Students

This page provides COVID-19 updates and information for new and returning students at the KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses. Check back frequently for the most recent information.

Covid-19 Information

The 2021-2022 academic year calendar follows a typical pre-pandemic schedule. Download a printable version of the academic calendar (.pdf).

To further enhance the ‘in room’ filtration, air purifiers have been installed in classroom and shared spaces.  Filter units use hospital-grade filters to continually scrub and circulate the air.

Adapting common facilities

  • Most buildings have at least one entrance with a touch-free door opener.
  • Hand sanitizing stations available in hallways, typically located near elevators.
  • Most restrooms have touch-free flushing and faucets.
  • Drinking fountains remain unavailable, but most buildings have at least one water bottle filling station.
  • One-way restriction on stairs removed.
  • Common areas open.
  • Break rooms open and restrictions of food storage lifted.
  • Conference and meeting rooms open.

Classrooms

  • Alcohol wipes still available for cleaning desktops.
  • Rolling plexiglass barriers are available by request.
  • Classroom seating designed for an optimal teaching and learning environment based on the Higher Learning Commission recommendations.
  • Regular seating capacity in lecture halls.

Study Spaces

Outdoor tents with electricity and WiFi are available for study breaks.

Special Course Adaptations

We recognize there are students who will need online courses due to various complications related to COVID-19. Students should work with their academic advisor to enroll in courses that are offered in the format they need. Students who need courses in online or hybrid formats should work with their advisor to find suitable courses that will help them stay on track in their programs. Our collective priority continues to be focused on helping students enroll in courses that keep them on track with their degree requirements.

The process for students needing online courses as we prepare for the 2021-2022 academic year is as follows:

  • Students needing online courses should discuss options with their academic advisor. For information about KU advising units, visit the Academic Success website.
  • Advisors will help students explore online course options that meet degree requirements.
  • As a reminder, students can also search specifically for online and hybrid course options on the Schedule of Classes website.
  • If there are no viable degree-appropriate online course options for a graduate student, the student’s home academic department should determine if there are alternative options in the form of a course substitution or other arrangement.
  • If there are no viable degree-appropriate online course options for an undergraduate student, the advising unit is asked to reach out to the student’s home department to determine if there are alternative options in the form of a course substitution or other arrangement.
  • Instructors and departments are not required to offer course adaptions.
  • Some courses, especially labs and field work will continue to be unavailable online.

For more information about course adaptations, please visit the course adaptations website through Student Affairs or contact course-adapt@ku.edu.

 

Possible COVID-19 Exposure: Steps and Guidance

Anyone concerned about potential exposure should do the following:   

  • Complete the KU COVID-19 Health Assessment Form and follow the recommended guidance.
  • If you feel well and pass the health assessment test, you may return to the office. 
  • If you feel unwell, please stay home!
  • You should take a COVID test in 3-5 days from the date of possible exposure. Tests are free and available to you on campus. Details about where and how to test can be found on the COVID-19 testing page.
  • If you are positive, you should immediately isolate and notify your instructors that you are COVID positive. Your instructor will notify your classmates who may have been exposed so that they can take precautions if needed. Your name will NOT be released in this process and you will remain anonymous.

Researchers are no longer required to create and maintain individual lab and fieldwork COVID-19 safety plans that are approved by deans, department chairs or center directors and kept on file with the Office of Research. Research facility managers are no longer required to track vendors or other visitors to buildings.

GTA offices are open to use as needed in the Fall. There are no longer COVID-19 related distancing requirements.

Refer to the Protect KU Research page or visit Graduate Studies for more information.

Campus Health Protocols

We are taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach to provide for our community’s health and wellness this school year. These efforts include:

  • Enhanced cleaning methods and schedules across all campus classrooms, dining, transportation, and facilities.
  • Posting hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in all classrooms and around campus.
  • Providing personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies to students and employees.

We ask that all Jayhawks follow appropriate safety guidelines to help protect our campus community.

Masks

Effective at March 28, our mask policy is as follows:

  • Masks ware no longer required in classrooms.
  • Masks are no longer required in non-classroom settings such as libraries, dining halls, research labs, hallways, athletics facilities, offices, meeting rooms and similar areas.
  • Masks are no longer required on KU buses (as of April 18).
  • The only settings in which masks are still required are Watkins Health Center, childcare facilities and campus buses.

 

Personal resources

For students

Your psychological and emotional well-being are just as important as your physical health. All students are encouraged to reach out to the university for personal help if it’s needed. If you encounter other students who may be struggling to adjust, reach out to them. Jayhawks have resources they can turn to:

International students are encouraged to partner with International Support Services (ISS) as they explore options or if they have questions or concerns. The staff’s expert knowledge can help protect immigration status and help students navigate issues related to on-campus and off-campus housing, completing the semester, how to depart campus in light of travel restrictions, and considerations for accessing online courses and maintaining contact with professors from abroad if they leave the United States.

Read the latest updates from ISS on COVID-19 and what it means for KU’s international student population.

Information specifically tailored to parents of international students is available at the ISS parents page.

Parking

Additional parking options, such as short-term permits, are now available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better accommodate our hybrid population.

Permit information for:

Bus Service

  • Masks are no longer required on public transportation, including KU buses.

On-campus residential facilities are open for the fall. Contact Student Housing at housing@ku.edu or 785-864-4560 if you have questions about residence facility guidance or requirements.

Testing at KU

Tests are available to all KU students, faculty, and staff at Watkins Health Services. To reduce risk of transmission, please contact Watkins Health Services before arriving for a test:

  • STUDENTS - call Watkins Health Services Nurse Helpline at 785-864-9583
  • FACULTY/STAFF - call the Faculty & Staff Clinic at 785-864-9565

Cost & Billing

  • Symptomatic COVID-19 tests will be billed to insurance. 
  • All asymptomatic COVID-19 saliva tests and testing of close contacts of positive cases will be provided at no cost to those who meet the criteria to receive these tests.

KU is offering the COVID-19 vaccine at Watkins Health Services. 

  • STUDENTS - Schedule an appointment online through your secure patient portal. Alternatively, you may call 785-864-9507 to schedule an appointment.

Helpful links