We hope that your Autumn Quarter has gone well. To aid you in planning for the upcoming winter break, we are reaching out to highlight several topics related to the end of the quarter and the break period.
Closing
As shared in our November 2nd email, the residence halls are closed over the winter break period (12 PM, Saturday, December 9 – 8 AM, Monday, January 1). The only students approved to stay during the break period are those who applied and received prior approval from our office.
You must physically depart on-campus housing and check out via the myHousing portal at or before 12 PM on Saturday, December 9. You must meet this deadline without exception. Please make your travel plans accordingly. Do not return any issued keys as long as you are returning to on-campus housing for Winter Quarter.
Please be sure to take time to gather all belongings (i.e., travel documents, medication, etc.) you require during the break as your card access will be deactivated on the aforementioned date and time. You will not be permitted to re-enter your hall until 8 AM on Monday, January 1 for any reason.
Any student found to be in residence during the break period, who was not previously approved for break housing, will be subject to disciplinary action and a monetary fine.
Pre-Departure Checklist
To help conserve energy, prevent unwanted pests, and preserve security during the break period, please follow the guidelines below before leaving:
- Unplug all electrical items except refrigerators – Refrigerators may remain plugged in, however they should be cleaned and cleared of all food that will expire over the break
- Clean any dirty dishes/service ware
- Remove all trash and recycling from room and dispose of in proper receptacles
- Leave radiators and thermostats set at a low heat level. Do not place any items on or near the radiator or heating vent
- Remove all items from window ledges
- Turn all lights off and draw blinds/drapes closed
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Check out via the myHousing portal
Existing or Expected Vacancies
If you live in a multi-occupancy assignment (i.e., double, apartment) with 1 or more current or expected vacancies, these spaces and the University issued furniture for that space, must remain clear of all belongings. Failure to maintain the space in a condition that allows for immediate occupancy by another student may result in disciplinary action and/or a monetary fine.
You should monitor your housing assignment details in the myHousing portal now and over the winter break for any changes to your room/suite mate information. The assignment process is not completed on or by a specific date, so you are encouraged to periodically monitor your details for any updates. We do not send individual notifications for any changes to this information. Should one or more new room/suitemates be assigned, our expectation is that you and all room/suitemates are welcoming.
Mail & Parcels
Mail and parcels will still be accepted and processed for students expected to live on campus for Winter Quarter. Parcels received over the break may not be claimed until the residence halls re-open in January. Any perishable items sent over the break will be discarded to avoid spoilage.
Opening
You may return to your residence hall as early as 8 AM on Monday, January 1. No early arrivals can be accommodated. If you require housing prior to this period, you must secure your own accommodations until the halls re-open. There are no exceptions.
On-Campus Dining
All dining commons will close at 7:30 PM on Friday, December 8. All dining commons are closed during the break .
All dining commons will resume standard operations at 7 AM on Monday, January 1.
Personal Property
The University is not responsibility for loss or damage to personal property. We strongly encourage you to take all items of value with you during the break period.
Housekeeping & Building Maintenance
Staff from our office and UChicago Facilities Services staff will enter your room during the break to conduct general maintenance and assess the overall condition of our building spaces. Please remove items surrounding vents so that filter changes can take place as needed. Should any health or safety concerns be observed during this process, you will be contacted.
Occasionally during the break, maintenance emergencies such as frozen pipes or leaking windows can occur that require staff to move furniture or personal belongings. If such an instance occurs, you will be notified. To help minimize the chance of these situations occurring, please refer to the Pre-Departure Checklist above.
If you should have any questions concerning the information contained within this communication, reply directly to this email.
We wish an enjoyable, restful and safe break!