What's Open, and When, as Students Return to Grounds

As University of Virginia students prepare to return to Grounds on Tuesday, there are many questions about what their day-to-day lives will look like as the battle against COVID-19 continues in Charlottesville and around the world.

Where can they study? What places are open to eat? In which gyms can they work out? And most important, what safety procedures will they need to keep in mind when taking part in these activities?

Here, UVA Today tackles some of the questions.

Library Access

UVA Library is offering in-person access to Brown Science and Engineering Library from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Students, faculty and staff members must present their UVA IDs at the door.

The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library is available by appointment.

All library stacks are currently closed, but materials are digitally accessible or available for physical pick-up. Library assistance is also available, as usual, seven days a week.

“Although our buildings and services will look and operate differently this fall, we are committed to the safety and success of our students, faculty and researchers,” said Associate University Librarian for Research and Learning Services Mira Waller.

Dining Options

Dining halls will be open, but dine-in options will be limited. Students who choose to eat in a dining hall will be expected to adhere to all University and public health and safety guidelines.

Dining halls will reduce seating capacity by 50% in accordance with Gov. Ralph Northam’s order, provide masks for social distancing, maintain counts at entrances and exits to control occupancy and add outside locations for food pick-up.

Take-out options, with a broad range of food options – including vegetarian and vegan options – will still be available.

Click here for the latest information and hours of operation for each location.

Gyms and Pools

The Aquatic & Fitness Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and from 3 until 8 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Cardio and machine weights are available in the fitness area. Working out in the weight room area (with free weights) requires an appointment.

The North Grounds Recreation Center Pool is open; reservations are required. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 6-7:15 a.m., 8-9:15 a.m., 10-11:15 a.m., noon-1:15 p.m., 2-3:15 p.m., 4-5:15 p.m. and 6-7:15 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8-9:15 a.m., 10-11:15 a.m., noon-1:15 p.m. and 2-3:15 p.m. In between open times, the pool area will be cleaned.

To make a reservation or for more information, click here.

University Bookstore/Cavalier Computers

Both stores are open, with extended hours during move-in weekend: Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.

The regular hours of operation throughout the semester are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

You can make purchases in the store or shop online and opt for either curbside pickup or ship to home. Click here to learn more.

ID Card Office

In order to maintain proper physical distancing, all ID card services are by appointment only. Email uvaid@virginia.edu or call 434-924-4508 to schedule an appointment.

Office hours have been extended from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays through Sept. 7. Regular hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Newcomb Hall, 1515 and the Career Center

Newcomb Hall will be open Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The student center at 1515 University Ave. is open by swipe card access to students, faculty and staff from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Starting Sept. 12, the hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Career Center won’t be operating out of its usual location at 1515, and will instead be virtual. The center is offering same-day appointments on weekdays from noon until 4 p.m. All career fairs and employer interviews will also be virtual. 

Click here to learn more or to schedule a virtual drop-in.

The Rotunda

Starting Tuesday, The Rotunda will be open for studying on weekdays – via swipe card access for students, faculty and staff – from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.