Holiday Break Information

During this busy time we in the Residential Life Office hope you are looking forward to a restful winter break and that your finals are successful.  Be kind to your neighbors by observing 24-hour quiet hours.

Residence Hall Closing

Residents are expected to leave 24 hours after their last final.   Door locks are disabled at noon on Saturday, December 20, 2008.  Once the building has been officially closed, keys will not work and re-entry will not be allowed until halls reopen on Sunday, January 11, 2009.

Late Departure

Failure to depart by noon on Saturday, December 20 will result in an automatic $50 fine for late check out and an additional $50 fine for each hour thereafter; i.e., 1:00 p.m. = $50+$50, 2:00 p.m. = $50+$50+$50.

Please complete these steps before leaving for break:

• Remove all holiday decorations and clean decorative snow from windows, doors, etc., to avoid a cleaning charge.
• Remove all items from balconies to avoid theft.
• Leave temperature control setting at "on" or "low,” and set temperature to 65 degrees or lower.  This will help prevent water pipes from cracking in the event of cold weather.
• Move personal belongings off the floor of the room so damage will not occur in the event of a broken water pipe.
• Unplug any personal electronic items that could be damaged in case of a power surge.
• However, leave your microfridge unit plugged in. Remove perishable items from your refrigerator.
• Close blinds or drapes.
• Empty trash receptacles to avoid any unpleasant odors upon returning.
• Take valuables home or place them out of sight in the room.
• Turn off all lights.
• LOCK ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS.
• First Year Students:  Keys do not have to be turned in, nor all belongings taken home.
• RMs will open bathroom doors to allow heat to reach these areas and prevent pipes from cracking, in the event of extremely cold weather.

Please understand that Residential Life Staff Members must enter all student rooms to ensure that these guidelines are followed. If staff members are in rooms and see obvious policy violations (pets, illegal drugs, alcohol in dry rooms, etc.) they are obligated to report these items.

When Leaving, Don't Forget   

Remember to take important items home.  Below is a list of often forgotten items… Staff will NOT be available to provide access into rooms over the break.

• Plane tickets
• Important Documents (passport, visa)
• Textbooks and/or important computer files
• Clothes (formal/holiday wear)
• Important phone numbers and addresses
• Concert tickets
• Résumés
• Medication
• Glasses/contacts
• Fish
• Plants

STUDENTS NOT RETURNING

TO THE RESIDENCE HALL AFTER BREAK

Students not returning to the residence halls next semester (studying abroad, transferring, or leaving the University), must complete the following steps with the Resident Mentors before Noon on Saturday, December 20, 2008;

1. Set up an appointment with the RM to check-out.  This must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
2. Clear your belongings and CLEAN the room.
3. Meet your RM at appointment time to have room assessed, turn in key, and complete and sign the room inventory form.

Please Remember:  Failure to check out properly will result in a $100 fine.  Additional charges will be assessed for unreturned keys, damages, and failure to clean the room.  All check out procedures must be completed to receive the $100 damage deposit refund.

Winter Break Housing

Winter athletes and international students may sign up for housing in McLean, Prassel, and South Halls for the winter break. More details will be sent to those on the appropriate team rosters and those on the international student list.

Security During the Holidays

During the holiday break all outside entrances to the residence halls will be locked and all room doors will be locked and plugged.  If there are door or window locks that are not functioning properly, please report them to the Physical Plant (x8413) immediately so they can be repaired before the break period.

Valuables should not be left in the room while students are away unless it is impossible to take them home.  Valuable items that must be left in the room should be placed out of sight in closets or drawers.

If leaving a vehicle on campus over the break, please move it to the ORANGE level of the Laurie Auditorium garage.  DCS recommends that all valuables be removed from vehicles left on campus.

Witt Center Office Hours    

• Wednesday, 12/10 - Friday, 12/12
  8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 12/14

            6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Monday, 12/15 – Friday, 12/19

           8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Important Dates:

2008 

• December  10 & 11  Reading Days
• December 15:           Late Night Breakfast 
• December  11 - 18:  Exam Days
• December  20:          Halls close at noon for undergraduates
• December  21:          Halls close at noon for graduating seniors

2009 

• January 11:   Halls open. The Witt Center will be open from noon until 10:00 p.m.; Rooms will be unplugged at noon
• January  14:  Classes begin
• January 19:   Martin Luther King Holiday-University Closed; No Classes

Any changes that may occur to room assignments will be communicated through Trinity e-mail.

Thanks for your cooperation.  If additional information is needed, please contact a Resident Assistant, Resident Mentor, Hall Manager or the Residential Life staff at x7219. 

Good Luck on Your Finals!!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!