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Fall Semester Closing Information

Fall Semester Closing

Hall Information

Halls close for the fall semester on Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m. 

Returning for Spring Semester?

If the student is returning for the upcoming spring semester, no check out is needed. Students’ belongings and items can remain in their assigned room, keys can remain in the possession of the student, but Housing recommends the student take home any valuable items and any needed items over winter break as students do not have access to their hall or room during the break period.

Students returning for spring semester will need to complete the closing checklist prior to departing. Students are responsible for coordinating the completion of the closing checklist with any roommates/suitemates if they are departing campus at different times.

Closing Checklist

  • Clean room prior to departure
  • Close and lock windows
  • Open blinds or roll up all window shades
  • Remove all food items from the microwave and refrigerator units
  • Remove trash and recycling and take to the appropriate outside dumpsters
  • Set room temperature between 74 degrees

You are able to leave items plugged in, but be aware that there may be planned and/or unplanned power outages over the break period that may impact your belongings. In addition, as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment, Facilities Management will be conducting routine maintenance and safety inspections during the winter break period.

Not Returning for Spring Semester?

Students who are not returning for spring semester need to complete the Intent to Vacate form on their Housing Self-Service page and check out of their assigned space no later then Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m.

Students who make the decision not to return for the spring 2024 semester over the winter break period, and still have personal belongings in their rooms, will need to check out of their residence hall space no later then Sunday, January 14, 2024, by 10 p.m. to avoid spring semester charges. Students must officially check out with an in-hall staff member and return their room key to properly check out. Residence Halls will NOT be open during the university closure (December 23 to January 1). Student's making the decision to withdraw over winter break will need to return to campus, retrieve their belongings, and check-out between Thursday, January 11 and Sunday, January 14 at 10 p.m.

Once the student properly checks out no later than 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, the spring semester room and board charges will be removed from the student’s account by Wednesday, January 17. Students checking out after 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 14 will be subject to the refund schedule per their housing contract.

Students with a Bobcat Cash balance of $15 or more, who are not returning for spring semester, are eligible for a refund.

Bobcat Cash Account Balance & Refund Policy and the electronic refund form

Dates

All Ohio University residence halls will officially close on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 8 p.m. Students must vacate their residence hall room within 24 hours of their last final exam, or by Friday, December 15, 2023, at 8 p.m., whichever comes first.

The University and department offices will be closed December 23 through January 1. Offices reopen Tuesday, January 2 at 8 a.m.

Fall Semester Extension

Students needing to stay beyond 8 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, can request a no cost one-night extension on their Housing Self-Service page to stay until no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The request must be submitted no later than 12 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, to avoid a charge.

Winter Break Housing

Students needing to remain on campus after Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. can elect to stay in a temporary housing assignment during the winter break period (December 16-January 10). More information about winter break housing.

Application Details

If a student needs to stay beyond the Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m. hall closing deadline or will not be returning for spring semester, the following applications/requests must be made.

Intent to Vacate

Students who plan to withdraw from the University (not registered for classes in the spring) or transfer at the end of the semester should notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life by completing the Intent to Vacate Form on their Housing Self-Service page.

Fall Semester One Night Extension Request

Students with an extenuating circumstance can request a no cost one-night extension by clicking on the 'Contracts & Applications' tab and completing the Fall One Night Extension Request on their Housing Self-Service page. Students receiving an extension must check out no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 16.

If a student is seeking housing options after December 16, at 6 p.m., they will need to fill out a Winter Break Housing Application located on their Housing Self-Service page and monitor their Ohio University email for more information, including relocation information.

Cost

Below are associated costs for fall closing:

  • The Fall Semester One Night Extension is at no cost if the request is made by the Friday, December 15 at 12 p.m. (noon) deadline.
  • A charge of $25 per hour, and every hour after, will be imposed to students who do not vacate the residence halls by 8 p.m. on Friday, December 15 and did not file an extension request.
  • A charge of $25 per hour, and every hour after, will be imposed to students who has an approved Fall Semester One Night Extension Request and does not vacate the residence halls by 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 16.
  • Additionally, a $100 minimum fee is charged to students who do not complete the Closing Checklist and closing process properly. Additional fees will be assessed for any items left by the student and/or for any damages that are beyond natural wear and tear.

Food Service and Options

The last meal served on the fall 2023 semester meal plan is dinner on Friday, December 15, additional information on meal plan periods and meal prorations.

Mail

Mail Services may have limited to no operation after fall semester hall closing and during winter break.

Additional Information

Damages

Staff will check rooms and assess for any damage beyond natural wear and tear. If a student needs to appeal a housing damage bill or other miscellaneous housing charges (i.e. Key Core, Lost Keys, etc.) they can access the appeal form.