Residence Life

Fall 2020 Notices
Updated: July 2, 2020

July 2: Fall 2020 Updates

July 2, 2020

Dear Student,

We are looking forward to you living on campus this fall at UW-River Falls!

As you are aware, campus life will look and feel different because of COVID-19, but we are committed to working together to make your experience a positive one. Your commitment to the health and safety of our community is vital and every resident will need to adhere to new guidelines, including:

Cleaning common areas (kitchens, study lounges) after use
Not having guests in the hall or in your room
Maintaining six feet of social distancing when possible
Abiding by occupancy limits outlined for our various common spaces
Allowing custodial staff to properly clean spaces during designated cleaning times

It will also be important to think about how you choose to socialize when away from the halls. It is especially critical to stay away from places that are crowded and to avoid mass gatherings. Your decisions may impact your ability and the ability of others to attend class, visit family, or maintain employment. If you have a roommate(s), it is strongly recommended that you discuss these topics prior to returning to campus and continue these conversations while on campus.

Our staff is committed to helping you have a successful year. We are reviewing various strategies to get everyone connected and engaged. We will be diligently checking in on your experience. As you continue to make decisions about your fall experience, please review the following:

Medical Single Room Request
A medical single room request lottery will be open from July 6, 2020 at noon until July 9, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. Single rooms are available on a limited basis with an established priority that emphasizes health and well-being. Students with COVID-19-related medical concerns can submit a request for a single room at the double room rate through the housing portal. Single rooms will continue to be available for students with ADA-related accessibility needs at the standard rate. Students who are approved for single rooms will be notified July 14, 2020.

Learn more about how to submit a medical single room request here.

Single Room Lottery
A single room lottery will be open July 6, 2020 at noon until July 9, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. Students who do not have a medical need for a single room but are interested in one can sign up for the single room lottery in the housing portal. If there are single rooms available after medical single room requests are met, we will use the lottery to determine single rooms. Students who are lottery approved for a single room will be notified on July 14, 2020. We will keep a lottery wait list and if a single room becomes available, we will contact you.

Learn more about how to enter the single room lottery here.

Roommate Request-Only available to students who do not have a room assigned for fall 2020
The roommate request section in the housing portal will be open from July 15, 2020 at noon until July 19, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. If you want to request a roommate or change a previously accepted roommate, you must do it during this time period. If you are searching for an upperclass student who has a room assignment for fall 2020 and can’t find them in the roommate search, contact Residence Life for assistance. After the section closes, no additional roommate requests or changes will be accepted. Rooms and roommate changes will not be possible after July 19, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more about how to select a roommate here.

To verify your roommate request, visit the roommate search section in the housing portal. Your confirmed roommate request will be listed in that section.

Room Swap-Only is available to students who lived on campus spring 2020
If you would like to do a person-to-person swap or switch into a half open room, you must send an email to reslife@uwrf.edu requesting access to the room swap section in the housing portal before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020. You will NOT have access until you complete this step. Room swap will only be open in the housing portal from July 15, 2020 at noon through July 19, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Please plan accordingly. If you want to room with a student who doesn’t have a room assigned for fall 2020, you need to contact Residence Life for assistance.

Room Assignments
Room assignments will be emailed to your UWRF email account the week of July 27, 2020. The room assignment email will contain the hall and room you are assigned to, as well as your roommate’s information if you were assigned a roommate.

Please visit our website and contact us with questions.

With Falcon pride,
Karla Thoennes, Ph.D.
Director of Residence Life

June 26: Fall 2020 Update

Fall 2020 Notice
Update: June 26, 2020 As we are preparing for fall semester, we know it is likely you have several questions about living on-campus this fall. I hope to address some of your questions in this email and provide a glimpse into communication you can expect from our department moving forward and throughout the rest of this summer. First, know that we are dedicated to the continued health and safety of our residence hall and campus communities. Guided by several resources, including our local public health professionals, we must take extra measures to enhance the safety of our residents and staff and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. These actions include reducing occupancy in some of our residence halls, extending our move-in dates and adjusting our move-in process, implementing new safety-related policies and expectations, and enhancing cleaning practices in the residence halls. Additionally, we recognize that delivery methods have changed for several academic courses, and we want to accommodate students whose courses will be all or mostly online. Room Assignments Room assignment information will be sent to all fall residents by the end of July. Prior to this, we will be taking several steps to confirm student housing needs and the spaces that will be available for occupancy. Commuter Policy Extended The commuter policy has been updated for the 2020-21 academic year, providing more flexibility to students who wish to commute from home. Students can now commute from the residence of a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older siblings if the residence is located within 40 miles of UWRF. See full details and request form here. Students who are approved to commute will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit if the Commuter Policy Form is completed and postmarked by July 6, 2020. First and Second-Year Student Online Learner Exemption The Online Learner Exemption Request is for any first or second-year student who 1) graduated high school after 2018; 2) will have only four credits or less of face-to-face classes for fall 2020; 3) will live with a parent/legal guardian; and 4) is not otherwise commuter-eligible. See full details and request form here. Students who are approved will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit if the Online Learner Exemption Request Form is completed and postmarked by July 6, 2020. Upper Class Student Online Learner Contract Cancellation Fall 2020 contracted students who do not fall under the two-year residency policy who have only four credits or less of face-to-face classes for fall 2020 may choose to cancel their contract. Students who submit their cancellation request for this reason by July 6, 2020, will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit. See information about how to cancel here. Residence Hall Guest Policy We all play a role in reducing the risk to ourselves and others in spreading COVID-19. Just as societal policies and expectations have changed, policies and expectations for our campus, and especially the residence halls, must also change to lessen the risks associated with COVID-19. More information about expectations and policies will be forthcoming, but we want to make you specifically aware of changes in our residence hall guest policy. With few exceptions, persons allowed in each residence hall will be limited to residents of the hall and staff who must work there. No outside guests will be allowed at any time other than during move-in. Additionally, residents may not have guests in their individual rooms, including other residents of the hall. Hall residents may meet and visit with each other in common areas so long as social distancing and room occupancy limits are upheld. As More Information Becomes Available Information regarding selecting a roommate and single room requests will be communicated over the next two weeks. Fall move-in plans are in progress and information will be shared as it becomes available. We recognize we don’t have all the answers yet, but we are committed to do our best to provide relevant and timely communication. Please check your @my.uwrf.edu email account regularly for updates. We will also post new information on our website. Finally, look for an invitation to participate in our Residence Life Live Chats hosted online in July and August. Thank you for choosing to live on campus. We hope you have a safe summer, and we look forward to providing a memorable experience when you join us this fall! With Falcon Pride, Karla Thoennes, Ph.D. Director of Residence Life

Fall 2020 Notice

Update: June 26, 2020

As we are preparing for fall semester, we know it is likely you have several questions about living on-campus this fall. I hope to address some of your questions in this email and provide a glimpse into communication you can expect from our department moving forward and throughout the rest of this summer.

First, know that we are dedicated to the continued health and safety of our residence hall and campus communities. Guided by several resources, including our local public health professionals, we must take extra measures to enhance the safety of our residents and staff and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. These actions include reducing occupancy in some of our residence halls, extending our move-in dates and adjusting our move-in process, implementing new safety-related policies and expectations, and enhancing cleaning practices in the residence halls. Additionally, we recognize that delivery methods have changed for several academic courses, and we want to accommodate students whose courses will be all or mostly online.

Room Assignments
Room assignment information will be sent to all fall residents by the end of July. Prior to this, we will be taking several steps to confirm student housing needs and the spaces that will be available for occupancy.

Commuter Policy Extended
The commuter policy has been updated for the 2020-21 academic year, providing more flexibility to students who wish to commute from home. Students can now commute from the residence of a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older siblings if the residence is located within 40 miles of UWRF. See full details and request form here. Students who are approved to commute will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit if the Commuter Policy Form is completed and postmarked by July 6, 2020.

First and Second-Year Student Online Learner Exemption
The Online Learner Exemption Request is for any first or second-year student who 1) graduated high school after 2018; 2) will have only four credits or less of face-to-face classes for fall 2020; 3) will live with a parent/legal guardian; and 4) is not otherwise commuter-eligible. See full details and request form here. Students who are approved will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit if the Online Learner Exemption Request Form is completed and postmarked by July 6, 2020.

Upper Class Student Online Learner Contract Cancellation
Fall 2020 contracted students who do not fall under the two-year residency policy who have only four credits or less of face-to-face classes for fall 2020 may choose to cancel their contract. Students who submit their cancellation request for this reason by July 6, 2020, will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit. See information about how to cancel here.

Residence Hall Guest Policy
We all play a role in reducing the risk to ourselves and others in spreading COVID-19. Just as societal policies and expectations have changed, policies and expectations for our campus, and especially the residence halls, must also change to lessen the risks associated with COVID-19. More information about expectations and policies will be forthcoming, but we want to make you specifically aware of changes in our residence hall guest policy.

With few exceptions, persons allowed in each residence hall will be limited to residents of the hall and staff who must work there. No outside guests will be allowed at any time other than during move-in. Additionally, residents may not have guests in their individual rooms, including other residents of the hall. Hall residents may meet and visit with each other in common areas so long as social distancing and room occupancy limits are upheld.

As More Information Becomes Available
Information regarding selecting a roommate and single room requests will be communicated over the next two weeks. Fall move-in plans are in progress and information will be shared as it becomes available.

We recognize we don’t have all the answers yet, but we are committed to do our best to provide relevant and timely communication. Please check your @my.uwrf.edu email account regularly for updates. We will also post new information on our website. Finally, look for an invitation to participate in our Residence Life Live Chats hosted online in July and August.

Thank you for choosing to live on campus. We hope you have a safe summer, and we look forward to providing a memorable experience when you join us this fall!

With Falcon Pride,

Karla Thoennes, Ph.D.
Director of Residence Life

March 24: Spring 2020 Housing Reimbursement Notice

Residence Hall Reimbursement Notice
March 24, 2020 Dear Residents, UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen in his letter to you on March 20 shared that UWRF has been authorized by UW System to reimburse the prorated charges for housing and dining from the end of Spring Break through the end of spring semester for students who have left the university prior to the end of their contract. Students who have vacated the residence halls will receive a prorated reimbursement. Housing reimbursements will be processed by Friday, April 17. Unfortunately, crediting these funds toward future semesters in lieu of a refund is not an option due to rules related to the awarding of federal financial aid. If you have signed-up for direct depositing of refunds, great! Any refund due to you will be deposited via ACH into your designated checking or savings account within two to three days. If you have not signed up, you still have time. Click this link for instructions. You can also email billing@uwrf.edu if you need assistance. Otherwise, a refund check will be mailed to your home address listed in eSIS. Watch your UWRF email for additional information. Thank you, UWRF Department of Residence Life

Residence Hall Reimbursement Notice

March 24, 2020

Dear Residents,
UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen in his letter to you on March 20 shared that UWRF has been authorized by UW System to reimburse the prorated charges for housing and dining from the end of Spring Break through the end of spring semester for students who have left the university prior to the end of their contract. Students who have vacated the residence halls will receive a prorated reimbursement.

Housing reimbursements will be processed by Friday, April 17. Unfortunately, crediting these funds toward future semesters in lieu of a refund is not an option due to rules related to the awarding of federal financial aid.

If you have signed-up for direct depositing of refunds, great! Any refund due to you will be deposited via ACH into your designated checking or savings account within two to three days. If you have not signed up, you still have time. Click this link for instructions. You can also email billing@uwrf.edu if you need assistance. Otherwise, a refund check will be mailed to your home address listed in eSIS.
Watch your UWRF email for additional information.

Thank you,
UWRF Department of Residence Life

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I commute from home?

You may be eligible to request to commute from home.

The commuter policy has been updated for the 2020-21 academic year, providing more flexibility to students who wish to commute. Students can commute from the residence of a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, aunt, uncle or older siblings if the residence is located within 40 miles of UWRF. See full details and request form here. Students who are approved to commute will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit if the Commuter Policy Form is completed and postmarked by July 6, 2020.

Can I be exempt or cancel my contract?

You may be eligible to submit a request for exemption or contract cancellation.

First and Second-Year Student Online Learner Exemption:

The Online Learner Exemption Request is for any first or second-year student who:

graduated high school after 2018;
will have only four credits or less of face-to-face classes for fall 2020;
will live with a parent/legal guardian and;
is not otherwise commuter-eligible.

See full details and request form here. Students who are approved are will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit if the Online Learner Exemption Request Form is completed and postmarked by July 6, 2020.

Upper Class Student Online Learner Contract Cancellation:

Fall 2020 contracted students who do not fall under the two-year residency policy who have only four credits or less of face-to-face classes for fall 2020 may choose to cancel their contract. Students who submit their cancellation request for this reason by July 6, 2020, will receive a $100 refund of their housing deposit. See information about how to cancel here.

When will I receive my housing assignment?

Room assignment information will be sent to all fall residents by the end of July via their @my.uwrf.edu email account.

When is move-in?

The move-in process will be extended and adjusted to promote physical distancing. Fall move-in information will be emailed to students as it becomes available.

Can I request a preferred roommate?

Roommate requests are only available to students who do not have a room assigned for fall 2020.

The roommate request section in the housing portal will be open from July 15, 2020 at noon until July 19, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. If you want to request a roommate or change a previously accepted roommate, you must do it during this time period.

If you are searching for an upperclass student who has a room assignment for fall 2020 and can’t find them in the roommate search, contact Residence Life for assistance.

After the section closes, no additional roommate requests or changes will be accepted. Rooms and roommate changes will not be possible after July 19, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more about how to select a roommate here.

To verify your roommate request, visit the roommate search section in the housing portal. Your confirmed roommate request will be listed in that section.

Can I request a single room?

Medical Single Room Request
A medical single room request lottery will be open from July 6, 2020 at noon until July 9, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. Single rooms are available on a limited basis with an established priority that emphasizes health and well-being. Students with COVID-19-related medical concerns can submit a request for a single room at the double room rate through the housing portal.

Single rooms will continue to be available for students with ADA-related accessibility needs at the standard rate. Students who are approved for single rooms will be notified July 14, 2020.

Learn more about how to submit a medical single room request here.

Single Room Lottery
A single room lottery will be open July 6, 2020 at noon until July 9, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. Students who do not have a medical need for a single room but are interested in one can sign up for the single room lottery in the housing portal.

If there are single rooms available after medical single room requests are met, we will use the lottery to determine single rooms. Students who are lottery approved for a single room will be notified on July 14, 2020. We will keep a lottery wait list and if a single room becomes available, we will contact you.

Learn more about how to enter the single room lottery here.

How will the halls be kept safe?

Guided by several resources, including our local public health professionals, we must take extra measures to enhance the safety of our residents and staff and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. These actions include:

Reducing occupancy in some residence halls
Adjusting the move-in process
Implementing new safety-related policies and expectations
Enhancing cleaning practices in the residence halls

I lived on campus Spring 2020 and selected a room for Fall 2020. Can I swap rooms?

Room Swap is only available to students who lived on campus Spring 2020.

If you would like to do a person-to-person swap or switch into a half open room, you must send an email to reslife@uwrf.edu requesting access to the room swap section in the housing portal before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020. You will NOT have access until you complete this step. Room swap will only be open in the housing portal from July 15, 2020 at noon through July 19, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Please plan accordingly. If you want to room with a student who doesn’t have a room assigned for fall 2020, you need to contact Residence Life for assistance.

What will living in the residence halls be like?

As you are aware, campus life will look and feel different because of COVID-19, but we are committed to working together to make your experience a positive one. Your commitment to the health and safety of our community is vital and every resident will need to adhere to new guidelines, including:

Cleaning common areas (kitchens, study lounges) after use
Not having guests in the hall or in your room
Maintaining six feet of social distancing when possible
Abiding by occupancy limits outlined for our various common spaces
Allowing custodial staff to properly clean spaces during designated cleaning times

It will also be important to think about how you choose to socialize when away from the halls. It is especially critical to stay away from places that are crowded and to avoid mass gatherings. Your decisions may impact your ability and the ability of others to attend class, visit family, or maintain employment. If you have a roommate(s), it is strongly recommended that you discuss these topics prior to returning to campus and continue these conversations while on campus.

Our staff is committed to helping you have a successful year. We are reviewing various strategies to get everyone connected and engaged. We will be diligently checking in on your experience.

"The mission of the Department of Residence Life is to create residential communities where students live civilly, learn effectively and discover success."

Live. Learn. Discover.

Your college career can be one of the most memorable and exciting times of your life. And it can begin while you live on-campus in a vibrant residence hall community.

You will learn about yourself and others as you immerse yourself in your residence hall community by making new friends, engaging in lively discussions and balancing your time between classes, study, and new activities.

You will discover the advantages of living on-campus when you're close to classes, minutes from dining options, and in a supportive environment with no worries about rent, utilities, or a daily commute.

Residence Life

Residence Life

Frequently Asked Questions

First and Second-Year Student Online Learner Exemption:

Upper Class Student Online Learner Contract Cancellation:

Live. Learn. Discover.

Contact Us