Announcement

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Hilltopper Hall Closure & Resident Relocation Announcement | January 18, 2024

The following email was sent to all Hilltopper Hall residents on Thursday, January 18, 2024:

Earlier this academic year, members of WKU’s Facilities Management team noticed that some of the exterior masonry work on Hilltopper Hall had shifted out of position. The WKU Student Life Foundation, which owns WKU’s Residence Halls, engaged a team of experts (including an architect and civil engineers) to investigate, review and assess the building. The team of experts is still performing this work. However, yesterday the Board of Directors of the Student Life Foundation met to hear and discuss preliminary findings. 

Based on professional recommendations, and after careful and deliberate discussions, the Student Life Foundation Board of Directors made the decision to restrict all occupancy within Hilltopper Hall while this investigative work continues. In the interest of safety and to facilitate continued assessment of the building, WKU Housing and Residence Life will personally work to relocate all residents by Sunday, February 4. 

We understand that any transition in housing poses an inconvenience and additional stress at the beginning of the semester. Our guiding principle is the health and safety of each of our residents and remains at the forefront of every decision we make. WKU Housing and Residence Life is committed to providing you with a safe and comfortable environment in which you can thrive. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate a challenging situation. 

 

WKU Housing & Residence Life is providing the following relocation options for you to choose from: 

Option 1: Remain on campus in a different hall (at that hall’s rate) and receive an additional $1,000 housing credit for the Spring 2024 semester. The Hilltopper Hall spring housing charge will be removed from your spring bill. The following halls are available:  

1. McCormack Hall - Double room with roommate and extended living (hall will remain open during spring break); Housing rate of $1,956 (reflects $1,000 credit). 
     

1. Private rooms at PFT and Douglas Keen - A limited number of private rooms are available; Housing rate of $2801.60 (reflects $1,000 credit). With a limited number of private rooms available, this option will be provided by a random lottery draw. 
    

1. Students with housing accommodations on file have been reserved a space that meets their needs and will receive a separate email with that option. The options listed above remain available to you as well. Please follow the instructions in the separate email. If you choose to move to the accommodated room assignment, a one-time $1,000 scholarship will be applied.  

Option 2: Move off campus: 
All Hilltopper Hall residents will be granted an exemption from the required housing policy for the Spring 2024 semester and will not be charged a contract termination fee. The Hilltopper Hall housing charge will be refunded on your spring bill. One resource to research off-campus rental properties is: https://wkuapartments.com/.  

 

Timeline to Choose Your Relocation Option: 

On Friday, January 19, 2024, you will receive an email and text from WKU Housing & Residence Life with a personalized survey link to submit your preferred relocation option. The survey will remain open until Monday, January 22 at 11pm. Please take your time in weighing the relocation options before submitting the survey.  

Once you have submitted your choice, HRL will provide additional information and instructions via email Tuesday-Thursday, January 23-25.   

1. Students opting to remain on campus will receive their new assignment and instructions on how we will assist with their move. Moving help and appointment timeslots will be offered Friday, Jan 26-Sunday, Feb. 4. 
    

1. Students choosing to move off campus will sign up for a move-out timeslot and must vacate Hilltopper hall by Feb. 4 at 6pm. Students are responsible for moving items to the off-campus location on their own. 

 

Questions and Future Updates 

WKU HRL is committed to communicating with you throughout this process and will send more details as information becomes available over the next few business days (weather dependent).  

WKU HRL will host in-person town hall meetingsfor Hilltopper Hall residents to discuss the relocation options and the moving process; meetings will be held on the first-floor lobby of Hilltopper Hall. Questions can be submitted ahead of time via [the link in your email] or during the meeting. You are encouraged to participate during one of the following meeting times:  

• Friday, January 19 at 3PM 
• Sunday, January 21 at 2PM 
• Monday, January 22 at 4PM  

Your parent/guardian will also be receiving a copy of this email. If you or your parent/guardian have questions, please reply to this email or call WKU Housing & Residence Life at (270)745-3143.  

For updates, frequently asked questions, and more, please visit www.wku.edu/housing/hilltopper. 

 

Dr. Catherine LaRoche 

Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement 

Executive Director for Housing & Residence Life