Parents FAQs

A proud UH parent and her daughter

The following Parents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are for parents or guardians of UH Mānoa students enrolled in the 2021–22 academic year. The FAQs will be updated as the COVID-19 pandemic and related guidance evolve. If your question is not answered, please email covid19@hawaii.edu.

On this page

COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Locations

  • Testing: A COVID-19 test is required if you are not vaccinated. A PCR test must be taken within 7 days of when you need to be on campus, or an antigen test must be taken within 3 days of when you need to be on campus.
    For the fall 2021 semester, Clinical Labs of Hawaiʻi (CLH) has been contracted to provide FREE PCR tests at 24 locations across the state. Make an appointment with CLH.
    For other state-approved testing locations go to https://hawaiicovid19.com/ and click on “testing.” Testing at sites other than the 24 CLH locations are not free.
  • Vaccinations: Use the CDC Vaccine Finder to find COVID-19 vaccines at a pharmacy or retail location in your neighborhood, or text your ZIP code to 438829. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Hawaiʻi visit the Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 site.

Health Protocols: vaccination, testing, Lumisight UH

Student Learning

Housing/Dining/Student Services

Housing Services

Dining Services

Student Services

Campus events, study abroad and travel

Health Protocols: vaccination, testing, Lumisight UH

Will a COVID-19 vaccination be required for students being on-campus?

The COVID-19 vaccination has been added to the University of Hawaiʻi student health clearance requirements as of the fall 2021 semester. To be on a UH campus or property, students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Unvaccinated students did have an option to provide a negative COVID-19 test result weekly to be on campus in the fall 2021 semester. That option will no longer be available as of January 3, 2022. Students may request exemptions for medical and religious reasons. Students with exemptions are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result weekly.

See the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Students FAQs page for more details.

Are employees required to be vaccinated?

Employees are required to either be vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result weekly before coming to campus. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Effective January 3, 2022, all UH employees, including those who are teleworking, will be required to be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus OR have an approved medical or religious exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine.

What protocols are in place for coming to campus?

First and foremost, stay home if you are sick.

In order to be on campus, students, along with all employees and campus visitors, are required to use a daily, check-in mobile app (Android or iOS) or web form that monitors/screens for COVID-19 symptoms called LumiSight UH. You must receive a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date on the app to be on campus.

For the fall 2021 semester, anyone who is unvaccinated and wants to come to campus must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result weekly.

Checking in daily using the LumiSight UH app is simple and will take less than 30 seconds. The user will review the list of symptoms and possible exposure to COVID-19 in the app, answer “yes” or “no,” and the app will indicate if they are cleared to come to campus.

Can we update vaccination information to Lumisight UH?

You can upload your vaccination information to Lumisight UH. Instructions to upload your vaccination information: Lumisight UH web app or Lumisight UH app on iPhones. For assistance with Lumisight UH, check the Lumisight UH FAQ or contact help@hawaii.edu.

Does my student need to be screened before coming to a UH campus/facility?

Everyone needs a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date on the LumiSight UH daily health check-in app to be on campus. The LumiSight UH app screens for possible COVID-19 symptoms and exposure and stores vaccination information or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.

Does my student need to be tested for COVID-19 before coming to a UH campus/property?

Beginning Monday, August 23, 2021, unvaccinated students and employees, and those not fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose), are required to provide weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a UH-recognized testing facility to be on a UH campus or property.

A PCR test must be taken within 7 days of when you need to be on campus, or an antigen test must be taken within 3 days of when you need to be on campus.

Visitors and vendors must also follow this requirement. Delivery service workers such as the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS are not required to provide proof due to the limited/transient exposure to the campus.

For the fall 2021 semester, Clinical Labs of Hawaiʻi (CLH) has been contracted to provide FREE PCR tests at 24 locations across the state. Make an appointment with CLH.

For other state-approved testing locations go to https://hawaiicovid19.com/ and click on “testing.” Testing at sites other than the 24 CLH locations are not free.

What if my student had COVID-19 recently? Their test will be positive.

There is an exemption for unvaccinated students who recently contracted and recovered from COVID-19. In the 90 day period from the point of positive test result, they will likely test positive for up to 90 days. The university encourages these students to get vaccinated (which could be done as soon as 10 days after the date of first symptoms/positive test, if they have no fever, and symptoms are resolved). After the 90 day period, they will be required to test weekly until fully vaccinated for the remainder of the fall 2021 semester.

If a student has been fully vaccinated but has recently tested positive (within the last 90 days) for COVID-19, they may not return to campus or attend any in-person activities until they are officially cleared by their medical provider and should isolate for the recommended duration as advised by their medical provider.

Submit forms to Student Health Services Mānoa.

Beginning in spring 2022, students are required to either be vaccinated or apply for a medical and religious exemption. There will be no testing option for unvaccinated students.

Where on campus does my student have to wear a face mask?

Everyone on campus must wear face masks indoors. This includes classrooms, laboratories, offices, shops and common spaces such as hallways and elevators.

Face masks are not required when outdoors, including lanais/patios. They are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others.

Your student is not required to wear a face mask while working in isolation, (e.g., if they are working in a room by themselves) or if they have a medical condition or disability and wearing a face mask poses a health or safety risk. Reasonable accommodations will be made in those instances.

If someone is believed to have symptoms that may be COVID-19 related, what should they do?

Report all suspected and positive cases of COVID-19 to the University Health Services Mānoa (UHSM) COVID-19 Resource Team. Email uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu or call (808) 956-8965.

Will my student be notified if someone tests positive?

UH Mānoa will not publicly disclose the identity of anyone who tests positive, which is against multiple federal laws. Positive cases reported on campus in the previous 14 days will be announced via email that will balance patient privacy with the health and safety of everyone. The number of positive cases reported on campus are also listed on UH’s website.

Will UH ensure my student’s confidentiality if they have/are exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19?

The university follows all laws that protect the privacy of students and employees, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)  and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No personal identifiable data will be collected by the daily health check-in app.

The university will not disclose the identity of any employee or student who is exposed, diagnosed with, or is suspected of having COVID-19, except to those who need to be notified, such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. All positive cases must be reported to the health department, which is responsible for the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response, including notifying close contacts of infected individuals

Will UH provide testing for faculty/staff/students (if needed)?

Beginning Monday, August 23, 2021, unvaccinated students and employees, and those not fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose), are required to provide weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a UH-recognized testing facility to be on a UH campus or property.

A PCR test must be taken within 7 days of when you need to be on campus, or an antigen test must be taken within 3 days of when you need to be on campus.

Visitors and vendors must also follow this requirement. Delivery service workers such as the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS are not required to provide proof due to the limited/transient exposure to the campus.

For the fall 2021 semester, Clinical Labs of Hawaiʻi (CLH) has been contracted to provide FREE PCR tests at 24 locations across the state. Make an appointment with CLH.

For other state-approved testing locations go to https://hawaiicovid19.com/ and click on “testing.” Testing at sites other than the 24 CLH locations are not free.

How will you ensure these guidelines are up-to-date?

The guidelines will be continually updated based on the status of the pandemic and when government guidance is updated. All major changes in guidance will be immediately and broadly communicated to the campus community via email announcements and other channels.

What do I do if my student tests positive for COVID-19?

They should self-isolate immediately and notify University Health Services Mānoa (808-956-8965 or uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu). They should also be in contact with their health care professional for instructions. If they do not have a local health care professional, University Health Services Mānoa will assist.

Student residents

If the student lives in the residence halls/apartments, they should report a positive test result to their Resident Assistants and/or Residence Director and University Health Services Mānoa (808-956-8965 or uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu) immediately and self-isolate in their room and wait for the housing staff to contact them with quarantine instructions.

University Health Services Mānoa will provide medical assistance, including connecting the student with a health care provider, if needed. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health will contact the student to find out who they came in close contact with for their contact tracing program.

Are mental health services available?

Yes, mental health resources and support services are available through the UH Mānoa Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC).

The range of free services to UH Mānoa students include time-limited individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, support spaces for open discussion, peer-to-peer support, outreach activities and/or referral to on-campus resources and community providers. A number of interactive, educational workshops focused on maintaining mental and behavioral health during the pandemic have been developed and will continue to be offered through the fall and spring semesters. Students can register online for these workshops and access additional mental health resources.

CSDC is open for scheduled appointments during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.  At the present time, all services are offered virtually with counselors located in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, Room 312. Students can call (808) 956-7927 to schedule an appointment with a counselor or to hear more about counseling resources on campus. Availability of services may be impacted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state, county and university guidelines, which can change abruptly depending on the status of the pandemic.

What about students who have special needs or other disabilities, or are immunocompromised?

Please contact the KOKUA Program at (808) 956-7511 or kokua@hawaii.edu for assistance.

Student Learning

How will courses be delivered in fall 2021?

Instruction for fall 2021 will have more in-person classes than the two previous semesters. The instruction mode of every course (online synchronous, online asynchronous or online combination, hybrid or in-person) is available in the STAR registration system.

What will in-person classrooms be like?

Each classroom and teaching laboratory has been reconfigured to ensure 3 feet of physical distancing, which has reduced room capacity in some instances. There will be fewer students in class, everyone is required to wear a face mask and each classroom and lab has hand sanitizer stations and sanitizing wipes, to wipe down your seating area. Rooms will be cleaned and disinfected daily.

What if course delivery changes?

A course will never change from online to hybrid or in-person or from hybrid to entirely in-person. The university is prepared to go entirely online depending on the status of the pandemic. All students should be aware of and prepared for that possibility.

How will UH communicate with my student about any changes in class delivery, etc. that may arise because of the pandemic?

If the campus moves to all online delivery, there will be broad communications across all of the campus communications platforms including email, social media, appropriate UH websites (MyUH, UHNews.org) and the mainstream media.

How many students will be in a class at once?

It depends on the size of the room. Each classroom and teaching laboratory has been reconfigured to ensure 3 feet of social distancing, which has reduced room capacity in some instances.

Is my student required to wear a mask?

Everyone on campus must wear face masks indoors. This includes classrooms, laboratories, offices, shops and common spaces such as hallways and elevators.

Face masks are not required when outdoors, including lanais/patios. They are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others.

Your student is not required to wear a face mask while working in isolation, (e.g., if you working in a room alone) or if they have a medical condition or disability where wearing a face mask poses a health or safety risk. Reasonable accommodations will be made in those instances.

Will my student’s fees be reimbursed if they are in online classes only?

Per UH policy “Students shall be required to pay mandatory student fees for student publications, student government, technology, and campus communication/student broadcast fees at all campuses at which they are enrolled, regardless of whether the course is taught online or at a distance.”

For the Fall 2021 semester, all students will be assessed mandatory fees as set forth in the Executive Policy.

The 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi collect fees from students to support co-curricular and instructional activities, as described in Executive Policy 6.208, which sets forth authorized student fees, including those that are mandatory.

Co-curricular Fees

The 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi collect fees from students to support co-curricular and instructional activities, as described in Board of Regents Policy 6.208, which sets forth authorized student fees, including those that are mandatory.

Mandatory student fees are generally assessed of all students, in amounts set in accordance with Board policies, and as set forth in a fees schedule attached to Executive Policy EP 6.208.

For the Fall 2021 semester, all students will be assessed mandatory fees as set forth in the Executive Policy. Per the Executive Policy, the following mandatory student fees are required of all students:

  • student publications
  • student government
  • technology
  • campus communication/student broadcast fees

The following campus-based student fees will not be assessed of students who are being purely taught entirely online or at a distance:

  • student activity and program fees
  • campus center
  • student recreation
  • student health fee
  • student transportation/UPASS fees
  • Athletics

Explanation

The quality and excellence of the University of Hawaiʻi rests on both the curricular (academic) and co-curricular (non-academic) programs that campuses offer. Just as tuition assessed by the campus is invested to enhance the educational experience for all its students through its library, labs, technology resources and classroom facilities, so too are mandatory student fees assessed to enhance the out-of-classroom educational experience for all students through such co-curricular programs as theater, intramural sports, band, intercollegiate athletics, student newspaper, campus radio station, student government, student center, student clubs, organizations and more. The university values the transformative potential of educational experiences and opportunities offered by the co-curriculum that is available to students.

Instruction-related Fees

Instruction-related fees will be reviewed to determine if students are receiving the full benefit of the fees and will be refunded where appropriate.

Professional fees may be assessed to students enrolled in select undergraduate professional programs that have high costs in comparison to other instructional programs with the same tuition. Revenues from fees are earmarked to ensure programs have the equipment, supplies and services to meet accreditation standards.

Course and laboratory fees may be assessed to students enrolled in select courses that have unique costs in comparison to standard offerings or that are outside the normal credit course offerings. These include numerous labs in the natural sciences, art courses that require materials to be purchased, software associated with courses, and in some cases, field trip costs. The courses with associated fees are still meeting, and online labs require demonstrations that continue to utilize the purchased equipment and supplies

In cases where students are not able to benefit from the use of specific consumable supplies usually purchased with the course fees, the fees for these courses will be refunded to students.

What financial support and resources are available to students amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are a number of resources available. Check with the UH Manoa Financial Aid Office or email finaid@hawaii.edu. Additional resources can be found at the UH System Financial Aid Office and the UH Student Basic Needs website.

Housing/Dining/Student Services

Housing Services

What should my student do if they contract COVID-19?

Report their positive test result to their Resident Assistants and/or Residence Director and University Health Services Mānoa (808-956-8965 or uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu) immediately, self-isolate in their room and wait for the housing staff to contact them with quarantine instructions.

Are there quarantine procedures if a student housing resident contracts COVID-19?

Student housing will assist COVID-19 infected student residents in moving to an off-site location to isolate and be cared for. The university will pay for any costs including meals, regular check-ins and staff support. University Health Services Mānoa will provide medical assistance, including connecting the student with a healthcare provider, if needed. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is not allowed to return to campus until cleared by a medical provider consistent with the standards of the Hawaiʻi Dept. of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Will housing residents be notified if a student or staff member in their residence hall has tested positive for COVID-19?

Positive cases reported in student housing will be announced via email in a timely manner. Student housing will send additional information to residents in affected buildings. Whether in student housing or not, everyone who may have come into close contact with an infected person will be contacted through the Hawaiʻi Department of Health contact tracing program. Those notified will be advised to self-isolate, monitor for symptoms, and contact the UH Mānoa COVID-19 Resource Team at University Health Services Mānoa as soon as possible at (808) 956-8965 or uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu. They may also be advised to contact their health provider and/or get tested for COVID-19, depending on the situation.

How will the university address high-touch common areas in student housing?

Common areas and high-touch areas such as elevators and doorknobs will be cleaned and sanitized daily by custodial staff. Some common areas may be closed or have limited access to ensure safe physical distancing and regular cleaning and disinfection. Elevator occupancy may be limited due to social distancing concerns.

What protocols are in place for students living in the residence halls and apartments?

Students residents are required to:

  1. Use Lumisight UH, the daily health check-in app and receive a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date before leaving their rooms at the start of the day
  2. Wear face masks whenever indoors on campus, including in the student housing areas; and
  3. self-isolate and notify their Resident Assistants and/or Residence Director and University Health Services Mānoa (808-956-8965 or uhsm.covid@hawaii.edu) if they are experiencing symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19.

Can my student invite visitors to their residence hall?

Due to the special concerns related to the COVID-19 situation, Student Housing Services has implemented a NO OUTSIDE GUEST policy. This means that only current residents of UH Mānoa student housing may enter residence halls. Student housing residents who are visiting residence halls where they do not live MUST be escorted/hosted at all times by a registered resident of that hall.

Dining Services

What dining services will be available?

Check the Mānoa Dining Services website for the latest information on which locations are open and their hours. Dining locations normally include Gateway Care and Hale Aloha dining halls, the Market @ Noelani Apartments, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Simply to Go, Campus Center Food Court, Stir Fresh, Pizza Hut and Ba-Le.

For more information about food service at Paradise Palms and food trucks on campus, visit UH Mānoa Food Services.

Student Services

Will the Campus Center / UH Bookstore be open?

The UH Bookstore is open and patrons will be allowed to enter after showing a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date on the Lumisight UH daily health check app. Steps have been taken to limit face-to-face contact or exchanges and to minimize pedestrian traffic congestion including signage, tape, etc. to keep 3-foot spacing for people in line to maintain appropriate distance. Online purchasing is encouraged at the bookstore.

The Campus Center dining and food services are open, though seating will be limited and self-serve drink stations are not available. Steps have been taken to limit face-to-face contact or exchanges, to minimize pedestrian traffic congestion and to keep 3-foot spacing for people in line.

Go to the Campus Center and UH Bookstore websites for hours and information.

What safety procedures will be in place for people to use the Campus Center?

Everyone is required to receive a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date on the Lumisight UH daily health check app to be on campus. You can only receive a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date if you upload to Lumisight UH your vaccination status or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test AND clear the daily screening. While on campus, everyone is required to follow UH COVID-19 guidelines including face masks indoors and safe physical distancing.

Steps have been taken to limit face-to-face contact or exchanges, to minimize pedestrian traffic congestion and to keep 3-foot spacing for people in line.

Campus Center services are also available online and virtually, wherever possible, to help limit face-to-face contact or exchanges.

Will the campus shuttle be running?

The Rainbow Shuttle service is suspended for the fall 2021 semester. Check the Commuter Services website for the latest information. Students can utilize the city bus system via the UPass included in student fees, which only applies to those registered for in-person instruction.

Will counselors be available on-campus for students?

Yes, mental health specialists will be available through the UH Mānoa Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC).

Services include crisis assessment, counseling and management; brief time-limited telemental health sessions; structured skills-based groups; referrals to campus and community resources, and an array of mental health promotion, prevention and workshop/training activities. Information on mental health support available for fall 2020 is also available on the CSDC website.

CSDC is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and students are asked to call (808) 956-7927 before coming to the center to help follow safe physical distancing and so that staff can arrange the appropriate services. Availability of services may be impacted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state, county and university guidelines, which can change abruptly depending on the status of the pandemic.

Will the Warrior Recreation Center be available for use?

The Warrior Recreation Center will follow state and county guidelines regarding gyms and fitness centers. The center is currently scheduled to open on the first day of instruction with strict COVID-19 guidelines in place, including a limit on the number of occupants. The latest information and updates can be found on the center’s Instagram page. An Instagram account is not needed to view the page.

Will my student be able to get a campus job?

Student jobs are available on campus. Some jobs may require student employees to be fully vaccinated. Student employees must follow all COVID-19 guidelines including a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date on the Lumisight UH app to be on campus and wearing face masks indoors and practicing safe physical distancing when on campus. Employees who are unable to access LumiSight UH may come to campus to complete the check in.

Campus events, study abroad and travel

Will there be events on campus?

There may be in-person events on campus with restrictions based on the status of the pandemic including limits on attendance. Crowd capacity will be adjusted based on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and county, state and federal guidance. In-person events are required to follow UH COVID-19 guidelines, including a green “You may report to campus” status with the current date on the Lumisight UH daily health check app to be on campus and face masks (when indoors) and safe physical distancing while on campus.

Will there be athletic events on campus?

Athletic events will be held on campus. Crowd capacity will be adjusted based on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and county, state and federal guidance. Everyone in attendance must follow UH COVID-19 guidelines—using the Lumisight UH daily health check app, face masks indoors, safe physical distancing, etc. There may be additional restrictions.

Will there be a commencement?

For updates see the UH Mānoa commencement website.

What is the status of study-abroad programs?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all Mānoa International Exchange programs were suspended through the end of spring 2021. See the COVID-19 FAQ page for updates for upcoming programs.

The spring 2021 UH Mānoa Study Abroad programs are proceeding as scheduled. See the UH Mānoa Study Abroad COVID-19 information webpage for updates.

Are there any personal travel restrictions students should be aware of?

The university does not restrict the travel of students. Travel restrictions are set by county, state and federal agencies and may change abruptly depending on the status of the pandemic.

Can students travel home (out-of-state) during the semester?

Yes, however they are subject to any State of Hawaiʻi travel rules that may be in place at that time.

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