COVID-19
Policies for On-Campus Students Effective Summer 2023
The information below is effective for on-campus students living in residence halls, residential colleges, special interest communities, and graduate housing beginning at 12:00 p.m. on June 13, 2023.
Beginning in Summer 2023, students who test positive for COVID-19 will isolate in place in their assigned rooms or apartments.
What do I do when I am in self-isolation?
Isolation means staying in your residence hall/residential college/special interest community room or apartment — not going to work, classes, athletic events or other social gatherings.
In addition to CDC guidance, the following guidelines apply to on-campus residential students:
- Do:
- Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Leave your room for essential needs, including picking up food and medication, exercising outdoors, and visiting with friends outdoors while masked and socially distanced.
- Distance as much as possible from others when using a shared bathroom and mask at all times except when you are showering and brushing your teeth.
- Do not:
- Attend classes or take exams in person.
- Enter campus or community buildings (other than your assigned residence hall or for medical appointments).
- Enter others’ rooms or apartments while you are in isolation.
- Have guests in your room or apartment while you are in isolation.
If at any time you start to feel worse, please communicate with Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service at 847-491-8430. After hours, the number will connect you with a health care provider on call.
If there is a fire alarm that requires evacuation of the building, please put on a face covering, exit the building through the nearest exit, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.
How long do I need to self-isolate?
Students who test positive for COVID-19 can end isolation after Day 5 (with Day 0 considered the first day with symptoms (if symptomatic) or the day of the positive test (if asymptomatic)), provided symptoms have resolved or are improving, and any fever has been resolved for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication. If your symptoms are not improving and/or you have had a fever within the last 24 hours, you should not end isolation until you meet the above criterion or until Day 10, whichever is earlier. Regardless of when you end isolation, you must continue to always mask and remain socially distanced from others through Day 10. If your symptoms recur or worsen, seek medical advice from Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service.
Additional FAQs
What do I do if I test positive prior to arriving on campus?
If you test positive before arriving on campus, you should delay coming to campus until you have ended isolation.
Who should I contact for additional PPE?
Students can pick up an initial kit at the area or front desk or place an order with local or online vendors.
Can I isolate at home instead of isolating in my room?
Students may isolate at home as long as they do not use public transportation or ride sharing applications.
What kind of support can I request while I am isolating?
Students have access to the same campus services as when they are not in isolation, although it may be in a virtual format. Instructors, NM Student Health Service, CAPS, the Dean of Students office, Residential Services staff, and others can be reached through email or a phone call, and, in some instances, via Zoom.
I am in isolation and have a dietary restriction that is difficult to manage with the take-out options at the dining commons. Whom should I inform?
Please contact dining@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Can I use the laundry room and take out my trash?
Please wear a mask and socially distance as you use the laundry room or take out your trash.
I’ve been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, what do I do?
Wear a high-quality mask as soon as you are aware of the exposure. Watch for symptoms such as: fever (100.4°F or greater), cough, or shortness of breath. If you develop any of these symptoms, isolate and test immediately. Otherwise, get tested for COVID-19 at least 5 full days after the last exposure. If you test negative, continue taking additional safety precautions through Day 10. You can still develop COVID-19 symptoms up to 10 days after you have been exposed. If you begin to experience new symptoms, please re-test.
I’m the roommate of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or I’ve been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, what do I do?
In addition to the guidance around monitoring symptoms and testing, you should mask when your roommate is present except while sleeping and eating.
If the healthy roommate of a COVID positive roommate decides to stay with friends or family, how will they know when it's safe to return to their room?
The student should be in contact with the roommate to determine if their symptoms are resolved or getting better after 5 days or wait 10 days before returning.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to get tested, please contact Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service via MyChart to schedule an appointment.
Are students still restricted to take-out dining days 6-10 after ending isolation?
Students should wear a well-fitted mask and continue using take-out options through Day 10.
I am currently isolating but I have an exam this afternoon. What should I do?
You should inform your instructor that you will not be able to take your exam during this time and check your course syllabi for information. If you are an undergraduate and have questions or would like additional assistance regarding coursework or exams during this period, you can email Associate Provost Miriam Sherin at undergradeducation@northwestern.edu. If you are a graduate student and have questions, please reach out to your program. If you are in need of medical documentation for missed exams, you may schedule a telehealth appointment with Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service.