Firing Away on Fire-Safety Measures

University Housing has been upgrading fire-detection systems and installing fire-suppression systems (sprinklers) in the high-rise residence halls. The last high-rise to be upgraded is Slater Hall, with work beginning this summer and continuing through the academic year. There will be times when construction workers will need to enter rooms for short periods of time; students will be notified in writing several days in advance of the entry. The building staff will provide more detailed information and updates on progress throughout the year as construction progresses.

Making Room for More Housing

University Housing will begin constructing a five-story addition on the northeast corner of Burge Hall in late fall. The project, which will add 100 beds and room for administrative offices, will continue into 2009. Unfortunately, renovation means noise and dust, and construction workers will be present. If construction noise starts prior to 9 a.m., students should call their 24-hour desk and report the disruption.

Moving In, Not Moving On

Helping your student doesn’t end with move-in. Stay in contact several ways: first, check out University Housing’s web site at http://housing.uiowa.edu, and subscribe to our monthly e-mail newsletter (click on “Parents & Visitors” and then “News for Parents”), which includes deadlines and news relevant to your son’s or daughter’s residence hall experience. Also, be involved in the University by volunteering to serve on the Parents Association Parent Advisory Board or by participating in Family Weekend.  

Help Your Student Remember to Reapply for Housing

In January 2008, students will receive information about reapplying to live in the residence halls for 2008-09. Students, not parents, will receive the reapplication materials, and only students can reapply. But parents can remind their students of the importance of these deadlines. If students do not reapply electronically, or fill out and return the UI Housing Application and Contract Card, by the Feb. 5 deadline, they will lose their opportunity to be housed in residence halls next year. So, make a note to yourself to drop your student a few reminders.

Hawkeye Dollars Reach Farther, Wider, Longer

Hawkeye Dollars now may be used for laundry services and in select vending machines in the residence halls. This prepaid amount—each room contract includes $200 in Hawkeye Dollars per year ($100 per semester)—is credited to a special account, which students access by presenting a University ID. Hawkeye Dollars also may be used at Burge Market Place, Hillcrest Market Place, and a number of campus food service outlets. When students want to use Hawkeye Dollars to purchase food, they must inform the cashier, otherwise the purchases will be charged to their University bill. Residents also may purchase additional Hawkeye Dollars in $50 increments at the Contracts and Assignments Office or in any amount at the Account Management Centers in the Burge, Hillcrest, and Mayflower lobbies. Unused Hawkeye Dollars expire upon termination of the cardholder’s active affiliation with the University as a current student, faculty, or staff member, or upon 12 months of inactivity in the account—whichever comes first.

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