Dear ...,
We are writing in follow up to President Pines's letter sent earlier today regarding changes to the start of the fall semester, as we know this may have raised questions for you about housing. Please know that we, in Resident Life, look forward to welcoming you into our residence halls when it makes sense for you.
Residence halls will open as scheduled
We're glad you've chosen to be part of our residence hall community, and we look forward to your arrival. Our residence halls will open as scheduled, and we encourage you to schedule your move-in appointment as planned.
Appointments for the two move-in options, Set-up and Go or Traditional Move-in, will be released tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11. We strongly encourage you to select the Set-up and Go option if you are able. More details about your move-in options can be found on our move-in options website. Be sure to view the video below to learn more specifics about the two move-in options.
Whether you select Set-up and Go or the Traditional move-in option, please review these important move-in expectations:
- You must provide confirmation of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within 14 days prior to your arrival for occupancy, August 26 - 30. If you test positive, you will be required to stay at home, follow CDC guidance, and be cleared by your healthcare provider before coming to campus. You will soon receive detailed information regarding this requirement from the Director of the University Health Center. Students will be permitted to proceed with a Set-up and Go appointment before that confirmation is provided.
- You may have a maximum of two helpers assist you with your move-in.
- You and your helper(s) must follow the 4Maryland health and safety expectations at all times: face coverings must be worn, individuals must maintain six feet of distance from non-family members, and wash hands frequently. Additionally, one family per time will be allowed on an elevator.
- We encourage you to pack light and focus on bringing only your essential items. It is natural to want to bring all your prized possessions, but we recommend only bringing things you'll need for the fall semester as not to overpack. With the unknowns related to the pandemic, it is still possible that you may need to return home earlier than expected during the semester and take all of your belongings with you. You can see our packing list recommendations on our fall move-in website.
For those considering a delayed arrival to residence halls
We are ready for your arrival, and our staff is here to assist you during these first two weeks of the Fall 2020 semester. However, If you have circumstances that require you to want to delay your residence hall arrival until after August 31, we will accommodate a late check-in. Please let us know that by sending an email to reslife@umd.edu with your name, UID, and your preferred or expected residence hall arrival date. We'll hold your space for you and notify you of new move-in instructions after September 1.
The first two weeks will be different than anything we've experienced before. As President Pines said, we ask that all students stay in their residence halls as much as possible through September 14. As we do that, we will also share in this unique living and learning opportunity together. We'll cooperatively gain an invaluable understanding of how to incorporate the important 4Maryland health and safety practices into our lives and engrain them as habits. We will also learn to live, connect, and engage with each other in this time of COVID-19. It will be important preparation for when we transition into in-person and hybrid undergraduate instruction on September 14.
View your Campus Housing Assignment
Login to the Campus Housing Portal to view your housing assignment.
(Please be patient as there may be a slight lag time as thousands of students are logging into the Housing Portal.)
Housing Cancellation
If you have changed your mind about living in the residence halls and prefer to cancel your On-Campus Housing and Dining Agreement for 2020-2021, you can send an email to reslife@umd.edu with your name, UID, and reason for cancellation. If you notify us by 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 12, we'll waive the cancellation fee. Students who cancel their agreement have the option to complete a new housing agreement for Spring 2021 housing and will be placed on a waiting list.
This is a unique time in our history that presents both incredible challenges and world-changing opportunities. As a society, we must find new ways to live, work, learn, and engage together. We know that many of you will be important leaders in this effort. We are excited that you will be taking the next steps of that journey at UMD!
Together we are TerrapinSTRONG!
Valronica Scales
(she/her/hers)
Director, Resident Life
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