Winter Break Closing Info

All Shepherd University Residence Halls will close on Saturday, December 13, at 10am. Be sure to leave your room by 10am to avoid a $25 improper checkout fee. Residence Life Staff will conduct room inspections of all residence halls starting at 10am on Saturday, December 13. Shepherd University will close December 24 – January 5. Residence Halls will reopen for move-in on Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Dunlop & Printz Apartments Residents interested in staying during winter break are only eligible if they a) are registered for Spring 2026 classes, b) have an active Resident Agreement for both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, and owe no money to the University from the Fall 2025 semester.

What to do for Closing:

If you are:	You need to:
Returning to the same space in January 2026	Thoroughly clean your room and follow the check-out list posted by your door and in the halls. Pack the personal items you need for break. You can keep your other personal items in your room – no need to move out of the halls.

Living in a different space on campus in January 2026	Follow the instructions given by the Res Life Office. Not following those instructions will result in the cancellation of the request until the Open Room Change period in late January. Check out/in new space as directed.

Not enrolling at Shepherd in January 2026 (This includes graduating, transferring, or withdrawing)	Complete the “Cancel Resident Agreement” form on the Good Living Portal or you may owe money to the University. Remove ALL your personal belongings and thoroughly clean your space Call the RA on Duty to check out in person when you are ready to leave for the semester. There is a $25 Improper Checkout fee if you do not complete this step.

Enrolling at Shepherd, but not planning to live on campus.	Complete the “Cancel Resident Agreement” form on the Good Living Portal or you may owe money to the University. You must meet eligibility criteria to have your housing and meal plan charges removed. Simply moving out all your items will not remove the charges. If you are approved by the main Res Life office to live off campus, complete the steps listed in “Not Enrolling” above. If you are not approved by the main Res Life office to live off campus, please plan to live on campus.

Not sure what you are doing	Email residencelife@shepherd.edu or visit the main office in Miller Hall.

Need to Stay On Campus Over Winter Break?

If you need to stay past December 13 at 10am, please log onto the Good Living Portal and submit the Extended Stay Request Form by Wednesday, December 10. Late fees apply if applications are received after this date. Extended stays unrelated to academic or athletic commitments will incur a housing fee of $25 per day, contingent on prior approval from the Residence Life Office. Dunlop & Printz Apartments remain open during winter break. Resident Assistants will conduct Health and Safety Inspections in every room starting at 10am on December 13.

How to get your room ready:

Cleaning

Clean bathroom, sink & flush toilet.
Throw away trash & food that can spoil, including food in your fridge.
Take all trash to the dumpster outside.
Vacuum or sweep floors & wipe surfaces.

Close Up

Unplug everything from outlets except fridges & fish tanks.
Close and lock all windows.
Lower window blinds with slats open.
Set room temp to heat & 68 degrees.
Empty dehumidifier (if applicable)
Report any maintenance concerns through our Work Order Request System

Pack Smart

Pack EVERYTHING you need for a month-long break.
Don’t forget medications, textbooks, wallet, passport, charger, etc.
You cannot return to your room after the halls close on Saturday, December 13 at 10am.

Spring Semester Move-In

The move-in dates for all residents, including new and transfer students, will be Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11. All residents must check in with an RA on Saturday, January 10 or Sunday, January 11 in order to update their door access and to confirm their space on campus. Students will receive an email with instructions on how to select their move-in time. Note: Students approved for a room change request will move in on the date and time outlined in the approval email. If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact the Residence Life Office.

Have Questions?

If you have questions regarding the Winter Break Closing, please do not hesitate to contact your Hall Director, or contact the Residence Life Office directly.