Breaks

January Return

Due to new developments announced by the Michigan Governor, spring move-in for students living in the residence halls will be delayed by one week in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Residence hall contracts were set to begin their spring term Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. They will now begin Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021.  

Please review the following information in its entirety so you can best plan for your move-in.

  • I’ve already signed up for a time to move-in in January, now what?

    The day you’ve already chosen will be moved back by one week, but you will keep the same time you signed up for.  For example, if you originally selected Saturday, Jan. 9 at 10:30 a.m., your new time will be Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Your move-in time will be adjusted automatically, so if you would like to choose a different move in time, please sign back into the housing portal to do so. 

  • Will I be charged for the week that I am not staying in the residence hall?

    Students living in residence halls will receive financial consideration related to this change. Since your spring contract start date will be changed to Jan. 16, 2021, your spring residence hall and dining charges will also start on that date. If you have already been billed for spring 2021 room and board, a credit to your student account will be posted on Dec. 23, 2020.  

    If you have outstanding charges on your account, the credit will first be applied to them. If credit funds remain, a refund for the credit balance will be processed. Refunds will be processed through accounts receivable and either will be transmitted electronically to the financial institution you established for e-refunds or mailed to the mailing address established on your account. 

    The amount of the credit will be equivalent to the nightly prorated amount of room and board for one week.  

  • Will I still be able to get a credit for moving out on March 26, 2021?

    The application process and eligibility for the early move out credit has not changed.

  • What if I need to stay in the residence halls earlier than Jan. 16?

    Housing arrangements remain unchanged for Seita Scholars, international students and other students needing special consideration and do not have alternative housing. If you fall into any of these categories, you will need to sign into the housing portal, click on Residence Halls, and complete the Spring 2021 Delayed Move-In Exemption Request*. Once you complete that request, you will be contacted letting you know if your request has been approved or denied.

    *Please note: this request needs to be complete no later than Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 by 5pm. You will not be able to change your request once submitted. 

Winter Break

The residence halls close for holiday recess 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18.  They reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, and food service resumes Sunday, Jan. 17.  WMU and the housing office will be closed starting Dec. 24 and reopen Jan.4, 2021.

  • If you are coming back this spring

    You do not need to move out of your room. Take home the things you will need over break and secure your room.  To prevent pests, take out your trash and recycling, remove food that will spoil, clean dishes left in the room, and close and lock your windows.  Unplug non-essential electrical items.  Access to your hall will not be available Dec. 19 to Jan. 15.

    Staff will be doing supervised room checks beginning 7 p.m. Dec. 18. The checks are for maintenance and safety inspections, and they are done while still respecting your privacy. 

    To return in January, sign up for a move-back time slot. There will be 1-hour blocks to assist with social distancing and spreading out arrivals. To select your slot, sign into the housing portal, select “Residence Halls” and “January move-in”. The system will be live Dec. 7 through Jan. 14, and you can change your arrival block at any time.  

    Students may have two guests assist them with moving out and returning in January.

  • If you are moving out

    Click here for more information.

    1. Request to cancel your housing contract.  Sign into the housing portal and fill out the cancellation request.  You will receive an email regarding your cancellation status.
    2. Empty, clean and wipe down your part of the room as well as the bathroom (suites). Return your bed to its original set-up position. 
    3. Make arrangements with Bedloft to return any MicroFridges (www.bedloft.com).
    4. Return your room key via the express checkout envelope at the hall office or front desk.
    5. Change your mail forwarding information on GoWMU.
  • If your roommate moves out

    If your roommate leaves, please keep the second half of the room open for new students joining us in January.  They will move in January 8.  If you get a new roommate, you will receive an email right before the residence halls reopen.

Friday, Nov. 20 and Thanksgiving Break

Review the information below for directions on what to do depending on your plans for Friday, Nov. 20 and Thanksgiving break.

Staff will be doing supervised room checks beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 23. The checks are for maintenance and safety inspections, and they are done while still respecting your privacy. If you have questions about room checks, please see your hall director.

  • Leaving Nov. 20, returning spring semester
    • Pack what you need while you are home. You can leave the rest here.
    • Return your room key to the hall office. You will not have access to the hall until Jan. 9, 2021.
    • Mail will be forwarded through Dec. 18. Items like magazines that cannot be forwarded will be placed in your mailbox. Between Dec. 19 and Jan. 8, all mail will be held until you return spring semester.
    • Watch for an email with information about signing up for a time to return in January. We are spreading out arrivals as we did for August move-in.
  • Leaving Nov. 20, not returning spring semester
    • Remove all your belongings, clean your room, and return your room key. Click here for more directions.
    • Log on to GoWMU to change your mail forwarding address. Because some items like magazines cannot be forwarded, we also recommend updating your mailing address with businesses and magazines.
    • Cancel your housing contract for spring. Sign in to the housing portal, click on Contract/License Cancellation Request and then follow the prompts.  
      • If all of your spring classes are online, you will be allowed to cancel your housing contract with no penalty if you do so by 5 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2020. Click here for more information.
      • If you wish to cancel your spring housing but still have in-person or hybrid classes, you are subject to the spring cancellation schedule and fees. 
      • If you are withdrawing, transferring, studying abroad, graduating or student teaching, you will be released from your spring contract.
  • Staying for Thanksgiving break (Nov. 21-29)

    If you are staying on campus for all or part of the break, register online by noon Friday, Nov. 20.  Sign in to the housing portal, click on Residence Halls, Thanksgiving Break Housing, and then follow the prompts.  Letting hall staff know that you will be here means we can better look out for the safety and security of your property, as well as provide services and assistance to you throughout the break. 

     

    Thanksgiving Break Safety

    While the residence halls will be open, many campus services will be closed or limited.  For your protection and safety during the holiday break:

    • Housing and Residence Life staff will be on duty to respond to problems or emergencies.  See the information posted at your front desk. 
    • All university and residence hall policies apply, including COVID policies.
    • Do not allow others to access the building, and make sure you keep your room door locked. 
    • Make sure building entrance doors are closed and secure. 

     

    Hall Services

    • The front desk will be closed Nov. 20-28. Information on how to contact staff will be posted.
    • The hall office will be closed Nov. 26-29.
    • Mail will be processed through Nov. 25. Mail and package services are suspended Nov. 26-29 and resume on Nov. 30.

    Contacting Staff During Break

    A staff member will be on duty at all times during the break and will be available to assist you. Information on how to contact staff will be posted on your floor, at your hall front desk and outside of your building. If you have an emergency, please contact WMU Department of Public Safety at (269) 387-5555.

    Dining Services

    Valley Dining Center and Café 1903 hours are modified during Thanksgiving break, and Dining is closed Nov. 26 and 27. Students can arrange a carryout meal for those days. Please see an email from Dining Services or contact their office at (269) 387-4844. Hoekje/Bigelow Dining Center is closed. Dining options change after Thanksgiving break. Valley Dining Center and Café 1903 hours change, and Hoekje/Bigelow Dining Center will be closed. 

  • Leaving for Thanksgiving break

    If you are staying on campus at any time between Nov. 21 and Nov. 29, register online by noon Friday, Nov. 20.  Sign in to the housing portal, click on Residence Halls, Thanksgiving Break Housing, and then follow the prompts.  Letting hall staff know that you will be here means we can better look out for the safety and security of your property, as well as provide services and assistance to you throughout the break.

    See the Staying for Thanksgiving Break section for information on desk hours, mail service, safety and more.

    Preparing your room

    • Close and secure windows; close blinds. If you are in a ground- or roof-level room, insert the wooden security stick in the window track (if you don’t have one, see your hall office).
    • Take out all of your trash to the dumpster and recyclables to the appropriate bin outside.
    • Shut off and unplug all unnecessary appliances (TV, computer, stereo).
    • Clear your heat register of any obstruction.
    • Take home any valuables.
    • Clean and lock bathrooms.   

    Dining Services

    Dining options change after Thanksgiving break. Valley Dining Center and Café 1903 hours change, and Hoekje/Bigelow Dining Center will be closed.