CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)- Austin Peay State University announced last week they would temporarily be moving all classes online starting Monday, Monday, March 23.

With that news, majority of students living in residential homes packed up and returned to their permanent residencies to finish school at home.

However residential halls remain open for the many students who couldn’t evacuate APSU’s campus.

“We have a diverse population of students consisting of many non-traditional students, some whom have families living on campus,” said Bill Persinger, Executive Director of Communications at APSU. “Additionally, this residential population includes international students, traditional and non-traditional students. Several of these populations do not have other housing options, so it is critical keep residence halls open.”

Students received the following correspondence from the APSU Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services:

“In light of recent events regarding COVID-19, the Department of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services encourages students to move out of their assigned spaces for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.  While residence halls and apartments remain open at this time, if you can return home, please do so. We understand this is not possible for everyone, and we want all residents to be where they feel most safe and able to do well academically.”

Students who plan to move out must return to campus by 7 p.m. on March 28, 2020, to retrieve all belongings, return your room key, and complete the check-out process. This date was chosen to help facilitate the refund process and condensing of building operations.

Students must sign up for a move-out time to manage the flow and facilitate social distance. Students can find their online form here.

Students who stay will not be allowed to have a roommate.  Relocation may occur to facilitate social distancing and to condense buildings.

Extended Housing

Those needing to remain in APSU housing for the remainder of the spring semester, must complete an Extended Housing Application.

Students must complete the Extended Housing Application by Sunday, March 28, 2020, at 7 p.m.

Any students who fail to complete the form and fail to check out of their assigned spaces will continue to be charged for their housing assignment until May 9, 2020.

Housing Reimbursement

Students who  do not return to campus housing will be issued a pro-rated refund of housing fees paid after completing the check-out process.

University officials are currently calculating student housing refunds for each student.

Once they have identified the specific students not returning to campus, a calculation will be finalized and the refund amount will be provided to those respective students.  4

“We will work as quickly as possible to complete calculations, but the work will take some time,” according to an APSU news release. “However, this is dependent on current housing students promptly notifying the Department of Housing and Residence Life of their intentions.”

Meal Plan Information

Tuition will not be adjusted since students are in school virtually. However, APSU staff is diligently calculating meal plan refunds for students.

Students who have a meal plan, their meal plans will continue to work at the dining venues available until their check-out date, at which point APSU will calculate a pro-rated refund.

They expect to issue this refund at the same time as housing refunds.

Those remaining on, their meal plan will remain active.

Beginning March 29, Dining Services will reduce dining hours and availability based on the remaining on-campus residential student population.

Anyone with  questions or concerns can contact APSU Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services at 931-221-7444.

Disinfection and Sanitizing

APSU has hired a third-party contractor who has implemented a deep cleaning protocol on all facilities utilizing a more aggressive disinfectant for all cleaning, Persinger said.

Particular attention will be given to high use areas (elevator buttons, door handles, etc.). Hand sanitizer has been placed in high traffic areas (University Center, Library, Recreation, etc.). They are currently sanitizing spaces that are not being used, such as classrooms.

If Sick

Persinger said APSU has sent out numerous communications to students about COVID-19 and recognizing symptoms and following CDC guidelines.

Those who are still on campus in residential halls are urged to call APSU Health Services if they have COVID-19 symptoms.