Break Access
Requesting Access to Stay over Break
Housing is not typically available during the Thanksgiving break, Winter break, Spring break, or May Session break. Residence Halls and chapter houses close at the start of each break and reopen once the break ends. However, we understand that some students may have a specific need to remain on campus for all or part of a break. Details follow regarding how to request permission to stay in housing when the University is closed.
Permission to remain in housing during a break period may be granted for several reasons, including:
- students whose permanent home is more than 450 miles away from campus
- students with an essential on-campus job (with confirmation from a supervisor)
- students who have a musical or theatre rehearsal or performance (with confirmation from Director/Professor)
- students who have an athletic practice or competition (with confirmation from Coach)
- students with academic commitments (with confirmation from the professor)
Permission may also be granted to students with special or unique circumstances. If you believe your situation warrants additional consideration, please discuss it with your Area Director. In some cases, you may also need to meet with a dean from the Dean of Students Office. Students living in fraternity housing (and Kappa Delta sorority) should consult with the Office of Student Involvement staff. When completing the break access application, please include detailed information about your circumstances so it can be reviewed and directed to the appropriate professional staff member. All information provided will remain confidential.
Students must submit an online request through the MyHousing portal (click here for assistance). When the application is completed, you will receive an automated confirmation message. (If you don't receive this message, your application is not complete.) Please note that this verification does not guarantee approval. If your request is NOT approved, you will be notified directly. Please be patient, it may take some time. If you are approved, you will not be charged and will be granted swipe access on your ID card.
Coaches, faculty, or staff who wish to approve a student to stay on campus may submit the student's name (or a list of names) to the Office of Residential Life. However, each student is still required to submit their own online request to ensure the approval is properly recorded.
Charges may be applied for the following reasons:
- Late requests: $50 charge for requesting access after the deadline.
- Unauthorized stays: $50 per night for remaining in housing without approval.
- Unreported stays: Students found in a residence hall during a break without submitting a request or obtaining permission will be charged $50 (plus $50 per night). These cases may also result in a judicial referral.
To request access after the deadline below, contact your Area Director or ORL. Students' accounts will be charged the $50 late fee. ORL must be aware of all students staying over a break to ensure their safety.
The following important dates and deadlines related to staying over break should be noted:
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Deadline for Thanksgiving Break
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Deadline for Winter Break | Deadline for Spring Break | Deadline for May Session Break (This is the break between Spring closing and May Session opening). Graduating seniors, students staying for the May Session, and Spring athletes still competing are eligible to stay. |
| Nov. 18 by 8 AM | Dec. 5 by 8 AM | March 6 by 8 AM | Apr. 20 by 8 AM |
How do I request break access?
Requests need to be made online in the student's MyHousing Portal. After the online form closes, students can make requests through their AD or ORL.
By when I do need to make a request?
Please check the dates on the on the grid above.
What if my coach/sponsor doesn’t request break access on my behalf?
Students must make their own requests in MyHousing. Access cannot be requested by a coach or other campus sponsor, but a coach or sponsor may be contacted to confirm.
One of my friends/teammates requested access, can they just let me in?
No. Students must make their own requests in MyHousing. We need to know who is on campus over breaks. A $50 charge will be assessed to students who fail to request permission to remain in residence through a break, and a referral for a violation of the student code of conduct may also be made in these cases.
How do I avoid costs?
Plan ahead and make your request in advance (by the posted deadline) to avoid a charge.
Are residence hall policies in effect during the break period?
Yes.
In case of emergency over break, who do I contact?
Contact emergency services at 911, campus security at 309/556-1111.
What if damages occur in the hall during the break period?
If damages occur in the hall, and individual will be held accountable for them if one can be identified. In cases where an individual cannot be identified, all students with a break access will be charged equal shares of the damage cost as per the residence hall damage policy.
If you have additional questions, please contact your Area Director or the Office of Residential Life.
Doug Meyer - Associate Director of Residential Life for Housing Operations
Department - Residence Halls-operations