We know students and families have questions about Residential Life related to the change in format to academic coursework, so we have provided answers to the most common ones.
Can I stay in Residential Life from November 29 until the end of the semester?
Yes, residents are welcome to continue to live in their current assignment through the completion of the fall semester. Residence halls close on December 18th and apartments remain open through the break. Residential Life facilities will continue to be open and offer the same programming, community experiences, safety, and security measures as they have since the beginning of the semester. Resident expectations and policies will also remain the same during this time.
For safety and security, we are asking all residents (whether staying or not) to complete a brief survey so we know who is in the community. Please complete the survey by Monday, November 30th at 5:00 p.m.
Will there be dining options available November 30 to December 18?
Yes, campus dining will continue to operate and will focus on the residential student experience. Check out the most up to date information on the dining services website. Specific changes will include:
- Breakfast hours will be 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. effective Monday, November 30th lunch and dinner Dining Hall hours will remain the same
- Bite app order and pick-up at the Dining Hall will continue to be available, but only during Dining Hall service hours until 7 p.m.
- Einstein Brothers Bagels and UMKC Café featuring Starbucks (located outside the Dining Hall, inside the Atterbury Student Success Center) will be closed on November 20 and remain closed through the end of the fall semester
Will there be a refund related to the Housing and Dining contract due to the transition to online coursework?
There will not be a refund because the residence halls and dining services are remaining operational.
My plans have changed for the fall break, can I still submit a break stay request?
Yes, all residents are permitted to stay for the fall break at no additional charge. Residents only need to submit a break stay request (which will be available until noon on Saturday, November 21) so that we can be sure their Roo Card provides them access to the facility.
Will there be food options offered by campus dining during the fall break?
A fall break meal plan was offered for purchase to those who submitted a break stay request. Unfortunately, there were not enough plans purchased to provide this fall break meal plan option. Dining will have the Smart Market open Monday, November 23 through Wednesday, November 25, noon – 3 p.m. and Sunday, November 29, 5:00 – 10:30 p.m. Customers can use Flex Dollars, Roo Bucks, or credit cards to purchase items. A range of items, including frozen microwaveable food will be available. Simply to Go items will not be available during the fall break. If a resident has limited resources to access food a they will find information available from Harvesters.
I left before the change to the academic process was announced and now plan to stay home, but need to retrieve some additional items. Can I come back and retrieve my items?
If a resident has not completed a break stay request and lives in the residence halls their Roo Card will not have access to their building during the fall break. However, after the break access will be regained and they can retrieve items. If they live in the apartments their Roo Card will allow them access through fall break and the remainder of the semester.
I am planning to stay in Residential Life between the fall and winter breaks and am wondering about access to the internet. How can I ensure I’ll have the access I need to complete my coursework?
All residence hall bedrooms have an access point. This access point has 3 live ports that can be used to connect an ethernet cord. Students have recommended using a 25-foot cord, as they have provided a very stable internet connection and allow for a range of locations to work. In the Hospital Hill Apartments, the access points are in the hallway. There is an ethernet port in each bedroom, independent of the Wi-Fi access point. Whether in the residence halls or Hospital Hill Apartments, if a resident would like to have their access point and Wi-Fi signal checked they can submit a problem ticket on the Information Services website. The primary cause of Wi-Fi challenges this semester has been the specific device being used or the software being accessed.
If I am staying will I receive mail and packages?
The desks will accept mail and packages during the fall and winter breaks. Forwarding service will only be provided for those residents who have moved out and completed an express check out.
I would prefer not to live in Residential Life for the Spring 2021 Semester, is this possible?
Residents may request to cancel their Housing and Dining contract for some specific and limited reasons using the MyHousing Self Service portal. Information concerning the specific reasons, required documentation and other details is available here. There is a $500 cancellation fee for all approved cancellations by current residents. Cancellation requests submitted and approved by December 18th will not be charged for spring semester housing and dining.
If I choose to move-out and don’t plan to return to the residence halls this academic year, how do I complete that process?
If a resident does not intend to live in Residential Life (regardless of whether their contract cancellation is approved) they can remove all of their personal belongings and obtain an express checkout envelope from the front desk. The resident needs to fill out all of the required information, drop their room, suite and mail keys inside the envelope, seal it, and deposit it in the drop box near the front desk. Completing the express check-out and returning all keys ensures that a resident is not charged for improper check-out and lock changes. If a resident’s cancellation is not approved they will be charged for the remainder of the contract period (until the end of the spring semester).
I’m moving out all of my belongings. May I have a guest assist with my move?
Yes, residents who have been approved to cancel their contract or have requested a cancellation and have not yet been approved and are going to move all of their belongings out of their assigned space may have one guest enter the building to assist. The guest must check in at the desk, complete our simple Covid-19 screening (temperature check and questions about symptoms). Guests are expected to wear a mask while in the facility. The guest must remain with the resident at all times and should only be in the building while actively removing the resident’s belongings.
If I am moving out how do I prevent charges for damages and cleaning?
Any resident who is moving out and completing the express check-out is expected to leave their room clean and without damages. All belongings and trash should be removed and placed in the appropriate location. Residents should check all drawers, cabinets and closets. Surfaces should be wiped down and be free of dust and other substances. Floors should be swept. If there are items that need repair, please submit a work order. Damage that was caused by the resident will result in a charge. Staff will inspect rooms after the facility is closed and compare the condition of the room with the Room Condition Record the student was asked to complete after moving in through their RooRez portal.
I am currently in a double room by myself or completed a single buy-out for fall semester and have personal belongings throughout the room (not just on my side). What do I need to do?
All items need to be moved onto the resident’s side of the room before they depart for the fall semester so that the unoccupied half of the room can be prepared for a new resident entering spring 2021. Spring arrivals from some programs may arrive as early as January 4, 2021. After the spring semester is underway, another single buy-out option may be offered; keep an eye out for that opportunity.
When can I return to Residential Life in January?
Residence hall students who do not submit a winter break stay request (available on Monday, November 30th at noon) will be able to return as early as Friday, January 15th at 8:00 a.m. Residence hall residents who stay for break will pay the daily rate for the nights they sign up to stay. Residential Life apartment residents have access to their apartment throughout the winter break.
Will there be testing expectations for students returning from fall break?
There will not be testing expectations for residents upon return from fall break. Residents are expected to follow safety protocols (wear masks, social distance, wash hands, etc.) during the break whether they are on-campus, off-campus or elsewhere.
Will there be testing or quarantining expectations for students returning or arriving to Residential Life in January?
Students who traveled internationally during semester break will be required to quarantine for 14 days from their return to Kansas City. Newly arriving international students will complete that quarantine in designated residence hall spaces. All residents who are not quarantined with Residential Life will be required to provide negative test results. Additional details about this expectation will be provided to residents closer to return. On-campus testing options are being explored, but details are not yet available.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Residents can contact Residential Life by phone (816-235-8840) or email (housing@umkc.edu) with any additional questions.