University of Nevada, Reno statement regarding housing check-out
Mar. 19, 2020
While there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus at this time, in order to comply with the March 17 directives from Governor Sislolak and the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Chancellor Reilly we have made the decision that residents need to move out of their residential spaces by Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 5 p.m. In addition, the Director of the University’s Student Health Center, Dr. Cheryl Hug-English’s medical opinion was that this expedient move was of the utmost importance. Our campus must adhere to the best science-based recommendations that we have, which is to practice social distance, to avoid large gatherings and to limit interactions that could put the health and safety of our community at risk. By greatly diminishing the number of people on our campus, we are doing our part to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus on our campus and in our community. This decision to take this step was not made lightly. It is in the best health and safety interests of our student population that we ask that this is done carefully, and expeditiously.
We do not want to jeopardize any student’s health or safety to collect their belongings. Therefore, each student received an email from their Resident Director with information about checking out of their room. They were provided a link specific to their residence hall to sign up for a check-out date/time from Friday, March 20 to Wednesday, March 25. Because health is paramount, these appointment times have been designed to ensure social distancing as students are checking out. The University is following public health recommendations to avoid situations where too many people are sharing the same space at the same time.
Furthermore, students have been provided the ability to select an option where they can describe their extenuating circumstances (for example, students who are homeless, in foster situations, or who are not able to travel from out of state to check-out by March 25). The University’s Residential Life staff will review all of these situations and then work with each student on a scenario that best fits their situation. We will of course lock and secure students’ rooms and then work with them to identify a date/time when conditions are better to check out. It is important for students to respond to the survey sent by their Resident Director so we can appropriately work with them.
We recognize this process has been disruptive and inconvenient, and we thank everyone for your patience and understanding throughout this unique situation, one we have never experienced in our lifetimes. Our primary goal is to keep you safe and healthy.
If you have any questions or our team can help in any way, please call Residential Life, Housing, or Dining Services at (775) 784-1113 or email housing@unr.edu. Please see the correspondence below and on the novel coronavirus information page, of the University’s understanding and plan for students with extenuating circumstances.