Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and before you know it, your IWU student will have finished their first semester this year! We are sure your student is excited to take a break from classes and eat all of the holiday food, but they may have questions about the check-out process for Thanksgiving and Christmas break. What is the difference between the two breaks? What does your student need to have done before leaving? To help the check-out process go smoothly, we have provided a list of answers to questions your student may have!
When do I need to check-out for Thanksgiving?
Your student’s residence hall will close at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 27. However, he or she may choose to leave before that time! Students can let their RA know they have left by signing the move-out checklist that will be posted on their door before they leave! Your student may return to campus after break as early as Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 P.M.
What do I need to do before leaving for breaks?
Your student’s RA will post a move-out checklist on your student’s door a few days before the residence halls close. The checklist will include cleaning and other miscellaneous tasks they need to accomplish. For example, your student will need to clean their bathroom and sink and vacuum their floor before leaving. Your student will also need to turn their AC unit to 65.
Additionally, for Christmas break, your student will need to clean out and defrost their mini refrigerator if they have one. This can be easily accomplished by unplugging the appliance and leaving the door open. Laying a towel on the floor under the appliance will catch any water that runs out overnight. Your student will finish by drying out the inside and wiping it down with a disinfectant wipe. The RD from your student’s residence will also send instructions to your student when the time comes. All other appliances will also need to be unplugged before check-out.
What happens if I forget some of my cleaning duties?
Residence life staff will complete health and safety checks after the residence halls have closed. If your student fails to complete all of the duties listed on their checklist, has any safety violations or does not sign out on the checklist, then they will receive a fine. Upon returning to campus, your student can check their housing homepage to find out whether they passed the health and safety check!
Will my ID work if I forget something and need to get inside my hall?
Student IDs will be deactivated while the residence halls are closed, so your student will need to be sure they have packed everything they need before leaving!
When do I need to check-out for Christmas break?
Your student’s residence hall will close for Christmas break on Friday, December 13 at 10:00 A.M. They will need to sign out on their checklist once again before leaving. Residence halls will reopen at the end of break on Saturday, January 4 at 1:00 P.M.
What if I need to stay on campus during breaks?
If your student’s job or athletic activities require them to stay on campus during Christmas or Thanksgiving break, then they will need to have their supervisor or coach to submit an exemption form from the Housing page that your student can access through the portal.
Did this list answer all of your student’s questions? If not, they can contact Crystal Kitten, our housing director, at crystal.kitten@indwes.edu, or they can contact their RD and RA with any questions!
