A Tuesday email from WVU informing students living in residence halls that they could return to Morgantown to move out beginning May 11 caught county officials off guard, according to Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom.
WVU pushed that start date back to May 18 on Wednesday in response to concerns that it overlapped with the announced May 1-17 window for off-campus residents.
Students living on campus must now schedule a date between May 18 and June 6 to retrieve their belongings.
WVU Spokesman John Bolt said the change was “in response to concerns expressed by the Monongalia County Commission.”
Bloom said the issue stemmed from his understanding that students living on campus would begin moving out after the off campus move out window closed on May 17.
That plan, he explained, was the result of a working group that included the Monongalia County Health Department, area landlords, WVU officials and others.
He said he reached out to WVU on Wednesday to request the university follow that timeline.
“They now realize that it makes more sense to follow the community plan and have the students living on campus go right after the off-campus residents,” Bloom said. “I really do appreciate WVU amending that and working with the community. I want to thank them very much.”
The guidelines for moving out of residence halls mirror much of what MCHD put out regarding off-campus housing.
According to information in the WVU release, students looking to move out of a residence hall must register at least 48 hours in advance. Directions for registration will be emailed to residents.
Time slots are available Monday through Saturday with the exception of Memorial Day Weekend.
Personal protective equipment is required in all public areas. Every resident can bring one helper and suitemates/roommates cannot select the same time slot.
WVU will not provide assistance in moving items between student rooms and personal vehicles.
In related news, Bloom said there has been no response from Gov. Jim Justice regarding the commission’s request for an executive order making masks mandatory in Monongalia County through May 17.
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