Residential Living Policies & Procedures

FIRST AND SECOND YEAR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Residential living is a valuable part of a student’s social and educational experience; therefore, first- and second-year students are required to live in University housing. In cases of extraordinary financial or medical need, requests for exemptions to this requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students granted an exemption must live with a parent or legal guardian. Requests for an exemption must be submitted in writing to the Housing Review Committee, c/o the Office of Residence Life, with included supporting documentation. Written requests for an exemption must be received no later than April 1, prior to the start of the fall semester. Requests for the spring semester must be received no later than December 1. Late requests will only be reviewed in extraordinary circumstances.

CANCELLATION OF A HOUSING AGREEMENT

If you have already signed your housing agreement and later find yourself in a situation that requires it to be considered for cancellation, you should submit your request, in writing, to the Housing Review Committee c/o the Office of Residence Life. Written requests for an agreement release must be received no later than April 1, prior to the start of the fall semester. Requests for an agreement release for the spring semester must be received no later than December 1. Late requests will only be reviewed in extraordinary circumstances. Students granted a release may be charged a $650 Release Fee. The University reserves the right to cancel a housing agreement and remove a student from residence for failure to meet financial obligations to the University. 

Click here for more information about submitting a request to be released from the Residency Requirement and/or Housing Agreement.

HOUSING ASSIGNMENTS

Housing assignments and placements are the exclusive responsibility of the Office of Residence Life. Residence Life reserves the right to change or modify housing assignments and fill housing vacancies as necessary for reasons of health, safety, discipline or consolidation purposes. Students may not change assignments without authorization. Attempts to manipulate the housing assignment process may result in disciplinary action.

ROOM CHANGES

Students are not permitted to make a room change without prior approval from the Office of Residence Life. An unauthorized room change may result in a fine of $50 per student and possible disciplinary action. No student, under any circumstances, can force another student to move out of their assigned space. Any such efforts will be referred for disciplinary action. During the first weeks of each semester, the Office of Residence Life may consolidate rooms when necessary.  When possible, the Office of Residence Life may provide a room change request process for students and will communicate this opportunity to all residential students.  

MOVE IN/MOVE OUT

To create the smoothest flow possible with minimal disruption to Saint Joseph’s neighbors and surrounding community, the Office of Residence Life establishes and regulates move-in and move-out dates, times and procedures. Students must move in/move out according to these dates and times. Failure to do so may result in a $100 fine. There are limited instances when the Office of Residence Life might permit students to access their residence hall room or apartment prior to scheduled move-in dates or remain in their room beyond scheduled move-out dates. Students approved for early arrival and/or extension requests may be charged an additional daily rate unless affiliated with an approved University group or activity. If a student is participating in a University-sponsored event or activity, the sponsoring staff or faculty member must request, in writing, permission for the student’s accommodation. In other extraordinary circumstances, students are encouraged to speak directly with their Residential Area Manager. 

TERMS OF OCCUPANCY

In signing a University Housing Agreement, students consent to move into the space they have been assigned on or after the date specified by Residence Life and to move out of their residence hall space within 24 hours of their last examination for the semester, graduation, suspension, withdrawal, leave of absence, termination of full-time student status or by the date and time of residence hall closing. Upon move-out, students are expected to return the space to its original, clean condition. Additionally, all keys must also be returned to Residence Life within 24 hours after moving out of a space.

BREAK PERIODS/UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS

Although residence hall operations are closed when the University is not in session, Residence Life attempts to accommodate students who cannot leave campus, need to return early or stay late during break and vacation periods. Depending on the length of the break period and the demand for housing, students may either be permitted to remain in their regular rooms or will be asked to consolidate into another building for reasons of safety and security. All requests to remain on campus for a particular break or to return early must be submitted in accordance with the process outlined by the Office of Residence Life by the publicized due date. Students staying in the residence halls longer than the housing agreement term may be charged a daily rate.

The dates and times the halls will close and re-open are available on the Office of Residence Life website. Students who fail to notify Residence Life or follow proper break housing procedures are in violation of the Community Standards and may face sanctions and/or fines. Students who receive permission to remain on campus when the University is closed are still subject to all University policies. Students who violate campus policy while on campus during a University break may be asked to find other off-campus accommodations for the remainder of the break period, and may not be permitted to stay on campus during subsequent break periods. Students with permission to remain in the residence halls over a closed period will not be permitted to have guests during the break. Guest privileges will resume when the residence halls reopen for the general resident population.

ROOM CONDITION

All residential students are strongly encouraged to complete a room condition report (RCR) form at move-in. The online RCR form is used to compare the condition of the room at move-out to the original condition of the room. Students should note any room damages, missing furniture or discrepancies on the RCR. Students are responsible for any damage in the room that was not noted at the time the room condition report was first submitted. Unless a specific resident(s) accepts responsibility for particular damage, all occupants of the room/suite/floor will share equally the cost of repair or replacement for damaged items. Upon move-in, if a room condition report is not signed and submitted to Residence Life by the publicized due date, Residence Life will assume that the room was without damage at move-in. If damages are discovered upon move-out, the students residing in the room will be charged for all repairs. Residents who change rooms during the course of the year are reminded to complete an RCR for the new room.

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. If furniture is removed from the resident room, the student moving the furniture will be fined, billed for any damage or loss, and may be referred to the Office of Community Standards for theft of University property. All furniture in the student’s room at the time that the student moves in must remain in the room and be in the same condition upon check-out. In certain extended housing placements, lofts are provided by the University. Only these University-provided lofts are permitted in the residence halls.

AIR CONDITIONING

Some residence halls and apartments are air-conditioned with either central air conditioning or window units. Students may not install any type of air conditioning in buildings that are not already equipped with university air conditioning. Students who have a documented need for air conditioning will be assigned to an air-conditioned residence hall or apartment. Medical conditions do not guarantee the selection of a specific room assignment, but only an assignment that meets the specific needs. The actual room assignment will be made by the Office of Residence Life. 

CONDITION OF COMMON AREA & COMMON AREA FURNITURE

So that all students have a common area in which to gather, the Office of Residence Life supplies common area lounge furniture. This furniture cannot be moved to individual student rooms. Students who move lounge or study furniture into their rooms from common areas will pay a $100 fine and will be required to return the furniture to its proper location. Subsequent violations will result in further disciplinary actions. 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.

ROOM CLEANING

Students are required to maintain a level of cleanliness and safety in their rooms. All personal room space and private bathrooms are to be cleaned by the residents of the space. Although custodial service is provided for public areas, students are also expected to assist in keeping those areas clean. In situations where areas are excessively dirty, the residents of that space or hall will be charged for the necessary cleaning, unless the area is returned to a reasonable order by a specified time. Typically, excessive cleaning charges range from $50 to $175 per resident. 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 or external dumpster. Failure to adhere to these procedures will result in fines or further sanctions.

COMMUNITY BEHAVIOR

Living in a community requires sensitivity toward and respect for the needs of others. Saint Joseph's is an educational institution comprised of people from all backgrounds and belief systems, with differing expectations for community living. To protect the right of each student to a pleasant and fair living environment, civil behavior is expected by all community members. Students are encouraged to respectfully confront inappropriate or disruptive behavior and to seek out the assistance of student and professional Residence Life staff members.

ACADEMIC ATMOSPHERE/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 important to establish specific times when students can be assured of having a quiet study atmosphere. In consideration of those who wish to sleep or study, all students are expected to maintain a quiet environment between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between midnight and 9:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. During quiet hours, there should be no excessive noise (such as music that can be heard in the hallway) in rooms, suites, or hallways. During final exams, 24-hour quiet hours are in effect. Consideration hours are in effect within the residence halls 24 hours a day. Students are encouraged to speak directly with their neighbors about any noise concerns.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

The University reserves the right to reassign or revoke on-campus housing or take other necessary action, without a formal hearing, for those students whose behavior is considered disruptive or potentially detrimental to the well-being of the individual, roommates and/or others in the residential community.

FINES

As in many communities, Saint Joseph's University operates on an “honor” code. When that code is violated (as in the case of vandalism), the University may impose fines to help offset the cost of damages or repairs. The Office of Residence Life publishes and ultimately levies certain fines in order to deter students from dangerous and negative behavior in our residential communities. Fines may be imposed singularly or in conjunction with other disciplinary sanctions. All money collected from student fines is put back into the residential communities through hall improvements and community programs and initiatives.

HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTIONS

At multiple points in each semester, Residence Life staff will announce and conduct formal Health and Safety Inspections to ensure the safety of students’ personal belongings and University property. Guidelines for Health and Safety Inspections will be distributed by the Residence Life Staff and are available on the main Residence Life website. Failure of a Health and Safety Inspection can result in a fine of $25 per resident and/or other educational sanctions. 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 health officials. Additionally, maintenance personnel may enter student rooms throughout the year to make necessary repairs. Upon completion of the academic year, Residence Life and Facilities Management personnel will inspect student rooms and common areas for damages.

ALCOHOL POLICY IN RESIDENCE HALLS

Members of the residence hall community must abide by the University’s alcohol policy. The misuse of alcohol often has a negative impact on individuals and entire communities. Through education and enforcement, the Office of Residence Life seeks to encourage resident students’ adherence to the law and to University policy. The Office of Residence Life further expects students over the age of 21 who choose to drink alcohol to do so responsibly and with no disruption to the residential community. All students are responsible for the full University Alcohol Policy, linked here and published in the Saint Joseph’s University Student Handbook. 

DRUG POLICY & PARAPHERNALIA

A full review of the University’s Drug Policy is included in the Student Handbook, linked here.  For the health and well-being of the community, drug paraphernalia (including but not limited to bongs, pipes, hookahs, drug vaporizers, rolling papers, filter tubes, etc.) of any kind is prohibited in the residence halls. Any student found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

FIRE SAFETY 

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Carelessness affects not only one student’s safety, but that of every resident of the building. All residents should actively avoid creating fire hazards.

INDOOR ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

To avoid personal injury and/or damage to the halls and the sensitive sprinkler systems, playing of athletic games or using athletic equipment is prohibited within the residence halls outside of provided fitness centers.

PERSONAL MEDICAL & PROPERTY INSURANCE

The University cannot and does not assume responsibility for personal accident, injury or illness sustained by residents, guests 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 any insurance products; however, we recommend that students secure adequate insurance through their parents’ medical policy and/or homeowners insurance policies or similar products.

SOLICITATION

Any group which is not affiliated with the University and seeks to solicit in residence halls must be approved by the Director of Residence Life. Any campus organization or residence hall group wishing to sell items for fundraising 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 a Residence Life staff member immediately and/or contact Public Safety and Security. Students should refer to the University’s policy regarding commercial solicitation on campus.

POSTING

Any flyers or advertisements to be hung in the residence halls must be approved by the Office of Residence Life and must bear the Student Leadership and Activities stamp per the University’s Campus Posting Guidelines. Advertisements must be posted by the Resident Assistant staff on bulletin boards or in designated areas 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.

Postings in Public-Facing Areas: To aid in the development of a civil, respectful and inclusive environment within the residence halls, students are prohibited from posting personal dry erase boards, bulletin boards or message boards on their external facing doors, outside their residence hall or apartment rooms or in public-facing windows.  Additionally, due to the University’s tax-exempt status, students are prohibited from posting items in support of a political candidate, political party or PAC on these same public-facing areas.  

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.

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 the safety and security of all residents and their personal property, Saint Joseph’s University stations an attendant at the front lobby desk of each residence center and apartment building. All students are required to carry their SJU identification card on their person and must manually swipe or tap their card at the entrance and at the security desk of their residence hall. 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 and/or a Residence Life staff member. Desk staff may ask to inspect students’/guests’ bags, backpacks, parcels, etc. when entering residential buildings. It is expected that all residents and guests comply with this request. Students and guests may refuse a bag check; if a bag check is refused, the individual may be denied entry to the building. Public Safety officers and student Resident Assistants will make regular rounds through all residence halls, suites, and floors. For security reasons, exterior and suite doors are designed to lock automatically upon closing. Residents may not prop open fire exit doors, external doors, or hallway/suite doors and may not loan keys or swipe cards so that others may gain access to the buildings. These safety violations may result in disciplinary action and/or fines.

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 KEYS

Each student receives a key to their room at the time of check-in to the residence halls. Students may not duplicate their room key under any circumstances. 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, students should request a new key or lock change immediately to ensure personal safety and security of belongings. New locks/keys will be billed at a charge of $120 per core, and may require additional charges for extra keys and mailbox cores.    Please note most lock changes necessitate more than one core change (i.e. room door, mailbox and/or apartment door). 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 academic year, when changing rooms, or when leaving the institution permanently. Students will be billed for a key at check-out if no key is turned in.

LOAN KEY/LOCKOUTS

Assistance is available for students who are locked out of their own room; procedures vary by residential location and are described below.  Residents who borrow loan keys or request access must show their University ID and/or provide their student ID number.  Only confirmed residents of the room will be permitted to check out a loan key or provided access. A student borrowing a key will sign the loan key log acknowledging receipt of key and consequences for non-return of loan key. All loan keys must be returned within 24 hours of when they are checked out. If the key is not returned within 24 hours, a lock change will be initiated.  Once a lock change charge has been placed on a student account, it is not reversible. Resident students should refer to the following procedures based on their housing location:

Hawk Hill

• Weekday hours of 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Students must come to the Office of Residence Life on the ground floor of LaFarge Residence Center in order to check out a loaner key.
• Weekday hours of 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Students can contact Public Safety for assistance (610-660-1111).
• Weekday hours of 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.: Students can contact the RA on duty in their area for lockout assistance.
• Weekday hours of 12:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.: Students can contact Public Safety.
• Weekend hours 7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.: Students can contact the RA on duty in their area.
• Weekend hours 2:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.: Students can contact Public Safety.

University City

• Contact Public Safety and Security for lockout assistance at 215-596-7000. 

The University continues to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on our campus community. At any time, as a protective measure for our residential community, the University may limit guest privileges and/or adjust masking expectations in order to respond to campus or local levels of COVID-19.  Currently, residential students are able to host both SJU community members and non-SJU community members who are 18 years of age and older. 

The University’s policies on guests are anchored in the prioritization of 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 established policies and procedures concerning registering guests. A guest is a person who is present and not an occupant of the room.

Any guest who is not a resident of the residence hall that they have entered must be signed in by a resident of that building. Each resident is permitted to sign-in up to two guests at a given time. Residents may host overnight guests up to eight days in total per month.  Minor visitors (non-SJU students) 17 years of age and younger are not permitted to sign into a University residence hall. Some exceptions are made for formal programs or initiatives of the University.  Additionally, the Office of Residence Life suspends guest privileges during University break periods, even if the residence hall is housing students during the break period.

Permission of the room’s other occupant(s) must be obtained by the hosting student in order to host a 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 must be with their guests at all times; residents are responsible for their guests’ behavior and observance of the University rules and policies throughout the residence halls and on campus. Both the host and the guest may lose guest privileges (and/or resident status) if involved in a violation of University policy. Violation of the guest policy may render students subject to disciplinary action ranging from loss of privileges for a specific time up to and including suspension or dismissal from the residential community, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. 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.

Due to health concerns associated with animals living in the residence halls, the only pets that are permitted for students are fish kept in tanks less than 10 gallons. Violation of this policy may result in a fine per student in addition to cleaning fees and any other costs associated with damages (i.e. pest control if necessary), for the first violation. A second infraction of this nature will result in an increased fine, and further disciplinary actions. Certified service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets and may be permitted to live in the residence halls when accompanied by appropriate medical documentation and authorized by the Office of Student Disability Services. Only one emotional support animal is allowed per student and one emotional support animal is allowed per housing unit.