Update for parents of Brandon Hall residents

We wanted to share some very good news with you about the re-opening of Brandon Hall. The University is now able to confirm that all students who have chosen to stay in the residence system will be moving back into Brandon beginning January 4th.

Teams of University staff, engineers and fire restoration technicians have been working very hard to enable students to return to campus for the start of the second term.

Brandon Hall has undergone extensive cleaning and restoration over the last few weeks. There are new mattresses and window blinds in each residence room. Carpeting has either been replaced or cleaned and walls and ceilings have been painted or sanitized. All fixtures and furnishings, including refrigerators that were left behind, have also thoroughly cleaned.

You will recall that we've focused on repairing the building's heavily-damaged elevators. By the January 4th move-back day, one elevator in the building will be operational. At this time it is anticipated a second elevator will be operational by the end of February.

Many of you have wondered about the condition of the building's fire safety system. Over the past few weeks, all of the building's smoke alarms and horns have been replaced. Heat sensors have been inspected and replaced where necessary and all exit signs have been cleaned, repaired or replaced. We are currently completing fire safety and security audits and we'll be sharing the results of those audits with you.

Beginning today, students are receiving direct email communication about their individual move-back procedures.

Here's an overview of how it will work:

Prior to the end of their exams, students who are residing in hotels will receive a supply of packing boxes and labels. Before leaving for the holiday break, students will pack and secure their belongings in the boxes. Refrigerators do not need to be boxed.

The University has hired a bonded moving and storage company to pick up the boxes at the hotels, store them in a secure place over the break, and then move them into your son or daughter's residence room. Students are able to stay in their hotel rooms until 12:00 noon of the day after their last exam.

When they move back to campus beginning January 4th, their belongings will be waiting for them in their residence rooms. If there are personal belongings your student needs over the holidays, be sure they take those things with them when they leave for the break. All items packed in the boxes and held in storage will not be available until January 4th. Any items that are currently in storage at the Frid Street warehouse will also be shipped to the residence room for January 4th.

Students who relocated off campus have been receiving a $200 weekly commuter allowance. With the end of term and residence space re-opening, the allowance payments will end effective December 18th (the last day of exams). Students are receiving e-mail directions about collecting their final allowance payments.

It's been a busy and difficult time since the fire. The outstanding patience, understanding and support of the students and parents have allowed us to get the building ready for re-occupancy in time for the second term. We appreciate your ongoing support and assistance.

You can download a new FAQ on move-back procedures by clicking here. As always, if you have any questions or comments, email daily@mcmaster.ca

Sincerely,

The Crisis Management Group