Housing COVID-19 Updates

Last updated: September 03, 2020 4:30PM PST

Please read the important statement from University President Gayle Hutchinson regarding to transition to Virtual-Only Instruction for Fall & Reduction in On-Campus Residents.

The following email was sent to residents on the evening of 8/30/2020.

Dear Resident: 

I am sure that you have already seen the letter from President Hutchinson regarding the major changes to our campus beginning this week.

The well-being of Chico State students is, and will always be, the University’s top priority—especially as we navigate the ever-changing realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In order to reduce the number of additional COVID-19 infections, we ask all students currently living on campus to secure off-campus housing by Sunday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. We understand the inconvenience of closing campus housing so quickly, but Chico State’s residence halls have experienced rapid and alarming rates of COVID-19 cases and the well-being of students makes quick action imperative. 

Off-Campus Student Services will assist students in securing alternate housing—with the University offering prorated refunds for room and meal charges.  

Please be advised that while living in University Housing, any violation of the Student Code of Conduct (PDF) or University Housing policies (PDF) will be immediately referred to the office of Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities, and will result in significant disciplinary action including, but not limited to suspension or expulsion from the University. 

For residents who will be moving out of University Housing 

• You must vacate your University Housing room no later than Sunday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. Your license agreement is in effect, and charges will accrue until you check out at your front desk.   It is important that you not skip this step. 
• You will be able to check out moving bins for 2 hours starting Tuesday, September 1 through Sunday, September 6.  Carts will be available for use between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.  Carts will be available at the Whitney Study Lounge across from the Sutter Grill and at the Mechoopda front desk. 
• You may have one (1) person assist with move-out, they must be checked in at your front desk, and leave a state issued ID.  They may only be in the building for two (2) hours and must wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines and UH policies when on campus. 
• Parking is on a first-come basis, there won’t be any reserved parking areas. 
• Prior to checking out, please ensure that you have picked up any mail or packages that may have been delivered to you. 
• Refunds – within 7-10 days of checking out, you will receive a prorated refund of you room and board fees.  You will be charged a daily rate for the time in which you lived with us and the remainder will automatically be refunded to your student account.
• Microfridge – If you rented a Microfridge from Collegiate Concepts, we have reached out to them and will be sending an update as soon as we hear back from them regarding refunds.  Thank you for your understanding   

For residents who need to apply to live with us at University Village (or remain in UV): 

University Housing understands that there are many reasons that living in a campus housing facility is optimum for some Chico State students.  We are committed to providing housing at University Village to residents in good standing, using the following Priorities for Fall 2020. After filling spaces with students who meet these requirements, any available housing will be provided on a first come basis to student in good-standing* with University Housing.  

To access the University Housing Hardship Application please follow the steps below:

1. Login to the Resident Center 

1. Click on "Housing Hardship Application" 

1. Select the “Academic Year 2020-2021” term 

1. Follow the instructions on the screen 

It is important to note that all residents from all our communities are being asked to vacate and only those who apply and are accepted may remain.   

Our only option for the remainder of the semester is to be housed at University Village.  

If you currently live at UV, you must still complete the Housing Hardship Application. 

Priority 1:  Chico State Path Scholars. 

Priority 2:  Students who are housing insecure; who do not have any other available living situation, cannot qualify for an off-campus apartment (deposit, co-signer), students who pay for their housing with campus managed grants or scholarships, or students with unsafe home conditions. 

Priority 3:  Students whose academic success would suffer; lack of Internet connection at home, students with in-person classes.   

Priority 4:  Current residents in good standing who wish to remain in University Housing. 

If you wish to remain in University Housing, you will need to complete a Hardship Application that will be available on the Resident Center by Monday at noon. 

*Good standing means that you are not on probation with University Housing, nor are you involved in a pending case that results in probation. 

This is not how any of us wanted this fall semester to go. Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this current situation.

Expand All | Collapse All

• How will University Housing decide who gets a bed space assignment?

  University Housing will continue its first-come, first-served policy. Your spot in the room assignment line is determined by the date you submit the Housing application AND submit your intent to Enroll (whichever date is the latest will be the date used). 

• Will I be able to pick a roommate?

  Due to COVID-19 concerns, we will only be offering single room spaces, one person per room.  You will only be charged our less-expensive double-occupancy rate for a single room offered for fall 2020.

• What is the double room rate and how is it different than other rates?

  For fall 2020, all students will be the only student per room and will be charged our less-expensive double-room rate. If assigned to Whitney, Shasta, Lassen, Esken, or Mechoopda, the annual rate is $11,927 ($8.201 Room Rent + $3,696 Full Meal Plan Rate + $30 RHA fee). If assigned to Sutter the annual rate is $12,752 ($9,026 room rent + $3,696 Full Meal Plan Rate + $30 RHA Fee). If assigned to Konkow or University Village the annual rate is $9,770 ($8,201 Room Rent + $1,539 Mini Meal Plan Rate + $30 RHA fee).

  Please see our annual rate sheet (PDF) for more details regarding installment due dates and amounts. 

• Can I change my residence hall preferences?

  Yes, please visit the Resident Center, log in, and click on Apply for Housing. This will take you back into your housing application where you can change your residence hall preferences.  Please remember, that this is not a guarantee you will receive an assignment in your preferred hall.

• I have changed my mind and due to the majority of fall course offerings being offered online I no longer want to attend CSU, Chico.  Will my initial housing payment be refunded?

  We are sorry to hear that you have chosen to not attend Chico State. Our 2020-2021 University Housing License Terms and Conditions state that the initial housing payment is non-refundable, however, due to the unprecedented events surrounding COVID-19 and the campus decision to offer virtual instruction, we will allow you to request a refund via the Resident Center. The first round of refunds will be processed beginning on July 16, 2020.  To request a cancellation please go the Resident Center(opens in new window) and select “Requests” to start the cancellation request.

  If you have already submitted a cancellation we will begin processing refunds of the initial housing payment beginning on July 16,2020.  Cancellations received after that date will receive refunds as they are processed.

• I have already requested a cancellation and was told my initial housing payment was non-refundable.  Can I appeal and get a refund?

  If you have already submitted a cancellation we will begin processing refunds of the initial housing payment beginning on July 16,2020.  Cancellations received after that date will receive refunds as they are processed.

• I really wanted the traditional residence hall experience and now that I know you are only offering single rooms; I would like to cancel and receive a refund.

  Oh no! We’ll definitely miss you but understand if you choose this decision. If you do not wish to live with University Housing, you must cancel your housing application as soon as possible. Approved cancellations will automatically receive a refund of the initial housing payment beginning July 16, 2020. Cancellations received after that date will receive refunds as they are processed. To request a cancellation please go the Resident Center(opens in new window) and select “Requests” to start the cancellation request.

• Will COVID-19 testing be required upon arrival to campus?  Is there a designated site for testing, even if students do not have symptoms?

  Testing in advance is not required.  We will ask that all residents and their support system monitor themselves for symptoms on the day of arrival.  

  Beyond testing, there are a number of initial steps that we recommend students take prior to arrival in order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission.  This includes actions such as reducing non-essential time out of their home for the two weeks prior to arriving in Chico.  Avoiding non-essential travel, using face coverings, physically distancing and monitoring their health and well-being.   

  Currently there are a number of testing sites available in Chico for individuals with or without symptoms.  The most up to date list can be found at https://www.buttecounty.net/Portals/21/COVID-19/COVIDTestingLocations.pdf?ver=2020-06-26-092239-917 

• What are CSU, Chico’s plans in regards to a student contracting COVID-19?  Will the student and/or the students need to self-quarantine?

  Consistent with requirements from the Butte County Public Health (BCPH), students who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will be required to isolate. Close contacts will also need to quarantine.  The University, in consultation with BCPH has developed plans to respond to any cases of COVID-19 in our campus community, including isolation and quarantine protocols. This includes spaces that are set aside to support this function and close partnership with our local health agency.    

• If my student is placed in isolation, when will they be released, is that after 14 days or after a negative response from the test.  If they want to go home are they allowed to do so?

  The student will be released from isolation based on guidance from the CDC and Butte County Public Health.  Butte County Public Health will be able to provide direction about isolating at home. 

• If my student is placed in isolation or quarantine what should they bring with them?

  Here is a list of items that are suggested for you to bring with you. Remember you want to plan for 2 weeks, as you won't have access to any of the items out of your room. 

  • List of emergency contacts phone numbers written out, and a list of any known allergies 
  • Thermometer and tissues 

  • Face coverings 
  • Cough medicine and cough drops 
  • Tylenol for fever/ body aches and a decongestant 
  • Vicks VapoRub 
  • Personal hygiene items 

  • Comfortable clothing/loungewear, pajamas and maybe socks 
  • Your favorite snacks 
  • Some distraction items: an excellent book to read, cards, games, coloring books etc. 
  • Disinfecting wipes, Lysol and hand sanitizer 
  • Cell phone and laptop charger 
• What is the reason for the shower schedule?

  As part of our approval to open, we agreed to multiple cleaning and disinfections of the showers and other common bathroom spaces.  In order to be able to effectively clean these spaces, the showers will be closed 2 hours per day.  Residents can schedule appointments for the remaining 22 hours via their UH student account. 

• Are students allowed to go home for weekends and during Fall break?

  Yes, we are not monitoring student’s comings and goings.  We encourage all residents to practice physical distancing, the wearing of face coverings and self-monitoring any time they are outside of the residence hall.  
• My room is normally a double – will all the extra furniture be moved out?

  No, all furniture will remain inside your room.  You will be allowed to spread out and use the entire space.  When/if we have additional residents in the spring semester we will determine the process for introducing new roommates.

• What if we realize this is going to be too limiting for us?  Can we get out of our agreement?  What if we decide after a few weeks that we don’t like living here? 

  Please refer to the addendum page of the 2020-2021 University Housing License Agreement (PDF).  The License Agreement is a legal and binding contract between the Licensee and the University for the full Fee Period. Any Licensee who wishes to terminate the License Agreement is responsible for completing the Cancellation Request located in the Resident Center, found on the University Housing website. Notifying any other university office does not satisfy Licensee’s obligation to submit a Cancellation Request via the University Housing Resident Center.

• I hear that each person only gets one other person to help on move-in day, what if we need extra help?

  Yes, only one additional person is allowed at any one time.  This is to reduce the number of people on campus and in close physical proximity.  We will allow a one-time change of additional person.  The two people will go to the front desk and have their wristbands changed. 

• Can you suggest any unique items, in light of COVID that I should send with my student with?

  A large number of face coverings – because they will not do laundry often.  A folding lawn chair.  This would be a great option for students who want to spend time together, outside. 

• My student's best friend lives in another hall, are they allowed to visit them?  

  No, only students who have a room in that building are allowed.  

• If my student is under 18 do I need to do anything different? 

   You will want to make sure that you complete the Minor Consent form (PDF) for the Wellcat Health Center.

   
• Where can we store our bikes?

  Currently, due to reduced occupancy in your room, it will be possible for you to store your bike in your room.  Bike theft is a significant issue in any college town.  If you plan to park your bike in any of our bike areas we encourage a U-lock for additional safety.

   
• Will the pool at UV be open?

  Due to Butte County being on the State’s Watchlist the community pool at University Village will be closed.