ARRIVAL
8 questions and answers on Arrival protocols for fall 2020.
Q. What do I do if I test positive before returning to campus?
A. If you have a positive Coronavirus test before your arrival date, do not come to campus. You must complete the necessary isolation period at home and you must be cleared to come out of isolation by your health care provider. We have your bed on campus reserved for you, so please for your health and safety and for all around you, follow your health care provider’s direction. When you do return to campus, you should bring medical documentation that shows the date you tested positive and your subsequent clearance. Students will not be re-tested for COVID19 for a period of three months after recovery. If you have a previous positive test (within the last three months), you should email those results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that you are removed from the testing population. You can also bring the documentation with you and present it upon arrival.
Please coordinate your return with the Housing Office to ensure someone is available to issue your key and welcome packet when you arrive to campus.
Q: Which officials and protocols are informing Norwich University’s reopening?
A: On July 7, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, having consulted with health experts and state officials, issued his Safe and Healthy Return to Campus Mandatory Guidance report covering college and university campus learning. This report, and guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have shaped our protocols. We want to be safe, we want to be healthy and we want to reopen smart.
Q: How will Norwich University maintain a healthy environment?
A: To meet state requirements and ensure appropriate physical distancing, all classrooms will operate at 50% of previous capacity. Students and faculty will wear face masks at all times in classrooms, labs and communal spaces, and we will institute new, extensive sanitizing and increased cleaning in all campus areas, including classrooms and communal spaces.
Q: Will arrivals be affected?
A: Yes. To meet public health guidelines, students will arrive on campus over a three-week period. First-year students, both Corps and civilian, will arrive on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, based on their surnames. Rook Week is scheduled to start Aug. 23.
Q: Will out-of-state students be required to quarantine or receive a negative COVID-19 test before arriving on campus?
A: In general, out-of-state students will be required to quarantine. We are preparing to quarantine on campus if you’re living on campus. Even if you have a negative test, you will have to quarantine.
Q: Will students arriving from all states be handled the same?
A: Generally, yes. There will be exceptions for an extremely limited number of counties around Vermont, in New Hampshire and northern New York state, that have shown low incidence of COVID cases.
Q: Will there be orientation?
A: Yes. Orientation will be rolled out online to all students in early August. First-year students will have an orientation week, either rook week for Corps of Cadets members or civilian orientation week.
Q: What should we bring to campus?
A: We’re advising you to bring minimal items to campus. If the state orders campus to close again, you may have to leave quickly as Norwich students did in spring 2020. Parents, family members and guests will not be able to accompany them into the barracks or residence halls.
