‘Pack your belongings’: KU students must vacate dorms because of coronavirus concerns
In response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, the University of Kansas has asked students currently on campus to move out by 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, officials announced in a statement Tuesday.
Those who are away from campus will not be allowed to return to retrieve their belongings at this point. For them, the “move out process will be conducted in stages and extend through a 21-day period to protect the health and safety of students and staff,” the university said.
KU residence halls house some 5,000 of the college’s 28,000 students. No decision has yet been made regarding housing refunds.
And no decision has been made as to whether graduation ceremonies will be held on May 17. On Monday, Kansas State University announced it was canceling its in-person ceremonies and would look into other methods to celebrate.
KU’s announcement was posted online and signed by Chancellor Doug Girod and Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer. A link to the university’s housing website spelled out details.
▪ Residents have two options: The first is to, “Pack your belongings and move out by March 20 at 2:00 p.m.” Residents will use an express checkout system. The second is to request an exemption to remain, based on extenuating circumstances, such as being an international student or someone from a community quarantined because of COVID-19.
▪ Residents who live on campus but who are currently away “may not return to campus to retrieve their belongings at this time,” KU has said. Access to other campus buildings has been blocked.
Residents will be able to sign up for a specific day and time to move out, as to limit the number of people on campus and maximize social distancing.
“We are working to develop a coordinated plan for the move-out process that incorporates social distancing and current CDC guidance,” the university announced. An email is to be sent to all residents by 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, with details.
“It is vital that the move-out process be orderly and structured to protect everyone through this process. Your patience is appreciated,” the statement said. “Do not return to campus at this time.”
KU announced other changes affecting all students:
▪ All classes that were previously taught “in-person” will be delivered online for the remainder of the spring semester. Several other institutions, including K-State and the University of Missouri, have also announced they are online only for the semester.
▪ No decision has been made on whether commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 17 will be canceled. The status is “still be determined.”
“It is worth waiting a bit longer and monitoring developments before we make a decision on this tradition,” the university said.
▪ All campus employees are being encouraged to work remotely “as much as possible.”
“Let us be clear. KU is not ‘closing.’ We instead are redefining how we deliver our services and maintain quality and integrity with a provisional, limited on-campus presence.”
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 1:31 PM with the headline "‘Pack your belongings’: KU students must vacate dorms because of coronavirus concerns."
