Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

​Central Michigan University students can soon return to campus to collect their belongings from the residence halls.

With safety at the forefront, CMU leadership and emergency management teams have scheduled residence hall move-out for May 1-9.

"Many students left for spring break with only minimal belongings and sometimes without items needed for online learning," said Kathleen Gardner, director of the Office of Residence Life. "To serve our students, we have developed a move-out plan that is as safe and convenient as possible."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's recent revision to the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order now allows people to travel between residences, and other state universities also are permitting students to return to campus for move-out.

Safety first

Dr. George Kikano, dean of the CMU College of Medicine, said the university's Emergency Management group worked in partnership with health officials to develop a strategic, phased move-out plan that strives to protect the health and safety of students, their families and university staff.

"This phased approach takes into consideration the CDC's best practices for social distancing, avoiding close contact with others, cleaning practices and more," Kikano said.

Students who, due to extraordinary circumstances, are unable to come to campus during move-out may contact the Office of Residence Life by email to explore other options.

To allow maximum room for social distancing, CMU is limiting the number of students who may return to campus at any one time. In addition, doors will be propped open during move-out times, weather permitting, to minimize multiple touch-points, and CMU staff will clean and sanitize these areas throughout the process.

Here are the details:

• Students received an email with a link allowing them to sign up for a three-hour time slot to come to campus to collect their belongings, and only 15-20 students per building are allowed to sign up for each block of time.
• Only one family at a time will be allowed in building elevators.
• Students have been asked to bring only one person with them to assist with move-out.
• Roommates should not move out at the same time.
• Everyone is required to wear masks or cloth face coverings when they come to campus.
• The Residence Life team has developed an expedited checkout process: Students will remove their belongings, lightly clean their rooms and turn in their keys using a sealed envelope to ensure social distancing.
• Checkout stations with envelopes, pens and hand sanitizer will be set up in the lobby areas, and sneeze guards are being installed to further support social distancing.

"Students also have been told not to come to campus if they, or any member of their family, feel sick, have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing; if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test; or if they have been directed to self-quarantine," Kikano said.

Gardner added that students who have not been living or eating on campus and return to complete move-out by May 9 will still be eligible to receive the financial credit outlined by President Bob Davies in his March 19 message to students.