End-of-Semester Checkout Procedures

Dear Students and Families:

With residential instruction concluding Tuesday, Nov. 24, we are already planning move-out for the semester to ensure a smooth process. When you depart your on-campus housing for Thanksgiving, you will not return to campus again until January 2021. As such, your move-out experience will be considerably different this year. In the past, you may have only packed a bag or two for your trip home, but this year, we will ask you to take specific and additional actions in the unlikely event the start date of our residential spring semester is delayed.

With this in mind, we are writing to you today to get you thinking about your move-out and to share details on this year’s checkout procedures. Below we have detailed the following subjects:

• Important Checkout Procedure Dates
• Packing Your Belongings
• Checkout Process
• Pre-Departure Testing
• Options for Individuals with Extenuating Circumstances

Important Checkout Procedure Dates

As you begin to think about moving out of your residence halls later this semester, please mark your calendars with the following dates:

• 26–Nov. 6: Students will select a checkout date through MySlice; the form will go live on Monday, Oct. 26, and will close at midnight on Friday, Nov. 6.
• 14–25: Students in on-campus housing will check out beginning on Saturday, Nov. 14, and ending on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
• 25: All residence halls and South Campus apartments will close on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at noon.

Packing Your Belongings

Out of an abundance of caution, we are requiring students to take steps to prepare for the unlikely event the University does not return to residential learning in spring 2021. You must pack any belongings left in your residence hall or apartment and leave them on or near your bed, labeled with the address you would want your belongings shipped. Any items of sentimental or significant value should be taken with you when you depart campus, as well as any technology or school supplies you may need for online learning.

Checkout Process

All students will need to schedule a time between Nov. 14-25 to move out of on-campus housing. A form to select a checkout date and time will go live on your MySlice self-service page on Oct. 26, and will remain open until Nov. 6.

If you would like to check out prior to Nov. 14, please speak with your residence director or resident advisor (North Campus/Skyhalls) to schedule a checkout time. If you live in a South Campus apartment, you can arrange an early checkout with the Office of Student Living by calling 315.443.3893 or emailing osl@syr.edu. If you leave earlier than Nov. 14, you will still need to pack your belongings and return your key before leaving campus for the semester.

During the checkout process, you will meet with a staff member who will visually inspect your residence and take pictures of your boxed belongings. You will need to turn your key in when you leave campus. Failure to return your key will result in a $50 lock change fee.

Pre-Departure Testing

The University will screen all students through the University pool saliva testing program shortly before we conclude the residential semester on Nov. 25. This testing is planned to help safeguard you and your families—and the communities you call home—by ensuring that COVID-positive students are not unknowingly leaving campus and putting others at risk. We will share more information, specifically testing logistics, in early November.

Options for Individuals with Extenuating Circumstances

We recognize some of our students may be unable to travel home during the winter break due to international travel restrictions, housing insecurity or other extreme hardships. You may apply for extended-stay housing in your MySlice housing portal beginning Oct. 26. The Dean of Students Office will review all applications and notify students who have been approved to stay. Learn more about extended stay housing on the frequently asked questions page.

More details on these new procedures will be provided in the next few weeks. In the meantime, please visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more. We hope this information helps as you begin planning for the end of the semester and your return home.

Sincerely,

Eileen Simmons
Director, Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services Office

Terra Peckskamp
Senior Director, Office of Student Living