Coronavirus FAQs

For the most up-to-date information on Arizona State University policy and practices regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.asu.edu.

Reflecting CDC guidance, face coverings are recommended but not required across ASU except in a few locations as indicated by posted signage such as in health care settings. As of April 18, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer requires face covers on public transportation. Face covers are recommended but not required on ASU shuttles per the updated federal guidelines.
 
If you have questions about signage or face covering requirements for your area, please contact EHS at askehs@asu.edu or 480-965-1823.
 
Find a summary of types of respiratory protection and face covers at cfo.asu.edu/n95-respirators (scroll down to see the summary).

Find a summary of respiratory protection and face covers at cfo.asu.edu/n95-respirators (scroll down to see the summary). It lists what each type of face cover protects wearers from, whether it protects others from the wearer, who should use it and other considerations.

The CDC also has a guide to the types of masks and respirators and another on how to properly wear, clean and store masks.

Most face cover types are available for purchase at ASU Sun Devil Campus Stores. 

The CDC recommends face coverings in counties that are high risk. Check any county’s status at the CDC’s county check website.

For those in California: As required by the LADPH, all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for at least five days, regardless of vaccination status, previous infection or lack of symptoms. Self-isolation may only end after Day 5 if both: 1) The person is asymptomatic or fever-free and has improved symptoms; and 2) A diagnostic specimen result collected on or after Day 5 is negative. If testing is not completed and no symptoms are present or symptoms are resolving, isolation can end after 10 days.

For Washington, D.C., please find the most up-to-date information here.

For Yuma, please follow CDC’s guidelines on quarantine and isolation requirements. 

For any ASU Local-specific questions, please reach out to Martha Juarez at martha.juarez.1@asu.edu.

 

ASU Health Services and Employee Health have COVID-19 vaccines, third doses and boosters available. 

Students can make appointments by going to the ASU Health Portal; ASU employees can make appointments through Employee Health. Both have the Moderna vaccine. 

All COVID-19 vaccines are widely available across pharmacies, supermarkets and medical providers. To find a convenient location near you to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose or booster, please visit vaccines.gov/search or azdhs.gov/FindVaccine.

Refer to the CDC or FDA for the most current information on the COVID-19 vaccine dose, and booster details and timing.

Please visit our vaccine FAQ page for more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, including what’s in them, how they work and the latest news.

ASU will provide regular updates about the number of cases among its distributed population of students and employees with its weekly COVID-19 report.

Devils’ drop-off is COVID-19 saliva testing open to all students, faculty and staff, as well as dependents of benefits-eligible ASU employees. No appointments are required — pick up a kit from an ASU or ASU-affiliated location, register it online and drop it off once you’ve collected your saliva sample. Pick-up and drop-off locations are available at numerous ASU and ASU-affiliated locations. You must drop off your sample within eight hours of collecting it.
 
Learn more, including how to register the bar codes online, on the Devils’ drop-off website.

No. If you’ve recently received a COVID-19 vaccine, this will not affect your COVID-19 saliva test result. You will still receive an accurate test result.

The saliva test measures the virus itself — its genetic material, its RNA — and does not have anything to do with the immune system. So nothing about the vaccination would affect that kind of test. ASU’s saliva test will work for someone currently infected with the virus, whether or not they have been vaccinated.

If you have tested positive (regardless of vaccination status), please follow Maricopa County isolation protocols. If you are a student and need university support or resources, please contact the Dean of Students office.

For broader information regarding the coronavirus, there are several good sources; we recommend reviewing updates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and, locally, the Arizona Department of Health Services.

ASU for You is a new website that gathers some of Arizona State University’s most valuable learning tools in one place to meet learners where they are, both in terms of physical location and educational needs. As COVID-19 precautions are taken to ensure the safety of our communities, we must find new methods to keep learning on track for everyone at every level. 

The new site includes many learning tools at no cost such as virtual field trips; library access; video lessons, labs and simulations in K-12 subject areas; badge and certificate programs in areas such as health and well-being, smart cities and environmental science; tutoring, online courses and training videos for teachers or parents teaching from home; and courses for college credit. 

ASU for You is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to take fundamental responsibility for the communities it serves and provide access to all learners anywhere in the world. While these resources are valuable at any time, they are particularly relevant today given the circumstances we all face with COVID-19.

ASU For You will be updated regularly with new resources and tools. The university encourages people to share these resources with colleagues, family and friends — anyone who can take advantage of these tools.

Oct. 7, 2022, update:

The quarterly reporting structure has been updated to include all information in one report.

 The Sept. 30, 2022, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for all HEERF I, II and III grant funds available. The report includes the expenses incurred by the university to support student success and continuity of university operations during the pandemic that are being reimbursed from the student, institutional and minority-serving institutions portion of HEERF. All HEERF grant funds are exhausted. This is the final quarterly report.

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July 11, 2022, update:

The quarterly reporting structure has been updated to include all information in one report.

The June 30, 2022 Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for all HEERF I, II and III grant funds is available. The report includes the expenses incurred by the university to support student success and continuity of university operations during the pandemic that are being reimbursed from the student, institutional and minority-serving institutions portion of HEERF.

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April 8, 2022, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

As we near the conclusion of the spring 2022 semester, we have $837 remaining of our HEERF II and HEERF III allocation of federal funds for direct student support totaling $134,047,305. 

At ASU, student success is our first and highest priority, and our plan for the use of these funds allowed us to maintain our commitment to support ASU students with continued enrollment in summer 2021 and the 2021-2022 academic year.

In summer 2021, 6,856 students received funds totaling $10,161,891.39.

In the 2021-2022 academic year, 38,891 undergraduate students and 2,114 graduate students received funds totaling $123,884,576.61 with an average award of $3,297.

The remaining funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed in line with the plan previously outlined for approximately 78,000 students who may be eligible for assistance.

The April 8, 2022, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure HEERF Report is available. This quarter’s report does not include expenses.

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Jan. 10, 2022, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

As we begin our spring 2022 semester, ASU students are receiving funds as outlined in our plan, ensuring continuity of enrollment for our students, which includes automatic awards, when possible.

At this time, approximately 27,000 students enrolled have received funds and commitments, totaling $112.8 million, for academic year 2021-2022, with award amounts ranging from $500 to $6,000.

Additionally, 6,856 students received funds specifically for assistance in our summer 2021 sessions, totaling $10,161,891.39.

The remaining funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed in line with the plan previously outlined for approximately 78,000 students who may be eligible for assistance.

The Jan. 10, 2022, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure HEERF Report is available. The report includes a portion of expenses incurred by the university to support continuity of operations during the pandemic and that are being reimbursed from the institutional portion and minority-serving institutions portion of HEERF. 

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Oct. 8, 2021, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

ASU students are receiving funds as outlined in our plan, ensuring continuity of enrollment for our students.

At this time, approximately 26,145 students enrolled have received funds and commitments, totaling $111.5 million, for academic year 2021-2022.

Additionally, 6,856 students received funds specifically for assistance in our summer 2021 sessions, totaling $10,161,891.39.

The remaining funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed in line with the plan previously outlined for approximately 78,000 students who may be eligible for assistance.

The September 30, 2021, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure HEERF Report is available. The report includes a portion of expenses incurred by the university to support continuity of operations during the pandemic and that are being reimbursed from the institutional portion and minority-serving institutions portion of HEERF.  

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July 9, 2021, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

ASU received about $305 million through the additional awarding cycles of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan to help offset the staggering financial impact of the pandemic. 

The university’s priority will be helping students to stay on the path toward their college degree. 

ASU signed and returned the Certification and Agreement forms to the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government stipulates that a minimum of $134 million be awarded for emergency financial aid grants to students. These funds will be used to directly support ASU students with financial need pursuing degrees through our campus-based and digital immersion programs. This will include:

• $10 million to support more than 8,000 students in Summer 2021.
• $48 million will help approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students who do not currently receive institutional aid from ASU to support them in the 2021-2022 academic year.
• $71 million will help maintain our commitment levels to more than 15,000 students from our families who demonstrate the highest level of need. These include Arizona students in the College Attainment Grant program and the President Barack Obama Scholars program that help remove family resources as a barrier to higher education. Without these funds, our commitment level would likely have to decrease due to the ongoing financial ramifications of COVID-19.
• $5 million will be used for students and families whose financial circumstances have changed as a result of COVID-19, including funds to support basic unmet needs. We anticipate this will serve approximately 3,000 students.

Overall, we estimate approximately 78,000 students who may be eligible for assistance, and that this plan will help around 36,000 students including those on our campuses with the greatest financial need.

The June 30, 2021, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure HEERF Report is available. The report includes a portion of expenses incurred by the university to support continuity of operations during the pandemic and that are being reimbursed from the institutional portion and minority-serving institutions portion of HEERF.  

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April 8, 2021, update

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

As we near the conclusion of the spring 2021 semester, we conclude our reporting on the initial allocation of federal funds for direct student support totaling $31,766,569. More than 38,000 undergraduate and graduate immersion (on-campus) students met the eligibility requirements. At ASU, student success is our first and highest priority, and our plan for the use of these funds allowed us to maintain our commitment to support ASU students with continued enrollment in summer 2020 and the 2020-2021 academic year.

In summer 2020, 1,970 students received funds totaling $2,443,133 with an average award of $1,240.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, 12,857 undergraduate students and 834 graduate students received funds totaling $29,323,436 with an average award of $2,142.

The March 31, 2021, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure CARES Act Report is available. The report includes a portion of expenses incurred by the university to support continuity of operations for our immersion students during the pandemic and that are being reimbursed from the institutional portion and minority-serving institutions portion of CARES Act funds.

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Jan. 8, 2021, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

As we begin our spring 2021 semester, ASU students are receiving funds as outlined in our plan, ensuring continuity of enrollment for our students.

At this time, approximately 12,400 students enrolled have received funds and commitments, totaling $28.2 million, for academic year 2020-2021.

Additionally, 2,077 students received funds specifically for assistance in our summer 2020 sessions, totaling $2,461,784.77.

The remaining funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed in line with the plan previously outlined for the more than 38,000 eligible immersion (on-campus) students.

The Dec. 31, 2020, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure CARES Act Report is available. The report includes a portion of expenses incurred by the university to support continuity of operations for our immersion students during the pandemic and that are being reimbursed from the institutional portion and minority-serving institutions portion of CARES Act funds.

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Dec. 30, 2020, university statement:

Arizona State University’s efforts to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the university community and on the public at large have been supported by both the state of Arizona and through CARES Act funding provided to the state. 

The university is very grateful for Gov. Doug Ducey’s decision to allocate $46 million through the CARES Act to reimburse a portion of ASU’s COVID-related costs. Among these costs are expenditures for public health and safety employees, isolation and quarantine management, student COVID-19 testing, and IT enhancements and the transition to ASU Sync, the university’s technology-enabled flexible learning modality. These costs are consistent with guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury regarding the use of CARES Act assistance, and the funds helped the university continue to provide a learning and teaching environment that enabled students to continue their studies and stay on track toward graduation.

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Oct. 30, 2020, update:

The Sept. 30, 2020, Quarterly Budget and Expenditure CARES Act Report is available. The report includes a portion of expenses incurred by the university to support continuity of operations for our immersion students during the pandemic and that are being reimbursed from the institutional portion and minority-serving institutions portion of CARES Act funds.

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Oct. 9, 2020, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

As the fall 2020 semester continues, ASU students are receiving funds as outlined in our plan, ensuring continuity of enrollment for our students. 

At this time, approximately 12,400 students enrolled in fall 2020 have received funds and commitments, totaling $22.1 million, for academic year 2020-2021. 

Additionally, 2,077 students received funds specifically for assistance in our summer 2020 sessions, totaling $2,461,784.77.

The remaining funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed in line with the plan previously outlined for the more than 38,000 eligible immersion (on-campus) students.

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Aug. 20, 2020, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

As the fall 2020 semester starts, ASU students are receiving funds as outlined in our plan, ensuring continuity of enrollment for our students. 

At this time, more than 12,000 students enrolled in fall 2020 have received funds and commitments, totaling $22 million, for academic year 2020-2021. 

Additionally, 2,077 students received funds specifically for assistance in our summer 2020 sessions, totaling $2,461,784.77.

The remaining funds will continue to be awarded and disbursed in line with the plan previously outlined for the more than 38,000 eligible immersion (on-campus) students.

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July 10, 2020, update:

Report updated on Sept. 26, 2022.

The CARES Act

At Arizona State University, student success is our first and highest priority. We understand that the stress and uncertainty of this global public health emergency complicates the already challenging endeavor of pursuing a college education. We are committed to helping our students continue their successful educational journey toward graduation.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses stresses on many levels, but the value of a college degree remains one of the best ways to ensure a lifetime of achievement, satisfaction and financial security. At ASU, we believe it is our duty and our responsibility to continue to provide high-quality education to every qualified student who is willing to work for it. To that point, during the spring 2020 semester ASU distributed approximately $566 million in total financial aid, helping 63,000 students.

For weeks we have been carefully planning how best to allocate resources from the CARES Act, funds provided by Congress to support universities and help campus-based students manage through the added stresses of the global health crisis as they continue their education.

ASU received $63.5 million in CARES Act funds, and the university has one year to disburse the money to help students. At least$31.7 million of the funds must be used for direct student support; the balance will help offset the significant costs incurred to modify and continue services to students impacted by the pandemic. Following are the details of our plans to disburse the $31.7 million in direct student support.

From now through spring 2021, we will utilize the $31.7 million in the following ways to help more than 38,000 immersion (on-campus) students who meet eligibility requirements based on financial need remain on the path toward graduation:

• $14.4 million will be used to help continuing students who do not currently receive institutional aid from ASU. We expect that these funds will help about 4,000 undergraduate students and about 500 graduate students.
• $8.9 million will help maintain our commitment levels to about 4,500 students from low-income families who demonstrate the highest level of need. These include Arizona students in the College Attainment Grant program and the President Barack Obama Scholars program, which help remove family resources as a barrier to higher education. Without these funds, our commitment level would likely have to decrease because of the financial ramifications of COVID-19.
• $2.5 million will be used to help about 1,000 new students with demonstrated financial need whose ability to enroll might otherwise be disrupted by the pandemic.
• $2.4 million in need-based aid will help about 2,000 students who took classes this summer to get ahead, or catch up, in their studies.
• $3.5 million will be used for aid for students and families whose financial circumstances have changed, meaning they now may be eligible for aid, or may now be eligible for additional aid. About $1 million of this money will be set aside for students who come forward with basic unmet needs. We expect that these initiatives will serve about 2,000 additional students.

In most cases, no application will be necessary. These will be automatic awards, with funds awarded directly to students and their student accounts. Overall, we estimate that this plan will help around 14,000 students including those eligible for Pell Grants and other need-based aid. The awards likely will range from about $500 to about $6,000.

While the CARES Act provides welcome resources, there are many additional ways ASU may be able to assist students. Changes in economic circumstances might mean a student is now eligible for federal financial aid, or now might be eligible for additional federal financial aid, and we are having these conversations with students every day. If personal circumstances have created a different economic environment, we encourage students to visit the special site set up by ASU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Services for additional guidance.

We also know that students may be dealing with other experiences and expenses as they navigate the way through this global crisis. It might be the need for a laptop or a Wi-Fi hot spot to help with studies. If so, students can check out a laptop or hot spot at the ASU Library. It might be basic unmet needs like food and nutrition. If so, students can also direct those requests to our financial aid office.

The university addressed every issue brought forward for the spring semester with university resources. We know that students have been tested this year in ways that no one could have expected, and we realize that financial stress is a big part of the pressure. We understand the difficulties that students experience, and our commitment to helping students get the assistance they need is a central part of our mission.

(Aug. 10 update) The other portion of the CARES Act funds will benefit virtually all immersion students. The university has incurred significant expenses to keep the university operational and to continue to serve students during the pandemic, which is our No. 1 priority. We will be using those funds to support continuity of operations in areas such as:

• Funding COVID-19 testing, research and contact tracing.
• Enhancements and upgrades to technology and equipment in classrooms to support the ASU Sync learning environment.
• PPE for students and employees.
• Staffing and supplies needed for increased campus cleanings.

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July 6, 2020, update:

The university is now finalizing its CARES Act plan. Once its plan is finalized, the intent is to distribute the CARES Act funds in August, with some distributions continuing in spring 2021.

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June 4, 2020, update:

Arizona State University applauds the commitment of the federal government to come to the financial aid of students and families, businesses and public institutions across America through congressional enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. The university is particularly appreciative of the relief the CARES Act provides to institutions of higher learning, including approximately $63.5 million that will be allocated for ASU.

ASU signed and returned the Certification and Agreement forms to the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government stipulates that a minimum of $31.7 million be awarded for emergency financial aid grants to students. Our goal with that funding will be to support students first and foremost in continuing their academic studies. 

ASU has a large student population with varying needs. When ASU has finalized the mechanism for the distribution of the funds, the university will report back to the U.S. Department of Education, the CARES Act funds will be released to ASU by the federal government, and the CARES Act funds in turn will be distributed to students.

In the meantime, ASU is continuing to work with all students who have expressed concern about their financial circumstances. In the coming weeks, ASU will consider uses of the remaining funds, particularly in the context of promoting student continuity during COVID-19 and into the next academic year. 

Separate from the CARES Act, ASU has distributed nearly $1 million in emergency grants to students from more than 20 different areas of the university who needed immediate help.

About 1,400 students received the emergency grants, which ranged from $100 to $2,400; the average award amount was about $700.

The emergency grants were provided to students to cover expenses related to their education, including housing/rent, meals, flights home and medical expenses. In most cases, students filled out a form or provided information regarding their individual circumstances so their cases could be reviewed.

Numerous ASU departments worked to facilitate the emergency grants. Students may have worked directly with their colleges, through the Dean of Students or through Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

The university also has helped students in many other ways during the pandemic including:

• Loaning more than 2,000 laptops and hundreds of Wi-Fi hot spots to continue instruction uninterrupted.
• Providing essential services during the pandemic including telehealth for medical and counseling needs.
• Continuing employment through the spring semester for student workers.
• Expanding opportunities for internships throughout the summer. 

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MAY 22, 2020, update

Arizona State University applauds the commitment of the federal government to come to the financial aid of students and families, businesses and public institutions across America through Congressional enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. The university is particularly appreciative of the relief the CARES Act provides to institutions of higher learning, including approximately $63.5 million that will be allocated for ASU.

ASU signed and returned the Certification and Agreement forms to the U. S. Department of Education. The federal government stipulates that a minimum of $31.7 million be awarded for emergency financial aid grants to students. Our goal with that funding will be to support students first and foremost in continuing their academic studies. ASU has a large student population with varying needs. When ASU has finalized the mechanism for the distribution of the funds, the university will report back to the U.S. Department of Education, the CARES Act funds will be released to ASU by the federal government, and the CARES Act funds in turn will be distributed to students. In the meantime, ASU is continuing to work with all students who have expressed concern about their financial circumstances. In the coming weeks, ASU will consider uses of the remaining funds, particularly in the context of promoting student continuity during COVID-19 and into the next academic year.

To request disability or medical-related accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services. Disability and/or medical documentation is required. For more information, please visit https://eoss.asu.edu/accessibility. Should you have additional questions, you may also contact Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services directly by emailing Student.Accessibility@asu.eduor by calling 480-965-1234.

If you are sick, stay home and contact ASU Health Services, who will advise you about scheduling a telehealth or in-person appointment. Health Services can be reached at 480-965-3349, and more information is available at https://eoss.asu.edu/health.
 
You should also contact your instructors to inform them of your absence from class and inquire about how to keep up with your class and coursework.

You should follow the medical advice given to you and be in touch with your course instructors for how to stay current in your class.

Accommodations continue to be administered, and Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (formerly known as the Disability Resource Center) continues operations to assist you in learning. If you need additional support or information, contact your Disability Access Consultant (DAC) via their email, phone or Zoom conference.

If you haven’t previously used SAILS services but need accommodations, you may register with the center using the New Student Application. DACs can complete your intake by email, phone or Zoom conference.

For more information on the center, please see the SAILS website or contact the center by phone at 480-965-1234 or by email at Student.Accessibility@asu.edu.

Please visit the International Students and Scholars Center website for additional FAQs for international students.

All graduate students are encouraged to have a conversation with their faculty committee and staff adviser to discuss your options. You may have to adjust your timeline based on the progress of your academics or research. It is important to discuss your options and find out what, if any, flexibility exists.

Custodial staff will clean and disinfect room interior surfaces such as furniture, appliances, restrooms, light switches, door hardware and mattresses, prior to check in. Students will be responsible for obtaining cleaning and disinfecting supplies and for cleaning and disinfecting their own spaces. A list of recommended supplies will be provided to students.

Any students living on campus will be supported as needed. Contact your residence hall community director or ASU Housing if you need assistance.

If you have specific questions about enrolling, please contact your admission representative. 

For questions about housing, please visit University Housing.

For more information regarding study abroad during COVID-19, please visit https://goglobal.asu.edu/content/study-abroad-coronavirus-faq.

Please visit https://visit.asu.edu/ to learn about our current opportunities available to prospective students to learn more about the university admissions process, including virtual and in-person options. 

Let us know how we can help with your ASU enrollment needs. We have a dedicated team of professionals ready to help. Contact the Admissions team.