On Monday, an email was sent out to campus residents from Housing and Residence Life detailing the plans of how it will proceed amidst coronavirus concerns.
The email included a request from Housing for students to return home as soon as possible if they are able to do so to mitigate any potential spread of the virus. The email stated that they would consider requests to cancel housing agreements if residents don’t want to return to housing for the remainder of the academic year.
Students who would be unable to return home are allowed to stay. This includes: “international students, Guardian Scholars, students who are employed in the area, students who may not have the resources for remote learning in their home communities and those who may face housing insecurity if they leave campus housing,” according to the email. Residents are also being asked to complete a survey by Mar. 20 so Housing can determine who needs to stay and who is returning home.
However, it is unclear what the plan is for students who would remain at campus housing. The email mentioned potentially moving the remaining students at housing into “one area or building.”
“I kind of saw [this] coming given that the other schools are asking their students to do the same,” said Salvadore Prieto, a resident. “Since we don’t have any actual confirmed cases on campus though, I think it’s a little premature.”
Aviation Management major, Luis Cruz, a current resident at Cal State LA’s housing facilities, was not enthused about the prospects of moving the remaining residents into one area.
“I was arguing with my roommates about the situation, and I think this is totally unfair for so many people that don’t have another place to live,” he said. “I think that’s unfair, but as long as they give us the money back that’s totally fine.”
The dining commons will remain open for students who stay in campus housing, and up-to-date information is being added to the Cal State LA Health Watch website.
The Interim Director for Housing and Residence Life declined to comment because she was busy helping residents through this transition.
Correction: Luis Cruz is an Aviation Management major and a current resident at Cal State LA’s housing facilities.
