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Information for Residential Students in Isolation

We understand how intimidating and overwhelming it can be to find out you need to move into  isolation housing on campus, particularly as it can be hard to be away from home and our beloved family or friends when we are not feeling well or are worried. We are here to help you and hope to make this as smooth a process as we possibly can.

If you test positive for COVID-19, whether you are a residential or commuter student, please contact the Davis Health Center at 315-386-7333 or healthcenter@canton.edu, to notify them of your positive test. The health center can provide you with medications and other supportive measures while you are in isolation.

Where is Isolation Housing?

Students have three options for isolation:

  • Students may go home for isolation
  • Students may isolate in their regular room/suite, if their roommates/suitemates are agreeable.
  • Students may move to our isolation housing area in Smith Hall.

When the College finds out that you need to move into isolation in Smith Hall, we contact you via phone to relay some information, including:

  • Your housing assignment in the isolation housing
  • Your room combination for your temporary accommodations
  • We will also change your card access to provide you swipe-card access to the isolation housing, which will also turn off your access to any other residence hall at that time.

As I Move into My Temporary Housing, What Can I Expect?

Moving

  • Students who elect to move to Smith Hall are expected to move into isolation once they are notified by the campus staff of their isolation housing assignment. When moving you should wear a mask and avoid contact with other students and staff.
  • Your card access will be switched from your regular building/room to your isolation suite around the time you are moving into isolation. The card access system does not allow students to have access to two areas at the same time. As such, once your card access switches over you will no longer have access to your regular building. Please be careful as you move not to get locked out—typically students try to move everything in one trip. You are welcome to use a moving cart, if available, to move your belongings to your isolation room, you can leave the cart outside your room once you have moved.
  • You do not need to move all of your belongings. However, you should bring everything you think you might need for the next 5+ days including linens, clothing, toiletries, medications, books, class supplies, chargers, etc.

Meals

  • College Association will reach out directly to you to discuss food needs, allergens, etc. and will provide food choices for your meals at that time.  Please continue to check your SUNY Canton email while you’re in isolation!
  • We ask you to please pickup your meals using the side door of Chaney (the door that is closest to Mohawk residence hall). This door has a sign in front of it that reads “College Association Administrative Office.” Meal pickup times are 12 pm-12:15 pm and 6 pm-6:15 pm. While picking up dinner, you will also be given a breakfast bag for the next morning. Please let me know if you have any dietary restrictions. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sean Conklin at conklins@canton.edu with any questions.
  • The College has a limited number of mini-fridges and microwaves and will make these available in isolation rooms. Should you not have one of these in your room and would like one, please notify the housing staff (reslife@canton.edu).

Garbage and Laundry

  • Trash will be picked up outside your room. Please bag trash and place it outside your door for pick up.
  • Students may do laundry in the laundry room closest to their assigned isolation room. They should avoid contact with any other students or staff while doing laundry.

Care Packages and Snacks

  • You will receive a care package at your door from us after moving in to your temporary new room with information, snacks, and comfort items to help during your period of isolation. The Counseling Center also has extra snack bags available (reach out to get one by calling 315-386-7314 or emailing millerm@canton.edu)

Rules and Notes While in Isolation

  • Please use the bathroom closest to your assigned room.
  • You should not leave your isolation room/bathroom area unless you are going to pick up food from Chaney or there is an emergency such as a fire alarm. In the event of a fire alarm activation you should exit the building and avoid contact with other students and staff while waiting outside.
  • If you have mail or a package that needs to be picked up at the mailroom please email reslife@canton.edu. They can usually assist with mail/package delivery during normal business hours. 
  • Visitors are not permitted in the isolation area.

When Your Isolation Officially Ends

  • When you are released from isolation we will update your card access. Students are typically released at 11:59 pm. You are welcome to move after 11:59pm on the night of your release or you may move out first thing in the morning. Please be aware that your card access has probably been switched back to your regular building/room - be careful not to lock yourself out as you move. Please also bag any trash and leave it in the hallway outside your room.
  • To confirm your isolation release date, please keep an eye on your SUNY Canton email. For questions, email healthcenter@canton.edu.