Home for the holidays

The Fall 2014 semester is coming to an end and the winter break is near! While some may be anticipating returning back to their families and friends and cozy beds at home, there are some with no place to go, or who need to stay on campus for a little while longer until they can return home. Whatever the reason, Southern University’s Residential Life and Housing Department is offering on-campus housing extended stay for the entire winter break.
Flyers have been posted throughout the dorm and apartment hallways to notify on-campus residents about this opportunity. However, those who are considering the extended stay might have some questions that just a flyer cannot answer.
The Residential Assistants of Totty Hall claimed that all the rules and regulations would remain the same for those staying on campus over the break. However, current residents expressed concerns that the already strict visitation rules will carry over into the extension, inhibiting the enjoyment of their stay. Will there still be a sign-in sheet for visitors, or no visitors at all on random days of the weekday or weekend? These are questions the Residential Assistants could not answer.
With the lack of information from the Residential Assistants, there could only be one other valid source: Director of Residential Life at Southern University, Tracie Abraham covered all the bases regarding the extended stay, stating that the opportunity is offered annually, although visitation is prohibited for safety reasons, and the Hall Directors will provide supervision. There will be no Residential Assistants. Therefore, all issues must be reported to the Hall Director or the Residential Life and Housing office. Along with standard rules and regulations regarding on-campus living, the dining hall will be closed over the winter break, requiring extended stay residents to purchase their own groceries.
Student athletes are in progression are allowed to stay over the winter break separately from the extended stay. Coaches should release information on what teams are to stay.
When asked if there could be any exceptions to those who are not able to pay the $200 fee in the form of money order, Ms. Abraham simply replied, “You can’t stay. The fee is to keep the building up and running.”
With Abraham’s statement, there should be no confusion about the procedures for residents considering extended stay.
The extended stay opportunity is a welcomed change for some students. Vincent Walter, senior Business Management major from Antigua, plans to reside on campus over the winter break. “Going home is so expensive,” Walter said.
Traveling to another country, there is no surprise that plane tickets are priced so outrageously.
There is still time to register for the extended stay. Applications for extended stay can be found in the Residential Life and Housing Office, located on the first floor of the 300 apartment building.