March 24, 2020

UCF is continuing to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and is making decisions in the best interests of our students, faculty and staff members, and our larger community.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you, and we care about your well-being. We also appreciate your patience as we make decisions that prioritize everyone’s safety.

Since sharing recent updates related to Housing, we’ve received many questions from our residents and their families. We’re providing some additional clarity and updated information.

Refunds

We understand the financial stress and uncertainty COVID-19 has caused so many of our students and their families.

Because of that, UCF’s Board of Trustees later this week will be considering options for refunding a portion of spring housing costs for student residents. This would include residence halls and housing communities on the main campus and Rosen. We are in discussions with the owners of NorthView and UnionWest — which are managed by UCF but privately owned — regarding refunds.

Once these decisions are reached, we will share this information with our students, as well as continued ways the university will support them in this difficult time.

Residents Who Haven’t Returned

Residents who have not returned to campus since UCF moved to remote instruction following spring break should not come back to campus right now.

These residents will receive instructions about completing their move out at a different time. Their belongings are safe, and no new residents will be moved into their spaces.

At this time, public health officials are advising against any non-essential travel, so residents should not be coming to campus to move out of residence halls. Move out for these residents will be scheduled at a time when risks associated with the further spread of COVID-19 are minimized.

Residents Still on Campus With No Summer Agreement

Residents physically remaining on campus with no summer agreement need to vacate their room by 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, unless they are granted an exemption.

These residents should visit the Housing Portal in myUCF to sign up for an appointment time and follow the move out instructions below.

Residents Still on Campus With Summer Agreements

Residents physically remaining on campus with a summer agreement still need to vacate their room by 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, unless they are granted an exception.

These residents should visit the Housing Portal in myUCF to sign up for an appointment time and follow the move out instructions below.

At this time, Housing does not know the status of residents’ ability to return for campus for the summer. They are encouraged to use their best judgement on whether to take all belongings, especially if it could be a hardship to get them at a later date.

Move out for the residents remaining on campus has been structured to allow for social distancing best practices to reduce further spread of COVID-19.

Residents must adhere to the two-hour move out time they selected in the Housing Portal. No more than two people should assist, and it’s especially important that residents not bring anyone who is sick or who has a compromised immune system with them.

Once all belongings have been removed, residents should go to the designated location for key drop-off. Key envelopes will be available, and residents should write their name, PID and room number on the envelope; place their room and mailbox keys inside; and drop the envelope in the key box.

After the resident has removed all their belongings and dropped off their keys, they should complete the Express Check Out Form in the Housing Portal to confirm that they have vacated the space.

Exceptions for Extenuating Circumstances

We are working quickly to review requests for exemptions also submitted through the Housing Portal for international students unable to travel; residents without permanent housing; and those with other hardships. Please know these are being handled on a case-by-case basis.

These residents will hear directly from Housing about whether they are approved to remain. They may be required to consolidate in a different location on campus, and campus services — including housekeeping — will be extremely limited. Residents who have requested an exception may remain in their space until a decision is rendered, and additional time to move out will be given if a request is denied.

More information will be shared as soon as possible, and residents requesting exceptions should stay tuned to their email.

Off-Campus Housing

Students who live in off-campus housing should contact their individual leasing office for more information.

This also applies to residents in affiliated housing at Knights Circle and the Pointe at Central. While UCF provides residence life services at these properties, respective management companies control leases and payment systems.

UCF is advocating on behalf of our students who reside off campus. Ultimately, any decisions about refunds will be up to individual properties and management companies.

Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate this evolving event together. We’re committed to making this as smooth of a process as possible, and we’ll continue to share regular updates with you.