COVID-19 Update - Residential Students

Dear Students,

By now you have received the communication from Dr. Feyten about TWU’s decision to complete the remainder of the semester via online courses. This decision was not made lightly. I have been reminded this week how choices today may impact tomorrow. During this unprecedented moment in our history, I wanted to provide you with some additional updates specifically regarding housing and dining, student services available as well as an update on federal work- study. While I sincerely regret the disruption this decision will cause, please know your health and that of our broader campus community remains the University’s top priority.

Everyone who can go home and return to their permanent residence is encouraged to do so. However, for students who need to remain on campus because there is no other option, our residence halls and dining services will remain open for you. Please note that while these students remain on campus, these students will also complete their courses online.

Housing Check-Out Process

Check-out will require a process similar to check-in so that not everyone is on campus at the same time in compliance with social distancing guidelines. While we will offer express check-out, you will need to turn in your key to hall staff or the front desk.
Check-out will begin on Wednesday, March 18 and will continue through Sunday, March 22.
If friends or family will help you move, please limit the number of people to 2 or 3.
If you are feeling sick, we will work out an alternate check-out schedule for you. Please stay off campus (if home) or in your dorm if you are sick during the move out event so we may follow CDC guidelines for keeping our community health.
Large bins, dollies or carts will not be available (for safety reasons), so be prepared to carry things or bring your own dollies.
Students will not be charged a contract breakage fee for university housing. We are taking into account all considerations and factors, including the impact of a decision to an individual’s student financial aid. More information will be forthcoming.

STUDENTS REMAINING ON-CAMPUS

Operational Updates

We will continue to have staff available for assistance.
In addition to Dining and Housing, Student Health, Counseling, Disability Support, Student Life, Library, Center for Student Development, Student Union and Financial Aid are among the essential offices that will remain open during this time as well.
Mail and package delivery may be delayed
Limited Dining options will be available.

Programmatic Updates (following check-out)

Non-residents will not be permitted in the residence halls.
Remaining residents may be moved and/or consolidated to promote safety measures.
Empty rooms will be disinfected.
Residence hall programming will be limited.
Supplies such as board games, moving carts and dollies will be unavailable for check out.

Housing & Dining Protocols

In our residence halls

All high touch areas are being wiped down multiple times each day.
Trash is removed daily.
Disinfectants are rotated to increase effectiveness of eliminating germs.

In our dining locations

All high touch areas are being wiped down multiple times each day.
Hours have been modified to allow for deeper cleaning so that all surface areas and doors can be cleaned and sanitized.
Condiments, cereal and utensils are now individually packaged.
Use of personal cups at our water and soda fountains has been suspended.
All self-serve options have been modified to full-service.
We have gone cash free to reduce exposure to germs.

Work Study

We know work study impacts many students. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “For students enrolled and performing Federal Work Study (FWS) at a campus that must close due to COVID-19, or for a FWS student who is employed by an employer that closes as a result of COVID-19, the institution may continue paying the student Federal Work Study wages during that closure if it occurred after the beginning of the term, if the institution is continuing to pay its other employees (including faculty/staff), and the institution continues to meet its institutional wage share requirement.” TWU is committed to ensuring your success and has intentions of supporting you. I expect more information will be forthcoming from your supervisor.

Our primary concern is for your safety and well-being. If you are able to go home, we encourage you to do so. We know that preparing to move on short notice is not easy, and we appreciate your flexibility, patience and understanding as we continue to work through this difficult time. I have enormous pride in our community, and I trust that this will be a time for us to come together to support each other in the challenging days ahead.

Sincerely,
Monica Mendez-Grant
Vice President for Student Life

Page last updated 10:48 AM, March 17, 2020