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Watterson Towers Closing Procedures

Winter Break 2018

Watterson Towers Closes Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 2 p.m. The area will be cleared and all doors locked promptly at 2 p.m. Watterson reopens Friday, January 11, 2019, at 8 a.m. Residents will not be able to enter Watterson Towers before 8 a.m.

Follow the mandatory steps below prior to leaving. The last person leaving must submit the Online Checkout Form.

Residents are permitted to remain in their residence hall after completing final examinations until the official closing date and time, providing they maintain behavior appropriate for finals week and consistent with residence hall and University regulations. You will be required to meet with your Residence Hall Coordinator the following morning if you are found in violation of a policy during finals week.

If you are a resident moving out from your room, please visit our Move Out instruction page.

For information regarding quiet hours, view our news and announcements section on our Homepage.

Preparing for Safety Checks and Pest Control Spraying

  • Close and secure all windows and room door.
  • Leave window shades open.
  • Dispose of all perishable food.
  • Empty and clean all trash receptacles.
  • Unplug, clean and dry refrigerator(s); leave refrigerator door(s) open.
  • Unplug all electrical appliances including clocks and computers.
  • Set room temperature to 65º and set blowers on low.
  • Pull all furniture, including beds, desks, chairs, etc. approximately 8 inches away from wall to allow space for pest control spraying.
  • Maintain clear path from door to window.
  • Turn off all lights.

All rooms will be treated for pest control (your room WILL be treated even if you have not followed the appropriate procedures to protect your belongings).

Room Inspections

Please read and follow all procedures listed prior to your departure. You may be referred to the office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) in the Dean of Students Office for any/all violations. Please review the policies page for a listing of possible violations. During inspections, staff will check for:

  • Any materials attached to, suspended from or draped beneath room ceilings
  • Any materials that hinder emergency personnel from entering or exiting the room through the door or window (e.g. beads, non-university issued drapes, decks, lofts, etc.)
  • Multiple outlet extension cords or similar devices
  • Prohibited appliances (i.e., hot pots, popcorn poppers, beer signs, halogen lamps, etc.)
  • Any candles, incense or alcohol of any kind.
  • Items on or around the windows. (e.g. signs, stickers, etc.)
  • Any other item(s) that violate University Housing and/or University policies.

Reminders

  • The “Pass-It-On” project is an opportunity to donate unwanted items and non-perishable foods to those in need. Collection bins will be located in the lobby area at specific times in order for you to participate in this program. Flyers will be posted with more details.
  • If your current roommate will be moving out of your room for spring semester, you will most likely have a new roommate in January. When leaving your residence hall room for break please be sure that you leave your belongings only in your area of the room.
  • All steps on pages one and two of this document must be completed to ensure that residents have a positive experience in preparing for Safety Checks, Pest Control Spraying and Hall Closing
  • Plan accordingly for arrival of rides and departure times as the building WILL close promptly at 2 p.m.
  • When you leave during the break, you must be possession of your keys upon your return to campus. Residents will be billed $75 for each room and/or suite key. Notifying staff that your keys are in the mail does not exempt you from this charge.
  • University Housing Services assumes no responsibility or liability for the personal property of students. This includes, but is not limited to, damage, loss, fire, water damage, theft, flooding, etc. It is suggested that personal valuables that cannot be easily replaced be taken with you over the break period. You may also consider moving personal belongings off the room/closet floor.
  • In the event of an emergency that will require you to contact a professional staff member, please call the Illinois State University Police at (309) 438-8631.

Questions or Concerns

Residents may contact their Residence Hall Coordinator with questions or concerns.

Dining Centers

Marketplace at Linkins closes on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 8 p.m. and reopens on Friday, January 11, 2019, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. with regular hours resuming Saturday, January 12, 2019.

Watterson Dining Commons closes on Friday, December 14, 2018, at 2 p.m. and reopens Friday, January 11, 2019, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. with regular hours resuming Saturday, January 12, 2019.

Fall Break

This information will be updated for fall break 2019 in November of 2019.

Watterson Towers Closes Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. The area will be cleared and all doors locked promptly at 2 p.m. Watterson Reopens Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 2 p.m. Residents will not be able to enter Watterson Towers before 2 p.m.

Follow the mandatory steps below prior to leaving.

The last person leaving must submit the Online Checkout Form.

  • TAKE OUT YOUR TRASH.
  • Dispose of all perishable food in your refrigerator (if applicable) and any empty bottles or cans.
  • Unplug all electrical appliances EXCEPT refrigerators and aquariums. (Attach notes to these plugs at the outlet indicating what they are. All outlets without notes will be unplugged!) Computers should be unplugged in case of power surges.
  • Close and lock room windows.
  • Open draperies or shades and ensure there is a clear path between the door and window.
  • Move personal belongings that are on the floor to the top of the bed or desk. This will prevent items from being damaged in the event there are any leaks or plumbing problems over the break.
  • The University assumes no responsibility for personal property.
  • Turn off all room lights.
  • Lock room door and remember to throw out your trash.

If you have any broken window or door problems (i.e., window or door won’t close, window or door is broken), please fill out a work order online at Housing.IllinoisState.edu. Please complete no later than Sunday, November 11. Notify your Resident Assistant (RA) to ensure that repairs can be made.

Residence hall staff will conduct room inspections once this completed form is turned in to the appropriate RA or RHC indicating the room is empty and ready to be inspected. Final room inspections will occur from 2–6 p.m., Saturday, November 17, 2018.

Fall Break Room Inspections

Room inspections will be conducted once staff have received the Online Checkout Form. During inspections, staff will be check for:

  • Any materials attached to, suspended from, or draped beneath the ceilings.
  • Any materials which hinder exit, including beds, drapes, decks, lofts, etc.
  • Multiple outlet extension cords used or similar devices.
  • Prohibited appliances (i.e., hot pots, popcorn poppers, beer signs, halogen lamps, etc.)
  • Bottles and cans without their original seal.
  • Any candles, incense or alcohol of any kind.
  • Items on or around the windows (i.e. signs, stickers, etc.)
  • Any other items that violate Residence Hall and/or University policies.

Please read and follow all procedures listed prior to your departure. You may be referred to the office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) in the Dean of Students Office for any/all violations. Please review your residence hall website for listings of possible violations, Housing.IllinoisState.edu (About, Policies).

Notice: All bottle and can collections found may be disposed of and a confiscation receipt given. You may be fined for this and referred to SCCR for possible disciplinary action. Please refer to your 2018–2019 residence hall handbook located at Housing.IllinoisState.edu (About > Policies).

Reminder: Attach notes to the plugs for refrigerators and aquariums—all other plugs must be disconnected prior to departure.

You must be in possession of your keys upon your return to campus! There will be a core change if you return without them. Remember, core change charges are $75.00 per key (room and suite key each). Notifying staff that your keys are in the mail does not exempt you from this charge.

For questions or concerns, please contact your RHC:

Dining Centers

Dining Centers close on November 16. Dining Centers will reopen on Sunday, November 25, at 4 p.m. Marketplace at Linkins at 2 p.m., Watterson Dining at 8 p.m.