Isolation for graduate and professional students and postdocs
Thank you for helping us keep campus as healthy and safe as possible!
We encourage everyone to wear face coverings and to test upon arrival, and then re-test and isolate as needed. Here's more information for students, campers, and visitors:
- If you are attending a conference or residential camp, contact Residential & Dining Enterprises, Stanford Conferences.
- If you are a varsity athlete please contact Stanford Athletic training at 650.498.0261, or your team athletic trainer.
- If you are a high school or graduate summer session visiting student, review Summer Session Guidance on Testing Positive.
- All other students, the COVID guidance found below applies to you.
This information applies to students and postdocs living in campus housing with a private bedroom and single-occupancy bathroom.
Here’s what to do if you test positive while living on campus
Students and postdocs who live in Stanford housing with private bedrooms and single-occupancy bathrooms will be isolating in their assigned housing. This means you will be isolating in your own space until Vaden Health Services releases you from isolation.
If you have not already done so, complete this form to report your positive test results. Then read the information below to become more acquainted with the expectations and resources in place for you.
- If you are experiencing worsening symptoms, contact Vaden Health Services at 650-498-2336. Here is how to reach Vaden after hours.
What does it mean for you to be in isolation?
Being in isolation means preserving your health, safety, and well-being along with that of your community. The isolation period is necessary anytime a student tests positive for COVID-19. Although you will be in “isolation,” our goal is for you to still feel connected and well-supported.
What should I do when my isolation period ends?
You will be cleared to end your isolation period by Vaden Health Services, which will provide any further instructions.
What should I do if I'm sharing an apartment with someone who has tested positive?
See additional guidance connected to the "Learn More", below.
Isolation expectations
Do not leave the space.
Do not use laundry rooms.
Do not go to any in-person classes, events, meetings, social activities, shared dining spaces, common rooms, or other group activities. If you have questions about leaving your space, please contact Stanford Vaden Health Center.
Do not go to work. Communicate with your supervisor and HR to explore working from home options, if appropriate.
During your period in isolation, you may only leave to seek medical attention or with permission to do so by Vaden Health Services.
If you are cleared to leave your room by Vaden, you MUST wear a face mask fully covering your nose, mouth, and chin. You MUST return to your room immediately after.
You MAY NOT have visitors. Do not have others come to your space for visits of any kind.
Daily needs: meal delivery, medical care, your campus resources
Throughout this process, it is our hope that you will continue to engage in academics (to the extent the severity of your illness allows it and if applicable) and practice a daily routine that includes tending to your health, well-being, dietary needs, and non-in person social communication. Please contact the EVGR-B Housing Service Center for everyday essentials you may need to replenish. We are here to ensure you have access to appropriate campus resources so that you are well supported.
Meal delivery for students in Stanford housing
Meals will be tailored for dietary restrictions and allergies based on the information you have submitted when you completed this form.
Isolate in Place Meal Delivery FAQ
Medical care
Throughout your isolation period, please continue to be in regular contact with Vaden Health Services at 650-498-2336. Here is how to reach Vaden after hours. CDC guidance can be found here.
Garbage
If you are in isolation on campus, leave your garbage outside your room door on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Custodial teams will pick up and dispose of garbage in the clear plastic bag that R&DE Dining is providing with meal deliveries.
Your campus resources
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 650.723.3785
- Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL): 650.723.1762
- More health and well-being resources
Academic needs
We encourage you to reference your course syllabi and email your professors and your academic advisor so that they know that you will be unable to participate in in-person academic activities. Graduate and professional students can contact the Graduate Life Office for assistance.
Apartment-mates and Family Members
What should I do if my apartment-mate tests positive?
If you are sharing an apartment with a student who tests positive, everyone is advised to:
- Stay inside your bedrooms with doors closed as much as possible.
- Wear face coverings except when in the bathroom, eating, or in your bedroom.
- Avoid entering the bathroom within 15 minutes of your apartment-mates.
- Disinfect the bathroom and kitchen as often as possible.
- Eat in separate rooms.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
Healthy students should review this COVID exposure guidance. Temporary alternative housing may be available for students who have critical medical conditions (i.e. students undergoing cancer chemotherapy). If you have a critical medical condition and you have been instructed by your medical care team not to share a living space with a COVID-positive individual, contact the Graduate Life Office.
What should we do if a family member tests positive?
- A student who tests positive and is living on campus with their family can request isolation housing by contacting the Graduate Life Office at 650.723.7288 Pager ID #25085. Indicate that you need to reach the graduate dean-on-call.
- A student who is exposed to a family member who tests positive is a close contact,
- View testing and quarantine guidance for close contacts.
Questions? Here’s how to reach us.