UPDATE: University asking residential students to remain at permanent residence due to COVID-19

Dear Residential Students,

As the situation continues to unfold, On-Campus Living (OCL) wanted to provide additional information as we move forward with the University of Alaska’s decision to close all residential communities by March 17, 2020. We are asking that all students fill out the COVID-19 University Housing Form found at this link: UAA On-Campus Living COVID-19 Form.

Many of you have already filled out the form and we appreciate you! The information we are gathering in this form is vital.

If your circumstances have changed and you would like to update the information you provided in the form, please email us at uaa_housing@alaska.edu.

In light of the data that we have already collected, we are finding that a large number of residents are requesting to stay past the March 17, 2020 closure date. We would like to reiterate that we are faced with an unprecedented public health crisis and that high density housing poses a significant threat to the health and safety of our community. We are urging residents to take whatever steps possible they have available to identify off campus housing at this time.

The operational changes of the residential community will likely extend throughout the remainder of the spring semester and has the potential to impact summer housing as well. Given the rapidly evolving nature of this crisis, we may also be forced to close the residential community entirely. We therefore hope that all students are taking the necessary steps to plan for alternative housing, even if an exception is granted. Exception requests are also being reviewed with a high level of scrutiny and students may be asked for additional information prior to a decision being rendered. For those who filled out the form and have requested an exception, On-Campus Living is in the process of reviewing these forms and will communicate with you early next. If your request is denied, we’ll work with you to set an alternative move-out date.

To aid students moving off campus, OCL has created the following guidelines for how refunds will be determined for housing and dining costs:

Residents who remove their belongings from their residence by the March 17 closure will receive a prorated refund of their spring housing charges as well as a refund of their deposit. Spring dining charges, if applicable, under this rule will be refunded based upon the unused portion of your current dining plan. All Check-outs will be Express Check-out and students should follow the instructions on the Move-out Guide.

Residents who leave belongings in their residence, but relocate off campus will also receive a prorated refund for their housing charges based upon the March 17 closure date. Spring dining charges, if applicable, under this rule will be refunded based upon the unused portion of your current dining plan. Deposits will be refunded once all belongings have been removed at a later date.

Residents who are approved to remain in their residence through the exception process will not receive a refund for spring housing charges or for any applicable dining plan. If a student receives an exception to stay in UAA housing past the March 17 closure but checks out prior to the May 4 contract expiration, they will receive a prorated refund based on their actual check-out date. Students approved to stay through the exception process may also be subject to relocation within the UAA residential community at the discretion of housing staff.

Please know that OCL and UAA care deeply about our students and these decisions are being made with the health and safety of our community at the forefront. We understand this situation has created a significant burden on many people. We are doing all that we can to support you through this time.

For information and updates, please see the UAA Coronavirus Communications and Resources website.

March Archive