MACOMB, Il – On Jan. 13, Western Illinois University Housing Department sent out a notice to students in all halls. The email provided a statement regarding the “temporary pausing” of Lincoln-Washington Halls.
Detailed within the email is the reasoning for the pause, “the University will assess several areas within the complex, including the condition of utility systems, student rooms, furniture, etc, and as budget allows focus attention on the repairs needed throughout both buildings.”
In the email, the Housing Department states that students are encouraged to take advantage of the earlier move times provided by the department. A second email was released on Jan. 17 with a statement from the housing director along with instructions for incoming students and students on Living Learning Community floors.
“Currently the plan is to pause the halls for the next academic year, evaluate facility needs and costs and future trends in numbers, and move forward with a plan beyond next year,” Bridget McCormick, Director of UHDS, said. “The goal is that we have numbers to support the reopening of the halls and during the pause will be able to address some of the more pressing facility needs.”
McCormick said the temporary pause is a move in the right direction for the future of the school and the benefit of students.