Alert

See latest updates on University Housing's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Panther Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions for University-owned Housing. Please be advised that answers to our frequently asked questions could change due to local, state, and federal regulations regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.

Updated 4.12.22

General Questions

Will I have to wear a face covering on campus this year? 

Masks will be optional inside University facilities on all campuses. While no longer required by the University, all members of our community are welcome to wear a face covering at any time, for any reason. The University will continue to provide face coverings, including N95 masks, at concierge stations throughout our campuses.

Will I have to wear a face covering during move-in? 

Masks will be optional inside University facilities on all campuses. While no longer required by the University, all members of our community are welcome to wear a face covering at any time, for any reason. The University will continue to provide face coverings, including N95 masks, at concierge stations throughout our campuses.

Why did the University make the decision to lift masking requirements?

On February, 25, 2022, the CDC introduced a new tool, the COVID-19 County Check. By looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area, the tool helps communities decide what prevention steps to take based on latest data. The Healthcare Advisory Group reviewed the CDC’s recommendations and the tool, which indicates all of our campuses are in low level, to recommend lifting the mask requirement indoors.

May I still wear a mask if I want? 

Yes, while no longer required by the University starting on March 28, all members of our community are welcome to wear a face covering at any time, for any reason. The University will continue to provide face coverings, including N95 masks, at concierge stations throughout our campuses.

How does the CMRO monitor severity and hospitalizations?

Student health service on each campus and MyHealth@Work gather severity of illness and hospitalization data through contact tracing and Environmental Health and Safety. The CMRO is consulted on any significant trends. That’s why it’s important that all positive COVID-19 cases among students or employees are reported to student health service or MyHealth@Work.

Are masks still required on shuttles and buses?  

Consistent with CDC guidance for public transportation, masks will continue to be required on University-operated shuttles. Federal health orders require all employees and riders to wear a protective face covering inside stations and on any Port Authority vehicle as well.

What health and safety precautions are in place on campus?

Visit coronavirus.pitt.edu for current health and safety guidelines.     

Is the university housing vaccine disclosure the same thing as the Voluntary Disclosure Form?  

No, the Voluntary Disclosure Form is for the entire Pitt community to disclose their vaccination status. Students who will be living in university housing will complete a form through the Pitt SHS portal. Click here to access the form in the Give Us Your COVID-19 Vaccination Data box.  

If I plan to live in university housing for the 2021-22 academic year, am I required to submit proof of vaccination or exemption to Student Health Service?

Yes, you are required to submit proof of vaccination or to let Student Health Service know that you will not be disclosing your status. 

Spring Move-Out

Is there a designated move-out date and time window?

Moving carts will be available for self-checkout April 22nd-27th, and move-out cart stations will be available April 28th-30th. The Student Handbook recommends students depart 24 hours after their last final exam.

When do residence halls close?

Residence halls and on-campus apartments will close at 12:00 PM on May 1st. PLEASE NOTE: the Pittsburgh Marathon takes place on this day. We recommend that all students depart campus prior to Sunday, May 1st.

Can I have a helper for move-out?

Yes. Helpers are permitted. During self-checkout, helpers must be signed in as guests. During the scheduled move-out, helpers will be provided with wristbands.

Can I stay on campus later than May 1st if I need to?

Graduating seniors are permitted to stay on campus to attend graduation ceremonies. All students who qualify for a housing extension must contact Panther Central for approval.

Do I need to check out of my campus accommodation?

Yes, you need to complete the check-out form, after you have finished moving out of your room. To complete the form, look for the posted QR codes in your residence hall.

Will there be parking for move-out?

Yes, see designated parking areas in our Spring Move-Out Guide.

Is there a move-out checklist for on-campus apartment residents?

Yes! Please see page 5 of our Spring Move-Out Guide.

When does my meal membership end for the year?

Your meal membership ends on Saturday, April 30th, but Dining Dollars can be used on May 1st.

 

Dining Services

Where can I find current dining hours and locations? 

Find current dining hours on the Pitt Eats website. 

How do I cancel my spring dining contract?

If your plans have changed and you would like to cancel your spring term housing and/or meal membership, please follow these instructions to complete the withdrawal process. If you need to return to campus to pick up personal belongings, please indicate your request on your cancellation form. We will send follow-up details on move-out upon approval of your cancellation.  

Housing

Am I able to cancel my spring housing contract?

If your plans have changed and you would like to cancel your spring term housing and/or meal membership, please follow these instructions to complete the withdrawal process. If you need to return to campus to pick up personal belongings, please indicate your request on your cancellation form. We will send follow-up details on move-out upon approval of your cancellation.  

 

Vaccinated Students

If I have been vaccinated, will I need to test?

Yes, all students living on campus must take a COVID-19 test upon arriving to campus.

How can I submit my proof of vaccine or exemption to university housing? 

Click here to access the form in the Give Us Your COVID-19 Vaccination Data box. Choose the link Pitt SHS portal. 

If I am assigned a roommate who has not had a COVID-19 vaccine, can I change rooms? 

University Housing cannot ask students to disclose their vaccination status to their roommates or share health information. Precautions are in place for unvaccinated students who will be living on campus. If you find out your roommate’s vaccination status and need a room change, you will be added to a list of change requests. If we are unable to make a room change prior to Arrival, you will have the opportunity to change rooms after add/drop. 

If I have been vaccinated, will I have to get tested for COVID-19 before arriving at campus?  

No, vaccinated students living on campus must take a COVID-19 test upon arriving to campus, but do not need to do so prior to arrival.

 

Unvaccinated Students

Will not having a COVID-19 vaccine impact my university housing assignment? 

All students are initially assigned through the allocation process. 

If I have not been vaccinated, do I have to disclose that to live in university housing? 

Yes. You will be required to disclose your vaccine status or submit an exemption to live on campus. 

If I have not had a COVID-19 vaccine, will my campus experience be impacted/restricted? 

If you have not been vaccinated or choose not to disclose your vaccination status, you will be required to produce a negative test result before coming to campus, a negative test result 48 hours after arriving on campus and will need to shelter in place before and after returning to campus.

If I return to campus before I receive my test result, will I be allowed to move into my university residence?

No. If you are unvaccinated or do not disclose your vaccination status, you are required to provide a negative test result before moving into university housing. If you return to campus without a negative test result, you will immediately move into alternate housing until you can provide a negative test result. 

What do I do if my COVID-19 test is positive?

If your test is positive, Student Health Service will contact you with next steps.

 

Covid-19 Testing Requirements

Are all students required to provide a negative test result before moving into on-campus housing?

No, only students who have not provided proof of a COVID-19 vaccination are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result to enter University housing.

How many tests am I required to take?

Unvaccinated and undisclosed students who will be living in University housing are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result to move into their University accommodation. Additionally, to participate in on-campus events as soon as possible, students are required to have a negative COVID-19 test 48 to 72 hours after arrival. Be sure to order two test kits to ensure you receive the test kits in advance of your shelter-in-place period. Bring the second test with you to campus.

When do I take my first COVID-19 test?

  • Unvaccinated students must complete the first test before traveling to campus.

When do I take my second COVID-19 test?

  • Unvaccinated students must complete the second test 24-48 hours after arriving on campus.

Can I use a test from a different provider and if so, how do I share the result with Pitt?

If you have a negative COVID-19 test result from a company other than Quest, please contact Student Health Service to ensure that your results comply with University requirements.

How do I get my COVID-19 test and send the results to Pitt?

Pitt has partnered with Quest to provide students with COVID-19 tests. Follow the instructions on coronavirus.pitt.edu to receive your tests. Pitt will receive the results.

If I have recently received a negative COVID-19 test result, do I still need to take a test before returning to campus?

Yes, unless you have been tested in the last week before arrival, you must take another test. Unvaccinated students are required to follow guidance from the COVID-19 Medical Response Office and provide a negative test result before they can move into university housing.

If I return to campus before I receive my test result, will I be allowed to move into my university residence?

Only unvaccinated students must provide a negative test result before they can move into university housing. If you are unvaccinated and return to campus without a negative test result, you will immediately move into alternate housing with other students who have not complied until you can provide a negative test result.

What do I do if my test results are delayed and I have not received my COVID-19 test result prior to traveling for my assigned move-in day?

If you are unvaccinated, a negative test result is required to move into university housing. Do not depart for campus until you have received a negative test result. If you miss your scheduled move-in date due to a delay in test results, please plan to move into your campus residence on the next scheduled move-in day after you receive your negative test result.

What do I do if I have not received my test results before the last scheduled move-in day?

Only unvaccinated students need to complete a test prior to move-in. If the test is performed and sent to Quest as directed, the results should return in time for move-in. However, if you have not received results, contact Panther Central.

What do I do if my COVID-19 test is positive?

If your test is positive, Student Health Service will contact you with next steps.