University Housing Spring 2021 Communication Archive

Spring 2021

Email to all Kenilworth residents - 4/29/21

Façade Survey of the Kenilworth Exterior

Monday, May 3, 2021 – 8 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 – 8 am to 12 pm

Dear Kenilworth Residents,

Working on behalf of the State of Wisconsin, Helios Visions, a UWMapproved contractor, will use a drone to video-record an exterior building inspection of Kenilworth, following a flight plan that is represented by the blue lines in the Kenilworth photo at right. The flight pattern is described as a “mowing motion” up and down along all sides of the building, and back and forth across the roof.

The drone inspections are scheduled for Monday, May 3 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and possibly on Tuesday, May 4 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, depending on the weather conditions.

The drone operator will have a fluorescent vest and a hardhat on, and will always maintain eyesight of the drone. The drone itself is approximately 1 foot by 1 foot and makes a buzzing sound from the blades, but it is not loud.

The drone will only be in front of windows to the exterior for a short period of time and will maintain a distance of 16-20 feet away from the building. For total privacy during this drone inspection, anyone with exterior-facing windows may feel free to keep their blinds or curtains closed during these periods.

This exterior building inspection is needed so that we can make the necessary façade repairs that are found during the inspection.

Please contact university-housing@uwm.edu with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your cooperation,
University Housing

Email to all residents - 4/28/21

Hey Panthers –

As you likely saw in recent campus announcements, students, faculty, and staff who are fully vaccinated and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 no longer have to be tested.

If You Would Like to be Exempt from Testing, You Must Take the Following Actions:

To be eligible, you MUST have received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, AND be 2 weeks post your final dose.
Complete this form.
The form requires you to upload an image of your vaccine record, which then must be approved by staff. While waiting for approval, you must still test weekly. This could take multiple days before being approved.
Your vaccine card or a copy of your vaccination record from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry will work for proof of vaccination.

No matter your vaccine status, if you are having symptoms, you should schedule a COVID-19 test immediately at Norris to help keep our community safe!

If you would like to get vaccinated at the clinic in the UWM Student Union, you can make an appointment at uwm.edu/vaccination. It is important to note that both doses need to be taken at the same vaccine site, so even after move-out, you will need to return to UWM for your second dose (for Moderna or Pfizer vaccines).

It is important to continue following health and safety protocols while people are getting vaccinated. On-campus and within the residence halls it is still required that you continue wearing your masks, washing your hands, and social distancing!

Thanks,
University Housing

Email to all residents - 4/26/21

Dear Panthers,

We hope the end of the semester is going well. As you take time to pack, prepare for finals and make those end-of-the-year memories, we wanted to take a minute to provide you the top tips to have a successful move-out.

Only 5 Days Left! Sign-Up for a Move-Out Appointment by May 1

On April 9, you received an email from info@signupgenius.com to schedule your move-out appointment. You can schedule an appointment for a time from May 14 to May 22 (Kenilworth May 7 to May 31). If you need to change your move-out appointment after you initially sign-up, you can do so 24-hours prior to the appointment time you are seeking, as long as there are still move-out slots available. Due to COVID-19 and elevator capacities, we can only allow a certain number of people to check out at one time. If your ideal time slot is filled, you must select an alternative time.

Please sign-up for your move-out appointment by May 1. You can use these same links to change your appointment.

Here are the links in case you misplaced that email:

Leaving Early

If your plans are to leave before the official move-out process starts (May 7 Kenilworth; May 14 Residence Hall), that’s OK. Here are the steps you need to take to properly check out:

Complete all items on the move-out checklist that was provided to you.
When all items are completed, submit your signed 1/2-sheet completed checklist and room key to your building’s service desk.
A University Housing Staff member will check your space within 24-hours of your vacate.
1. If there are any damages or excessive cleaning concerns, these will be submitted to staff and you may accrue charges on your PAWS account.

Start to Pack and Clean!

We highly encourage you to start taking items home now on the weekends leading up to the end of the semester. This will help to ensure we maintain a good level of social distancing during peak move-out periods. Starting early also helps minimize stress as you head into finals. Be sure you and your suitemates are working together to clean any common area spaces.

There will be limited cleaning supplies and vacuums for check out from the Service Desks. These are first-come, first-served. We do encourage you to provide your own cleaning supplies.

Follow the instructions on the 1/2-sheet posted to your door and review your floor bulletin board for additional details.

Need a new 1/2-sheet? Visit your building’s service desk!

Update Your Forwarding Address!

Log in to uwm.edu/myhousing to update your forwarding addressing information. When you log in to your MyHousing Portal, select ‘My Addresses’ from the left-hand menu. When you are on the ‘My Addresses’ page, select ‘Forwarding Address’ from the drop-down menu and populate your forwarding address and select the ‘Save Changes’ button at the bottom of the page. You can enter this information at any time before your move-out day. This allows Housing to forward any first-class mail or UPS, FedEx, USPS Priority packages to you after you move out. Packages shipped by Amazon Logistics do not have forwarding services available and can only be returned to the sender. Please remove your UWM address from your Amazon account at move-out. If you accidentally ship your Amazon package to UWM after move-out, you can work directly with Amazon for a replacement item at your current address and UWM will work with Amazon through the return process of your item. Failure to provide or update your forwarding address will result in housing not being able to appropriately re-directly any first-class parcel mail or packages. Undeliverable or unforwarded items will have to be returned to the sender when possible.

On Your Move-Out Day

On the day of your scheduled move-out appointment, ensure all belongings from your room are removed and your space is cleaned. You are allowed to have up to two (2) guests assist you in your move-out process. You can then come down any time during your 1-hour check-out window. Your guests should wait in your vehicle or outside the building while you go to the checkout room. Please know there might be a short delay depending on natural traffic patterns during that window of time.

Check-Out Locations: Cambridge 171, Sandburg Flicks, or Kenilworth Service Desk; Purin, your RA will meet you at your room.

Avoid Charges

The last thing we would want you to leave with is damage, cleaning, or improper check-out charges. Please make sure you follow all the steps on the posted closing checklist to ensure you have a positive move-out experience as you kick off the start to summer. If unsure, contact University Housing at 414-229-4065 or universityhousing@uwm.edu. We are here to assist you.

Email to returning residents - 4/23/21

Dear Panthers & Panther Families –

The last year has been challenging with COVID-19 and the many experiences changed or lost. We know there have been academic, social, emotional, financial, and health-related tolls on all of us. We reach out today to share our plans for the upcoming year. We want to make sure you know the impact living in the residence halls at UWM can have on your time as a Panther, and remind you of some key deadlines if you choose to live with us again!

Why Live On-Campus?

Students who live on-campus report higher social satisfaction and GPAs than their peers who live off-campus. There are additional things you can do on-campus to improve your experience, as well.

Return to Normal

We aim to provide a more traditional collegiate experience this upcoming academic year. Our study rooms, community spaces, fitness rooms, movie theatres will all re-open, while still following local health guidelines for your safety. We also recognize the importance of connection, so are working to develop robust programmatic and leadership opportunities for those living on-campus in partnership with other campus offices. Lastly, we will allow students to have up to two registered guests visit at a time.

Academic Support

As you transition back to more in-person learning environments, living on-campus creates an academic environment where you can be successful! If you are in a Living Learning Community, you would be surrounded by people in your major. Within the halls, we have in-person tutoring in our Academic Resource Room, our Smart Panther event series that focuses on learning study skills, and RAs and professional staff who help you get connected with campus resources.

Get Involved

Living on-campus gives you more opportunities to make friends early on in your college career. You have roommates, suitemates, community lounges, and events that together create a social environment. We also have clubs and organizations to join, like the Student Housing Administrative Council, building-specific community councils, a National Residence Hall Honorary, a late-night programming team, and Proud Panthers. We also employ on average 300 students, and many students also find their friends through working for Housing! We encourage you to Get Involved and Connected both in the halls and on-campus. Research does show that students who are more involved on-campus show greater academic success and persistence. For more detailed information on involvement visit uwm.edu/housing and for Housing employment visit uwm.edu/housing/getajob.

Safety & Security

University Housing employs a 24- hour student security staff. Security and the professional staff ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents. Security monitors are posted 24 hours a day to swipe the IDs of residents, along with any registered hosted guest, entering the building. In Cambridge, RiverView, Sandburg, and Kenilworth, touchless security monitors are located at the main entrance to the building. We also have enhanced cleaning and behavior protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including maintaining a masking requirement.

Wellness

The transition to college is difficult, and University Housing works with many campus partners to support that transition. We have proactive events and outreach for students related to stress management, mental health, alcohol and drug usage, sex education, and overall wellness. We also have trained staff who can respond to crises 24/7/365.

Key Dates:

May

May 1 –

Priority deadline for contracts to be completed in order to be eligible for the first room assignment lottery. Contracts must be completed by 11:59 PM on this day to be part of the first lottery. Completing your contract by this day will give you the best statistical chance at being assigned to your preferred LLC, room type, or with your preferred roommate. Provided you complete the contract by May 1, you will still have until July 1 to adjust and finalize any contract preferences.
If you were, or still are a minor, who submitted a contract online, the Contract Signature Page form mailed to you must be submitted by this date. Assignments may be withheld until contract terms have been co-signed by a legal parent or guardian, or yourself at the point you turn 18 years of age.
First possible payment deadline of your housing deposit of $100 (“Deposit”). Follow the deadlines as posted on your PAWS Account. Pay by mail, e-check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Visit PAWS.uwm.edu to access deadlines and payment methods. Deposit payment must be received in order to receive a housing assignment.

July

July 1 –

Contracts must be canceled BEFORE this date if students wish to receive $50 of their $100 Deposit. Contracts canceled on or after this date will forfeit the $100 Contract Deposit regardless of the date when the contract was submitted.
All contract preferences lock on MyHousing. You have until this day to make as many updates as you want to your preferred room types, roommate, LLC, meal plan level, and personality traits.

July 9 –

The first batch of assignments (for those who completed their contracts by the priority deadline AND paid their Contract Deposit) are typically released via the MyHousing website after 12:00 PM (noon) on the Friday of the first full week of the month. Students use their MyHousing account to access their room and roommate assignment, as well as their Move-In appointment.

July 12 –

Move-In Guide and Move-In dates will be released this week.

August

August 1 –

Deadline for Early Arrival Applications to be submitted (for those students required to be on campus prior to their otherwise assigned move-in time). The earliest approved early arrival date is August 20. Early Arrival Applications received after this date may be denied without review.
Your eligibility status will be checked on August 1. If you are not enrolled, University Housing reserves the right to administratively cancel your Contract due to ineligibility.

August 26 –

Deadline for Contract Cancellation for nonearly arrivals. If your Assigned Entry Date is on or before August 26, you must submit a contract cancellation at least 24 hours prior to your Assigned Entry Date.

August 28-31 –

Semester I Move-In Dates. For Semester I Move-Ins, please refer to your MyHousing portal for your specific Move-In date and time.

A Message from Restaurant Operations:

Restaurant Operations is excited to be able to provide the residential students with a variety of menu choices and quality offerings made fresh from our culinary team here on campus. We strive to provide a clean, safe, affordable, and quality-driven meal service. Here are some upcoming features to look forward to this coming year:

GET mobile online ordering for participating units.
Virtual cooking classes.
Discounted Meal Kits.
Special meals featuring world and regional cuisines.
Complimentary Taste Test Tuesdays at Restor locations and Vendor Fair.
Net Nutrition database for allergy, dietary and nutritional content.
Rotational menus including vegan and gluten-free options.
Expanded food offerings from 2020-2021.
Campus Gardens that help support the food pantry and menu offerings on campus.
Employment opportunities—similar to University Housing we employ on average 350 student employees. Working on campus allows you to develop friendships while working conveniently onsite around your schedule.
For additional detailed information, visit us online at uwm.edu/dining or check us out on Instagram @UWMYUM.

Interested in working for Restaurant Operations? Visit uwm.edu/dining!

Email to all residents - 4/14/21

Dear Panthers,

Under normal circumstances, we would have been conducting our annual Tornado Drill on Thursday, April 15, 2021 during Severe Weather Awareness Week. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our need to maintain adequate social distancing in tornado shelter areas, we will not be conducting the drill on our campus this year. We would ask that instead, you review the Resident Handbook, page 25 related to Tornado Warnings, so you are aware of the proper safety shelter location if there were to be a true warning.

You may hear the county outdoor warning sirens activated at both 1:45 pm and 6:45 pm on April 15th, 2021 as part of the Wisconsin Statewide Tornado Drill, but you do not need to assemble in a tornado shelter area unless of course there is an actual severe weather event occurring at that time.

Here is some information about tornado watches and warnings.

Tornado Watch

Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and If the weather looks threatening, monitor local media or UWM’s Innovative Weather, commercial radio, or television for information. Watch for alerts on your cell phone and check social media for additional information from trusted sources. Also, watch for RAVE Alerts which will be issued by the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Police. You can receive RAVE Alerts on your personal computer and on your cell phone. Here is the link that faculty and staff can use to add RAVE to your cell phone: https://www.getrave.com/login/uwmilwaukee

Tornado Warning

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes a year.
The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year.
Tornadoes can occur any time during the day or night but are most frequent between 4 pm and 9 pm.
About 80% of tornadoes that hit Wisconsin are relatively weak, with winds under 100 mph. Only 1% are violent with winds over 200 mph.
They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Todd Luebstorf
B&G Superintendent
University Housing

Email to Kenilworth residents - 4/9/21

Dear Panthers,

As the academic year starts to wind down and you gear up for finals, we want to provide you the following set of instructions so you can properly move out at the end of your contract. We hope that this year was memorable.

Sign Up for a Move-Out Appointment by May 1

You will receive a separate email from info@signupgenius.com today, following this email, with instructions to select an hour timeslot to check out with a University Housing staff member. Appointments can be scheduled from May 7 to May 31. If you need to change your appointment after you initially sign-up, you can do so 24-hours prior to the appointment time you are seeking.

If you did not receive the email from info@signupgenius.com, please check your spam, or junk folder, or search by the email address for it. If you still are having issues, please inform our department at university-housing@uwm.edu.

Start to Pack and Clean!

We highly encourage you to start taking items home now on the weekends leading up to the end of the semester. This will help to ensure we maintain a good level of social distancing during peak move-out periods. Starting early also helps minimize stress as you head into finals. Be sure you and your apartment mates are working together to clean any common area spaces.

There will be limited cleaning supplies and vacuums for check out from the Service Desk. These are first-come, first-serve. We do encourage you to provide your own cleaning supplies.

Follow the instructions on the half-sheet and floor bulletin board for additional details.

Here are some friendly reminders:

Mailbox: check your mailbox and remove all items.
Housing-provided equipment: loaned equipment such as bed shakers, doorbells, etc. should be consolidated and left on your mattress

Move-Out Instructions Overview

It is important to watch the instruction video and read the below information for a smooth move-out process.

Update Your Forwarding Address!

On Your Move-Out Day

Your room furniture should all be moved to the center of the room, as shown in the diagram on your floor bulletin board. Empty your mailbox.

Go to the Kenilworth Service Desk with your room key. You should arrive within the hour that you scheduled. Your move-out helpers should wait for you at your vehicle. Staff will verify you updated your forwarding address. A staff member will then go with you to inspect your room and common area, verify the key fits your door and complete the check-out.

Check-Out Location: Kenilworth Service Desk.

Avoid Charges

The last thing we would want you to leave with is damage, cleaning, or improper check-out charges. Please make sure you follow all the steps on the posted closing checklist to ensure you have a positive move-out experience as you kick off the start to summer. If unsure, ask the Service Desk or contact University Housing at 414-229- 4065 or university-housing@uwm.edu. We are here to assist you.

Common reasons students accrue charges at move out include but are not limited to:

Leaving the room and common area in poor condition. This could include not removing all personal belongings, not doing a base level of cleaning of surfaces and floors.
Causing physical damage to space such as marked walls, holes in drywall, stains on the floor, broken furniture, and fixtures.
Improperly checking out or just walking out—resident must vacate prior to noon on May 31, unless prior approved for a late departure or summer contract. Not signing up for a move-out time and or just walking out of the halls and not officially checking out with staff would be considered an improper check-out.
Not returning keys or equipment provided to you by University Housing.

Summer Extensions

We love to hear that students want to stick around with us a bit longer! If you are needing to remain on campus through June or July, you may submit a Kenilworth Contract Extension request form. This allows you to stay with us for one or two more months. Billing would continue at your current monthly rate. Contract Extension Requests must be submitted no later than May 1st. If you have completed a 2021-2022 Contract, during the summer you will be allowed to request an Early Start of August 1 to next year’s contract so that you have continuous housing from one contract to the next. This request form will be provided to you via email.

Email to all Purin residents - 4/9/21

Dear Panthers,

Sign Up for a Move-Out Appointment by May 1

You will be receiving an email from your RA, Emily with instructions on how to sign up for a move-out time. Move-out times for Purin will be in 15-minute increments and RA Emily will meet you at your room at the time you have selected. Please have all move-out items completed by your move-out appointment time, so it does not impact those who have appointments after yours. If you need to adjust your time, please proactively work with RA Emily in advance of your originally scheduled moveout appointment. Please sign up for move-out time no later than May 1st.

Start to Pack and Clean!

There will be limited cleaning supplies and vacuums for check out from the Service Desks. These are first-come, first-serve. We do encourage you to provide your own cleaning supplies.

Follow the instructions on the half-sheet and floor bulletin board for additional details.

Here are some friendly reminders:

Mailbox: check your mailbox and remove all items.
Firestick: reset to remove any personal information and leave on mattress
Housing-provided equipment: loaned equipment such as bed shakers, doorbells, etc. should be consolidated and left on your mattress

Move-Out Instructions Overview

It is important to watch the instruction video and read the below information for a smooth move-out process.

Update Your Forwarding Address!

On Your Move-Out Day

Your room furniture should all be moved to the center of the room, as shown in the diagram on your floor bulletin board. Empty your mailbox.

Housing staff will meet you at your room during the move-out time you scheduled. Your move-out helpers should wait for you at your vehicle. Staff will verify you updated your forwarding address. A staff member will inspect your room and common area, verify the key fits your door, and complete the check-out.

Avoid Charges

The last thing we would want you to leave with is damage, cleaning, or improper check-out charges. Please make sure you follow all the steps on the posted closing checklist to ensure you have a positive move-out experience as you kick off the start to summer. If unsure, ask your RA or contact University Housing at 414-229-4065 or university-housing@uwm.edu. We are here to assist you.

Common reasons students accrue charges at move out include but are not limited to:

Leaving the room in poor condition. This could include not removing all personal belongings, not doing a base level of cleaning of surfaces and floors.
Causing physical damage to space such as marked walls, holes in drywall, stains on the floor, broken furniture, and fixtures.
Improperly checking out or just walking out—resident must vacate prior to noon on May 22nd, unless prior approved for a late departure or summer contract. Not signing up for a move-out time and or just walking out of the halls and not officially checking out with staff would be considered an improper check-out.
Not returning keys or equipment provided to you by University Housing.

Late Departures & Summer Contracts

We love to hear that students want to stick around with us a bit longer! If you are needing to remain on campus for a short while (no later than noon on June 1st), you can submit a late departure request form. Late Departure is billed at $35/night starting May 22nd. Requests for Late Departure must be submitted by May 1st.

If you are enrolled in summer courses or are employed on campus, you are eligible for a summer contract. Summer Housing will be in Sandburg East Tower. Contracts require a minimum of a four-week period and will be billed at a rate of $25 per night for a single bedroom. Only single bedrooms will be offered for Summer. If interested, please submit an online application, and we will provide you a contract to complete.

Email to all Cambridge & Sandburg residents - 4/9/21

Dear Panthers,

Sign Up for a Move-Out Appointment by May 1

You will receive a separate email from info@signupgenius.com today, following this email, with instructions to select an hour timeslot to check out with a University Housing staff member. Appointments can be scheduled from May 14 to May 22. If you need to change your appointment after you initially sign-up, you can do so 24- hours prior to the appointment time you are seeking.

If you did not receive the email from info@signupgenius.com, please check your spam or junk folder, or search by the email address for it. If you still are having issues, please inform our department at university-housing@uwm.edu.

Start to Pack and Clean!

There will be limited cleaning supplies and vacuums for check out from the Service Desks. These are first-come, first-serve. We do encourage you to provide your own cleaning supplies.

Follow the instructions on the half-sheet posted to your door and review your floor bulletin board for additional details.

Here are some friendly reminders:

Mailbox: check your mailbox and remove all items.
Micro-fridge rentals: remove all items, wipe inside clean, unplug, and leave the door open. Defrosting your freezer can take up to 24-hours, so start this process early.
Lofts: de-loft your bed and fold up the loft kit. Leave the folded loft kit under the bed.
Housing-provided equipment: loaned equipment such as bed shakers, doorbells, etc. should be consolidated and left on your mattress.

Move-Out Instructions Overview

It is important to watch the instruction video and read the below information for a smooth move-out process.

Update Your Forwarding Address!

Log in to uwm.edu/myhousing to update your forwarding address information. When you log in to your MyHousing Portal, select ‘My Addresses’ from the left-hand menu. When you are on the ‘My Addresses’ page, select ‘Forwarding Address’ from the drop-down menu and populate your forwarding address and select the ‘Save Changes’ button at the bottom of the page. You can enter this information at any time before your move-out day. This allows Housing to forward any first-class mail or UPS, FedEx, USPS Priority packages to you after you move out. Packages shipped by Amazon Logistics do not have forwarding services available and can only be returned to the sender. Please remove your UWM address from your Amazon account at move-out. If you accidentally ship your Amazon package to UWM after move-out, you can work directly with Amazon for a replacement item at your current address and UWM will work with Amazon through the return process of your item. Failure to provide or update your forwarding address will result in Housing not being able to appropriately re-direct any first-class parcel mail or packages. Undeliverable or unforwarded items will have to be returned to the sender when possible.

On Your Move-Out Day

Your room furniture should all be moved to the center of the room, as shown in the diagram on your floor bulletin board. Empty your mailbox.

Go to the centralized check-out location with your room key. You should arrive anytime within the hour that you scheduled. Your move-out helpers should wait for you at your vehicle. Staff will verify you updated your forwarding address. A staff member will then go with you to inspect your room and common area, verify the key fits your door, and complete the check-out.

Check-Out Locations: Sandburg Flicks or Cambridge 171

Avoid Charges

The last thing we would want you to leave with is damage, cleaning, or improper check-out charges. Please make sure you follow all the steps on the posted closing checklist to ensure you have a positive move-out experience as you kick off the start to summer. If unsure, ask your RA or contact University Housing at 414-229-4065 or university-housing@uwm.edu. We are here to assist you.

Common reasons students accrue charges at move-out include but are not limited to:

Leaving the room in poor condition. This could include not removing all personal belongings, not doing a base level of cleaning of surfaces and floors.
Causing physical damage to space such as marked walls, holes in drywall, stains on the floor, broken furniture, and fixtures.
Improperly checking out or just walking out—resident must vacate prior to noon on May 22nd, unless prior approved for a late departure or summer contract. Not signing up for a move-out time and/or just walking out of the halls and not officially checking out with staff would be considered an improper check-out.
Not returning keys or equipment provided to you by University Housing.

Late Departures & Summer Contracts

Email to all residents - 2/4/21

Why can’t I have a space heater?

When a student uses a space heater, a temperature sensor in their room prevents the heat from turning on. Each temperature sensor controls the heat in two suites, so it controls the heat in six bedrooms. Those other bedrooms will get cold because the heat doesn’t turn on. Many other students are being affected when a space heater is being used.

Depending on the model and size, some space heaters are also extreme fire hazards and that is why they are not allowed in the halls. They get very hot producing heat, and may even have open coils.

Why is my room still cold?

Facilities has been finding a lot of windows open, so make sure your window is closed and latched. If the windows are not latched, your room will be cooler.

We can adjust the heat in your rooms if you would like it warmer. Please complete a work order request at fixit.uwm.edu.

What can I do?

If you have a space heater, unplug it; put on extra clothes; or submit a work order if you are not comfortable. You do not want to affect other rooms or create a potential fire hazard.

Panther Pride,
University Housing Facilities

Email to all assigned contract holders - 1/20/21

Dear Panthers,

As you prepare for Spring Semester in University Housing, we wanted to provide you with some updates and essential information so you can start your spring semester strong! Below you will find valuable information related to:

Moving back into the halls
COVID-19 and required weekly testing
Ways to get involved, meet people, and have fun
Jobs in Housing
Academic support
Room changes
Facilities updates and work orders
Community and behavior reminders

Moving Back

New Spring Contract Holders: You should have already received an email regarding the spring Move-In process, a copy of the Spring Move-In Guide, and the sign-up link for scheduling your Move-In appointment. If you have not received that email, please let our team know by emailing birkhola@uwm.edu. A copy of the Move-In Guide is also available online.

Continuing Contract Holders: We welcome you to return when you are ready, if you left for break. There is no formal return process for those who moved in at the start of fall semester, as we do not close any of our halls over break periods.

Guests: We will start spring semester with a continuation of the no-guest policy to minimize the risk of COVID-19. If we are safely able to allow guests later this semester, that will be communicated. As you plan your return, remember that off-campus friends and family cannot help you carry belongings into the residence halls, unless it is the first time you are moving in.

COVID-19: UW-System is requiring weekly testing starting the first week of class, but at UWM it is available starting January 19, 2021. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or feeling ill, we ask you to consider delaying your return to the residence halls to not spread it to our residential community. You are not required to have a COVID-19 test before returning to campus, but out of the interest of our community, we encourage you to test if possible before your return, monitor your health, and make smart choices, like wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequent handwashing. If you are symptomatic upon your return, test positive for COVID-19, or are a close contact, you will go through our isolation or quarantine process.

COVID-19 and Required WEEKLY Testing

The UW-System has mandated that all residential students test weekly, and off-campus students and staff who come to campus at least every other week test bi-weekly. With this increase in testing, how testing is done has changed. Next week, you will receive an emailed guide to COVID-19 testing for the spring semester, but if you want to schedule your first test you can do so using this link.

Testing will take place at the UWM Ballroom in the Student Union, and residence hall students should schedule their weekly appointment to take place before 1:00 p.m. any day.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should call Norris Health Center for your test instead of testing at the regular site. Call (414) 229-4716 to schedule your appointment with Norris.

Get Involved!

It was easy to have felt isolated fall semester. Starting classes is stressful, learning a new surrounding can be overwhelming, COVID-19 can cause fear, and having a different format for connecting are all hard to adapt to. Now is the perfect time to try something new and put yourself out there! Within Housing, there are many ways to do this!

SHAC: The Student Housing Administrative Committee is the student government for all of Housing. It focuses on governance, building improvements, and advocating for their community. They also host week-long educational traditions like Sex Week, Wellness Week, and Social Justice Week. If you are interested in joining and making a difference in Housing, email amick@uwm.edu for more information. Follow @SHAC_UWM on Instagram or SHAC at UWM on Facebook.

PAC: The Panther Activities Committee is the event planning crew for all of University Housing. They host fun and interactive events “every Thursday at 9:27 p.m.” PAC is looking for a few new members to help with events this year. If you have questions or want to get involved, email the advisor at westhoft@uwm.edu. Like @pac_at_uwm on Instagram for event information and updates.

Community Council: Each building has a community council, which is the club for the building you live in. This is a great way to meet people, get out of your room, and build your resume. This only takes about an hour or two a week, so it is perfect for your first year or two at UWM. To get more info, contact hopkinmb@uwm.edu (Cambridge) or zangl@uwm.edu (Sandburg and Purin).

NRHH: The National Residence Hall Honorary is the Honor Society within University Housing. Students work to promote service and recognition in the residence halls, and often find it to be a great network of peers as well as a strong resume builder. To get more information or if this interests you, email heilgend@uwm.edu.

Get a Job!

We have lots of opportunities for you to work where you live! We have student
custodial staff, maintenance staff, outreach assistants, security, office assistants, media assistants, and more! Want more information or ready to apply online? Go to uwm.edu/housing/getajob and click on the type of job you would like to apply for at the bottom.

Be an RA: Interested in being a Resident Assistant next year (Fall 2021-Spring
2022)? Find the application here.

Fill out the application by January 31 at 11:59 p.m. – everyone with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be granted an interview.
Interviews will take place February 15-26, 2021.
First round hiring notifications will be sent the Friday before spring break.

To be hired, before your start date you must have at least 24 credits/2 semesters on campus, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher your previous semester.

Academic Support

Want help starting strong second semester in your classes? We have some academic ‘refresh’ help sessions we would love to have you attend. These sessions have professional and student staff present who can help you with time management, direct you to resources, and help you figure out and address things that could help you do better in your classes. You also get free study supplies! Sign up for a 1-hour session here.

If these times do not work for you, email steve252@uwm.edu to schedule an alternative time.

Room Changes

There is a room change freeze until February 5, 2021 so that University Housing staff can confirm occupancy and allow for transition for incoming students. If you are unsatisfied with your current living situation, we encourage you to first work with your RA (Resident Assistant) to discuss your concerns and consider a suitemate or roommate mediation before requesting a room change.

If you need a room change, you will need to submit a Room Change Request.

The form will open the first day of classes but will not start to be processed until February 5, 2021. In the form, please provide as much detail as possible about what you are looking for in a new room so staff can re-assign you to a space that is a better fit.

Facilities Updates

Work Orders: If you have a concern about something being broken or not working in your room, or you see something around the building that needs to be addressed, please submit a work order so our facilities staff can address it. If the issue is an immediate concern (overflowing toilet, or no water coming from the shower), please call your building’s service desk and tell them you have a facilities emergency in your room. Do not wait until the end of the year if it is something we can do now!

Laundry Rooms: In Sandburg, the North Tower Laundry Room will be closed for renovation during spring semester. Please use the East Tower Laundry Room on the Upper Level (UPL) for washers and dryers. Using off-cycle times like early in the morning, or late at night, will reduce congestion of this laundry facility.

Community & Behavior Reminders

COVID-19 Community Expectations: Remember that in order to keep our residential community safe, it is expected that you test weekly, wear a mask at all times that you are not alone in your room, practice social distancing and abide by room capacities, and follow public health guidelines like frequently washing your hands and not touching your face.

If you have questions about policies, consult the University Housing Rules & Regulations.

We hope you have a safe and strong spring semester, Panthers!

University Housing