Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources

UNH Manchester Building photo in the fall
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources

We've created this webpage to keep the UNH Manchester community informed during the evolving COVID-19 situation. We encourage you to check this page frequently for updates, important information and resources.

 

COVID-19 Testing

All students, faculty and staff who plan to be on campus must be tested weekly for COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of a negative test. COVID-19 testing at UNH Manchester is self-administered and processed onsite. Details here

New and Returning Students

 
Welcoming you back on-campus this fall

Informed by the latest science, public health guidance and ideas from our university community, UNH has been working all summer to develop a flexible, COVID-19-ready in-person fall 2020 experience designed to keep our community safe. Should health conditions change, we are prepared to pivot in support of the health and well-being of our community. Teams on both campuses have developed a framework for different modes of operation for the fall semester. Visit the UNH Roadmap page for the most up-to-date information about opening plans.

see the UNH roadmapFall 2020 Guide

 

 
Checklist of what you need to do this fall

weekly self-swab covid-19 testing

COVID-19 testing at UNH Manchester is self-administered and processed onsite. All students who are on campus must submit a self-swab sample weekly (twice a week if you live in the dorms).The next round of self-swab test kits will be available for pick up the week of October 12. Click here for details on how to self-swab and view your results

TEST KIT PICK-UP: OCTOBER 12 – 17

Your next round of tests MUST be picked up the week of October 12. Proceed to the 6th floor reception desk during this window to pick up your kit:

  • Monday, Oct. 12 to Thursday, Oct. 15: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 16: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 17: 8 a.m. to noon

Please budget an hour to retrieve your test kit, especially if you stop in on Monday or Tuesday (our busiest days for pick-up). Remember to follow the self-swab instructions to ensure your sample can be processed. 

have a valid wildcat pass at all times

You are required to have a valid Wildcat Pass at all times. Wildcat Pass is a web app developed to help students, faculty and staff stay aware of—and compliant with—UNH’s COVID-19 guidelines. When you log in to Wildcat Pass, it will either say that you are compliant or provide what you are missing, for example, a negative COVID-19 test, signed informed consent agreement, etc. UNH faculty and staff may ask for proof of a valid Wildcat Pass at any time.

update your contact information

It is very important that you update your contact information. This will enable us to prepare your testing kit as we transition to self-swab, and it will also help with contact tracing so the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services can get in touch with you quickly should you be exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 testing at UNH Manchester is self-administered and processed onsite. If you plan to be on campus at any time during the semester, you must submit a self-swab test weekly (or twice a week if you live in the dorms).

Watch the video below or view our downloadable testing instructions for step-by-step guidance to self-testing. UNH Manchester’s COVID-19 test drop box is outside the building to the left of the main entrance.

  
Checking Your Results

We’ve created this helpful guide to walk you through how to see your results.

  1. Log in to your account at https://unewhorchard.netsmartcloud.com/
  2. You will see one “Order” file. Each batch of test kits counts as one order.
  3. Open the report by clicking the order ID.
  4. This report contains all test results from your batch. Look for the most recent “Final – Approved” date on the left-hand side to find your latest test result.
  5. A result of “Compliant” means your test did not show COVID-19.

We've created a fall 2020 brochure that outlines the COVID-19-related measures designed to keep you safe at UNH Manchester this semester. This includes:

  • Mandatory cloth face covering for everyone in the building
  • Robust testing for students, faculty and staff on campus (more details in the accordion below)
  • Comprehensive contact tracing in partnership with the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Increased hygiene, sanitation and distancing measures
  • Reduced density in the building with a blend of online coursework as well as continued remote work for some staff

In addition to the guidelines above, we've also made a few changes around the building to promote safety and health:

  • The doors will be locked, and everyone will have a key fob that they must swipe to enter the building. This will help us with contact tracing as we will know who is in the building should anyone test positive.
  • The stairways will all be one-way to reduce contact (center stairwell is up only, while north and south stairwells are down only)
  • Bathrooms and the elevator will be limited to one person at a time.
  • Water fountains are for water bottle use only, so plan to bring your own bottle to refill.
  • Classroom etiquette: When you arrive to class, you must use the sanitation station to wipe down your seat and desk surfaces. Please plan to use the same seat throughout the semester to assist with contact tracing.
  • To encourage physical distancing, we’ve installed signs in public spaces with seating guidelines and reminders to keep a six-foot distance from others.

Check out our fall 2020 brochure and visit the UNH Roadmap page for additional information.

If you have tested positive:

  • Leave the building immediately and see your medical provider and/or the emergency room for treatment.
  • When possible, notify your faculty that you have tested positive and will not be in class for at least 14 days.
  • You must self-quarantine for at least 14 days and until you receive at least one negative test.
  • You will receive a call from the New Hampshire state contact tracers to ensure people who may have had contact with you are notified.

If you live with or have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID:

  • Notify your faculty that you have been exposed and will not be in class for at least 14 days.
  • You must self-quarantine for at least 14 days.
  • Continue to get tested twice a week.

Some students may have a combination of in-person and remote courses, so we've dedicated some classrooms for students who wish to access their remote course from campus. These rooms are first-come, first-serve, and we ask that you limit use to your class time so others may use the space. As with other classrooms, please sanitize your chair and surfaces before sitting down. The designated Zoom rooms by floor are:

  • First floor: 104 and 120 (student study space)
  • Second floor: 202 (Green Room) and Learning Commons rooms 254, 261, 264 and 273
  • Third floor: 305, 306 (study room), 366 (hands-on computer classroom – must bring your own headset)
  • Fifth floor: 504 and 505
  • Sixth floor: Open student space (would need own headset), 608, 610, 618, 620, 626, 640, 642 and 648

You will be able to meet with academic advisors and career services virtually. For advising appointments, contact unhm.advising@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4170. For career services, schedule an appointment via Handshake, or contact unhm.career@unh.edu.

If you will not be on campus this semester and are taking remotely, send a photo of yourself using the following guidelines to unhm.it@unh.edu. Save the photo in JPG format and name the file using your legal LastName,FirstName (i.e., Doe,Jane.jpg). Please use these guidelines when taking your photo:

  1. Use a plain, light background.
  2. Crop slightly above the head to middle of chest.
  3. Must be a color photo.
  4. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat.
  5. Position directly facing the camera.
  6. Eyes open and look at the camera.
  7. Senior Portraits generally don’t meet the criteria.

Once your photo is submitted, UNH Manchester will print your student ID and coordinate with the UNH Security team to distribute it to you.

Visual guide to take student ID photo

 

While the on-campus experience may be different this semester, the quality of support for students is the same. Services you rely on—like academic advising, mental health counseling, tutoring and more—will still be available. Some of the UNH Manchester staff you talk to regularly may be working remotely, but they’re still here for you via phone and Zoom. If you don’t know who to contact, there are student ambassadors at the PAL desk on the 2nd floor and in the 4th floor student services suite to help connect you to the person or office you need to speak with. Below are the best contacts for each department:

  • Academic Advising: Schedule an appointment through myWildcatSuccess or email unhm.advising@unh.edu.
  • Admissions: Email unhm.admissions@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4150.
  • Business Office/Billing: Email unhm.businessoffice@unh.edu. For student accounts, call (603) 641-4137
  • Career and Professional Success: Schedule an appointment via Handshake, or contact unhm.career@unh.edu for any questions.
  • Center for Academic Enrichment: Email unhm.cae@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4113.
  • Dean’s Office: Email unhm.dean@unh.edu.
  • Financial Aid: Email unhm.fa@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4189.
  • Food Insecurity: If you are concerned about food for yourself or your family during this time, please contact Kattarina Biss, program coordinator for student engagement.
  • Graduate School at Manchester: Email unhm.gradcenter@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4313.
  • Housing: Contact Joshua Felch, coordinator of student involvement and orientation.
  • Information Technology: Call (603) 641-HELP or submit a ticket online.
  • Library: Email unhm.library@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4173.
  • Mental Health Services: Students can schedule free mental health appointments by emailing unhm.advising@unh.edu. Counseling sessions will take place virtually through secure video conferencing. Sessions must be scheduled in advance – there will be no walk-in availability. Additional mental health support:
    • Get support for a mental health or substance misuse crisis by contacting the Manchester Mobile Crisis Response Team 24/7 at (800) 688-3544. Mobile Crisis Response sends mental health clinicians, peer support and recovery coaches directly to those in need.
    • Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a Crisis Counselor, volunteers who are trained to support people in crisis. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor.
    • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress as well as resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call (800) 273-TALK (8255).
  • Registration: Email unhm.registration@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4136.
  • Security: Email unhm.security@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4124.
  • Student Engagement: Email unhm.studentengagement@unh.edu.

Absolutely! If you obtain an internship this fall and would like to earn academic credit, set up an internship consultation with Maggie Wells, interim director of Career and Professional Success, through UNH Handshake. Maggie can walk you through the potential impacts of COVID-19 and answer any of your internship questions. Visit our internships page to learn more about internship searches and the approval process.

The library will be open and will have seating guidelines to encourage physical distancing. To reduce contact, you will not be able to get Textbooks on Reserve, check out popular items, or visit the stacks room (with all the books and DVDs). You can still
check out a laptop, request materials from the stacks room, and request materials from other libraries (which will be quarantined for 72 hours before being available for loan). You will still have access to the library’s extensive online resources, which include
more than 200 online databases and tens of thousands of online journals and e-books. Librarians are always available to help you navigate these resources.

The on-campus café, Granite State Lunchbox, will be open Monday through Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. In the morning hours, they will offer hot breakfast items to order and you may pre-purchase a lunch option. During the afternoon, they will serve the pre-ordered lunches. Snacks, beverages, baked goods and a variety of take-n-go items will be available during both time slots. The café will not accept Cat’s Cache and will be taking payment by card only to limit cross contamination.

2021 J-term and Spring Semester

It is with sadness and disappointment that UNH is announcing the cancellation of all student international travel programs and experiences for the January term and spring 2021 semester.  

We made this decision based on the the upward trending of the COVID-19 cases, the timeframe for a vaccine being unclear, and many of our foreign university partners not accepting students. Futhermore, there are restrictions on U.S. travelers and the State Department continues to evaluate most countries at risk level three or four, the highest levels of risk. 

We realize there may be extenuating circumstances in which study abroad experiences in the spring semester may be an option. In these cases, an individual student or unit (program director) may petition to the International Travel Risk Review Committee (ITRRC) for prior approval. Examples of possible exceptions are travel to a country that permits entry for study or internships and exchanges at universities accepting U.S. students. All cases must be thoroughly assessed for risk and deemed to be acceptable irrespective of the country’s State Department-rated risk level. Please contact your education abroad advisor for information on the petition process.

2021 Summer and Fall Semesters

We are hopeful that study abroad may resume in the Summer and Fall of 2021. This disruption is a watershed moment for the education abroad department whose charge remains the provision of high-quality experiential global education. The UNH education abroad team is working proactively to be ahead of the curve when international educational travel is safe and available. 

Updated September 21, 2020

This is a stressful time for many, so we’ve worked with Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) to continue offering mental health services. Email unhm.advising@unh.edu for more information and to schedule your appointment.

Additional mental health support:

  • Get support for a mental health or substance misuse crisis by contacting the Manchester Mobile Crisis Response Team 24/7 at (800) 688-3544. Mobile Crisis Response sends mental health clinicians, peer support and recovery coaches directly to those in need.
  • Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a Crisis Counselor, volunteers who are trained to support people in crisis. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress as well as resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call (800) 273-TALK (8255).

We've compiled the resources below to help those experiencing unexpected financial hardships caused by challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

COVID-19 Assistance Information and Resources
 
Food Assistance
 
Unemployment and Financial Resources

If you have additional questions or are concerns about financial hardship during this time, please contact Financial Aid at unhm.fa@unh.edu or 603-641-4189.

 

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s 13 Coalition member programs are still available 24/7 to provide support and safety. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence are under increased pressure and danger during this time and we want them to know they are never alone: NHCADSV Not Alone Video

Other resources:
CONFIDENTIAL STATEWIDE HELPLINES
  • 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-644-3574
  • 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-277-5570
  • Chat and text support services are available at some member programs, and more are beginning to offer these services. Visit your local program to learn more. 

After extensive deliberation, we have decided to postpone UNH Manchester’s May 14 commencement ceremony. This was an extremely difficult decision that we know will disappoint many students, however your welfare is our top priority. We know that our graduates and their families want an in-person commencement ceremony to celebrate your accomplishments, and we are actively working to make that happen as soon and as safely possible.

UNH Manchester and UNH Downtown Commons residence hall are official stops for the Green DASH, a free shuttle that runs on weekdays to ease congestion and parking around the Millyard and downtown Manchester. The Green DASH route begins at Veterans Park, with designated stops at UNH Downtown Commons, Rines Center, UNH Manchester and Market Basket. All other stops along the route operate on a flag system—the driver will only stop if there are passengers waiting to be picked up or if someone pulls the “stop” rope aboard the bus. The bus is wheelchair accessible and equipped with bicycle racks. The schedule and route map is below, online and available in hard-copy at the UNH Manchester security desk.

Please note: From Friday, August 21 to Tuesday, September 8, the Green DASH will pick up/drop off on Commercial Street in front of UNH Manchester. After September 8, the shuttle will pull into the parking lot to pick up/drop off directly in front of the main entrance.

Veterans Park
UNH Downtown Commons
(1000 Elm)
Rines Center
UNH Manchester
(88 Commercial)
Market Basket
8:20 am 8:22 am 8:30 am 8:40 am 8:45 am
8:50 am 8:52 am 9:00 am 9:10 am 9:15 am
9:20 am 9:22 am 9:30 am 9:40 am 9:45 am
9:50 am 9:52 am 10:00 am 10:10 am 10:15 am
10:20 am 10:22 am 10:30 am 10:40 am 10:45 am
10:50 am 10:52 am 11:00 am 11:10 am 11:15 am
11:20 am 11: 22 am 11:30 am 11: 40 am 11:45 am
11:50 am 11:52 pm 12:00 pm 12:10 pm 12:15 pm
12:20 pm 12:22 pm 12:30 pm 12:40 pm 12:45 pm
12:50 pm 12:52 pm 1:00 pm 1:10 pm 1:15 pm
1:20 pm 1:22 pm 1:30 pm 1:40 pm 1:45 pm
1:50 pm 1:52 pm 2:00 pm 2:10 pm 2:15 pm
2:20 pm 2:22 pm 2:30 pm 2:40 pm 2:45 pm
2:50 pm 2:52 pm 3:00 pm 3:10 pm 3:15 pm
3:20 pm 3:22 pm 3:30 pm 3:40 pm 3:45 pm
3:50 pm 3:52 pm 4:00 pm 4:10 pm 4:15 pm
4:20 pm 4:22 pm 4:30 pm 4:40 pm 4:45 pm
4:50 pm 4:52 pm 5:00 pm 5:10 pm 5:15 pm
5:20 pm 5:20 pm 5:30 pm 5:40 pm 5:45 pm
  5:50 pm 6:00 pm 6:10 pm 6:15 pm
  6:20 pm 6:30 pm 6:40 pm 6:45 pm
  6:50 pm 7:00 pm 7:10 pm 7:15 pm
  7:20 pm 7:30 pm 7:40 pm 7:45 pm
  7:50 pm 8:00 pm 8:10 pm 8:15 pm
  8:20 pm 8:30 pm 8:40 pm 8:45 pm
  8:50 pm 9:00 pm 9:10 pm 9:15 pm
  9:20 pm 9:30 pm 9:40 pm 9:45 pm

What We Are Doing to Keep You Safe

 

Teams on both campuses have been working hard to plan for the fall and have developed a framework for different modes of operation for the fall semester. The key aspects as it exists today for UNH Manchester is outlined below. These plans will continue to evolve based on the most current public health guidelines.

  • UNH Manchester will implement increased hygiene, sanitization and distancing measures as recommended by public health officials; health screening and monitoring for all faculty, staff and students; robust testing and contact tracing.
  • UNH Manchester's residence hall, UNH Downtown Commons, will operate at reduced density by eliminating triples. Two residence halls in Durham have been reserved as quarantine space and will be available to Manchester residence hall students if returning to their permanent home is not possible. 
  • UNH Downtown Commons’ onsite dining facility operated by New England College will operate on a grab-and-go basis only.
  • UNH Manchester students should communicate with their established primary care doctor should they experience symptoms of COVID-19.

Recent Communications

#unhtogether

Now more than ever, the health and safety of our UNH community depends on everyone acting with real Wildcat pride. Let's take care of each other.

Learn More

 

Faculty and Staff

Please see the UNH Roadmap page for the most updated information.

All faculty and staff must be tested for COVID-19 before coming to campus for the semester. Check your UNH email for details on testing dates and locations. Faculty, staff and contractors must be tested no earlier than 8 days prior to the first day at work. Once you have had a negative test and are working on campus, you must continue to be tested once every 6-8 days until further notice. Even if you test negative, you will still need to submit to a temperature checks and fill out the online health screening form each day you're on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Health Screening for Employees
June 3, 2020

What is the new health screening requirement?

The New Hampshire Governor's Economic Reopening Taskforce distributed universal guidelines for New Hampshire employers to put in place to provide a healthy work environment. Effective immediately and until further notice, employers must have a process for screening all employees reporting for work for COVID-19 related symptoms. All employees who are sick or not feeling well are required to stay home.

Who must follow the screening requirement guidelines?

Any employee, including student employees and post docs, who comes to one of the three campuses or any work-related site outside of the home is required to follow the guidelines every day they do so, effectively immediately and until further notice. 

What do the health screening requirements require?

No more than 1.5 hours before arriving to work, employees are required to take their temperature and login to an online portal to review a brief health self-assessment and confirm the answer to the five questions related to COVID-19 exposure and symptoms is no. They must also follow the recommendation on whether they should report to work or for authorized activities.

What are the questions that must be answered every day?

The questions, as set out in the state guidelines, are:

  1. Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19? Only answer yes if you have not already self-quarantined
  2. Have you had a fever or felt feverish in the last 72 hours?
  3. Are you experiencing any new respiratory symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath?
  4. Are you experiencing any new muscle aches or chills?
  5. Have you experienced any new change in your sense of taste or smell?

Employees should use some discretion when responding to the questions as they are intended to identify unexplained or new symptoms. If, for example, you have muscle soreness due to gardening or other typical exertion, but have no fever or other COVID related symptoms, you may report to work that day.

What if I have a temperature of 100.0 F or higher, or I don’t pass the screening?

Employees should not go to campus or any other place they are doing their UNH work. Employees who are on campus or at a worksite already must leave immediately and contact their physician. They must also notify their supervisor that they will not be at work.

I took the self-assessment and have been informed I cannot work or do research or other educational activity on campus because of one of my answers. I do not believe my answer is related to COVID-19. How can I get permission to be on campus?

If you responded to the survey in earnest and were told not to report to work, but you do not believe the symptom is specifically related to COVID-19, contact your health care provider or UNH Health & Wellness to discuss. Until and unless your medical provider confirms that you do not have a diagnosis of COVID-19, you should not report to work and should follow the guidelines regarding sick employees.

Who can see the information that people are submitting through the five-question screening?

Information submitted will be treated as confidential. Supervisors will not see the information; they will only be told if an employee can or cannot report to work outside of the home.

If I'm only going to my office to pick up mail or get supplies and will only be there for a short time, do I have to comply with this requirement?

Yes. Anyone accessing a university building or any other work site is expected to comply.

What if I don’t have a thermometer? Can I be screened on campus?

If you need to have your temperature taken or access to a computer to do the screening report go to McGregor Memorial EMS, the UNH Police Department or UNH Health & Wellness, all in Durham. In Manchester and at the Law School thermometers will soon be available with security.

Do I need to wear a mask?

While at work and in public, employees should wear a cloth face covering to help protect against the spread of the virus. Employees should review the CDC’s guidance on use of cloth face coverings. Medical-grade masks should be reserved for healthcare workers or first responders. The university has masks available but employees may wear their own masks should they choose to do so. If you need a mask please contact your supervisor.


I’ve been informed by my employee that they can not work based on the self-assessment. What should I do?

Instruct the employee to stay at home and follow guidance on the COVID-19 website about staying away from campus. Also, advise the employee to consult their primary care provider.

Please contact IT at (603) 641-HELP or submit a ticket online.

In the interest of your health and safety, international and domestic business travel is currently prohibited, and all personal international travel is strongly discouraged. As applicable, consult with your manager to determine whether your domestic travel is essential. Employees are strongly encouraged to use remote methods, such as teleconferencing, where possible. These restrictions will be reassessed and updated as needed. 

Please work with your manager to cancel your travel commitments and request refunds or credits to use on future university travel. If you are unable to secure refunded expenses or travel credit for future use, there will be no financial impact to you—we will cover cancellation costs.

  • Staff including student workers will be issued 20 disposable masks and 2 face shields.
    • Staff/student workers will be responsible for cleaning their shields.
  • Disposable masks will be available through Security on an as-needed basis for students.
  • We are putting together individual packages for staff/student workers containing the masks and shields that will be delivered to campus departments early next week.  
    • Department supervisors – please email  Mary Young the week of 8/17 with the number of PPE packages you’ll need for your department. 
  • Disposable masks will be available at the Security desk on an as-needed basis for students.  **Students attending Wildcat Day on Thursday, 8/27 will receive a small supply of masks as part of their welcome packet.**

HEALTH RESOURCES

Put your health and the health of your family, colleagues and community first with important COVID-19 resources and information from UNH Health & Wellness.