Student Services, Student Residences and Events

April 2022: The information on this page is being retained for archival purposes only and is no longer being maintained or updated. For current information: manoa.hawaii.edu/covid19/

(January 2022: The UH Mānoa COVID-19 Guidelines are being updated. Please refer to the UH System COVID-19 Guidelines for the latest information.)

The following is based on the Student and Residence Working Group’s report, the New First-time Students Working Group report and the UH System COVID-19 Guidelines on Housing, Services and Events.

Student Services

  • Students can use the STAR Balance digital platform to make appointments with staff, advisors or faculty. Students will have access to faculty office hours, tutoring services, advisors, financial aid offices and other services without coming to campus.
  • Face-to-face interaction with student services have been limited, wherever possible, by moving services online or to a hybrid of online and face-to-face meetings, and by using online processes and electronic delivery of documents (ordering transcripts, submitting an admission application, electronic signatures for finance, etc.)
  • When possible, traffic has been mitigated in front-facing offices by offering virtual walk-ins or seeing students on an appointment-only basis, with proper social distancing and safety protocols followed at all times.
  • Student services and activities that still need to be conducted in-person shall adhere to all UH Mānoa and UH System COVID-19 guidelines that include staying home when sick, the mandatory daily health check-in, mandatory face masks, washing hands regularly and practicing 3-foot social distancing.
  • Student services for new students are now online including admissions, student recruitment, campus tours and new student orientations.
  • The Warrior Recreation Center will be open, with extra measures including mandatory masks, stepped up cleaning/disinfection and safe physical distancing that will limit the number of students allowed in the center at any given time. Up-to-date information can be found at the Warrior Recreation Center and major announcements will be made campus-wide.

Student Housing Services

Modifications to residence halls and common areas have been implemented according to government recommended COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

  • Student housing capacity will be limited as necessary to reduce the density in living spaces and to adhere to social distancing requirements.
  • Student Housing Services will adjust to phased move-in procedures to reduce the normal crowds and adhere to 3-foot social distancing, as much as possible.
  • Student residents must follow all COVID-19 mandatory requirements including using the UH daily, health check-in app and wearing a face mask.
    • Student residents in student housing are required to wear face masks in common spaces of all residential buildings, including but not limited to lobbies, hallways, elevators, lounges, laundry facilities, eating spaces, etc.
    • Student residents are not required to wear a face mask when in their own living space, including bedrooms, suites, or apartments.
  • If a student resident is feeling ill, they should wear face masks at all times and immediately self-isolate.
  • Common areas have been closed or capacity has been limited. Common areas and high touch areas like door knobs and elevator buttons will be cleaned at least daily, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
  • Shared restrooms and communal kitchens in the residence halls will be cleaned and sanitized daily by custodial staff.
  • Residence halls in which students are responsible for their own shared areas (bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms), must be cleaned and sanitized by the residents of the unit.
  • Room assignments and room layouts required to comply with the above requirements are for the fall 2021 semester. Assignments and room arrangements for the spring 2022 semester will be announced at a later date.

Student Resident Testing Positive for COVID-19

Student Housing Services is working closely with the University Health Services Mānoa (UHSM) COVID-19 Resource Team to manage the health and safety of student residents. If a student resident tests positive for COVID-19 (PDF):

  • The student is required to notify Student Housing Services (808-956-8177, uhmsh@hawaii.edu) the UHSM COVID-19 Resource Team (808-956-8965 or uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu) right away, self isolate and wait for instructions.
  • The student will be moved to off-campus housing for quarantine and continued care.
  • UHSM will coordinate with the for contact tracing everyone the student came into close contact with so they can self isolate and monitor themselves for symptoms.
  • The student’s room will be closed off for at least 24 hours before the janitorial staff cleans and disinfects, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
  • CDC advises that cleaning and disinfecting is not necessary if an area can be closed for seven days or more.

Food service

  • Most campus food service establishments will be takeout only and shall designate with signage, tape, or by other means 3-foot spacing for people in line to maintain appropriate distance.
  • Patrons are encouraged to order in advance, when possible, to prevent crowding.
  • If seating is available, the furniture will be reconfigured or blocked off to follow 3-foot physical distancing guidelines as described in the Facilities, Spaces and Staffing of these guidelines.
  • Disposable food service items (e.g., utensils, dishes) will be used whenever feasible. If disposable items are not feasible or desirable, all non-disposable food service items will be handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher. Individuals should wash their hands after removing their gloves or after directly handling used food service items.
  • If food is offered at any event, it must be in pre-packaged boxes or bags for each attendee instead of a buffet or family-style meal. Avoid sharing food and utensils.

Events, Gatherings and Activities

  • The UH Mānoa campus community is encouraged to find alternatives to in-person events, including holding virtual group events, gatherings, activities or meetings.
  • Any event or gathering of 10 or more people must receive the proper approvals and meet all COVID-19 related requirements detailed in these guidelines, applicable government orders, and the Interim UH System COVID-19 Guidelines. UH policy will match the latest county guidance.
  • Where in-person gatherings are unavoidable, the event space should be outdoors, if possible, well-ventilated, and the group size should be limited.
  • Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations will not be allowed, unless approved by the UH Mānoa Office of the Provost.
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