InsideLowell has learned that students assigned to housing at UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center this fall have now been reassigned to residence halls at the university’s East and South Campuses.

The information confirmation of our reporting over the last coupe of weeks that indicated the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is considering using the dorm and hotel site as emergency shelter for the large influx of migrants pouring into the area, and that the University was already making plans for such a scenario.

The statement from UMass Chancellor Julie Chen read in part:

In light of Gov. Healey’s recent declaration of a housing crisis in Massachusetts, the state is exploring the potential use of the ICC and other sites throughout the state. While the possibility of an acquisition is in the very early stages, at this time a commitment has not been made for the state to acquire the ICC. The decision to pre-emptively move students to new locations was made to avoid a potentially much more disruptive move mid semester

Fortunately, additional UMass Lowell student housing has become available sooner than expected with the completion of renovations in Sheehy Hall and other locations on Campus. 

Students moving to East and South Campus residence halls will undoubtedly find themselves closer to academic and student resources and larger groups of students and faculty as part of their daily experiences.

We recognize and apologize for the frustration and confusion as these unexpected changes are happening during a time already filled with the excitement, anxiety and stress that comes with the start of any semester.

Students and their families can address questions by emailing reslife@uml.edu or by calling 978-934-5160.