Check-in/out Procedures
(Text-Only Version)
Check-in Procedures
Residents checking into a residence hall should report to the hall office, where a staff member will issue you keys. Each resident must complete a Room Condition Report (RCR) and sign and date the RCR in acknowledgment of the current room condition. The RCR should be returned to a residence hall staff member to obtain an entrance key for the residence hall. Any resident moving into a residence hall before the official opening day, each semester, will be assessed $25 per day, unless the resident is required to arrive early due to an approved university function.
Check-out Procedures
Residents must check out with a staff member when moving out of residence halls. (During the spring semester residents may complete an express check-out.) All personal belongings should be moved out of rooms prior to official check-out, and constructed items, such as lofts, must be removed. All university furniture must be in rooms and set up as it was upon check-in, and keys must be turned in. Any damages will be noted on the Room Condition Report and the student account will be assessed for such damages. During final exam week, residents are expected to check out of residence hall rooms within 24 hours of their last final exam. All residence halls close at 5 p.m. on the last day of exams. Graduating seniors and students participating in graduation will be permitted to remain in the residence halls after the official closing date. All students needing to remain past this date must receive approval from the Resident Director or Area Coordinator at least one week in advance. A resident officially withdrawing from the university must check out with a Residential Living staff member within 24 hours after withdrawal.
Break Closing Procedures
During the December break, all residence halls must be vacated. During this time, the university shuts down its physical operations to a maintenance level only, including heat, steam, hot water, and electricity. Residents who need to stay in Cullowhee during the break should make arrangements for off-campus housing. Residents are encouraged to take valuables home during the break, but other items may remain in rooms. Residents should ensure that the following tasks are completed before leaving for December break:
- Clean, defrost, and unplug refrigerators.
- Unplug all appliances, including fish tanks, computers and answering machines.
- Leave the heat ON.
- Close and lock all windows.
- Empty all trash.
- Take all valuables and money with you.
- Turn off all lights, close blinds, and lock door.
- If leaving the residence hall permanently, check out of room with an RA.
Please be aware that housing staff will inspect all rooms during the December break.
Spring Express Check-out
Express check-out procedures provide flexibility and save time at the end of spring semester. This option allows residents to check out of residence hall rooms at any time of day or night prior to the residence hall check-out deadline. Residents may pick up an Express Check-out Information Sheet and Key Envelope at the residence hall office, Resident Director’s or Area Coordinator’s Office, or the Department of Residential Living beginning with the week before final exams.
Residents choosing the Spring Express Check-out should:
- Make sure room is clean and properly assembled, including floors, walls, counter and desktops, and all furniture.
- Assemble beds properly. (Each bed should have a footboard and a headboard.)
- Fill out the requested information on the key envelope, put keys in the envelope, and deposit the sealed key envelope into the maintenance request drop box.
Residence hall staff will check each resident’s room later. Residents will be responsible for any damages to the room or furnishings that were not previously recorded on Room Condition Reports. Residents choosing Spring Express Check-out may not appeal damage charges.
