Updated July 10, 2021

City University of Seattle and Cornish Commons are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States and the Seattle area. While this is an ever-evolving situation, vaccination rates are high in Seattle and COVID-19 case counts and deaths decreasing at a hopeful pace. Please know that we are doing our best to keep you informed of changes as they occur and we will work with you to best accommodate your needs. The health and safety of our community is, as always, our first priority.

We are taking our guidance from the US Center for Disease Control, Washington State Department of Health, and King County Department of Public Health.

When in public, keep 6 feet (1.8 meters) between yourself and other people. Wash your hands frequently (using soap and scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing), especially upon returning home, prior to eating, and after using the bathroom. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to keep germs from spreading.

COVID-19 vaccines are easily accessible in Seattle currently. All residents are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. If you need help finding a vaccine location or making an appointment, please email housing@cityu.edu for assistance. Beginning Fall Quarter 2021, all residents will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Certain exemptions for religious, medical, or philosophical reasons are permitted. For information about vaccination exemption, contact housing@cityu.edu.

Additionally, guest and visitor sign-in will not be allowed until further notice.

At this time, Cornish Commons residents are expected to wear a face covering when they are outside of their assigned residential room and when entering Nellie’s Cafe. Please direct questions about exceptions and instructions to housing@cityu.edu.

Am I required to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I live in the residence hall?

At this time, we strongly recommend that all residents get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is easily available throughout Seattle. Beginning Fall Quarter 2021, all residents will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Please direct questions about exceptions and instructions to housing@cityu.edu.

What should I do if I am feeling ill?

If you are feeling ill, please stay in your room and call or text the RA On-Call (not your floor RA). They will ask for your name, room number, and current symptoms. You will be contacted by a professional staff member for further instructions.

What is the difference between social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine?

Social distancing means remaining primarily in your room except when necessary. When outside of your room, you should maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people.

Necessary times to leave your room may include, but are not limited to:
• Going to the grocery store or Nellie’s Café
• Picking up curbside food deliveries or mail/packages
• Going to the doctor
• Going to for a walk to get exercise (remaining 6 feet away from other people)

Self-Isolation means voluntarily remaining in your room 100% of the time due to illness, underlying medical conditions, or immune system issues which causes you to be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. If you are ill or in a high risk category, please call the RA On-Call.

Quarantine means that a doctor or government agency has instructed you to remain in your room for a set period of time (usually 10-14 days) or until your symptoms have passed. In the case of quarantine, you must stay in your room 100% of the time.

What will happen if I need to self-isolate or quarantine?

Please call the RA On-Call to report your situation. The CityU Resident Director will be in contact to make sure that you have the accommodations that you need. If you have a cough and fever or if you have been instructed by a doctor or government agency to stay in your room, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ROOM.

Where can I buy food? Is the student café open?

At this time, grocery and convenience stores are operating and well stocked. Whole Foods and District H are great nearby grocery options.

The student café (Nellie’s café) is open select hours. They are offering meals and snacks for take-out. You may purchase food at Nellie’s café using meal plan credits or credit card. Nellie’s is a good option because only members of the Cornish Commons/Cornish College of the Arts community are able to access Nellie’s Café.

Is Cornish Commons closing? I see a lot of Cornish students leaving.

Cornish Commons is not closed. Cornish College of the Arts students do not study during the summer. During the summer, students participating in area internships and summer school programs rent rooms at Cornish Commons, so you may see people moving in and out throughout the summer until the CCoA students return to campus in late August.

Can I still use the 20th floor?

Based on guidance from officials at King County Public Health, the 20th floor amenities are now open! Please refer to and follow the signage posted on the 20th floor for hours and capacity limitations.

The 20th floor fitness center is now operating on a one at a time reservation system. If you would like to reserve a one-hour block of time to use the fitness center, please call the RA-on-Call or visit the Welcome Desk to reserve a spot. Masks are required while using the fitness center and we ask that you please wipe down all equipment that you use.