Students at Sacred Heart University must have proof of a negative coronavirus test and follow several new protocols as they return to campus.

Students starting or returning to SHU will have to sign the Pioneer Promise. School officials hope it will stop the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

Dean of Students Larry Wielk says the Pioneer Promise is a contract between students, faculty and staff that they will follow social distancing protocols, wear masks and not socialize in large groups.

Wielk says 3,100 residential students are returning to campus, which is even more than last year.

Only one other student is allowed in a dorm room at a time, no overnight visitors and officials will be monitoring what happens in off campus housing as well.

"Any gathering on a house off campus greater than 12 we are going to consider to be a violation of university policy," said Wielk.

Wielk says violators could be suspended for 30 days. He also says students found hanging out in large numbers at Fairfield beaches could also face suspension.

Wielk says they have a designated quarantine area for students who exhibit symptoms or test positive during the semester.

Like SHU, Quinnipiac University is requiring all students show proof of a negative coronavirus test before moving in or attending classes. Students must sign the Quinnipiac Pact, which limits off campus gatherings to 16 outside and 10 inside. Violation of the pact could also result in suspension.