Questions and answers for students and parents of Madison Hall
Housing | Food/other needs | Other Questions | Contact
News Release - August 05, 2006
Media contact:
Karen L. Gill
Office of University Relations
(757) 594-8428
Over fifty members of the CNU community have worked through the day to remove students' possessions from Madison Hall. We are boxing and identifying these possessions by suite number and hope to have this work completed tomorrow.
Students may pick up these personal belongings beginning on Monday, and will be advised tomorrow of the appropriate time and place to do so.
Some suites and personal property have been hard hit. Students should check with their insurance companies to replace personal property lost in the fire. Most homeowners' policies provide this protection and the University will provide whatever documentation is necessary for insurance purposes.
Donna Eddleman, Dean of Students, and other administrative officers will meet with all affected students tomorrow, Sunday, August 6 th at 2:00 p.m. in the Anderson Auditorium on the first floor of the Administration Building in order to discuss next steps and answer questions.
Here are answers to many of the questions that have been asked by students and parents as a consequence of the fire at Madison Hall.
Where are the students being housed now?
Displaced students are at a local hotel.
Who's paying for their hotel fees?
The University is paying hotel fees for displaced Madison Hall residents.
What long-term solution will be offered for housing?
Each displaced Madison Hall resident will be offered long-term housing. Students will be housed at Pointe Plaza Suites and the Holiday Inn a few miles from campus. We will make every effort to return students to campus as beds become available.
How has the fire affected the housing contract signed by students to live in Madison Hall?
The University will honor all housing contracts by providing housing for the academic year.
What about students who have not arrived on campus yet but were planning to live at Madison Hall?
Students who have not already arrived should wait until August 18th to check into assigned housing. Each student will be contacted prior to August 18 th with their specific housing information.
What if affected students want to live with friends on campus?
Triples will be accommodated and can be arranged through the Housing Office at (757) 594-7756.
What arrangements will be made for the students' meals?
All residents of Madison Hall may use The Commons dining facility on campus through August 20 th at no cost. Student meal cards will be available in The Commons starting Monday morning, August 7th.
Will counseling services be available for affected students?
Yes, counseling is available through the University's Center for Counseling, Coaching and Consulting at (757) 594-7047. Crisis calls should be directed to University Police at (757) 594-7053.
How can I help the affected students?
Donations of clothing and toiletries are being accepted at The Freeman Center on campus from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, August 5th, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 6th. Other offers of help should be directed to Margaret Yancey, Special Assistant to the President, at (757) 438-8014.
What about parking on campus for affected students?
If necessary, residential parking decals can be converted to commuter decals. This should be arranged through Parking Services, (757) 594-7129.
Will transportation to campus be arranged for students who do not have a car?
Yes. More specific details will follow.
Who Should I Contact If I have Questions?
Please continue to check this website for updated information. If you were a resident on the first or second floor of Madison, your contact for all inquiries will be Margaret Yancey, Special Assistant to the President at 757-438-8014. If you were a resident on the third or fourth floor your contact for all inquiries will be Donna Eddleman, Dean of Students, at 757-508-8147.
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 4,800 students in programs through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Luter School of Business and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. Visit us at www.cnu.edu.