Physical Distancing

The University-wide goal is to support a general principle of six feet of physical separation in public spaces, including::

• Classrooms, labs, and studios
• Residential living facilities
• To the extent possible, public access facilities and routes such as restrooms, hallways, and stairwells
• Dining and food service areas
• Shuttle transportation

These efforts will be supported with protocols relating to campus signage, classroom, and public-space guidelines.

As just one example: many standard classrooms may incorporate a “checkerboard” seating arrangement for students (every other seat in every other row) to help support physical distancing.

Cleaning and Sanitizing 

Protocols for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing campus rooms and buildings are being developed in accordance with local, state, and federal public health guidelines.

Stockton’s maintenance and custodial staff will clean and disinfect campus buildings more frequently to help reduce the spread of germs on commonly-touched surfaces like door handles, sink faucets, handrails, computer stations, etc.

Our dedicated employees can’t do it alone. We must all do our part by using disinfecting wipes (provided by Stockton) to wipe down common areas to minimize surface transmission of bacteria and germs.

The University is also working to increase the number of touch-free hand-sanitizer units and waste receptables throughout our campus locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• The University will require everyone students, employees, and visitors
• to wear face coverings while in public/shared spaces on campus.  Individuals who have underlying health conditions which prevent the wearing of such coverings will need to contact Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students) to request an exception.

In general, cloth face coverings that are reusable/washable will serve as the recommended PPE. These masks should be washed daily. 

Similar to other protective wear (like shoes), each person will be expected to provide their own mask or cloth covering. A limited supply of disposable surgical masks will be available at various campus locations for individuals who forget their cloth covering. 

It is important for all Stockton students, faculty and staff, whether you will be visiting a Stockton location or not, to complete the daily health pledge to help keep our Stockton community safe. 

Stockton students, faculty and staff will receive a daily email to complete the pledge and will also be required to complete when signing into the Stockton GoPortal if not yet completed for the day. Even those individuals who intend to be fully remote for the semester are required to complete the health pledge.

If you are feeling ill, contact the Wellness Center for instructions. 

FREE COVID-19 testing is available to Stockton students beginning Wednesday, February 3, and to employees beginning Wednesday, February 17.

The State of New Jersey has developed a website for state residents to pre-register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

To reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who do not live in their own household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  

COVID-19 primarily spreads between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet for more than 10 minutes), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. The CDC’s recommendations for masks are updated as new scientific evidence becomes available. 

Masks are not a substitute for social distancing. Everyone should keep about 6 feet between themselves and others when possible.

We all need to be accountable to each other. Wearing masks isn’t simply about protecting yourself; it’s also to protect everyone around you.

Disposable masks will be available in designated locations—Campus Center information desk, Atlantic City front desk, library, etc. Masks are also sold in the Campus Center store. 

Employees unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or other protected reason may submit an ADA workplace accommodation request to Human Resources, attention Bart.Musitano@Stockton.edu.

Students unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or other protected reason should contact the Learning Access Program. 

Individual requests will be reviewed, assessed, and appropriate accommodations determined. Medical documentation may be required.   

The EEO laws, including the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, continue to apply during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they do not interfere with or prevent employers from following the guidelines and suggestions made by the CDC or state/local public health authorities about steps employers should take regarding COVID-19.Please note, the ADA does not provide a blanket exemption to people with disabilities from complying with legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operations. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-warns-inaccurate-flyers-and-postings-regarding-use-face-masks-and.   

Masks are required. Students who attempt to enter a classroom without wearing masks will be asked by the instructor to wear masks prior to entry. If a student does not have a mask, the student must pick up a disposable mask (available throughout campus) before joining the class session. Students who remove their masks at any time during a class session will be asked by the instructor to resume wearing their masks. No consumption of any food will be allowed in class.  

Students who do not comply with a request by an instructor to wear a mask in accordance with this guidance may be subject to disciplinary actions per the rules, regulations, and policies of Stockton University, including but not limited to the Student Handbook. To immediately protect the health and well-being of all students, instructors, and staff, instructors reserve the right to cancel or terminate any class session at which any student fails to comply with faculty or staff request to wear a mask in accordance with this guidance. 

All of us have a role to play in keeping each other safe. All members of the campus community must follow the directions outlined in the Fall 2020 Restart plan and reaffirm that each day. Violations should be reported to Human Resources (for employees) or the Office of Student Affairs (for students). Policy violations will initially be addressed through education and training but all faculty, staff and students can face further disciplinary action for repeated acts of noncompliance and are subject to the Campus Code of Conduct. 

All employees and students are required to complete a Daily Heath Pledge.

When a student or employee tests positive for COVID-19, a local department of health or public health official will conduct an investigation, determine who should quarantine and work with the University in the event of a possible community spread. Persons who test positive for COVID-19 would be asked by public health officials to share their close contacts. That information is used ONLY for the purpose of helping those people to get tested or to quarantine. The information is confidential. The infected person’s name will not be released to their contacts nor their COVID-19 status – that information will only be known to public health officials and our local health department partners, if needed. Local health officials may contact Campus Public Safety or the Dean of Students for assistance in notifying specific areas of our community (i.e. a specific housing unit or office) about persons who tested positive for COVID-19. Public Safety, Human Resources and the Wellness Center are limited in what they may disclose regarding positive cases within the community and will only make notifications to persons and areas as directed by public health officials or to a specific area of the University where warranted.

Stockton will not enact strict movement requirements. We have over 6,500 commuter students who live at home or off-campus and must travel back and forth every day. We want to make sure our health protocols are safe and fair for everyone.

Please make sure to follow Stockton’s six health guidelines whether you are on- or off-campus.

Those traveling out of state should check the New Jersey travel advisory list for recommended guidelines.

Employees may be required to utilize Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave and/or accrued leave, dependent on operational need and the nature of work responsibilities (as determined by the Office of Human Resources and your Divisional Executive) following out-of-state travel.

Our facilities are in code compliance with national building codes and in accordance with ASHRE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air-conditioning Engineers). Our operational response to the current pandemic is:

• Constant maintenance of equipment. We have 100 percent heating and cooling in all building, meaning we can move air at all times.
• Maintaining constant operations and air flow of the equipment.
• Increasing the air exchanges daily from our standard operations and introducing more outside air.
• Spot surface cleaning diffuser and supplies more frequently, where needed.
• Increasing our filter systems from a Merv 8 to a Merv 13, and increased the replacement sequence.

The prevailing recommendation from health care professionals is to not require testing for all. Testing is a point-in-time function. If someone gets tested today and it takes 48 hours for the results to come back, the results themselves will be outdated by two days.

Lowering the campus’ risk relates to Stockton’s “safe environment plan:”

• Wear a face covering;
• Stay physically distant (six feet apart as often as possible);
• Practice safe hygiene – wash hands, don’t touch your face, etc.

Please visit our dashboard for updates.

Visitors to Stockton's campuses must complete the Visitor Health Pledge and follow these guidelines: 

• Wear a face covering;
• Stay physically distant (six feet apart as often as possible);
• Practice safe hygiene – wash hands, don’t touch your face, etc.

Guests are not permitted in any Stockton housing.

Stockton’s spring 2021 term begins Monday, Jan. 25, and ends Friday, May 7. There is no spring break. If calendar adjustments are necessary due to any state or federal directives, we will alert the University community as soon as possible. For more information on Stockton’s spring calendar, visit the University’s spring 2021 academic calendar page.

Stockton would close its campus locations if an executive order came from the Governor’s Office requiring us to do so.

Stockton monitors and complies with all current public health guidelines and requirements. If conditions change and allow for some relaxing or modification of our health and safety protocols, we would be willing to move toward these steps, under the guidance of and in partnership with local and state officials.

In general, Stockton has three primary courses modalities: in-person, hybrid and online.

All courses have been updated to reflect the expected modality and can be viewed by logging into your GoPortal account.

Stockton remains in ongoing contact with every off-campus partner to ensure they are complying with public health guidelines and also to help them understand the health and safety requirements we require to keep our students safe.

For reference, Stockton’s entire set of policies and procedures can be found here. 

Here are three procedures we recommend all students and faculty be familiar with: 

• Procedure #2018: Drop/Add and Withdrawal from a Course 
• Procedure #2020: Leave of Absence/Withdrawal from University 
• Procedure #2030: Course Attendance 

The Tutoring Center is open for online Zoom tutoring.

Stockton has set up a temporary lending program only for students who do not otherwise have access to a computer off campus. Please direct students to the IT Help Desk for more information (609-652-4309).

IT recommends that students use the following website to locate free high-speed internet resources:  https://stockton.edu/information-technology/network-connection.html

All colleges and universities in the state are prohibited from filling their residence halls to capacity. Dormitory floors (including communal bathrooms) as well as individual dorm rooms must maintain occupancy limits. All of Stockton’s dorm rooms will have either one or two students per bedroom. Learn more about housing updates here.

Students are not permitted to have any guests in the residential facilities. A guest is defined as anyone who does not live in the assigned room. Students who are identified as hosting guests will face disciplinary action.

Students who choose to host or attend large group gatherings place the entire University community in danger. Therefore, students who host or attend large gatherings in their on-campus or off-campus residences will face severe and immediate disciplinary action.

• Entrance areas.
• Walking/traffic flow patterns.
• Seating arrangements to support occupancy limits.
• Grab-and-go options.

Stockton Dining Information

Campus events will factor in health and safety protocols and student leaders are designing a variety of remote experiences. Visit OspreyHub for the most up to date meeting and event information.

In addition to online, hybrid and small in-person club and organization events, you can take advantage of Stockton’s scenic and secluded campuses. Here are some things you can enjoy with friends while physical distancing:

• Ride a bike
• Play ball, including basketball, tennis and street hockey
• Walk the wooded trails in Galloway or the Boardwalk in Atlantic City
• Hit the beach
• Go fishing at Lake Fred
• Have a cornhole challenge

Get outside – safely – and enjoy Stockton’s beautiful campus and offerings!

Please follow all state guidelines for social distancing, no person to person contact, masking and hand washing.  Please also look for and adhere to additional signage at each facility.

The fitness room in the Sports Center and I-Wing weight room are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required. The Stockton Health pledge must be completed and there will be temperature checks. The arena and I-Wing gym remain closed for recreational use. Locker rooms and showers are closed.  

Yes, some teams will compete on modified schedules in accordance with their conference. Visit https://stocktonathletics.com/ for updates.

Stockton has set aside some classrooms and computer labs to support students who need study space on campus or access to a computer to join an online class.  Locations will be subject to the same space limitations and capacities as any other space on campus. 

Information about which rooms can be used for these purposes are posted in the campus calendar and will be advertised on campus TV monitors.

Drop-in locations are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Specific rooms are: 

• B-Wing: 001 
• C-Wing: 009, 012 
• F-Wing: 201, 204, 205, 212, 245 
• H-Wing: 114 
• J-Wing: 103 
• West Quad Building: 104, 123 
• Atlantic City Campus/John F. Scarpa Academic Center: 214 

The LabFind app is available to locate open computer labs, find the software you need and discover printers on campus.

Stockton's library is open. Occupancy is limited and all patrons must wear a mask. There is a drop-off box for book and video returns outside the Campus Center.

The library also offers curbside pick-up. Here's how it works:

• Find a book or film in FlashFind.
• Sign in to request the item.
• After confirmation of your request, you can schedule a pick-up time.
• Bring your Stockton ID to the pickup desk outside the Library entrance at your scheduled time and library staff, who wear masks and gloves while handling the books or videos, will deliver your items to you. 

Faculty members with questions about any library service should contact the subject specialist for their program. Questions may be emailed to the library. 

Computer labs are open and have protocols in place to ensure physical distancing limitations, infection control practices, population density controls, adequate sanitization materials, an enhanced cleaning schedule, and dedicated computer labs with specified times for utilization by high-risk individuals. 

The LabFind app is available to locate open computer labs, find the software you need and discover printers on campus.

Technology assistance is available at (609) 652-4309 or by email at helpdesk@stockton.edu.

Visit the Follett Bookstore website for current store hours.

Students are able to purchase their materials online through the bookstore website. Books can either be shipped to the student’s home (for a small shipping fee) or to the bookstore for free.

The New Jersey Department of Labor developed a set of new rules for Returning to Work: Health, Safety, Childcare & Caregiving. Additional information can be found at the Labor and Workforce Development website for returning to work during COVID-19.

Employees seeking partial work modification for childcare should speak with their manager/divisional executive to collectively discuss possible solutions for an informal work modification which may include schedule changes and, where feasible, staggered schedules. These are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Guidance from the State’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education provides that colleges and universities have the discretion to determine whether an employee’s job duties must be performed in person. This process includes employees with childcare issues related to limited availability of school district in-person instruction, and/or limited availability of childcare, due to COVID-19 who may work with their manager/divisional executive to arrange alternate work schedules, including expanded hours of operation, where appropriate.  All such modifications must be approved by the divisional executive.

Employees seeking 100% work modification (typically for medical reasons) can complete a formal work modification request application through the Office of Human Resources (OHR). If the needs of one’s office, as determined by the divisional executive and OHR, are such that the employee cannot receive a 100% work modification, OHR will discuss available leave options including FMLA, and accrued leave.

Yes, provided Stockton’s “safe environment plan” procedures are followed. The faculty member and student must both wear face coverings and practice a physical distance of at least six feet. In addition, faculty members should consider hosting office hours through remote means such as Zoom sessions.