Coronavirus Update: Campus Housing Closures

Greetings, students and families –

As the president recently announced, AU is transitioning to E-Learning for the remainder of the semester, and residence halls and apartments will be closed. We know this has been a confusing week with ever-evolving guidance from the CDC, President Trump, and Governor Holcomb. AU is diligently working to keep students safe, and closing campus housing is one of our many strategic action items.

We also know that many of you are heartbroken. So are we. Our thoughts are with all of you as you grieve this sudden change.

This post contains information about how to move your belongings out of your residence hall or apartment. It also includes information about storage of belongings, waivers for staying on campus, etc. Please read it thoroughly.

Previously-approved reasons for remaining in campus housing are no longer approved (read further for details). We know this is very confusing due to my previous communications,and we want to make it as clear as possible.

What should I do if I am homeless or unable to safely go home?

For extreme and unique circumstances, you may apply for a waiver to remain on campus. You are permitted to stay until you have heard back about approval or denial.

What if I don’t have internet at home and can’t complete E-Learning?

Please fill out the waiver form to tell us about your circumstances.

I live far away and/or can’t safely return to pick up my belongings. What should I do?

We know this is a challenging time for many families. We encourage all students to pick up their belongings (see below). If you cannot safely do so, you may apply for a waiver to store your belongings at AU at no cost. Please note the following clause from our housing policy that still applies in these circumstances: “The university will use reasonable efforts to protect students’ property, but the university is not liable for the loss of, theft of, or damage to any property belonging to students.  The university does not insure students or students’ property. Should disruption or nonperformance of services occur because of circumstances beyond the university’s control, the university will not be held responsible.  It is recommended that students check with parents and/or their own insurance coverage regarding illness, injury, property, etc. Students are encouraged to pursue renters insurance.”

Residence Life Staff will dispose of perishable food items, defrost refrigerators, and unplug all electronics. If you do not pick up your belongings, please remember that campus housing will be closed. You will not be allowed to pick up your belongings until campus housing reopens.

I want to pick up my belongings. When and how can I do that?

First, do not come to campus if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or you have reason to believe you have been exposed.

If you are healthy and live within driving distance, we ask that you follow the below schedule. If you have to schedule a flight or if you have special circumstances, please fill out this waiver form. We will permit a limited number of students and families to pick up belongings outside of the scheduled times.

Sunday, March 22 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – Students returning from spring break may pick up their belongings, but family members and non-AU students are not permitted (this day only). We encourage students and families who live nearby to come later in the week if at all possible (see below). Thank you for your understanding as we try to limit the number of people coming in and out of the buildings at the same time.

For the remainder of the week, healthy students and healthy family members may come pack during the designated times below. We have divided the days by room number to give families as much distancing as possible. We will prop external doors during the time window so hands do not have to touch the doors.

Saturday, March 28 (1-4 p.m.) – Anyone who is unable to come during the above listed days is permitted to come on Saturday. If at all possible, come on your assigned day above.

** University Terrace is exempt from the above schedule. Those residents may come any time before Saturday 3/28 at 4 p.m., due to units having external doors and no shared spaces.

How do I turn in my key and check out of my room?

Write your name, building, and room number on a piece of paper or post it note. When you are finished packing all of your belongings, wrap your key in that paper and leave it on your desk.

Please clean your room/apartment to the best of your ability and take all of your trash to the dumpster. (Leaving the room/apartment messy will result in a fine)

I am an athlete and have personal items in the Wellness Center. How do I pick those up?

Please go to the northeast or northwest entry to OC Lewis Gymnasium, during the times listed above. You will be allowed to pick up your belongings.

What if I have a package waiting for me at the package window?

If your package is received at AU by this Friday, it will be delivered to your room/apartment before the times listed above. All future packages should be routed to your home address and not AU. You may also use the Summer Information Form to tell us your plans for future mail.

What about Room Draw?

We are working on a new plan for selecting rooms for next year. Please watch your emails closely.

Will I receive a refund?

We understand that this unprecedented situation raises questions for many students about recouping expenses for on-campus room and board. First and foremost we want to be fair and equitable in addressing those issues and are working through them now, as there are in some cases implications to financial aid awards and other funding. We will provide more information when it is available.

What if I have questions about moving out that are not answered here?

Please email Maggie Platt, Director of Residence Life, at maplatt@anderson.edu

GBGR,

Maggie Platt