We work 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 Dieseth Hall.  All requests for early arrivals are subject to the availability of the space moving into.  As a result, we grant very few requests for early arrival work very closely to adhere 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 25, 2012 for new students and August 26-28, 2012 for returning students. Early arrivals are highly discouraged and must be based on need and not convenience.  Parents taking the day off of work may be necessary to move-in a student, so families are asked to plan accordingly.  Only those receiving approval will be issued room 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 26th.  In this case, the Residence Life office will be coordinating arrival details with campus departments/advisors/coaches who will in turn communicate that information to students. 

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 8^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.  If an early arrival request is approved, the 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 space availability. 

• Family or Personal Conflict: If students are unable to arrive on scheduled move-in dates due to work or family commitments or travel 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 will not be granted permission for early arrival.  Unauthorized early arrivals will be billed $100 early arrival fee and/or the student 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 request.  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 $100 early arrival fee and/or the student may be asked to leave.

• Working in Decorah: students must be employed on campus to receive approval from their work-study  supervisor; we will not approve any early arrival requests from students employed elsewhere.

Dropping Items Off

We will consider requests to drop off possessions in a rooms without actually staying in the room due to pre-planned family events that are scheduled on a student's move in date.  Requests for Drop and Go’s must be made by calling or emailing the Residence Life office two weeks prior to arrival. Students will be accessed at $50 Drop-and-Go fee and will be given access to their rooms during regular work hours only (8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday).

Dining Services

If a Luther department or program has asked a student to return early to campus, that department/program is responsible for paying for the student’s meals from the date the student arrives until fall meal plans begin.