University of Idaho students are encouraged to stay home from Fall Break until the start of next semester, but students currently residing in residence halls can apply to stay in student housing during this time.
McConnell, Theophilus Tower and Wallace Residence Center will be closed over Winter Break, which starts at noon on Dec. 19, but rooms in the Living Learning Communities will remain open for students who already live there. If current residents of the closed residence halls need Winter Break housing, they should ask the Housing and Residence Life Office about the application. Applications are due Friday.
Rooms will be offered based on first applied-first assigned basis for those currently in student housing, but placement is not guaranteed. Students will be notified as soon as possible if they will be able to stay on campus.
“Based on current applications for Winter Break, we do not anticipate any issue with meeting the needs of our current residents,” Jennifer Skinner, housing and resident life customer relations manager, said.
John Kosh, UI marketing director, said on average, five students apply for Winter Break housing. Housing and Residence Life charges students not already staying in the LLCs a flat rate of $500 to their student account on the day they move in for the break. Those already staying in the LLCs can stay in their rooms during Winter Break because that option is included in the contract and cost for living in the LLCs, according to the HRL website.
Those living in Greek Life chapter houses closing over Winter Break should contact their chapter leadership to see what options may be available for staying on campus.
There will still be live-in staff in the LLCs over break to accommodate the needs of students who stay there. Kosh said COVID-19 protocols will still be in place, with an emphasis on the no-guest policy and mask wearing.
In the past, the LLCs held informal in-person holiday events for those staying over Winter Break. Any events like this will likely be held virtually this year due to COVID-19, Skinner said.
“It might be a great time to explore the on-campus Arboretum and the outdoors,” Skinner said. “If you enjoy cooking or decorating with family or friends, you could get on a Zoom call together because you get that human connection.”
Skinner also encouraged students to check out local businesses open during Winter Break and to take time to relax.
The Hub will be closed over Winter Break, but Einstein’s and The Grid will have limited hours on Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30 and Jan. 4-8. There won’t be any thermal scanners at these locations. Students will still be able to use the kitchens on the main floors of the LLCs, but they need to follow the COVID-19 protocols in place to use them.
The LLC information desk will offer its usual services with reduced hours. Skinner said to check with the information desk for Winter Break hours of operation. If a resident needs assistance during the desk closure days, they should contact their Resident Assistant.
The Bruce M. Pitman Center and Idaho Student Union Building will be open for limited hours over break. The Vandal Store, Parking and Transportation Services, the on-campus Starbucks, Auxiliary Services and other parts of campus will remain open during Winter Break.
The Student Recreation Center and Climbing Center are open Dec. 19 and 20, closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 3 and open again Jan. 4-10. The Outdoor Program is closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 10. The Outdoor Rental Center is open from Dec. 21-23 and closed from December 24 through January 10.
The Vandal Pantry will be fully operational, so no one in the Vandal family goes hungry over Winter Break. Students can work with Dean of Students Blaine Eckles to make sure they get the help they need.
Rebecca Couch, director of Parking and Transportation Services, encouraged students to follow the PTS social media for important updates and giveaways over the next couple of weeks. Staff will still be available 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for students to contact if they get locked out of their car, need a jump start, flat tire fix or other help with their cars.
She also encouraged students check out the “Fall and Winter Break Overnight Parking and Vehicle Storage” map to get an idea of where they will be allowed to park.
Kim Stager can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @journalismgoals.