This website contains important information all residents living on-campus at UAA must understand and abide by for the safety of our community. These measures have been put into place to protect our residents from the dangers presented by infectious diseases in a congregate housing setting. By working together, we can keep each other safe and ensure continued access to education.

These policies were last updated in July 2023.

Health Disclosure Policy

In an effort to keep our community safe, residents are required to notify the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) or the Department of Life of the following circumstances:

• Positive Case: A resident tests positive for any infectious disease for which the federal, state or local government (hereafter referred to as “the government”) requires isolation or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. Notifications to the SHCC or Residence life of positive test results should be done immediately.
• Exposure: A resident has been exposed to an infectious disease for which the government requires isolation or quarantine. Notifications of exposures should be done within 6 hours of the resident being notified of the exposure.
• Symptomatic: A resident has developed symptoms consistent with an infectious disease for which the government requires isolation or quarantine. Notifications regarding the development of symptoms should be done within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms.

In these circumstances, residents are required to follow the guidance of SHCC professionals, Residence Life professionals and public health officials regarding isolation, quarantine, testing, etc. 

A resident who is exposed to an individual who is experiencing symptoms consistent with an infectious disease for which the government requires isolation or quarantine is not required to notify the SHCC or Residence Life, but they are encouraged to do so. Residents in these circumstances should minimize their interactions with others and monitor their health for the development of symptoms.

Note: The definition of “exposure” varies depending on the infectious disease. Consult with an SHCC professional or public health official to determine if you were exposed to an infectious disease.

During business hours, residents should contact the SHCC if they fall into any of the categories previously outlined. Residents can contact SHCC at 907-786-4040. The SHCC will then notify Residence Life to coordinate the quarantine or isolation of the student, if needed. Outside of business hours, residents should contact the RA-On-Duty for their area. Note: the SHCC will likely be required to notify public health officials of a positive test result for an infectious disease that requires isolation or quarantine by the government.

Residents are encouraged to contact the SHCC (907-786-4040), Environmental Health & Safety (907-786-1300) or Residence Life (907-751-7202) if they have any questions or want to consult about an individual case. Given the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases, guidance from medical professionals and public health officials may rapidly change, and we are here to assist you in understanding the policies and procedures that apply to your specific circumstances.

Policies and Procedures for Current Outbreaks

COVID-19 

The following policies and procedures are specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. Requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Consult with Residence Life, SHCC/medical professionals and/or public health officials for more information.

Isolation

Residents who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

• What am I allowed to do during isolation?
  • Residents who choose to complete their isolation period on campus will be moved to an isolation suite or apartment and must stay in their assigned space, going out only for emergency medical care, and using contact-free delivery methods to obtain all necessary household goods and supplies. Residents who need to leave their apartment or residence hall suite for emergency medical care should notify Residence Life whenever possible prior to exiting and should wear a mask at all times. 
  • Residents who choose to complete their isolation period off campus will have access to their assigned residence removed and are not permitted to enter any University of Alaska facility during this time.
  • Residents completing their isolation in a residence hall may NOT retrieve household goods or supplies in the arctic entryway of their building. 
  • Residents with meal plans may NOT enter the dining hall to retrieve meals. Residents will be provided with information on meal delivery when they enter isolation.
  • Attending in-person classes is NOT permitted.
• When will I be released from isolation?
  • In general, isolation will last five days with day zero counting as either: 
    • The day the student received a positive test result, or
    • The date of the onset of symptoms (not to exceed 5 days from the date of the positive test). 
  • After day five, residents may end their isolation if the following conditions are true:
    • The resident’s symptoms are improving, and
    • The resident has not had a fever in excess of 100.4 degrees in the past 24 hours without using fever reducing medications. 
  • Residents are strongly encouraged to wear a “high quality” mask for five additional days following the completion of their isolation anytime they are in the presence of other people, both indoors and outdoors.

  Please note: A high quality mask is defined as a face mask or respirator made of multiple layers of finely woven material that is clean and both properly fitted and worn. This includes N95, KN95 and disposable surgical masks; this does not include loosely fitting cloth masks and masks that are made up of a single layer of fabric. 

   

Interaction Minimization

• Symptomatic: Residents who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask  (see the definition for “high quality” mask above) and avoid all contact with other people. Residents are permitted to stay in their assigned suite or apartment, but should avoid common areas when their roommates or guests are present in the space. Residents should not attend in-person classes. Residents are permitted to retrieve to-go meals from the dining hall to eat in the bedroom of their suite or apartment.
  • Residents should get tested as quickly as possible. Residents can call Residence Life Information Desk at 907-751-7202 during business hours to request to have a home test kit delivered to them. Requests will be fulfilled provided that tests are available and dependent upon staffing capacity. Residents are permitted to leave campus to seek a molecular-based test.
  • Residents may contact the Student Health and Counseling Center to inquire after the availability of COVID-19 testing services. Residents should consult SHCC regarding any potential costs associated with COVID-19 testing services, as well as payment options including the types of medical insurance accepted.
• Exposed (Unvaccinated): Unvaccinated residents who are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should minimize their interactions with others and wear a high-quality mask for 10 days following the exposure. On day 6, residents should get a molecular-based test. If at any point the resident develops symptoms, they should follow the guidance above. Exposure is defined by the CDC as being within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, regardless of whether the contact occurred indoors or outside, or if masks were worn.
• Exposed (Vaccinated): Residents who are fully vaccinated and are exposed to someone who is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19:
  • Minimize their interactions with others to the best of their ability
  • Wear a mask in indoor areas and around others 
  • Monitor their health for signs of symptoms consistent with COVID-19 

Vaccinations

The University of Alaska Anchorage does not require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to live in student housing. However, residents are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in consultation with a medical professional and according to guidance from public health officials. Vaccinations have been identified as the most effective strategy in stopping the spread of the virus. Students are encouraged to contact the Student Health and Counseling Center to inquire after the availability of vaccines and boosters as well as to make an appointment. For more information regarding immunization requirements for residents, please visit the Residence Life Immunizations website. 

Testing

Residence Life reserves the right to implement testing requirements for residents should conditions justify such an action. Decisions regarding required testing are made in consultation with medical professionals and public health officials. Testing requirements can vary in scope depending on the circumstances leading to the requirement being put in place (e.g. community-wide testing, a single building, a suite or apartment or even required testing for an individual). Residence Life reserves the right to determine when an individual is experiencing symptoms sufficiently consistent with COVID-19 to require that they either receive a molecular-based test or minimize their interactions according to the procedures established in this policy. If implemented, residents will be given as much notice as possible of any testing requirements, as well as detailed instructions on next steps while waiting for results.