As Nevada pares down to essential businesses as directed by Gov. Steve Sisolak in his March 17 address, students who had planned to remain in the residence halls after spring break are now preparing to move out.

To ensure the health of students, UNLV Housing and Residential Life is working to get students checked out by 5 p.m. on Saturday. Staff are also working with students who don’t have alternative housing as well as those who plan to leave but need an extension.

"We're being extremely flexible," Rich Clark, assistant vice president for campus life, said. "We're working with U-haul and Zippy Shell, two companies that can help students pack and put things in their vehicles for moving, or put it in long-term storage." 

U-haul is running a nationwide offer for those who hold student IDs to get 30 days of storage for free. And UNLV Housing staff members are working individually with students who can’t return from spring break to retrieve their belongings.

Some students, though, are unable to leave, such as international students facing travel restrictions or out-of-state students who aren't able to return home. They're asked to explain their situation in the survey email sent out on Monday, and if approved, will be allowed to stay through at least May 15.

"We have at-risk students, students like the HOPE scholars, who aged out of the foster care system," Clark said. "Anyone who is at risk of being homeless, we're not booting them out."

Students are able to request that their belongings are packed and shipped, packed in short-term storage on campus, or that items are left in their rooms to be picked up after 30 days by contacting housing@unlv.edu. For students not currently on campus, they're asked not to return, but to choose from one of those options instead. Those still on campus who have contracts with Micro Fridge are asked to clean out the refrigerators, leave them unplugged, and cancel their contracts.

Police Services will continue regular operations with increased building checks. And residence halls are all card access only now. 

The residence halls are not on “lockdown,” Clark notes. Residents are able to come and go on their own. "We're going to run it as an apartment and not a residence hall from this point on," Clark said, meaning that the usual social programming in the halls has been suspended.

On-campus, apartment-style housing like The Degree and Legacy LV are remaining open and are options for displaced students as well. These properties are privately managed. Please contact Chad Clark or call 702-735-5315 for housing options. 

Residents with valid parking permits will be allowed to leave their cars in campus parking.

The Dining Commons remains open, but will be take-out only. Students who remain on campus and retain their dining plans can go to the Commons where they'll be served from the available options and given a take-out container to bring back to the residence halls. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will still be served.

For parents coming to Las Vegas to help their students pack up and move out, remember that the situation remains dynamic and parents are advised to check with individual hotels before trying to book lodging. Currently, the Hyatt Place at 4520 Paradise Road is open and is anticipated to remain open as it services members of the airline industry. For the most current information, parents are encouraged to visit hyatt.com or call (702) 369-3366 and dial 0 to reach the front desk.

Some students, faculty or staff will still face unique hardships during this time. Those facing difficult situations looking for help that doesn't quite fit into any of the current contingencies are asked to self-report on the Rebel Support Team Referral. All responses are confidential. 

Individuals with questions may contact coronavirus@unlv.edu.

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