Housing & Dining Programsoctober 2014

2014 Important Dates

Friday, October 17Last day to drop a fall course

Friday, October 17- Sunday, October 20

All-American Weekend

Wednesday, November 26- Sunday, November 30

Thanksgiving break, No Classes

Wednesday, December 5Fall classes End

Monday, December 15Fall Semester Final Exams End

Wednesday, December 17Residence Halls Close at 12pm for Winter

Break

Sunday, January 4Residence Halls Open at 3pm for the

Spring Semester

Monday, January 12First day of Spring 2015 classes

Monday, January 12Information and applications available for

2015–2016 housing

Friday, January 302015-2016 Housing Applications due at

5pm (no exceptions)

Thursday, February 12- Friday, February 13

Fall to Spring Room Change

Wednesday, May 6Residence Halls close at 12pm for

Undergraduates

Dear Campus Residents,

Can you believe that it's already October and that we are almost at the mid-point of the semester? I am hopeful that your semester has gotten off to a great start and that you are doing really well in your classes.

During the semester, I will be sending an e-newsletter to all campus residents with the goal of keeping you well connected to what's happening in Housing & Dining Programs. I invite you to read these updates with interest as they could be very beneficial to you.

If you have any questions about what is written in this message, please contact your Resident Assistant, your Resident Director or our Main Office staff at x3370 or housinganddiningprograms@american.edu.

Chris MoodyAssistant Vice PresidentHousing & Dining Programs

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Planning Ahead for Winter BreakResidents should make arrangements to depart for Winter Break within 24 hours of their last final exam. If you're planning ahead for Winter Break, please note that the residence halls will close for all students on Wednesday, December 17 at 12pm. More details on closing will be provided towards the end of the semester by your residence hall staff.

Campus will re-open on Sunday, January 4 at 3pm for the Spring 2015 semester. Spring 2015 semester classes will begin on Monday, January 12. We encourage students to schedule your return to campus between January 10-11 as campus service and hours of operation will be very limited between January 4-10. It’s always best to make travel arrangements as far in advance as you can!

Campus Housing During Thanksgiving BreaksThe residence halls will remain open during Thanksgiving Break, but many of the hall desks will be closed. In other words, you do not have to return home or find alternate housing during these breaks, but your front desk will not be fully operational.

Our seasonal switchover from cooling to heating typically occurs in mid-October. Facilities Management staff monitors the local weather forecast and if the average daily temperature (including highs and lows, humidity and precipitation levels) is below 55 degrees and falling for more than 7 consecutive days, plans are made to switch buildings over to heating. The residence hall air handling system is centralized for each residence hall. Therefore, the entire hall must be switched over from hot to cold air at one time.

The switchover is a manual process for McDowell, Leonard, Anderson, and Centennial halls. Therefore, approximately 48-hours prior to the air system switchover in these four buildings, Resident Assistants will post notices in the building to let you know they will be entering student rooms to perform the manual adjustment. The process involves turning a special key in your air unit. Heating in all other residence halls automatically starts, and does not require entry to perform the process.

Because every individual has different temperature preferences, some occupants will inevitably experience some displeasure with the temperature during the transitional weeks as the spring and fall weather patterns are stabilizing. During this period of time, you should utilize your windows, blankets, or adjust your clothing choices as appropriate. Individual air-conditioners/heating units are not allowed for electrical and fire safety reasons.

Heat Switchover in the Residence Halls

Traveling During the Fall Semester?Enroll in a Student Advantage membership and save big on travel services such as Amtrack and Greyhound! One membership lasts for four years and gives you access to thousands of discounts to stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and more. You can even use your Student Advantage membership to shop online for additional savings! For more information about the membership, please visit the Student Advantage website.

Housing & Dining Programsoctober 2014

4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Anderson HallWashington, DC 20016

(202) 885-3370www.american.edu/housing

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Spring 2015 Housing TerminationAll current resident students must complete and submit a housing termination petition in order to terminate their spring 2015 housing. The priority deadline to terminate your housing is November 1, 2014. Students currently housed for the fall 2014 semester will be charged a $500 housing fee for terminating their spring 2015 assignment. Students studying abroad for spring, graduating or separating from the university will be exempt from the fee provided they meet all posted deadlines. Please note: The fee increases following the November 1st deadline.

RHA Update

Residence hall staff will conduct Health and Safety Inspections of all resident rooms during the month of October. Health and Safety Inspections are intended to ensure that room conditions are consistent with safety standards defined by Housing & Dining Programs, Risk Management, and Facilities Management. Health and safety inspections of residence hall rooms are conducted once per semester. For questions about this process, please contact your Resident Director.

Health and Safety Inspections

Tips to Eliminate Mice in Your Residence Hall RoomResidence halls are inviting to mice if there is a source of food and shelter. Once mice are established in this type of environment, they are difficult to eliminate. The following tips can help eliminate mice from your room and residence hall:

• Store all food in sealed containers made out of heavy plastic, metal, or glass.

• Do not leave crumbs, dishes with food, or candy out overnight (mice love chocolate!). As mice are nocturnal creatures and forage mostly at night, it is always good to clear your dishes before going to sleep.

• Make sure your trashcan is emptied at night, especially if it contains food. Mice are attracted to food trash.

• In lounge areas, clean up all spilled food in cabinets, on the floor, and behind the stove. Clean sinks, counter tops, and stove top areas.

• Clean underneath, around and behind your appliances frequently for dropped crumbs and other food items.

• Mice thrive in cluttered environments. Remove or store items that you are not currently using, as these items can attract pests. Remove clutter, such as old newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and old clothes. Not only will decluttering your space reduce the living space available to mice, but it also assists Facilities Management in the inspection and treatment process.

• If you see or hear mice in your room, lounge, or hall area, promptly place a request to 2Fix by using your AU portal, calling (202) 885-2349, or emailing 2fix@american.edu.