We are working to be flexible and understanding where there is a legitimate need for an early arrival.  However, please be aware that it is logistically very challenging to allow student’s on-campus prior to Opening Day.  This year, in particular, we are working to complete several renovation projects on campus, which includes work being done in Miller Hall.  All requests for early arrivals are subject to the availability of the space moving into.  As a result, we will be very limited in the requests we are able to grant and will be working to adhere very closely to the early arrival guidelines.

Students are expected to make arrangements for move in based on the opening dates and any student arriving before those dates will be considered an early arrival.  Arrival dates for this year are August 27, 2011 for new students and August 28-30, 2011 for returning students. Early arrivals are highly discouraged and must be based on need and not convenience.  Taking the day off of work may be necessary to move-in a student.  Only those receiving approval will be issued keys.

Group Requests

Students who are part of a college-sponsored organization (group or team) may be approved to move into housing early if the organization is required to be on campus prior to August 28th.  In this case, the Residence Life Office will be coordinating arrival details with campus departments/advisors/coaches.

In order to ensure that all students from a group or team are approved, coaches/advisors/supervisors will need to be in contact with the Residence Life Office.  A memo requesting a list of early arrivals will go out late July to group leaders to submit their early arrival list.  Coaches/advisors/supervisors will need to communicate arrival dates, times, and locations to their group.  Group requests must be received by August 5^th.

Individual Requests

Students who are not part of a group or team but still have a need for an early arrival can also apply by submitting a request in writing to the residence life office (email is acceptable) no later than August 15.  Please review the criteria provided below.  If you meet these criteria, it is likely that you will be approved for early arrival.

• College Employment:  Students who are required to be back on campus early to start college employment must have their supervisor send their name along with a dining service account to cover meal costs to the Residence Life Office and Dining Services.

• Academic Program:  Students who are required to be on-campus due to the early start of an academic program such as student teaching should contact the residence life office for an arrival time.   These early arrivals must be approved by program supervisors.  The arrival date will not be more than 48 hours before the beginning of the program.

• Summer Housing:  Students who have been living in campus-owned housing for the previous summer will be transitioned to their fall room assignment on or around August 10^th.   Students will be responsible for their own meals.

If a student does not meet the criteria above, but still feels the need to be on-campus prior to the dates set aside for returning student move-in, an early arrival request may be made by sending a request via email to reslife@luther.edu stating the student’s reasons.  If the fall semester space is not ready for a student at the time they would like to move in due to construction, summer housing needs, or maintenance and housekeeping concerns, we may not be able to grant the request.  Requests for early arrival may be approved, but a student’s account will be assessed a $100 early arrival fee.  The fee is assessed to provide additional staffing in residence halls and housekeeping services and does not include meals in the cafeteria.  The following areas for early arrival may be approved, depending on rationale provided and availability. 

• Family or Personal Conflict:  For students who themselves or whose families are unable to arrive on returner move-in dates due to work or family commitments or are coming from a great distance.  If approved, a $100 early arrival fee will be assessed to the student’s account.

Requests for the following reasons will NOT be approved:

• Roommate already on campus:  Students who are hoping to move in because their roommate(s) have already been approved to do so will not be approved for early arrival.  Unauthorized early arrivals will be billed $100 early arrival fee or may be asked to leave.

• Just want to be back:  If there is no legitimate reason for a student to be back on campus early, we will not approve an early arrival.  Please remember that it is logistically very challenging to bring students back early, as it puts added strain on limited staff and resources.  Unless you have a good reason, please do not arrive early.  Unauthorized early arrivals will be billed a $100 early arrival fee or be asked to leave.

Dining Services

If a Luther department or program has asked a student to return early to campus the department/program is responsible for paying for the student’s meals from the date the student is expected to arrive until fall meal plans begin.  Account numbers to cover meals for early arrival students must be given to Residence Life and Dining Services by August 5^th.  The daily charge per student to the department/program for meals for fall 2011 is $7.25.

Dropping Items Off

We do receive requests each year to drop of items in rooms without actually staying in the room due to preplanned family events on the regular scheduled move-in dates.  Students that need to drop off items early will be accessed at $50 Drop and Go Fee and will need to work within the timeline of when the Residence Life Office is open when dropping off their items.  Requests for Drop and Go’s must be made by calling or emailing the Residence Life Office.