Move-In Information and Important Dates

Fall Move-In Overview

The Office of Student Living and College Engagement will be allowing students to officially move into the residence halls between August 17, 2020 and August 23, 2020. All residential students will need to select a move-in shift. We will also be allowing a limited amount of students to participate in our “Early Drop-Off Program” in order to allow for more flexibility with your move-in process. This process is based on the college’s reopening plan that is contingent upon the approval from the State of New York and Governor Cuomo.

Beginning Friday, July 17, 2020 at 9:00 AM students will be able to select their move-in timeslot.

Option 1: Standard Fall Move-In

Students will select an arrival shift between August 17, 2020 and August 23, 2020. Please note: first-year students will be required to move in between August 17, 2020 and August 19, 2020 in order to participate in Orientation. Transfer students opting to participate in Orientation will also need to select a shift during this timeframe.
- *Please note: Orientation Mentors, Resident Assistants, and fall sport athletes will have specific move-in information communicated to them.

Option 2: Early Drop-Off Program

Students may opt to participate in the Early Drop-Off Program to add a little more flexibility to their move-in experience. Students may select an Early Drop-Off shift between August 8, 2020 and August 14, 2020.

Standard Fall Move-In

Students will select an arrival shift between August 17, 2020 and August 23, 2020. Please note: first-year students will be required to move in between August 17, 2020 and August 19, 2020 in order to participate in Orientation. Transfer students opting to participate in Orientation will also need to select a shift during this timeframe.
Students will be allowed to have two (2) people assist them with moving in. Together they may bring up to two (2) vehicles. *Please note: there will be no staff/faculty/students serving as MooseMovers to assist with move-in this year.
Students will select a three-hour shift for move-in and all Move-In Assistants will be expected to leave campus by the end of the shift.

Standard Fall Move-In Steps:

Select a Move-In Shift
- You must select a move-in shift at least three (3) days prior to the shift.

Complete Pre-Arrival Form
- You will receive a Pre-Arrival form two (2) days prior to your move-in shift. This form is mandatory and must be completed prior to coming to campus.
Arrive to Campus to Move-In
- You will receive an email the day before your move-in shift which will include important information for your move-in shift. Please read this email in its entirety.

Early Drop-Off Program

Students may opt to participate in the Early Drop-Off Program to add a little more flexibility to their move-in experience.
Students may select an Early Drop-Off shift between August 8, 2020 and August 14, 2020.
Students will be allowed to have two (2) people assist them with moving in. Together they may bring up to two (2) vehicles. *Please note: there will be no staff/faculty/students serving as MooseMovers to assist with move-in this year.
Students will be allowed to move their belongings in between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on their selected day. All individuals (including the student) will need to leave campus by 5:00 PM on their early drop-off day.
Students will then select a date to return to campus and stay for the semester. On this arrival day, no other individuals will be allowed in the residence halls and students will only be allowed to bring in what they can carry in one trip into the residence halls.

Early Drop-Off Program Steps:

Select Early Drop-Off Program shift
- *You must select a move-in shift at least three (3) days prior to the shift.*
Select Early Drop-Off Program shift
- *You must select a Return to Campus shift at least three (3) days prior to the shift.(*Please note: you can select this shift ahead of time and you do not need to wait until after your Early Drop-Off Program shift to schedule your Return to Campus shift.)
  - Please complete this form.
Complete Early Drop-Off Program Registration
- You will receive an Early Drop-Off Program registration form two (2) days prior to your drop-off shift. This form is mandatory and must be completed prior to coming to campus.
Complete Pre-Arrival Form
- You will receive a Pre-Arrival Form two (2) days prior to your return to campus shift. This form is mandatory and must be completed prior to coming to campus.
Return to Campus
- You will receive an email the day before your return to campus shift which will include important information for your shift. Please read this email in its entirety.

The Office of Student Living and College Engagement, in conjunction with other offices on campus, have created a mandatory checklist that all students must complete prior to being able to move into the residence halls.

Have all health forms and records submitted to the Student Health Center (new students only)
Receive financial clearance for the Center for Student Success by either being paid in full or on an approved payment plan.
Submit Residential Student Safety Plan (this will be available to complete on August 1, 2020)
Complete all Pre-Arrival forms sent by the Office of Student Living and College Engagement
*Please note: additional items may be added to this checklist based on COVID and will be communicated to you

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Governor Cuomo’s Mandatory 14 Day Quarantine mean?

Governor Cuomo has issued a travel advisory regarding individuals who are traveling to New York state from states that have significant community spread which requires them to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to New York State. For an up to date list of areas on this list please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
Utica College is currently finalizing what this means for our students and we will be in touch with students who are from these states.
If you are traveling to these states between now and move-in please reach out to emermgt@utica.edu and inform them of your travel plans.

What is the procedure for physical distancing and sanitizing during move-in?

Utica College will require residents and people assisting with move in to wear face coverings throughout the move-in process.
Utica College will be providing students with one face covering but it may not be readily available at the time of move-in so all individuals reporting to campus should bring their own face covering for move-in.
There will be signage on elevators to limit occupancy. Please note: Bell, Tower, and Boehlert Halls are the only residence halls with elevators.
There will be signage in all common spaces (lounges, kitchen areas, lobbies) that limits occupancy and includes any applicable guidelines to promote social distancing.
There will be hand sanitizing stations located throughout the residence halls for students.
We will increase the cleaning/disinfection of common “high touch” areas (including elevator buttons and common door handles) and restrooms throughout the day.

Will there be volunteers to help with move-in?

The Office of Student Living and College Engagement has decided not to implement our MooseMover program this year in an effort to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus. Residence Hall staff will be in the buildings and available to provide directions and answers, but students and their designated move-in assistants will be responsible for moving their items into their room.

Who can be present at move-in?

Students will be allowed to have two (2) people assist them with move in. Together they may bring up to two (2) vehicles.
Students who opt for the Early-Drop Off Program will be allowed two (2) people to assist them with moving in and together they may bring up to two (2) vehicles on their early-drop off day but will not be allowed any move-in assistants on their return to campus day.
All students will be required to fill out a Pre-Arrival form before coming to campus that answers questions about symptoms and concerns for COVID-19. Any individual exhibiting symptom(s) or who have a concern for COVID-19 should not come to campus.

Will refreshments be provided?

The Office of Student Living and College Engagement will be providing bottles of water on move-in days but there will not be any snacks provided this year. There are no-touch refillable water bottle stations available in some of the residence halls.

How should I pack my things?

In order to be certain that your belongings make it to your room, please follow these guidelines when packing:

Don't bring it all! Given the current COVID-19 situation, we are asking that residents please limit the volume of belongings they bring with them to campus in case they are required to change rooms or return home during the semester.
We are recommending that you bring enough clothes for 14 days should you need to be quarantined or isolated at any time.
Clearly label your belongings with your full name, residence hall, and room number. Include labels on everything and make them easily visible. For your convenience, there is a label template provided at the bottom of this page.
Pack everything in a box, suitcase, or storage bin. Loose items are more likely to get lost and create more trips back and forth.
Remember that, in a lot of cases, you will be using stairs and not elevators to move your belongings so we recommend taking that into consideration when packing your items!
Communicate! Make sure that you have talked with your roommate and made an effort to avoid duplicating items for your room.
Make sure that you review the list of approved/prohibited items and know what is and is not allowed in your room. This information is provided at the bottom of this page.
Take a look at our suggested packing list at the bottom of this page for an idea of items that students tend to bring to campus!

What will move-in day look like?

We will provide information for you on your move-in day three (3) days prior to coming to campus. Please be sure to read this email very carefully as it will contain all information for what to expect on your move-in day!

Packing Guide

The following is a guide of what students should and should not have in their residence hall rooms. You should spend some time thinking about what to bring but remember...you do not have to bring every item listed. Make sure you reach out and talk with your roommate(s) so you can plan what to bring together.

Clothing

No matter how many forecasts you watch, there is no way you can predict the weather in Central New York. The walk from the residence halls to the classrooms will seem much longer if you are not dressed for the weather. Be sure to pack for all conditions. Snow is inevitable here in Utica, so be prepared.

There are also many functions where 'dressy' attire will be needed as well. You may need to "spiff up" for formal gatherings and group functions, so be sure to bring clothes for special occasions.

Room Décor

All residential rooms are an "eggshell" color so your room has a lot of potential. Beds, desks, bureaus, curtains, and a ceiling light are provided for your convenience. You may want to bring desk lamps, a spare lamp, a carpet or throw rugs, plants, and posters or pictures, which can brighten the room and make it more comfortable.

PLEASE NOTE:

Bell Hall, Boehlert Hall, Pioneer Village, and Tower Hall are air-conditioned.
You are responsible for all items left in your room during the academic year. You are not allowed to leave items in your room during the summer break. Be sure to check your parents' homeowners' insurance policy for details regarding coverage for your belongings.

Items You May Want to Bring

Clothes for all seasons such as boots, a winter coat, scarf, gloves, and an umbrella.
Carpeting. Room sizes vary but a 9-foot by 12-foot rug fits most double rooms in Alumni, Burrstone, North and South Halls. The Bell, Boehlert and Tower Hall singles measure 9 feet, 4 inches by 11 feet, 4 inches and doubles are 11 feet, 4 inches by 17 feet, 4 inches.
A UL listed multiple outlet surge protector (or two).
Extra cell phone charger.
A cable ready television model that can receive more than 55 stations.
A 16- to 24-foot coaxial cord for your TV. All rooms receive FREE cable service.
Headphones in case you bring a stereo/television.
Band-Aids/First aid kit
A small sewing kit
An iron and a small ironing board
Sporting goods (baseball glove, tennis racquet, racquetball equipment, etc.)
Dishes and cooking utensils that are microwave-safe. A community microwave is provided in all residence halls with the exception of Alumni Hall. Some students also choose to bring their own microwave for their room.
Dishcloths, dishtowels, dish detergent.
Desk/Office supplies.
Stationery, stamps, envelopes, and an address book.
A small refrigerator, no larger than 3 cubic feet (1 per room).
Coffee maker with an automatic shut off.
Bathroom supplies (soap holder and plastic bucket for carrying items to the bathroom).
Twin XL-sized (80") bed sheets and at least one pillow.
Towels and washcloths.
Hangers for your clothes.
A laundry basket or bag.
Board games and playing cards.
A desktop or laptop computer.
An electric fan.
An alarm clock.
Fun tack, masking tape, or "painter's tape" for hanging posters/pictures
A memo board, whiteboard calendar, or other organizational board.
Face Masks
Thermometer
Hand Sanitizer

PDF VERSION OF PACKING LIST

**Please see our Prohibited Items List below to know what items must be left at home.

Prohibited Items

Pets are not allowed (the exception being pet fish).
Hot plates, heating coils, electric frying pans, space heaters, broilers, griddles, toasters, toaster ovens, and other open-coil cooking appliances.
Incense and incense burners.
Halogen lamps/Heat Lamps/Lava Lamps.
Candles, and other open-flame items
Any kind of extension cords or multi tap outlets (surge protectors are acceptable).
Firearms, fireworks, and dangerous weapons are also not permitted in the halls.
Cinder blocks are not allowed because they can damage the room floors.
Room air conditioners are not permitted in the residence halls.
Wifi routers and wifi printers (may cause problems with the College's wifi).
More than one strand of string lights per room (check with your roommate before bringing them)
Explosives, gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquids
Tapestries, curtains, jerseys, or any other fabric hung up on the walls without expressed approval from the Area Coordinator based on completion of registration of said item.
Smoking paraphernalia including but not limited to hookahs, bongs, pipes, etc.

Additional Policies:

Nothing may be hung from the ceiling nor the fire equipment.
Residents may not hang their own curtains or other materials over windows.
There must be nothing hung within 18 inches of the ceiling.
Nothing can impede the flow of the sprinklers should they need to activate (leave a 24 inch space around all sprinklers).
Special policies apply to Alumni Hall and Pioneer Village. Please see the PDF Prohibited Items List for more information.

PDF Prohibited Items List

When in doubt, contact the Office of Student Living and College Engagement regarding any changes/modifications to your room and to see if items are permitted on campus.

Contact your Area Coordinator for more information or clarification.

Thinking about bringing a tapestry? Here is all you need to know in order for your tapestry and/or cloth decorations to be approved:

**Please note: in order for your items to be approved to be hung you agree to take part in this voluntary process and the college does not hold any responsibility for what happens to your items due to the fire retardant spray. We encourage you to ask us to read the bottle prior to agreeing to have your items sprayed.

Your item must be sprayed with fire protectant spray. Your Area Coordinator has spray and will work with you to properly spray your item.
Your tapestry must abide by all other fire codes such as location on the wall. This information will be given to you during your first floor meeting.
You will need to email your Area Coordinator to setup a time to have your items registered. The registration process must be done by Friday, September 11, 2020 at 10 a.m. or your tapestry may not be approved or allowed.

To register your items or if you have any questions about prohibited items or tapestries, please contact:

North & South Halls - Sam Ashley (saashley@utica.edu)
Burrstone & Boehlert Halls - Mathew Vincent (mjvincen@utica.edu)
Bell, Tower, & Alumni Halls - Lauren Waszkiewicz (lecranda@utica.edu)

PDF VERSION

Utica College Office of Student Living & College Engagement Residence Hall Fire Safety Policies

Lighting

Halogen lamps are prohibited
All lamps must be equipped with proper lamp shades and light bulbs with the appropriate wattage for the fixture
String lights of no more than 1 strand are allowed. However, if multiple strands are plugged in together or other items are plugged into the lights, it is considered the same as an extension cord and is therefore prohibited

Extension Cords, Surge Protectors, etc.

Extension cords are prohibited
Multi-plug and cube adaptors are prohibited
Power strips must be surge protected and cannot be plugged into one another (piggybacking)

Tapestries and Posters

Hanging fabrics require application of fire retardant by an Area Coordinator
No draperies, tapestries, or any other decorative materials should hang from ceilings
Doors and walls should not have more than 50% of the wall or door area covered with combustible decorative material such as posters, pictures, fabrics
Doors cannot be wrapped entirely with wrapping paper

Open Flames/Appliances

Candles, incense, and similar open flame-producing items are not allowed in campus residence halls
Smoking is prohibited in the residence halls
Cooking or cooking appliances are prohibited in residence hall rooms and common areas. Some examples are hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, rice cookers and grills

Trash & Storage

No excessive accumulations of trash, rubbish or combustible waste materials shall be allowed
Storage shall be maintained 2 feet or more below the ceiling

Exit Routes

Personal items should not be blocking the doorway of room
Personal items (trash, shoes etc.) or furnishings should not be stored in corridors or any exit path
Doors should be able to open easily and fully with no obstructions

Fire/Sprinkler System

It is prohibited for anyone to tamper with, remove, or disturb any fire protection system or component.
Nothing is to be hung from a sprinkler pipe, head, or protective cage including clothes hangers, towels, wires, plants, air fresheners, etc.