We have compiled a list of questions and answers regarding important information about housing and move-in for the Fall 2020 semester. This information only applies to campus housing, which includes East, South and West Villages along with Reighard and Shenks Halls. We truly appreciate your patience through this challenging time.

Q: When will I know my room/suite assignment and be billed?

• A: Students who previously requested housing by filling out the housing application and did not cancel/opt out of housing will have a housing space secured. August 3, 2020 was the deadline for students to cancel so that the University can readjust those remaining in housing to make sure the “one-per-bedroom” strategy is adhered to. Building/suite assignments and the corresponding billing will be available to view on a student’s MAX account starting on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020.

Prior to moving in, all residential students will need to electronically sign the housing agreement and newly added addendum by logging into their MAX account and following these menu choices: Student Services >> Housing and Dining >> MyHousing >> Applications >> Fall 2020 Application. 

Q: When is move-in?

• A: Students with on-campus housing for the Fall 2020 semester should plan for move-in to occur from Aug. 17-23 with 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. one-hour timeslots. New students participating in Orientation move in Monday-Thursday and returning students will move in Thursday-Sunday. Once assignments are finalized, students will be sent a specific link for their particular residence hall to sign-up for a move-in date and time.

Q: What do I need to know about the move-in process?

• A: To maintain a safe and socially distant move-in process, students will be required to sign-up for a specific day and time. Time slots will be in one-hour increments starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Students will be permitted to have two (2) family members or friends to help with moving in. Students and families are responsible for providing their own personal protective equipment (PPE). All students and move-in helpers are required to wear a mask while inside the residence halls. Those who do not have a mask will not be permitted inside the building. There will be no moving carts available, so students should prepare accordingly to bring hand carts/hand trucks/dollies. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 situation, we ask that you do not pack everything you own, and that you stick to bringing the absolute essentials. This will also expedite the move-out process in the case that we need to fully close the residence halls due to the changing COVID-19 environment. Additionally, on-campus housing will be closed for the remainder of the semester on Nov. 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. We stress that you pack lightly in order to simplify the move-out process.

Q: Will I have a roommate if I live on-campus in the fall?

• A: We are placing students “one student per bedroom” in order to create social distancing within the residence halls. This means that you will not have a roommate in your bedroom, but you may have a suitemate in the bedroom(s) next to you. Students will be generally placed based upon suite type originally chosen and the suitemate preferences given. Placement changes can be requested via housing@millersville.edu after you view your rooming assignment on Wed. August 12.

Q: Will parents be able to visit their students in the residence halls?

• A: During the academic year, visitors of students will be limited to those who reside in the same residence hall. While parents won’t be allowed in the residence halls, you can meet outside on campus. In extenuating situations, we will work with parents regarding access into the residence hall as a visitor / guest.

Q: What happens if I have a housing scholarship?

• A: Housing scholarships are only applied to the cost of your housing charges. A student not living in the residence halls would not receive the scholarship for the fall semester as there would not be any housing charges. If we are able to house students for the spring semester, dependent upon the fluid COVID-19 situation and various government mandates, students living in the Villages would still receive that semester’s portion of the award. So, for example, if a student is awarded $1,000 for fall 2020 and $1,000 for spring 2021, they would still receive the $1,000 for spring 2021. Also, students would not receive any of the awarded housing scholarship as a “refund” if a student withdraws or the University needs to close due to a COVID outbreak. Additionally, students cannot sum the total award and apply it for the spring. So a $1,000 fall + $1,000 spring awarding cannot be applied as $2,000 for the spring.

Q: When do residence halls close for the fall semester and do I need to take my belongings?

• A: The residence halls will close for the fall semester on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. Students need to fully vacate by removing all their belongings and turn in their room key. No room rate adjustments will be provided between this date and the end of the fall semester.

Q: What happens if there is an outbreak and the residence halls need to close during the semester?

• A: Should the need occur to evacuate campus, the Department of Housing & Residential Programs, with the assistance of University Communications & Marketing, will inform students of the closure of the residence halls. Students will need to fully vacate the residence halls by fully moving out with all their belongings. Students will be able to “express check out” by placing their key in a provided envelope and drop it in a locked box in each of the residence hall front desk areas. This eliminates the need of a staff member having to physically check a student out of their room.

Q: Will there be housing available during the break?

• A: Break housing will be available between the period of Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. and the start of the spring 2021 semester for students demonstrating extenuating circumstances and approved by the Department of Housing & Residential Programs. More information will be sent out during the semester on how to sign up.

Q: If I am not living on-campus this fall, will I receive a refund for my housing deposit? 

• A: Your housing deposit will be retained on your student account and applied toward the cost of your housing for the spring semester per the provisions of the housing agreement. Should we not be able to accommodate you for student housing for the spring due to COVID-19 restrictions, your deposit will be refunded or applied to your general student account if you have a balance.

Q: Will there be spring housing?

• A: We are planning on having student housing for the spring if we have space available and provided that we are still able to house students dependent on the COVID-19 situation. During a “normal year” we typically open with more vacant spaces in the spring than we do in the fall. A student who opted out for fall, or is a new admit for the spring, will need to complete a Spring 2021 Housing application that will open Oct. 1, 2020. A student who is here for fall will not have to re-apply for the spring. We will certainly post more information as we progress through the semester to inform the student community on the status of housing and dining for the spring.

We ask that students check their MU email account regularly for any important information sent from Housing & Residential Programs. Students and parents can also refer to the @villehousing Twitter and Instagram accounts and Millersville Fall 2020 Webpage for more information about the Fall 2020 semester.