Blackburn caters to a wide variety of dietary needs and restrictions: gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, and (sometimes) Vegan options are available with every meal. Items are clearly labeled to help indicate the presence of allergens. For any other dietary restrictions or questions, please contact Dining Services at 217.854.5524.

Residential students are required to be on a meal plan unless the student has dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated after consultation with Elena Carrillo Director of Dining Services.

No, Blackburn does not store students’ items over the summer break.

Items can be left in rooms during all breaks other than the summer break. Staff will perform health and safety checks during breaks, but a student’s personal items will not be removed.

Residence halls typically close for the Thanksgiving holiday; the break between fall and spring semesters; and during the summer break. 

Overnight guests may stay with a resident (free of charge) for two nights/three days only. After that period guests must leave campus. The same off campus guest cannot spend more than four nights/six days on campus per month and only if their host has the permission of their roommate and the RA or RD.

If a visitor needs or wishes to stay beyond two nights, they must make arrangements with the Direct of Inclusive Housing to stay in a College guest room (subject to availability) and will be charged the current rate.

Guests are permitted to visit at any time during the day or night providing they have permission from the resident they are visiting and their roommate.

In cases where students do not wish to have visitors in their room, their right of privacy shall have priority over roommates who may wish to entertain visitors. If a resident requests such privacy, the roommate should be informed and must comply.

Be aware that restrictions may need to be reinstated if conditions change.

Please review the Alcohol and Drug Policy at Blackburn College. As for smoking, the interiors of all campus buildings have been designated as smoke-free, including vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.

Pets are not allowed on Blackburn’s campus. However, both Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) are allowed on campus. Please consult Disability Services for more information.

Resident Assistants and Resident Directors are there to help you work through these conflicts. Learning to manage interpersonal conflicts is an important part of the college educational experience.

In addition, we offer “moving-on days” between the third and fifth weeks of each semester to
allow for room changes.