Town Hall Q&A

Below is a list of questions and answers from those who attended the Town Halls on Wednesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 15, 2021.

Please Note: Due to repetitive questions, you may not see your exact question listed. Rest assured our team has cross referenced the questions asked and answers can all be found below for common questions!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to a member of our panel or any department listed!

Q&A Topics

General

How many precautions are staff being told to make as they come and leave campus every day? Are they also being told to limit their travel and limit visiting their loved ones? The COVID cases that are increasing are a state-wide issue, not just a concern in Montclair State’s bubble. Shouldn’t all members of the Montclair State community be taking the precautions that are so encouraged?

Employees are being educated about the potential for exposures when they visit or travel. Employees who travel must quarantine according to the New Jersey guidelines. In addition, employees are educated about COVID prevention through required training, Hawk Check, and campus newsletters.

Will a copy of the recording be available to view afterwards? Can you publicly publish your answers to the questions today?

We only recorded the Town Halls so we could capture the questions asked. We will be publishing the answers to all questions asked so that students can see the answers.

Why do you care more about money than your students?

Students are our #1 priority. Everything we do has students at the focus. However, there are sometimes decisions that are going to be made that students may not fully understand. We have to balance so many issues when decisions are being made from state and federal regulations, to campus policies and best practices. This is a very large university and with that comes some complexities. But we can promise you that all decisions involving student impact are scrutinized over to ensure we are making the best decision with the information we have.

Why isn’t Dr. Cole addressing students’ concerns in these meetings as well?

These Town Halls were set up in response to information that was shared with us by students after a Red Hawk News email came out regarding COVID-19 compliance. It seemed clear that Student Development and Campus Life needed to hear student concerns and address them. The role of a Vice President at a university is to lead their division and respond to questions and concerns accordingly. That is why Dr. Soufleris, the new VP for Student Development and Campus Life was there rather than the President.

I had a non-student non-faculty come up to me without his mask on during the “Spring Fever” festival and harass me about an agenda. Why do we not have more student leaders or officers helping prevent strangers from coming to campus and prevent them from taking off their masks?

As a state university, we do have an open campus, meaning that we are not gated and allow the community to engage on campus. We have lessened significantly the number of events on campus that involved those not associated with the university due to COVID-19 but there are times that non-university members do come to campus. If you see someone you are unsure about, or if they approach you and say harassing things, please contact University Police ASAP. They are here and available 24-7.

Gatherings

Why could we get a full parade for someone leaving, but not a small memorial for a student who passed away?

As was discussed during the Town Hall the family of the student asked that we not have a memorial for the student. In situations like this we will take our directives from the family.

Why not end tours all together, considering we are in the middle of a global pandemic? Can we offer other ways for potential students to see the campus?

We have significantly reduced tour sizes after hearing complaints from students. All visitors go through Hawk Check and only those who have been fully vaccinated from out of state will be allowed to participate in an on-campus tour. There are virtual tours for families to participate in, as well as self-guided tours that families can participate in outside should they wish to see the campus. Remember how important it may have been for you to see Montclair before you chose to be here. We are trying to safely afford that opportunity to prospective students who really want to get a sense of campus before they commit to Montclair.

Have you considered closing the campus to the public until after COVID ends?

Currently, outside visitors are restricted and anyone coming to campus is required to complete Hawk Check.

What are you doing about Greek Life events? We constantly hear about different off campus parties and events happening. Is there anything you can do?

We respond as we are able to reports received, and organizations are subject to suspension if they are found in violation of policies. Students are able to report concerns via the University’s public reporting system Symplicity Advocate. Please know that while the University would be able to review concerns, anonymous reports would limit the level of response. Reports can also be made to greeklife@montclair.edu.

Remember that you should not be attending these off campus gatherings.

Is it possible to create an anonymous service for students to report COVID violations? It can be very hard to report your roommate, friend, etc. to your Resident Assistant.

Students would be able to report concerns via the University’s public reporting system Symplicity Advocate. Please know that while the University would be able to review concerns, anonymous reports would limit the level of response.

How will any sort of event, public gathering, or bussing be more productive than allowing students to buy groceries themselves?

We are trying to mitigate groups of students going together in cars to the grocery store. We have had a number of cases that have resulted from students being in cars together, masks off, to go grocery shopping. If you individually need to go grocery shopping, there are safe ways to do that. But having a group go together in a sealed car is not a safe way to keep COVID-19 from impacting you and others.

Is there anything the University can do for students who are vaccinated? For example, limiting restrictions?

We are looking into all options at this time and following the science. We hope as this pandemic progresses, vaccines rise, and the variants are more understandable, we will be able to limit more and more restrictions.

Food

What options are going to be available to those who have limited or no meal plans and have dietary restrictions (such as those who are vegan, gluten free, etc.) now that we are not allowed to go grocery shopping?

We worked with University Facilities to restart a shuttle service to take students to and from campus to a local grocery store. Many major grocery stores do make deliveries for a fee also, if a customer is inclined to do so. Please see details about the Shopper Shuttle schedule on the Shuttle Bus website.

Are the hours for dining options on campus able to be altered – especially the Dining Halls. For example, all food places on campus close at 8:30 p.m. and there are no options for residents after that time.

Hours at Sam’s Place have not changed from previous semesters. Bistro 62 opens when Sam’s Place closes. Bistro 62 closes at 1 a.m.

Why are most of the food places on campus closed? Is there a reason we have limited dining options this year? Will they be returning next academic year and if not have new options been discussed or decided?

Prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters, a dining program was developed in concert with the SGA Leadership and University Executives. Always considering what the current rules were in place by the CDC, State of New Jersey and the University’s Medical team, that original dining plan took us through December 2020. That plan was revised again at the start of this semester to address the change in the number of students, faculty, staff and administrators on campus. The most noticeable change was the closing of the Student Center food outlets (Rathskeller and Student Center Cafeteria). Knowing that would be a hard pill to swallow for our dedicated customers, we instructed our Dining partner to find a convenient and efficient method to continue offering these menu items to our students. That was accomplished creating a ghost kitchen outside of the Student Center and use of the Grubhub ordering app. We also added a Pop-Up food venue at the Student Center to satisfy those students who continue to use the Student Center space for studying and relaxing.

The safety protocols issued by the CDC, State of NJ Health Department, University, and employee unions apply to our Dining Services employees as well. With some creativity, we were able to keep as many food outlets open as possible while simultaneously protecting the safety of the customers and employees. That’s the major reason we had to juggle the open and closing times of Jersey Mike’s and Chili’s. The choice was to open one of these venues all day or split the day among the two. To satisfy many more customers and to offer more variety, it was best to juggle the times and open both venues.

Except for a format change in the hours at Freeman Dining Hall, the hours at Sam’s Place has not changed during the pandemic. Sam’s Place opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m., with continuous service Monday – Thursday; 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun). View All Dining Hours of Operation.

Why does Jersey Mike’s and Sam’s require you to show your ID when you pick up food but Chili’s, Bistro, and Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t?

Showing your ID is standard practice for Customer verification. Our goal is simply to make sure the customer who ordered the food is the one picking up the food. We’ll make sure that there’s consistency across the campus.

I have seen a lot of dining employees wear their mask below their noses and none of the managers say anything unless the students complain. Can this be reviewed?

All dining employees are required to wear face masks and wear them properly. All Dining employees were reminded of this requirement as soon as it’s reported. The Managers remind the staff every single morning of the protocols. Employees will continue to be suspended and/or terminated for not adhering to the stated protocols.

Food insecurity is real. People go places off campus to save money, considering their expenses as limited college students. Are you considering the financial burden students are currently undergoing? Will these places be affordable or will there be free options like a food pantry or access to food?

The Food Pantry is always open for our students.

What options do students have that do not have a meal plan? Limiting off campus travel limits our ability to get groceries.

We’re currently working with University Facilities to restart a shuttle service to take students to and from campus to a local grocery. Many major grocery stores do make deliveries for a fee also, if a customer is inclined to do so.

I have found that my diet restrictions (religious) are not addressed. Is there a way to ensure that our needs are met if we are required to have a meal plan?

For customers who believe that the food offered at our G8 (allergens or Halal) or Rooted (vegan, vegetarian, Avoiding Gluten) stations is not meeting the required standards, I strongly encourage customers speak directly with our Director of Residential Dining: heslinb@montclair.edu

Can the GrubHub menu be reviewed? A majority of food vendors on campus are not keeping their menus up-to-date on the app. Most of the time, I have to walk to the restaurant to order what I want because the menu item is not available on GrubHub.

The full complement of menu items at the food venues does not appear on the Grubhub app. It simply would be too cumbersome to include the entire food offering on the Grubhub app. Additionally, there are some foods which simply do not “hold” well when the food is not under heat or refrigeration or eaten within minutes. We selected those items that we considered more appetizing and in greater demand by our customers. We’ll look to update the online ordering menu. Where we can, we’ll add more items.

Can we have an option to list our allergens on GrubHub?

Sam’s Place if by far the go to place for customers who have dietary restrictions. Our Vegan/Vegetarian/Avoiding Gluten customers can always find the proper foods at Sam’s Place. Yes, customers can enter or use the University Grubhub app to place a food order from Sam’s Place to meet their specific dietary needs. If you don’t see an item in the featured section, customers are encouraged to add comments in the “additional info” section before checkout.

Can we be assured there are no inconsistencies with quarantine and isolation related meals? Multiple students claim that they have never received meals when they were placed. Who do we go to when we don’t receive meals?

For customers under quarantine on campus, you should always touch base with the dedicated Concierge who is your direct contact for services or inquiries while under quarantined status. If any student is on quarantine and has an allergy or special dietary need, can speak directly with the Dining Management team to make these accommodations. If you do not have the COVD Concierge contact info, simply ask your RA for that info. The info was provided to each student when they are alerted to go into quarantine as part of a “To Do” sheet.

COVID-19

I’m grateful for how the University has been trying to protect our health. However, how can it be justified to require resident students to stay on campus if commuters and staff are allowed on campus daily without required testing? These people are able to go and see whatever they want, yet as residents we are prohibited to even go out for groceries.

Students in residential housing are at greater risk for COVID infection and a screening program is designed to test in areas of highest risk. Other areas of high risk include some academic programs of study such as dance, theater, and athletics.

How are you preventing asymptomatic carriers from entering campus?

There is no way to prevent an asymptomatic person, including a residential student, from entering campus. They would not even fail Hawk Check. Therefore, wearing a mask, keeping a minimum distance of 6 feet, and limiting close contact to fewer than 15 cumulative minutes are effective measures to prevent infection.

Is the testing schedule going to be more organized next semester? I feel like my academic life revolves around testing rather than my education.

We will try to create an easier way to get you tested regularly to minimize the disruptions. We recognize that this has been very difficult for you to accomplish.

Why are rapid tests required when they have proven to not be as effective as the PCR tests?

Rapid tests are not so effective when they are only used once in a while. The more frequent the testing, the more accurate. So, doing a PCR coupled with rapid testing offers a good combination and quick results.

Why are we being tested so frequently? It is interfering with my class schedule.

Infections take time to show up on a test and when we test frequently we can catch it sooner. The rapid tests are done without an appointment, just walk in and get the test done. There are extended hours one day a week.

Are commuters being tested weekly in order to come to campus? Why are commuters held to different standards than resident students?

Commuters are not tested regularly unless they are in high risk academic programs, athletics, EMS, and certain clinical/practice programs. They live in a home, not in congregate living situations. There is no evidence that commuters have infected other students.
Residential students live in congregate housing where COVID risk is greatest. This risk is made worse by the fact that they have challenges with social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Shared housing residents often gather together regularly and closely to socialize, study, for recreational activities, shared dining, and/or use of shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry facilities, stairwells, and elevators.

How are we sure that commuter students are accurately reporting their cases?

The same way that residential student accuracy is assessed. We learn of cases students when they develop symptoms, are exposed, or test positive and report on Hawk Check. Professors and other members of the Montclair State University community contact the University Health Center when they learn of a case in order to make sure that the University Health Center is aware.

How often do professors and staff get tested for COVID?

Employees in high risk groups, including employees who reside in campus housing follow the testing protocols. Others are tested voluntarily.

How are you tracing cases?

Contact tracing is completed by trained individuals who work at the University Health Center. Once a case is confirmed, the individual is contacted and interviewed, close contacts are identified and interviewed, class schedules and rosters are examined, faculty are interviewed (when appropriate). If the case participates in campus activities or works on campus those areas are examined as well.

Is the Hawk Check policy going to change in the future? It could be easy for a student or staff member to lie on the report.

Hawk Check changes as screening and guidelines are updated. The most recent update is for new travel guidelines. If a student is found to be in violation of the requirement, it is handled by Student Conduct. Any department, employee, or faculty can require proof of Hawk Check completion to enter a building, office, or classroom.

How does contact tracing work and why are not all students potentially affected informed? I was not informed when my roommate was put into quarantine and she was not following policies or procedures.

If you are a contact of someone who has to quarantine, you are not at risk. You should continue to self-monitor for symptoms.

Why are people only required to quarantine for a week after being exposed to COVID? I thought the CDC said you should quarantine for 14 days?

Close contact to someone with COVID requires 14 day quarantine. The 7 day quarantine protocol is for individuals who have traveled.

How are we expected to get vaccinated if we are not allowed to leave in cars with other people? What about the students who can’t drive themselves?

The University is offering shuttles to an Essex County vaccination location on Wednesday, April 21. We are hopeful there are more opportunities we will be able to offer to assist with your transportation to a vaccination appointment.

Housing

Why are residents in quarantine in our buildings? I don’t feel comfortable being on the same floor/building with people who have COVID or have been exposed.

We reviewed our open suites/rooms/apartments on campus and identified specific spaces we could use for quarantine and isolation. Those students should not be leaving their spaces as outlined in the University’s quarantine and isolation procedure. While we would have liked to have individual floors dedicated to quarantine and isolation, the department had to identify spaces that were not pre-selected by our returning students in the housing selection process at the beginning of COVID. For next academic year, we have secluded areas in buildings designated for quarantine and isolation to not mix with regular residential spaces on the same floors as we were able to prepare rather than pivot our current situation.

Are Bohn and Stone Hall being used for quarantine or isolation? Why or why not?

We are not using Bohn Hall or Stone Hall for quarantine and isolation for many reasons. Firstly, Bohn Hall is completely closed for this semester. We do not have staff in the building. Additionally, Stone Hall is being used for athlete housing as to not have student athletes in other areas off campus. Finally, both buildings only have communal style bathrooms. Our directives on quarantine and isolation have been to provide students with a semi private bathroom as to not cross contaminate other students.

If our privileges as a resident on campus are being restricted, why are we still paying the same amount for room and board?

We are doing our best to provide you with the best residential experience we can while keeping you safe. We still have programming opportunities available to you within your residence halls and on campus, staff available to support you, and supplies available for your safety.
For those students who have meal plans. You still have access to food throughout the day, through various outlets. The number of venues open has nothing to do with the price of the meal plan. We’ve given our customers access to a variety of venues, over the course of the day and week, every week of the semester.

How do you enforce the waivers? It’s very common to see people going out to get things without them.

Waivers compliance is dependent on an honor system. We need to trust that students will submit and comply. If anyone violates these expectations, we will address the concerns through the conduct process. If you know someone has behaved in a way that does not comply with our Restart plan, reports can be submitted via the University’s public reporting system Symplicity Advocate.

In case of emergencies, would a student be able to leave campus without signing a waiver and what should they do?

In case of an emergency, students should contact their Community Director and/or the Resident Assistant on duty if it is after hours and we will absolutely work with the student on leaving campus immediately. We also ask that they still submit the waiver form so we have a record of it in case it is needed for contact tracing.

If the waiver is a policy in the future, can we instead notify you that we are leaving campus rather than asking for permission to leave?

We will work to update the waiver policy if it is required in the fall. We will still need to be sure we are following the guidelines required for the University as well as the State of New Jersey.

Why are the communication messages to residents very accusatory and backed by fear? This causes extra anxiety for students and does not seem to be an effective way to communicate.

We understand the message that came out recently was strong. We know many students are doing what we need them to, but there are others that aren’t. We felt the tone in the message that was sent was necessary. We didn’t want to cause anxiety for students. We just wanted those that were not complying with our expectations to realize the importance of our messages. We are hopeful that we will not have to send a message like that again.

What can we do about people sneaking into the residence halls? Some RAs are saying they don’t care and are allowing guests to pass through.

Students would be able to report concerns via the University’s public reporting system Symplicity Advocate. Furthermore, if this occurs, you would be welcomed to contact the Office of Residence Life to inform them of the interaction.

Are other changes going to be made to accommodate residents? I don’t think there are enough options for activities for residents and it doesn’t help my mental health. Can you address this?

We are working hard to find more events and activities for our students to engage in. We will also make sure we highlight things already planned so that students know all of the opportunities that are present for them to enjoy.

The current concern for residential students leaving campus: weekend opportunities. Will there be more robust options for the weekend to encourage students to stay, especially as the weather gets warmer?

Currently, the University is and has been providing a robust programming effort, both in person and virtually, to meet the needs of students. Events are hosted by campus partners like the Center for Student Involvement, SLAM, SGA Organizations, and Campus Recreation. Students can log into Montclair State University’s Engage platform to learn about events hosted by other departments and organizations.