Residence Life Policies

Room Changes
Room changes are accommodated after the second week of the
Fall semester. Students are not permitted to make a room change
without prior written approval from their Area Coordinator or the
Assistant Director of Residence Life. An unauthorized room change
will result in a fine and possible disciplinary action. No student, under
any circumstances, can force another to vacate a space. Any such
efforts will be referred for disciplinary action. During the first weeks
of each semester, the Office of Residence Life will consolidate rooms
when necessary.

Cancellation of Housing Contract
Requests for cancellation of the housing contract must be
submitted in writing to the Office of Residence Life and will be
granted only for extraordinary circumstances. Written requests for a
contract release must be received no later than August 1, 2007 for the
fall semester. Requests for contract release for the spring semester
must be received no later than December 1, 2007. Students granted
contract releases will be charged a maximum $650 Contract Release
Fee, in addition to losing their $350 non-refundable housing deposit.
The University reserves the right to evict a student from residence for
failure to meet his/her financial obligations to the University.

Condition of Public Area and Public Area Furniture
The residents of a hall are responsible for the condition of
University owned furnishings and property in their public areas.
Damaged or missing University property will be billed to the residents
of that particular suite, hall or building. Students are not permitted to
take public area furniture into their individual rooms, outside the
residence hall or to an unauthorized area. Any student who possesses
such University furniture will be fined and/or adjudicated. Room costs
reflect the actual cost of housing students and maintaining residence
halls. Since no allowances are made for theft or damages, such costs
must be paid over and above the basic room fee when they occur.

Damage Billing and Vandalism Repair
The cost of any repairs that are needed as a result of normal wear
will be covered by the University. Repairs that are needed because of
vandalism will be billed to the individual responsible for the damage.
In the event that the individual at fault is not found, the building, the
floor or hall will be required to share the cost of repairing the damage.
Students are advised to check their student account on MySJU
regularly to determine if damage charges have been assessed. The
students who are billed may appeal the assessment for damages. All
appeals for damage bills must be submitted in writing to the Office of
Residence Life within 30 days of the date of the bill.
Facility Repairs / Work Requests and Related Procedures
• Emergency service work is that which concerns hazards to life,
health, property or interruption of utilities (electric, water, gas,
etc.), and also hazards that would cause sufficient disruption to
scheduled activities. This work is normally completed the same
day as it is requested. Emergency work requests are received from
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by telephone or in person, Facilities
Management, Overbrook Hall, Room 110, telephone 610-660-
3000. After-hours and holidays, emergency service may be
obtained through the Security office, telephone 610-660-1111.
• Further, situations in which damage is caused to personal items
resulting from a building facility issue such as a flood, fire, etc.,
the University will cover facility-related damage in an amount not
to exceed $250 per student per incident.
Replacement costs for personal item(s) exceeding this amount
are expected to be covered by student’s homeowner/renter’s
insurance.
• All requests for general maintenance/repairs should be directed to
610-660-3030 (24 hours a day) or http://www.sju.edu/ facilities_
management. Click on work order request.
• Building occupants are not permitted to repair any malfunctioning
equipment. Improper operation of heating and air
conditioning systems shall be directed to the Facilities
Management office. Improper operation of washers and dryers
shall be directed to the service repair number listed on those
machines, except for the Morris Quad Townhouses, who shall
contact Facilities Management Office.
• Telephone and Data Line problems shall be directed to
Information Technology, 610-660-2920.
• Pest control services are provided by Facilities Management on a
scheduled and as needed basis.
• Cable Problems should be directed to Comcast Cable Customer
Service at 215-992-2712. Students living in Lancaster Court
should contact Hotwire at 610-642-8570.
• Washer and dryer problems should be reported as follows:
Caleco 610-692-5600.

Health and Safety Inspections
At least once a semester the Residence Life staff will conduct
a formal Health and Safety Inspection. Guidelines for Health and
Safety Inspections will be distributed by the Residence Life Staff
and are available on the Residence Life website
http://www.sju.edu/residence-life .
In addition to formal inspections, unannounced health, fire,
safety or maintenance inspections may be made of residence halls or
residence rooms by University personnel or proper health officials.
Maintenance personnel may enter student rooms throughout the year
to make necessary repairs, and Residence Life and Facilities
Management personnel will inspect rooms for damages at the end of
the spring semester. For the safety of students' personal belongings
and the safety of University property, all rooms will be inspected at
the onset of each break period to be sure that curling irons, televisions,
lamps, etc. have been turned off and/or unplugged.

Fines
Violations of University policies and procedures may result in the
levying of student fines. Fines may be imposed singularly or in
conjunction with other disciplinary sanctions such as community
service hours, restitution, removal from housing, etc. All money
collected from student fines is put back into the residence halls
through hall improvements. In the past student fines have funded the
addition of ping pong and pool tables in the high-rises, televisions in
the living rooms of the houses, and new lounge and study furniture
throughout the residence system.
Fines for violating University policies and procedures include, but
are not limited to:
Excessive Cleaning (Public Area) $50 and up
Excessive Cleaning (Room) $50 and up
Excessive Cleaning (Apt.) $150 and up
Failure of Health and Safety Inspection $25 per roommate
False Discharge of Fire Extinguisher $200
False Fire Alarm $500
Improper Check-in & Check-out $100
Non-approved Room Change $50 per resident
Propped Exterior Doors $5 per resident, per occurrence
Quiet Hours $25
Removal of Public Area Furniture $50 and up to replacement
costs
Smoking in Unauthorized Location $50
Tampering with Fire Safety or Security Equipment $200
Tampering with Room Screens $25 and up to replacement costs.
Violation of Alcohol / Drug Policy. See Policy
Violation of Pet Policy $50 per resident in addition to $50
excessive cleaning fee and any other costs associated with pet
damages.
Fines may be levied in other situations as deemed appropriate by
Residence Life and Student Life personnel.

Room Cleaning
Students are required to maintain a level of cleanliness and safety
in their rooms. Although custodial service is provided for public
areas, students are expected to assist in keeping those areas clean. In
situations where areas are excessively dirty, the residents of that hall
will be charged for the necessary cleaning, unless the area is returned
to a reasonable order by a specified time.
Residents are prohibited from placing their trash cans or bags
outside of their room doors. All trash is to be carried to the trash
room/dumpster. Failure to adhere to these procedures will result in
fines or further sanctions.
Room Condition
The room condition form is used to compare the condition of the
room between the time of move-in and the time of move-out. Students
must note any damages, missing furniture or discrepancies on the Room
Condition form. Students are responsible for any damage in the room
that was not noted at the time the room condition report was first
signed. Unless one resident accepts responsibility for particular damage,
all occupants of the room will share equally the cost of repair or
replacement for damaged items. If a room condition report is not signed
and returned to the Area Coordinator, Residence Life will assume that
the room was without damage at move-in and the residents of that
room will be charged for all damages. Residents who change rooms
during the course of the year are reminded to sign out on their old room
condition reports and to sign in on the reports for the new room. It is
the responsibility of the resident who changes rooms to acquire a new
room condition report from their new Area Coordinator.

Room Furniture
Students accept responsibility for all University-provided room
furnishings. Room furniture (including bed frames) may not be
stored, moved to another room or taken from the residence halls.
Should furniture be removed from the residence hall, the student
moving the furniture will be fined, billed for any damage or loss and
adjudicated, for theft of University property. All room furniture in the
students room at the time that the student moves in must remain in
the room and be in the same condition during the year as when the
student checks out, as is the case with wall surfaces, windows,
window screens and other property. Where available, please note that
only university-provided lofts are permitted in the residence halls.

Lounge Furniture
Common area lounge furniture is supplied by the Office of
Residence Life for the use of all resident students and may not be used
in individual student rooms. Students who move lounge or study
furniture into their rooms from common areas will receive a $50 fine
and will be required to return the furniture to its proper location.
Subsequent violations will result in further disciplinary actions.

Residence Hall Security
Only authorized individuals are permitted in the University's
residence halls. Students are expected to report any unauthorized
persons to the Office of Public Safety and Security (610-660-1111)
and/or a Residence Life staff member. For the safety and security of all
residents and their personal property, Saint Joseph's University
stations a security officer at the front lobby desk of each nonapartment
high-rise. All students are required to present a Saint
Joseph’s University identification card to the officer on duty before
entering the facility. Students residing in campus houses or in
University-owned or leased apartments have the added responsibility
for keeping their facilities secure since security personnel are not
stationed in some of these buildings. However, security officers will
make periodic rounds through these facilities. In addition, all of the
doors in these facilities are designed to lock automatically upon
closing. Residents will have programmed ID card swipe access to gain
access to their facilities. Thus, residents are instructed not to prop
open fire exit doors or front or back doors or to loan keys so that
others may gain access to the buildings. As a safety precaution,
students are not permitted on the residence hall roofs. Outside TV or
radio antennas are prohibited, as is tying into University antennas.
Residents are not permitted to remove and/or raise window screens.
As a security precaution, students cannot lean out windows, hang
banners (except with the permission of facilities Area Coordinator)
and drape towels or other apparel. The throwing of any object from
windows is also prohibited as it can cause serious injury to persons
below. Nothing can be hung in windows including signs, stickers, or
neon lights, etc. The propping open of fire exit doors, front, back
and/or side doors of the houses and suite doors will result in each
resident of that area being charged a $5 per person fine for each
occurrence. Repeated occurrences will result in more serious disciplinary
action. The Residence Life staff and Public Safety and Security
work constantly to ensure the safety of all residents. The most secure
facilities; however, are those in which residents exercise common
sense and have a genuine concern for other residents. For additional
information on campus safety and security, including the Student
Escort Service, see Public Safety and Security. Several residences have
security screens installed as an added safety measure. Students are not
permitted to open these security screens except for an immediate
emergency or evacuation need. Security screens found unsecured will
result in a $150 fine.

Storage
Storage space for personal belongings is not available in the
residence halls.
Recreation Equipment
Pool table and ping pong table equipment can be signed out of
the Area Coordinator offices in LaFarge and McShain from 9:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. at no charge by resident students with their student
identification card. During evening hours, resident students can sign
out recreation equipment from the Resident Assistant on duty.

Room Keys
Each student receives a key to his/her room at the time of checkin
to the residence halls. Students may not duplicate their room key
under any circumstances, and all students are reminded to lock their
doors at all times and to carry their keys on their person. When keys
are lost or stolen, the student will be billed for the key replacement
and/or a lock change. There is a $55 per core charge for lost keys.

Lost Key/Core Change
Should a key break off in a lock or stop working, the student will
not be charged for a new key. The student must, however, bring the
pieces of the key (or the inoperative key) to the Office of Residence
Life. Otherwise, the student will be billed for a lost or stolen key.
Students must return their keys to the Office of Residence Life prior
to leaving the campus at the end of the school year, when changing
rooms or when leaving the institution permanently. When a student
loses a key, that student is encouraged to ask for a new key or a lock
change immediately for his/her safety and the security of personal
belongings. The student will be billed for the key at check-out if no
key is turned in. Thus, the student would do well to request a new key
for his/her continued security and peace of mind. Loan Key Monday -
Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All resident students locked out between
these hours must come to the Office of Residence Life, ground floor
LaFarge Residence Center. After 4:00 p.m. and weekends Security will
coordinate lock-out response. Exceptions - Overbrook Merion
Gardens, & Overbrook Hall) Overbrook Campus resident students
who are locked out should call the Security headquarters (610-660-
1111) for assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Process:
* Resident students who come to the Office of Residence Life must
show picture identification or provide their student I.D. number.
Only residents of the room will be permitted to check-out a loan key.
* The student will sign the loan key log acknowledging receipt of
key and consequences for non-return of loan key.
* All loan keys must be returned the same day by 4:00 p.m. A $25
fee will be automatically assessed to the student's account if a key
is not returned by this time. If the key is not returned by noon the
following day, in addition to the $25 fee, a lock change will be
initiated at a charge of $50 per core. Note: Loss of a loan key will
result in an automatic core charge ($55 per core) and the $25 fee.
* When a loan key is returned, the student must show his/her room
key to verify possession.

Drug Paraphernalia
For the health and well-being of the community, drug paraphernalia
of any kind is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to,
bongs and hookahs. Any student found in violation of this will face
disciplinary action.

Alcohol Containers
For the health and well-being of the community, alcohol
containers (empty or full) are not permitted in rooms, suites, or apartments
of persons under 21 years of age. Furthermore, open containers
are not permitted in any residential setting where those under the age
of 21 (residents or guests) are present. Additionally, those 21 or older
can not display alcohol containers as decorations.

Fire Safety Precautions
All University residence areas are smoke free. The University
holds routine fire safety drills once per month in accordance with
Pennsylvania State Law, and all residents are expected to
participate.
Students and/or students’ guests who tamper with alarms or fire
safety equipment or who fail to leave during alarms or cause a fire due
to carelessness will face stern disciplinary action which may include
termination of University housing and referral to civil authorities. Any
false alarms or abuse of fire safety equipment will result in fines or
suspension of guest privileges to the hall or building where the abuse
takes place, unless the individual responsible can be identified, in
which case the individual will be fined and may be arrested. Fire
safety is EVERYONE’S responsibility. Students have to be aware that
carelessness affects not only their safety, but, that of every resident of
the building. Therefore, students must understand that they are
responsible for instances in which they create fire hazards in the
Residence Halls. All residents must pay close attention to fire hazards.
Students are not permitted to:
1. Possess candles, incense or oil lamps
2. Cover exterior of room door with flammable decorations
3. Use non-fire retardant window coverings for its Residence
halls. The University purchases fire retardant shades and
curtains. Therefore, if students wish to add or provide their
own window coverings, they must meet the same standards.
Verification/documentation of products fire retardancy will
be required
4. Hang items from fire sprinkler heads, heat detectors, or
smoke detectors
5. Hang items from lights or ceilings
6. Hang lights out of windows
7. Hang lights over top of window coverings (especially
curtains)
8. Use Medusa lamps with plastic shades or holiday/ decorative
lamps, (rope lighting), or electrical decorations that are not
UL approved
9. Overload electrical outlets (MUST use surge protectors)
10. Run electrical cords under carpets or furniture
11. Possess live Christmas trees
12. Put anything in front of, on top of, or against heating vents
or radiators
13. Store excessive trash, garbage or paper
14. Store flammable items (paint, fuel, etc.)
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS 123
15. Store or use explosive devices (fireworks, firearms and
weapons)
16. Use open flames inside/outside the buildings (i.e. barbecue
grills)
17. Use toaster ovens, hot plates, sandwich makers, waffle irons,
halogen lights or George Foreman type cooking apparatuses
18. Cook carelessly
This list is not all inclusive. Additional items may be added as
deemed necessary by University personnel or as outlined in the
University’s Housing Contract.

Residents may not tamper with or alter the following in a
Residents Halls:
1. Structure
2. Plumbing
3. Wiring
4. Fire Safety Apparatus such as smoke detectors, heat detectors
or sprinkler heads
5. Locks on doors or windows
6. Door Closures
7. Exit Signs
8. Fire Extinguishers
These items may increase the potential for a fire hazard. Because
of the risk of overloading circuits, multi-plug outlets (cubes) and air
conditioners are prohibited, as well as burning of candles, incense and
oil lamps in students’ rooms and in common areas. Due to safety
concerns, halogen lamps are not permitted.

Technology has given us many great electrical and electronic
devices. However, the problem is that building electrical systems have
not been able to keep up. Although we have made improvements over
the years, our older dormitory buildings fall into this category. We
have seen a larger number of fuses and circuit breakers blown. To
date, all have been due to overloaded circuits. Overloads are caused
by using too many items at one time. The following are some ways to
prevent or minimize these overloads:
1. In the kitchen use only one appliance at a time. Do not use
microwaves, burger grills or any appliance with heating
elements at the same time. Each of these items is equal to
more than half of the rated circuit power.
2. In the kitchen area, also make sure anything electrical used
within six feet of the sink is plugged into the GFCI receptacle
provided in each area. The GFCI helps protect you if you or
the device becomes wet.
3. Turn off all unused electrical appliances and lights. This will
help lower the load on the circuits. This is also important for
computers and other equipment, i.e. stereos, televisions, etc.,
to protect them from electrical surges caused by lightning
and power company problems.
4. In the bathrooms always use the GFCI receptacle in each
bathroom. This helps protect you if you or your appliance
comes in contact with water. Never try to use more than one
electrical item at a time in bathrooms. Do not try to use two
hair dryers or curling irons or any combination of appliances.
These items are heavy users of electrical power. If you
must use more than one at a time, use them in different
rooms (i.e. bedroom & living room, etc.).
5. We do not recommend the use of extension cords in any room
or area. If you must use one, make sure it is a heavy duty
appliance type or use a multi-outlet device with built in circuit
breaker. With computers or other electronics, we do
recommend the use of surge protection power strips of a good
quality. UPS units are great protection for computers. If you
are not sure what to use or have something you are not sure of,
contact the Facilities Management office at (610) 660-3000.
We will try to help you.

Periodic checks of student rooms will be made to prevent fire
safety violations. Misuse or abuse of fire safety equipment is taken
very seriously at Saint Joseph’s University. This equipment is necessary
to protect the lives of the University community and University guests.
Due to the seriousness of any violations of this nature, extensive
fines will be imposed and violations may result in termination of
responsible person(s) residence and may be accompanied by
additional disciplinary sanctions, possible suspension from the
University and arrest.

Additional fines may be levied as deemed appropriate by the
Office of Residence Life. If the individual(s) responsible cannot be
identified, the fine will be divided among all members of the
respective Residence Hall.
Individuals possessing information related to incidents of misuse or
abuse of fire safety equipment are to notify the Office of Public Safety
and Security or the Office of Residence Life immediately.the device becomes wet.

3. Turn off all unused electrical appliances and lights. This will
help lower the load on the circuits. This is also important for
computers and other equipment, i.e. stereos, televisions, etc.,
to protect them from electrical surges caused by lightning
and power company problems.

4. In the bathrooms always use the GFCI receptacle in each
bathroom. This helps protect you if you or your appliance
comes in contact with water. Never try to use more than one
electrical item at a time in bathrooms. Do not try to use two
hair dryers or curling irons or any combination of appliances.
These items are heavy users of electrical power. If you
must use more than one at a time, use them in different
rooms (i.e. bedroom & living room, etc.).

5. We do not recommend the use of extension cords in any room
or area. If you must use one, make sure it is a heavy duty
appliance type or use a multi-outlet device with built in circuit
breaker. With computers or other electronics, we do
recommend the use of surge protection power strips of a good
quality. UPS units are great protection for computers. If you
are not sure what to use or have something you are not sure of,
contact the Facilities Management office at (610) 660-3000.
We will try to help you.

Periodic checks of student rooms will be made to prevent fire
safety violations. Misuse or abuse of fire safety equipment is taken
very seriously at Saint Joseph’s University. This equipment is necessary
to protect the lives of the University community and University guests.
Due to the seriousness of any violations of this nature, extensive
fines will be imposed and violations may result in termination of
responsible person(s) residence and may be accompanied by
additional disciplinary sanctions, possible suspension from the
University and arrest.

Additional fines may be levied as deemed appropriate by the
Office of Residence Life. If the individual(s) responsible cannot be
identified, the fine will be divided among all members of the
respective Residence Hall.

Individuals possessing information related to incidents of misuse or
abuse of fire safety equipment are to notify the Office of Public Safety
and Security or the Office of Residence Life immediately.

Indoor Athletic Activities
The playing of athletic games is prohibited within the residence
halls because of the potential for personal injury and the damage that
often occurs to the facility as a result of such activity. Prohibited activities
include, but are not limited to: rollerblading/ skating, bicycle
riding, elevator surfing, tag, frisbee, football, basketball, hockey,
baseball, etc.

Painting/Room Decoration
Students may not paint their rooms. When the condition of the
room necessitates, a room will be painted by University painters at no
charge to the student. Should students paint their rooms, they will be
billed for the cost of repainting the room. Public areas may not be
painted without the approval of University personnel.
Students are encouraged to bring memo boards, plastic
bookshelves, coffee tables, bean bags, soft chairs, storage containers
and other items to create a more home-like atmosphere. Students are
advised; however, to check with their roommates to coordinate the
personalization of the rooms. For example, the size of most rooms
would not accommodate two recliners, two couches, two televisions,
etc. University furniture cannot be removed from a student’s room
and/or apartment.

Quiet Hours
University residences are centers for a complete living/learning
experience. To facilitate this process, the residence hall environment
must be a place where students have the opportunity to excel academically.
Therefore, it is imperative to establish specific times when
students can be assured of being able to have a quiet study atmosphere.
In addition, allowances must be made for those students who
study and sleep on a regular schedule, including weekends. University
quiet hours must be enforced by students and staff alike. Failure to
live within quiet hours may result in the removal of the violator(s)
from University housing.
Students are expected to be quiet between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
during weekdays and between 12 midnight and 9:00 a.m. on weekends
in consideration of those students who want to sleep or to study.
During exams, 24 hour quiet hours are in effect. Consideration hours
are in effect within the residence halls 24 hours a day. During quiet
hours there should be no excessive or unnecessary noise in rooms,
suites or hallways; slamming doors; running; shouting; playing loud
music, etc.

Solicitation
Any group which is not affiliated with the University and seeks
to solicit in residence halls must be approved by the Office of
Residence Life.
Any campus organization or residence hall group wishing to sell
items for fund raising purposes must also have the approval of the
Office of Residence Life. Students may not use their residence hall
rooms as a principal place of business. Any student who suspects that
an individual or a group is soliciting illegally should contact his/her
Resident Assistant immediately and/or contact the Office of Security
and Public Safety at 610-660-1111.

Guests and Visitation
The University's policies on guests and visitation are anchored in
a concern for residence hall security, the privacy rights of roommates
and building residents, and the maintenance of an atmosphere
conducive to academic achievement. The philosophy of the University,
given its Jesuit heritage and tradition, dictates that students will
adhere to all norms and values associated with Catholic teachings. In
the proper context, hosting guests is a privilege that can facilitate
personal and social development and enhance the quality of life on
campus. The University has set the following policies concerning
registering guests and visitation hours. A guest is a person who is not
an occupant of the room in which he/she is present.

Guest and Sign-in Policy
Rooms are private and this privacy is conditioned by the nature
of living in a Catholic community. The right of a resident to privacy
outweighs another's right to guest privileges. If the presence of a guest
is an invasion of a roommate's privacy, the guest must leave. Privacy
extends beyond the student rooms to include restroom facilities. Men
must use restrooms and showers designated for males and women
must use restrooms and showers designated for females. Common
area restrooms are provided on the ground floor of each high-rise
residence hall.

Any student who is not a resident of the facility that he/she had
entered must be signed in by a resident of that facility. The nonresident
must surrender his/her identification card to the desk officer
who will, in turn, provide the guest with a color-coded guest pass. The
non-resident must then be signed out and turn in the guest pass to
receive his/her identification card. Any guest who is not a member of
the Saint Joseph's community must provi photo identification to
receive a guest pass and be signed into the residence facility. Guests
who do not have photo identification (such as a driver's license or
student identification from another college or university) or who are
under the age of 18 cannot be signed into the facility as a guest. The
pass is only valid in the building in which it was signed out and is
limited to a 48 hour period.

Male guests may be hosted overnight only in rooms reserved for
men; female guests may be hosted overnight only in rooms reserved
for women. The Resident Assistant should be notified of the guest's
presence and the permission of the room's other occupant(s) must be
obtained by the hosting student for an overnight guest. The hosting of
guests in individual rooms must not interfere with the roommates' use
of the room, and may not span more than two consecutive days per
month. Residents are responsible for their guests' behavior and observance
of the University rules in rooms and throughout the residence
halls and on campus. A resident may lose his/her guest privileges
(and/or residence status) if a guest is involved in violation of
University policy.

Each resident student is permitted to sign-in two guests (visitors
who are not building residents). In order to facilitate thi privilege, the
Security Desks in each of the Residence Centers have initiated the
following procedures:

1) The pass is only valid in the building in which it was signed out,
not in any other campus residence facility. 2) The guest must be with
the host at all times. 3)The guest can retrieve his/her photo identification
by returning the pass to the security desk. 4)The guest and
sign-in policy does not allow of in and out privileges. All non-residents
must sign-out and turn in their guest pass every time they leave the
building and sign in again if they return. (See “Residence Hall
Security”)

It is the responsibility of the host to ensure that guests return their
guest passes when their visit is over. Loss of a guest pass will result in
a fee of $10.00. Abuse of the guest pass policy will result in disciplinary
action.

Violation of the guest policy will render students subject to disciplinary
action ranging from loss of privileges for a specific time up to
and including suspension or dismissal from the residence community,
depending on the seriousness of the infraction. The Residence Life
staff may suspend guest privileges during University break periods,
even if the residence halls are officially open. The University reserves
the right to remove from campus a guest who has violated University
regulations. Guests who have been removed from campus and return
are viewed as trespassers and are subject to arrest. Students who have
questions or concerns about the above information, should contact a
Residence Life Staff member for clarification.

Visitation for First Year Residents
The University has an obligation to assist new students in their
transition from living at home to living in a campus residential
community. Accordingly visitation hours for first year residence halls
(i.e. LaFarge, McShain, Overbrook, Campus Houses & Sourin) are
established as follows:
Same Gender Guests: 24 hour visitation privileges for same
gender guests will be granted to first year residents with the
understanding that they have signed in their guest consistent with
the Guest and Sign-in Policy.
Opposite Gender Guests: Guests of the opposite gender are
permitted in first year resident rooms and suites only during
visitation hours. Visitation hours will be posted in each freshman
residence hall. (8:00 am to 12:00 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 am
to 2:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday).
Guests of the opposite gender are permitted in designated
building lounges or in main lobby areas outside of the posted
visitation hours, provided that they are accompanied by a current
resident of that building and that their presence is not disruptive to
the residential community.

Visitation for Upper Class Residents
24 hour visitation privileges for all guests will be granted to upper
class residents with the understanding that they abide with the Guest
and Sign-in Policy.

Pet Policy
Due to health and concerns associated with animals living in the
residence halls, the only pets that are permitted are fish. No other pets
are permitted. Violation of this policy will result in a $50 fine per
student in addition to $50 excessive cleaning fee and any other costs
associated with pet damages (i.e. pest control if necessary), for the first
violation. A second infraction of this nature will result in an increased
fine, further disciplinary actions and a review of housing status.

Posting Policy
Any flyers or advertisements to be hung in the residence halls
must be approved by the Area Coordinator or a staff member of
Student Leadership & Activities for all of campus. Advertisements
must be posted on bulletin boards and cannot be posted on windows,
doors, elevators, etc. If an individual or a group posts information
improperly, the advertisement will be removed and the individual or
group will be charged to repair any damage to the building surfaces.
Flyers advertising alcohol or flyers that are in any way offensive
will not be permitted.

Release of Information Policy
Periodically, individuals and companies contact the Office of
Residence Life seeking the addresses and telephone numbers of
resident students. The Office of Residence Life will not release the
campus addresses and telephone numbers or the home addresses and
telephone numbers of any resident student except for room/roommate
assignment purposes.

Room Access/Search Policy
To assure individuals of reasonable privacy and to protect the
well being of the community, the Office of Residence Life has adopted
the following procedures regarding access/search of University rooms
occupied by students:

Room Access. In all emergency situations which could affect the
health and welfare of the community, or if there is a reasonable
suspicion of an illegal act, rooms may be entered by Security and/or
Residence Life staff. Rooms may be entered for maintenance, repairs
or safety inspections. No room will be entered unannounced.
Discovery of any contraband by University personnel while
conducting maintenance or safety inspections can be used against the
student in whose room it is found. Any illegal substance or material
will be turned over to the police.

Room Searches. If there is a reasonable suspicion of illegal
activity, rooms may be searched by a team of Security and Residence
Life supervisors. Searches must be requested by the Director of Public
Safety or the Director of Residence Life (or their designees). These
searches must be authorized by the Vice President of Student Life or
his/her designee. An attempt shall be made to notify the student of the
search and to have the student present for the search. Searches by the
Vice President of Student Life or his/her designee must be authorized by the President or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A reasonable attempt shall be made to notify the student of the search and to have the student present for the search.

Personal Medical and Property Insurance
The University cannot and does not assume responsibility for
personal accident, injury, or illness sustained by residents, guest or
visitors nor for any damage, theft, fire or loss of any property
belonging to residents, guests, visitors or others.
The University does not provide or endorse the sale of any
insurance products; however, we recommend that students secure
adequate insurance through their parents’ medical policy, and
homeowners insurance policies or similar products.

University Holidays - Break Policy
The residence halls close during the extended periods of
Spring Break, Christmas and Thanksgiving break. During shorter University
holidays, certain buildings will remain open to students who live more
than 125 miles from campus. Students who wish to remain on campus
for a particular break or return early must notify the Office of
Residence Life, in writing (Break Housing Agreement), at least one week prior to the close of the halls for that particular holiday. The dates and times the halls will close and reopen are available in the Office of Residence Life. For security reasons students needing to remain on campus for holidays
will be consolidated. Students on disciplinary probation will not
receive approval to remain in residence during University holidays.
Students who fail to follow proper holiday housing procedures will
face disciplinary action.
Students who receive permission to remain on campus when the
University is closed are still subject to all University Policies, and will
be charged a fee of $20 a day for housing. Students who have
permission to remain on campus during a University holiday and
violate campus policy will be asked to arrange to find other accommodations for the remainder of the break period, and may not be
permitted to stay on campus during subsequent vacation periods.

Note: During this break period, residents will not be permitted to sign in guests.