FAQ: Living on campus

Why are CIA’s residence halls still open?

March 20, 2020: Although we have strongly encouraged students to return to their permanent residence if they can, CIA has kept its residence halls open because some of our students have personal circumstances that require them to stay in place.

• Many of our international students are prevented from returning home because of federal travel bans.
• Several students live in a household that includes family members with health conditions that could be compromised by the student returning.
• Some residents do not have a permanent home, have recently aged out of foster care or are from unwelcome or hostile environments.

For these reasons, we feel morally obliged to continue to provide housing. 

It's important to note that CIA residence halls are different than traditional dormitory-style halls. Ours consist of apartments and suites rather with separate kitchens/ kitchenettes, living spaces, and bathrooms. These set-ups add a layer of physical separation for the small population that remains on campus. 

Our staff members have been working diligently to ensure cleanliness within our residences, and have provided continuous information to students about transmission of the virus, avoiding crowds, maintaining good personal health habits, and getting help if they begin to feel unwell. We have banned outside guests and the use of shared workout equipment in the hall. We are constantly monitoring the situation and determining if other actions need to be taken.

How will I return equipment I borrowed from Equipment Checkout? 

March 23, 2020: As of March 24, we ask that you hold of to equipment until further notice.

March 20, 2020: If you are living in a CIA residence hall, leave your equipment in your suite when you leave and let your Residence Hall director know as part of your checkout. A member of the Student Life + Housing staff will return it to Equipment Checkout.

Students are welcome to continue using borrowed equipment as they need it, and no late fees will be charged. We'll send instructions later for those who continue to need equipment or who are living too far from campus to return equipment in person. 

Can I stay in the residence hall?

March 20, 2020: Because of the announcement today extending online instruction through the remainder of the semester, students in the residence hall are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residence. An email was sent to students who lived int he residence hall this semester from Matt Smith, Director of Student Life + Housing, offering specific move-out instructions.

March 13, 2020: While you are encouraged to stay at home, or return home if you can, those who have a contract to live in the residence halls are permitted to remain in their suites. No guests or other students are permitted to live in the residence halls without first speaking to Student Life + Housing.

The RAs, GAs, and the Residence Life Coordinator will all be in the residences, as usual. 

Who should I contact if I plan to stay or leave?

March 13, 2020: We ask that you let your RA know that you are staying in your room. If you have not done so, respond to Brittany Coy’s survey about your residential plans. 

I will not be staying in the residence hall; what should I know?

March 13, 2020: If you will not be staying in your residence hall suite, we ask that you remove any belongings that you may need during this period by Tuesday, March 17. If this schedule does not work for you, contact Brittany Coy (bacoy@cia.edu) so she can work with you.  

I live in the residence hall; can I enter the academic building?

March 13, 2020: Residential students will not be able to access the academic building.  It will be closed to all students.

How do I get meals during this time period?

March 13, 2020: This closure should have no effect on meals. If you have a CWRU meal plan, you can continue to use the plan as you have. 

If you have “meal swipes” as part of your CWRU meal plan, you will still be able to use them in the CWRU dining halls. CaseCash can be used as usual. 

Will the residence halls be cleaned?

March 13, 2020: Maintenance staff have increased their cleaning within the public spaces in the residence halls to keep contamination down. Cleaning staff do not have access to your personal rooms. You are still responsible for cleaning within your room, and health checks will occur during the rest of the semester to support the health and safety of others. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offer recommendations for ways to clean your space.

Will I receive mail? How can I receive packages?

March 13, 2020: If you are in a residence hall, your USPS mail will be picked up by a staff member and delivered to the hall.

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, you will not have access to the academic building. Any packages that arrive that day or later will be held in the mail room, but will be unavailable for pickup. Reroute all packages NOW to a new location if this will cause a problem for you.

What if there’s an emergency in the residence hall?

March 13, 2020: Emergencies should be handled as usual. The housing staff will be available and will be working in their offices during usual hours.

Will CWRU's Safe Ride program be available?

March 13, 2020: CWRU will continue to provide Safe Ride services on their usual schedule until further notice. If you become ill and are told to go to Health Services, Safe Ride will provide transportation.

To contact Safe Ride, call 216.360.3000. 

What other services should I be aware of?

• CWRU Police (off-campus): 216.368.3333
• University Circle Police (off-campus): 216.791.2444
• Cleveland LGBTQ Center: 216.651.5428
• Cleveland Rape Crisis Center: 216.619.6192
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741