Housing and Residence Life

Coronavirus Update

March 16, 2020

Recent information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) has prompted a new announcement today to inform the University community that NSU will now provide online instruction for the rest of the semester and the residence halls will not re-open on March 22^, 2020, as previously planned. We know this will be a major disappointment to many of our residents as we have built a strong sense of community on campus and we’ve heard from many of you that you are eager to return to campus. However, your safety and well-being is our top priority. It is imperative that we adhere to CDC guidance to avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing behaviors.  We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to implement the necessary proactive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

If you are currently on campus, we strongly encourage you to return home. Students who have items in their room on campus should make arrangements with their respective Resident Director to retrieve their belongings as all of our residence halls will close for the remainder of the semester. 

Residence Hall Access Restriction. All residence halls will have limited access beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.  Card access to the residence halls will be shut off beginning March 22, 2020 starting at 10:00pm. Residents that qualify for emergency/alternative housing will have access. Students are expected to remove all of their belongings no later than 10:00pm on Sunday, March 22^.. Students who have already signed up to return to campus on Sunday, March 22^nd will not be allowed to check-in to remain on campus unless you are approved for emergency/alternative housing. You will now need to pack your belongings and vacate your residence hall.

We ask that you follow the end of semester move-out process at this time by completing the following steps:

• Schedule your check-out time with your Resident Director on the Early Spring 2020 Move-Out Sign-Out Form (RAs will not be available to assist you)
• Remove all of your belongings from your room
• Clean your room
• Turn in your room key
• Sign out on your 2019-2020 Blue Card
   

To limit the number of people on campus at the same time and still try our best to accommodate you in removing personal items under these difficult circumstances,  we need you to sign up for a move-out time using the Early Spring 2020 Move-Out Sign-Out Form based on the following dates and times:

Monday, March 16 – Sunday, March 22
10:00am – 10:00pm

Residents must bring their student ID and room key to gain access into their room to gather their belongings.  If you have lost or misplaced your room key, your front desk staff will be able to assist you. Limited card access will be provided during the March 16-March 22^nd time period. Card access will be shut off to all residence halls at 10:01pm on Sunday, March 22^nd. Only those students who are registered for emergency/alternative housing will be given access to their respective residence hall only.

Emergency/Alternative Housing Accommodations. Students should remain in on-campus housing only if there is no other housing alternative. We realize that some of our students cannot return home due to international and domestic travel restrictions, excessive travel expenses, employment which supports your education, or other extenuating circumstances. Students who did not meet the March 15^th deadline to request special housing accommodations must complete the Emergency/Alternative Housing Form and submit it by Tuesday, March 17^th. Exceptions to remain on campus will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may submit your form online or via email to housing@nsu.edu.

Dining services will be limited to “grab-and-go” breakfast, lunch and dinner meals available in Scott-Dozier Dining Hall. Students will not be able to gather and eat during meals. There will be no in-person programs and activities; cleaning and maintenance response may be limited; and the Residence Life guest policy will be suspended until further notice. Students who remain on campus will not be allowed to bring guests or overnight guests on campus, including in Spartan Suites.

We understand this is a stressful time for everyone. We are also saddened that our time together is ending prior to the end of the semester and we will not get to enjoy the spring semester together as a Spartan community. But your health and safety is our number one priority and we are committed to making sure your move-out process runs as smoothly as possible. Please know that our residence halls may be closing but we are discussing ways we can remain engaged with our Spartan residents and find creative ways to still have some fun during this difficult time.

Please continue to check your NSU email for important updates and above all else, BE SAFE. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please contact Housing and Residence Life at housing@nsu.edu or call us at (757) 823-8407.

For your safety and the safety of those around you, please adhere to the instructions regarding prevention of the spread and/or exposure to the Coronavirus. For more information, visit the following websites:

• Norfolk State University website regarding Coronavirus
• Center for Disease Control
• Virginia Department of Health