Soon, most Lakers will be heading back to their homes for some much needed rest and relaxation. However, Grand Valley State University will not be completely shutting down as some students will be staying on campus over break.

“As of Friday morning, about 500 students have signed up to stay over winter break,” said Dena Willis, occupancy manager for the department of housing and residence life.

Though there have been many changes on campus this year, winter break stay policies and procedures have not changed. Students who need to learn more about staying on campus over break can talk to their resident assistant for more information.

For those students staying on campus, there are several changes to the campus atmosphere. The heat in all buildings will be set at 50-55 degrees to maximize energy savings. No activities or events will be permitted during this time. Additionally, the Information Technology Offices and Manitou Lab on the Allendale Campus will be closed during the break, while email and the campus computer network will remain online during break.

Student safety will remain a top priority. On the Allendale Campus, 24-hour security will remain in action for students on campus. Emergency calls should be directed to central dispatch 911 and non-emergency calls through Public Safety at 331-3255. If access to a building is required, students must make arrangements with the Department of Public Safety Office at 331-3255 before Dec. 18.

On the Pew Campus, 24-hour security will also be provided. Emergency calls should be directed to Grand Rapids Dispatch 9-911 and non-emergency calls through Pew Campus Security at 331-6677 or 292-8052. If access to a building is required, prior arrangements must be made with the Pew Campus Security

All university offices will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 and resume regular operating hours after the New Year.

Students not participating in the winter break stay should follow the procedures set by the department of housing and residence and life. Before leaving for winter break students should throw away all of their perishable food items, remove and properly dispose of trash and recycling items from their dorm or apartment, close their blinds, turn off all lights and unplug any appliances, set the thermostat to fifty-five degrees and lock the door.

Campus dining hours have been adjusted for winter break:

From December 17 to December 20, the Lobby Shop, Subway, Panda Express, Argo Tea, Starbucks, Which Wich, The Connection, Papa John’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Fresh Food Company, POD Express, Corner Store, Kleiner Market, POD C-Store, Devos Center Plaza Café and Starbucks and the Seidman Café will be open with different hours.

From Dec. 21 to Dec. 27, the Lobby Shop, Subway, Papa John’s, The Corner Store and the Plaza Café will be open with adjusted hours.

From Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, Papa John’s and the Corner Store will be open.

From Jan. 4 to Jan. 10, only the Lobby Shop, Subway, Starbucks, Papa John’s and the Corner Store will be open.

The Connection, Fresh Food Company, the Kleiner Market and the POD C-Store will reopen Jan. 10.

For more winter break information and hours, check the GVSU and campus dining websites.