March 20, 2020

To: Students in Residence Halls
From: Elbert Bennett, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
RE: UAPB Residence Hall Procedures for Covid-19

I want to thank each of you for your patience and cooperation. The grace our students have exhibited is commendable. As you know the COVID-19 has created several challenges for our community. Each day new and more severe restrictions impact our ability as a university to provide the kind of experience we desire for our students.

After careful deliberation and in consultation the senior-level administrators, the Chancellor, and the University of Arkansas System, we have decided to close our residence halls while we transition to online learning for the remainder of the semester. All residence halls will remain closed for the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester.

Students may begin removing their items from the residence halls Monday, March 23, 2020, through Friday, April 3, 2020. Over the course of the next two weeks, the university staff will assist students in moving out of their dorm. We have established a mechanism for students to set an appointment to gain access to their rooms. Students will not be permitted to enter residence halls after April 3, 2020.

Rest assured that this decision was not made lightly. We weighed all of the pros and cons and decided that it is in the best interests of our students to allow students to learn remotely in an online format. We are doing everything in our power to make the move-out process as organized and safe as we can for everyone involved.

Prior to coming to campus, we ask that you read the recommendations from the CDC in regards to social distancing, and plan to bring only two additional individuals with you to help you move. If you are unable to return during the next two weeks, please let us know so we can secure your items for you.

If you are ill or immuno-compromised, do not return to campus at this time.

Many students understandably want to know if they will be entitled to a refund for housing. Due to the uniqueness of this situation, we appreciate your patience as we work to identify. We intend to bring the matter to the UA System Board and obtain guidance on available options as soon as possible. Once a resolution is identified, communication will be shared with the UAPB student population.

Please continue to watch your campus email and the University's social media outlets for additional information. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at bennette@uapb.edu or 870-875-8503, or Dean Ralph Owens at owensr@uapb.edu or 870-575-8081.