to pay for living expenses. This aid may be adjusted based on your new living situation. Since each student's situation may be different, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 408-551-1000 or onestop@scu.edu with any questions.
Cleaning Protocols in Residence Halls and Campus Facilities
How will SCU ensure a clean and sanitized campus?
SCU’s response to COVID-19 prioritizes the health and safety of students, their families, faculty, staff, and the community. Cleaning and disinfection in conjunction with wearing face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand washing are essential to preventing the spread of the virus. Hand sanitizer stations have also been installed at building entrances, in high-traffic areas, restrooms, computer labs, and other common spaces.
Will high-touch areas such as door handles, bathrooms and bathrooms stalls be cleaned more frequently?
Yes. Enhanced cleaning in each area will be supplemented with increased frequency of cleaning of high-touch surfaces including door handles, elevator buttons, and handrails.
Will a custodial staff member be cleaning or will the students need to do that themselves?
Facilities staff will do a thorough cleaning of all residence hall rooms, classrooms, labs and common areas with an EPA-approved disinfectant effective against the virus. Thereafter, students will be responsible for cleaning their own rooms including bathrooms and any suite-style common living areas such as kitchens or living rooms. Students will be provided with building-wide cleaning supplies and will be encouraged to bring their own cleaning supplies as well.
Dining
What will campus dining look like in the fall?
We are working with Bon Appétit, our dining services partner, to develop plans that align with current state and local guidance for dining facilities. Plans include enhanced sanitation, following social distancing requirements, mobile ordering, and reductions of self-service options. Full details will be provided later in the summer.
What will the dining experience look like for students living in residence halls?
On-campus dining facilities will be modified to reduce density and contact. Take-out dining options will be expanded, and the number of students permitted to dine at Bensons’s outdoor seating areas will be reduced. Dining services will be centralized in Benson Memorial Center with all orders being managed via a mobile ordering app. Food will be available from Bon Appétit in to-go compostable containers.
Will I be allowed to eat in Benson Memorial Center?
As of this writing, indoor dining is not allowed. Outdoor diners will be required to adhere to social distancing requirements in Benson and throughout the campus.
Will I be allowed to eat outside, where it is easier to social distance?
Outdoor diners will be required to adhere to social distancing requirements throughout campus.
Do I have to have a meal plan if I live in the residence hall?
Yes. All campus residents are required to have a meal plan.
Parking
Will I be allowed to park on campus if I live in a residence hall?
Returning students are able to purchase parking permits as usual. For more information, refer to https://university-operations.scu.edu/campus-safety/parking-and-transportation-services/