Break Access
Requesting Access to Stay Over Break
Housing is not typically available during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, or May Session Break. Residence Halls and chapter houses close at the beginning of each break and reopen when the break ends.
When buildings close, staff conduct room-check walk-throughs. Unauthorized/prohibited items found in rooms will be confiscated. Please review the list of prohibited items in the Policies and Procedures.
We understand that some students may need to remain on campus during all or part of a break. Approval is required for all break access.
Eligibilility for Break Housing
Approval may be granted for the following reasons:
- Permanent home is more than 450 miles away from campus.
- Essential on-campus employment, confirmed by student's supervisor
- Musical or theatre rehearsals or performances, confirmed by director or professor.
- Athletic practices or competitions, confirmed from Coach.
- Academic commitments, confirmed by professor.
Special Circumstances
Students with special or unique circumstances may also be considered for approval. If you believe your situation warrants additional consideration, begin by discussing it with your Area Director. Depending on your situation, you may also be asked to meet with a dean from the Dean of Students Office.
If you wish to speak with the HOUSE Liaison about your request to stay over a break, contact the Dean of Students Office at dstudent@iwu.edu.
Students living in fraternity housing and the Kappa Delta sorority house must consult with staff in the Office of Student Involvement.
When submitting your application, provide detailed information about your circumstances so your request can be reviewed and directed to the appropriate professional staff member. All information provided will remain confidential.
How to Request Break Access
- Submit your own request through the MyHousing portal.
- Check for an automated email confirmation. (If you don't receive this message, your application may not be complete.)
- Wait for a decision. An automated confirmation does not guarantee approval. Please allow time for the review process
If approved, you will not be charged for break housing and will receive swipe access to your building through your ID card.
Coaches, faculty, and staff may submit a student's name or a list of names to the Office of Residential Life to support a request. However, each student must still submit their own online request to ensure approval is properly documented.
Late Requests and Unauthorized Stays
Charges may apply for the following reasons:
- Late requests: A $50 charge applies for requests submitted after the deadline.
- Unauthorized stays: Students who remain in housing without approval will be charged $50 per night.
- Unreported stays: Students found in a residence hall during a break without submitting a request or obtaining permission will be charged a $50 fee plus $50 per night. These cases may also result in a judicial referral.
To request access after the deadline below, contact your Area Director or ORL. The $50 late fee will apply and be charged to your Student account.
For student safety, ORL must know everyone who is staying on campus during a break.
The following important dates and deadlines related to staying over break should be noted:
|
Deadline for Thanksgiving Break
|
Deadline for Winter Break | Deadline for Spring Break | Deadline for May Session Break (This break begins after classes end and before May Session begins.) Graduating seniors, students staying for the May Session, and Spring athletes still competing are eligible to stay. |
| Nov. 17 by 8 AM | Dec. 4 by 8 AM | Feb. 26 by 8 AM | Apr. 20 by 8 AM |
How do I request break access?
Students make requests through their MyHousing Portal. After the online form closes, students can request access through their Area Director or ORL.
When is the deadline to request break access?
Please check the dates on the grid above.
What if my coach/sponsor doesn’t request break access on my behalf?
Students must make their own requests in MyHousing. Coaches or other sponsors cannot request access for a student, but may be contacted to confirm that access is needed.
One of my friends/teammates requested access. Can they just let me in?
No. Students must make their own requests in MyHousing. We need to know who is on campus over breaks. A $50 charge will be assessed to students who fail to request permission to remain in residence through a break, and a referral for a violation of the student code of conduct may also be made in these cases.
How do I avoid costs?
Plan and make your request in advance (by the posted deadline) to avoid a charge.
Are residence hall policies in effect during the break period?
Yes.
In case of an emergency over break, who do I contact?
Contact emergency services at 911 or campus security at 309-556-1111.
What if damages occur in the hall during the break period?
If damage occurs in the hall and an individual is identified, they will be held accountable. In cases where an individual cannot be identified, all students with break access will be charged equally for the damage cost as per the residence hall damage policy.
If you have additional questions, contact your Area Director or the Office of Residential Life.
Terri Knapp - Assistant Director for Office of Residential Life
Department - Residence Halls-operations