March 13, 2020

Dear Cutter Residents,

By now you have been sent the announcements from CWRU and CIM regarding the decision to continue instruction exclusively online through the end of the semester. As a result, all students will be expected to leave campus unless it is truly impossible to do so.

This message provides detailed guidance for the move-out process. Following some general departure information, there are specific details for the three broad categories that students fall into:

  1. Students who can depart campus quickly – either currently on campus or able to return to pack your possessions
  2. Students in extreme circumstances who cannot quickly leave campus – you live abroad, or losing campus housing poses an immediate financial hardship or health risk
  3. Students who left without packing to move out and cannot return in a timely manner to do so

General Departure Information

Regardless of departure date, you will need to complete a room checkout process and return your keys.

All students also have the option to store items with our campus storage service, Lifestyle Simplified, until regular campus operations resume. Lifestyle Simplified will store both boxes and bulk items (e.g. refrigerators, bikes). A limited number of boxes are available in Cutter. Be sure to contact residence life staff to acquire boxes and tape. If you need to purchase additional boxes, the standard size for this storage service is 18” x 18” x 24” – equivalent to a U-Haul Large Box . Lifestyle Simplified considers any non-standard box to be a bulk item, and the storage fee for bulk items is slightly higher than that of standard boxes. We are working to find out what the pricing schedule is for Lifestyle Simplified this year – as soon as it is available, we’ll let you know, since storage is at your expense. (For reference, last year’s summer storage was $28 per box and $38.50 per large item; prices are likely to be somewhat higher this year, since the storage term is longer.)

All items intended for storage should be clearly labeled with your full name and phone number. Boxes must be sealed with tape. Leave these items neatly in your room when you check out.

For more detailed instructions, refer to the information below that matches your situation.

Students who can depart campus quickly

These students are asked to pack and check out as quickly as possible. CIM will adhere to the previously published deadline of Tuesday, March 17 at 5pm.

All items must be either taken home or prepared for storage as described above.

Residence Life will be conducting express checkouts during this time. To participate in express checkout, you must first fill out this waiver . You will not be able to check out unless all items are moved or prepared for summer storage. Once you have completely moved out of your room, use an express checkout envelope to return your room key and pantry key, if applicable, to the white metal drop box outside the RA office on the ground floor. Envelopes are available next to the box.

Students in extreme circumstances who cannot quickly leave campus

We recognize that not all students are able to return home immediately. CIM will continue to offer extended housing to students who meet one of these criteria:

  1. Your home is abroad and you have no options for housing in the US with relatives.
  2. Living somewhere other than on campus poses significant hardship (financial or otherwise) and/or risk to your health and well-being.

Students who believe they meet these criteria must apply to stay on campus as soon as possible. If you have already applied, you do not need to do so again. If you do not meet the above criteria, please do not apply. Students whose applications are approved will receive further instruction in the coming days.

Student Affairs and Residence Life will review applications as quickly as possible. Please note that if your application is not approved, you will need to move out of Cutter by Tuesday, March 17 at 5pm.

Students who cannot return to campus in a timely manner to pack

For those students who are already home, we know that returning to campus only to pack and leave may pose a significant financial burden. In those cases, we will collaborate with you to find a date that works for you and still meets CIM’s obligation to fully vacate Cutter by May 9 in order to transition to the new residence hall.

If you are unable to return to campus before Tuesday, you should instead plan to come pack your things in late April or early May. Further information, including scheduling your checkout, will be shared at a later date.

If you prefer, you may coordinate with a trusted friend or family member in the area to pack your belongings for storage or to ship them to you. Please note that CIM bears no liability for your items if they are damaged or lost. If you arrange with a third party to enter your room for this purpose, you must email Cicely Schonberg at cicely.schonberg@cim.edu with the name of the third party, their phone number and your consent for them to enter your room.

We understand that this situation is rapidly evolving and appreciate your continued flexibility and patience at this unprecedented and difficult time.
 
Sincerely,

David Gilson
Associate Dean, Student Affairs