Montclair State University, New Jersey’s second largest university, has unveiled its restart plan for the fall, and it includes students returning to campus.

 

"Yeah, I knew once they said we could come back, that I was coming," says Brianna McBride, of Brick.

University officials have announced they will have students return to campus this month as part of its restart. Some of the decisions involved include staggered move-in from Aug. 5-23, residence halls at 67% occupancy, rooms deliberately left vacant, no triple or quadruple room options and some double rooms turned into single rooms.

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"We're totally100% comfortable with her going and leaving her, so we feel safe,” says Gina McBride, Brianna’s mom.

Other decisions include 412 rooms reserved as quarantine spaces, common areas and shared kitchens for cooking only, no furniture for congregating, common areas cleaned frequently, and requiring masks.

"Our capacity at max is 5,200,” says Carlos Mohammed, executive chef of residential dining. “We're going for 3,200, so we can spread everybody out. We have all of our employees washing their hands and logging in the times that they wash their hands and changing their gloves as well."

Another requirement is a daily self-screening survey called “Hawk Check” for students, faculty, staff, vendors -- basically everyone must take the survey prior going to campus.

Hundreds of sanitation stations are set up, with plexi glass and socially distant tables in dining areas and residence halls limited to 67% occupancy.

"60% of our classes are going to be fully online, so we have options for students or professors that can't come to campus,” says Joseph Brennan, vice president of communications and marketing.

Another requirement is a daily self-screening survey called “Hawk Check” for students, faculty, staff, vendors -- basically everyone must take the survey prior going to campus.