Residence Life

Frequently asked questions

Oglethorpe is operating in the yellow phase of the campus protection guide in summer 2021. Masks are still required in most group settings on campus.

Questions and answers about life on campus for 2020-2021

We will continue to offer a low-density model for campus housing and students will not be required to live on-campus. Our low-density model will allow for 1 person per room, and up to 2 students sharing a bathroom. If you currently live on-campus, you will be allowed to stay in your current assignment for the spring semester. There will be options for students to change their housing assignment, or change their suitemate if desired. If you currently reside off-campus, or you are a new student for Spring 2021, and would like to move on-campus, the housing application will be released on December 1 and stay open until January 8. More information will be sent by Residence Life regarding the Spring 2021 housing application in November. Unfortunately, Greek housing will remain closed for the spring semester.

Students living on campus are expected to adhere to community guidelines including the mandatory use of face coverings in all public spaces and careful observation of social distancing measures. Residents will have access to COVID-19 testing and can expect to be tested on campus prior to move-in and on a regular basis. We are following the guidelines of public health officials and we have developed measures around contract tracing and quarantining on-campus.

Spring 2021 move-in for all residential students will take place on February 7, 2021

What is the Petrel Pledge and COVID-19 Handbook?

The Petrel Pledge is a shared responsibility and commitment to the health and well-being of the Oglethorpe community. Learn more about the Petrel Pledge.

The COVID-19 Handbook outlines the new protocols, policies, and procedures for a COVID-conscious campus environment. Members of the OU Community are expected to adhere to the handbook as part of their “Petrel Pledge.”

When do I move in?

The move-in date for Spring 2021 is February 7, 2021 Please email residencelife@oglethorpe.edu if circumstances prevent you from moving in on this date.

Further details on move-in procedures will be shared from Residence Life.

How will COVID-19 testing work?

All students will be tested for COVID-19 when they arrive on-campus. Testing will take place in our Turner Lynch Campus Center and be administered by Lifehope Labs. Parents will not be allowed inside the Campus Center, and will not be tested. Students MUST sign up for a time for move-in so they are able to be tested for COVID-19. It is very important that students sign-up for a time to maintain the safety of our campus.

Can I bring help to move in?

You may bring a maximum of 2 guests to campus to help them move into their residence hall. All guests must wear a mask, and maintain social distance from other students/parents. Guests must depart campus after all items are moved into the residence hall room.

Move-in reminders, including final day logistics (with a traffic map), will be sent ahead of move-in

Are masks required?

All students, guests, and staff will be required to wear a face-covering at all times during move-in. This includes indoors and outdoors.

Oglethorpe will provide students with two masks when they arrive on campus, but we encourage you to experiment with different types of face coverings for fit and comfort. A face covering should fit over your nose and mouth, without gaps, and allow you to breath comfortably at rest. Cloth face coverings should only be worn for one day, so you will need enough to last you between laundry periods.

What precautions do I need to take prior to move-in?

All Oglethorpe residents should observe a 14-day period of enhanced social distancing at home before arriving on campus. The goal of this period is to minimize the risk to the campus community as we start the fall semester.

During this 14-day period prior to move-in, we encourage you to adhere to the following guidance, which is consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Stay home as much as possible to avoid contact with others outside of your home.
Do not attend indoor social gatherings or indoor dining venues.
Avoid public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares. See CDC guidance for travel to campus below.
Maintain a physical distance from others (6 feet).
Wear a face covering when in public settings or while interacting with others outside of the home.
Practice frequent hand washing.
Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19. If you have these symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, do not come to campus and contact Residence Life to receive further instructions.

Before you travel, please read the CDC’s “Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic” guidance for detailed information.

Will there be a period of enhanced isolation once on campus?

In an effort to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate a potential outbreak on campus upon student arrival, Oglethorpe will implement the “Petrel Pause” for the initial two weeks of students being on campus. These first two weeks after your arrival on campus present a high-risk period for you and the campus community for spreading COVID-19.

Once on campus, students will be required to stay within the boundaries of the university, with exceptions for essential trips to pre-approved destinations. Students may otherwise only leave in case of emergency or by exception from Residence Life. Further information will be provided directly to residents.

Each of the following actions are an important part of our multilayer approach to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and building a community.

Remain on campus as much as possible and avoid contact with others outside the campus community. There will be no visitors or guests allowed on campus or in residence halls.
Do not attend indoor social gatherings. There will be no gatherings allowed on-campus.
Avoid public transportation, taxis or ride-shares. See separate CDC guidance for travel to campus.
Maintain a physical distance from others (6 feet).
Wear a face covering when in public settings.
Complete the screening questions on the Lifeguard mobile app twice per day. More information on Lifeguard will be sent via email.

- You will receive exact log-in credentials through your Oglethorpe email account, and we expect all residents to begin using this app as they join our community.

What are dining hall hours and procedures?

Oglethorpe Dining is thrilled to see students returning to campus in the coming days. Without a doubt, this unique time will be filled with continual adjustments and new experiences. Our goal is to ensure that your dining experience on campus is first and foremost safe, but also enriching to help you succeed in your academics.

The most significant changes you will see are related to the service model and hours of operation. The Café will be organized in a way to ensure safe distancing and expedited service. All associates will receive a wellness check upon arriving and are required to wear a facemask thorough their work shift. Furthermore, the dining hall will close briefly in-between meal periods to deep clean the Café, and our routine food safety procedures will remain a priority.

With a reduced campus population, Starbucks will be closed. To help fill the void, we plan to enhance the coffee station in the Café. You can expect Artisan teas, additional flavor shots, and other coffee add-ins. While the lower population warrants a right-sizing of resources, our ability to engage and flex the Café experience to your needs will be much greater. You are encouraged to provide continual feedback and suggestions through this online feedback platform. Also, view the most up to date information on location hours and our safety procedures.

Petrel’s Nest dining hours are:

Monday – Friday

Breakfast 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday

Brunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.