All residence halls and fraternity houses are considered communal living areas and are closed for academic-year breaks. Housing contracts for these residences do not include residency for any of the extended break periods. “Break periods” include the following times when class is not in session: winter break and spring break. Academic-year break periods are included in the contract price to live in the apartment-style housing options (College Park, Manley, Midtown, Jefferson Park, Summit Park, Patterson House and University Suites). Apartment residents who are signed up for both fall and spring semesters may stay in campus housing during the aforementioned breaks.
Summer break requires a separate housing contract. There are no Drury-activity or mileage waivers for the summer.
Closing Dates & Opening Dates
AUGUST 2 | Meal Plan Deadline
This is the last day to decrease your meal plan. You can upgrade throughout the semester.
AUGUST 16 | Freshmen Move-In Day and Orientation
All new students can move into the halls.
NOW-SEPTEMBER 3 | Room Change Freeze
No room changes will be allowed during this time.
OCTOBER 17-20 | Fall Break
Housing will remain open, but there is no dining.
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 1 | Thanksgiving Break
Housing will remain open, but there is no dining.
DECEMBER 13 | Winter Break
Housing will close at 5PM. Students may keep items in the halls, but will not have access to them. All students who are not returning for the Spring semester will need to check out of the halls properly.
JANUARY 11 | Spring Return
Returning students may move back into the halls.
MARCH 7-15 | Spring Break
Housing will close at 5PM on March 7th. Students may keep items in the halls, but will not have access to them.
MAY 9 | Halls Closing for Summer Break!
Housing will close at 5PM. All students who are not approved for summer housing will need to check out with all items removed from housing.
Students who desire to stay in their residence hall or fraternity house over an academic-year break period, must submit a Housing Break form located on MyDrury under the Housing folder in the Campus Life tab (usually by 5 p.m. the Friday before a break). There is a $25 per-night charge for residents who stay over any break period, unless that student’s permanent address is 250 miles away or further, or they are required to stay for a Drury activity. Every student wishing to stay, must fill out the form, including those who are required to day.
For students who are required to stay in their residence for a Drury-related function, their coach, supervisor, or advisor may request the fee to be waived. This includes athletic teams that are actively practicing and/or participating, on-campus job requirements, or other faculty/staff-approved organizations. The staff or faculty advisor is responsible for submitting a request form and roster to the Housing office by the specified date and time for each break (usually by 5pm the Friday before a break). If the form is not submitted on time, there will be an $25 per night charge for residents who stay over any break period. Holding an off-campus job does not qualify the student to receive the fee waiver.
All requests for housing over breaks are subject to final approval by the Residence Life and Housing office. Requests may be denied for reasons including, but not limited to: previous policy violations, outstanding fees or sanctions, or limited staff availability. Each residence hall and the fraternity quad will have an on-call Residence Life staff member to address any issues that may arise and to make sure all guests are properly registered. Residents will receive an email notification if their requests are granted. The on-call staff person’s contact information will be posted in the residence halls and fraternity houses.
The guest policy will be identical to the policy during the normal academic year. Guests are allowed during normal open hours, and overnight guests are allowed if they are registered with the on-call staff member in advance (in locations that require registration).
The meal plan is not active during academic breaks. However, the Campus Exchange is open for cash/credit purchases for limited hours during many of the breaks on business days. Commons cafeteria is closed for break periods. The Cox Hospital cafeteria is open to the public and within walking distance to campus.
Fall-only/Spring-only semester students in any housing type will be charged the $25 per-night fee if they arrive early or depart after their contracted single semester timeframe. For example: A student who is leaving Drury in December and asks to stay past the checkout deadline would pay $25 a night for every additional night. This fee applies to all locations in campus housing.
