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Alcohol, alcohol containers, drugs and drug paraphernalia are not permitted within the Residence Halls. Items found in student rooms will be a violation of the alcohol or drug policy. Alcohol containers may include: empty cans, empty bottles (including non-labeled bottles which contained alcohol), flasks, funnels and tubing, and alcohol-branded cardboard containers used to transport alcohol.

Pets are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. No animals, other than those approved in advance by the Office of Disability Services, are permitted in campus housing. These include service animals and emotional support animals (ESA). If approved, a support animal is only permitted in the assigned residence of the student who owns it. Students are permitted to keep small capacity fishbowls or an aquarium tank with a capacity of 10 gallons or less. No other pets may be kept in university housing, even if kept in aquariums (this includes but is not limited to snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, hamsters, mice, etc.). If pets other than fish are observed in university housing, the owner will be required to immediately remove the pet(s) from university housing and may be assessed the cost (minimum $100) of a full apartment cleaning and any other damages caused by the animal. Students are responsible for removing any animal from residence when housing is closed-- i.e., Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break etc. For more information on service/support animals please see the Office of Disability Services.

University Housing is closed during the following University breaks:

• Thanksgiving Break
• End of the Fall Semester Closing (Winter Break)
• Spring Break
• Easter Break
• End of the Spring Semester Closing (Completion of the Academic Year)

Residents of all on-campus housing are expected to vacate during these break periods according to the schedule published by Housing and Residence Life. Dining Services are not provided during this time period; and any student granted an exception to stay on campus is responsible for securing their own meals.

The University is closed during the time period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. All residents must vacate University Housing for this time period. This means that no students will be allowed to stay in University Housing during the period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Residents wishing to stay during any portion of the break period must apply for permission to do so. (With the exception of the period between Christmas and New Year's Day). Permission is based on the student’s need to be on campus during break or vacation periods due to their participation in intercollegiate sports, student teaching, on-campus internships or other approved academic reasons, University sponsored events, international students, etc. Housing and Residence Life will communicate the process for requesting to stay with students in advance, and there is no guarantee that requests will be granted. All University and residence hall policies will be in effect during the break periods, and any violation of the policies may result in immediate removal from housing during the break period.

Prior to break, all students will be given a checklist with tasks that must be completed in preparation for the University break. All residence hall rooms, including those which remain occupied past housing closures, will be checked by the Residence Life staff. A fee and/or disciplinary action may be assessed if violations are found. Please contact Housing and Residence Life at (570) 348-6236, if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Students receive their Fall Housing Assignment via email shortly after being placed in Housing. For returning students this is typically in April, and for new incoming students this is typically in June and/or July. Students will also receive additional email communications at the end of July and mid-August, detailing check-in dates, times, and locations.

New and returning students will report directly to their assigned residence hall for check-in on move-in day. Upon arrival, students and families will be assisted by Residence Life Staff members who can answer questions as well as guide students and guests to their destination.

All students will be required to complete a Room Condition Form (RCF) upon entering the room and are required to turn it in to their Resident Assistant (RA) within 48 hours of moving into their residence hall. (See Room Condition Form for More information).

The student must remove all belongings from their assigned spaces, including common areas, and ensure that spaces are left in the same condition as when they moved into it. A Resident Assistant will review the room and record any new damages on the RCF. The room will be subject to another review by the Residence Director to determine whether any student is responsible for damage.

Before moving out, students must remove all refuse and personal items, leaving the room clean, with furniture returned to its original configuration. Any personal item and/or refuse remaining in student’s rooms and/or apartments after housing closure and check out will be considered abandoned, in which case Housing and Residence Life may dispose of property with no liability. In such cases the University may charge a fee to students who fail to remove personal belongings, in addition to being assessed fees for damages, excessive cleaning or trash removal, and improper check out. (See Damage Billing and Vandalism for more information).

Students leaving a room mid-year must notify their Residence Director or the Office of Housing and Residence Life prior to their departure from campus. Remember, the Housing and Dining Agreement is in effect for a full academic year, unless a release from the agreement has been approved by the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Students leaving at the end of the semester must move out within 24 hours of their last final exam or by the designated date and time, whichever is earlier, unless they have been granted an exception, in writing, by the Office of Housing and Residence Life to stay past building closures.

Each student is responsible for the cleanliness and general condition of their residence hall room and adjacent common areas. These areas must be kept in reasonable order at all times. If a Housing and Residence Life staff member has spoken to residents about an excessive mess or garbage in or around their apartment, the students of that residence are responsible for cleaning the area. If this is not done, the residents may be billed for cleaning costs.

Residents are not permitted to move into the residence halls until they have satisfied their student accounts with Financial Aid and/or the Cashiers Office, Student Health Services and Housing & Residence Life. This could mean paying a bill, signing a student loan, providing scholarship information, making payment arrangements, providing proof of vaccines and other health related issues/or, signing the Housing Agreement.

The primary method for communicating important information regarding Housing Break periods, Housing Closings and other Housing related issues is via student’s official °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ email address. It is a student’s responsibility to monitor their °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ email in order to remain updated with important housing-related information.

Prohibited items found in a student’s possession or residence will be removed by University personnel immediately. When a student is found to possess alcohol, drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia, or any other item that is in violation of University policy, the item(s) will be confiscated immediately. Items may be discarded or stored at the discretion of Housing and Residence Life, Facilities and/or Campus Safety staff. 

Residents have primary responsibility for maintaining reasonable conditions for study and sleep in University housing. With this in mind, certain behaviors are prohibited based on their disruptive nature. These include:

• Noise from the residence halls that disturbs classes and/or other normal University activities.
• Speakers playing in or near windows to amplify sound to the outdoors.
• Screaming and/or yelling in hallways, stairwells, outside windows, etc.
• Sports activities in the hallways.
• Slamming doors.
• Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and Midnight to 10 a.m., Friday and Saturday. 

During courtesy hours, students are asked to be considerate of the needs of others at all times and to comply with requests for maintaining a reasonable level of quiet. Ideally, students will continually monitor their own behavior so that confrontations are not necessary. During quiet hours, noise must be reduced so that sounds cannot be heard more than two doors down the hall or an equivalent distance. In addition, a 24-Hour Quiet Period is in effect prior to and during final examinations. This is designed to provide residents with an atmosphere conducive to preparing for examinations if they desire to study in the residence halls. The 24-Hour Quiet Period will be active during the Fall and Spring semesters, beginning the weekend before the final week of scheduled classes.

As a member of a community, residents share both individual and collective responsibility for residential spaces. Residents are expected to notify Residence Life staff immediately if they encounter individuals damaging, stealing, and/or vandalizing residential facilities and properties. Students may be held accountable for damages which occur as a result of accidents, neglect, or intentionality.

Individual Billing: Each resident will be held accountable for damages, thefts, or vandalism for which they are personally responsible and will be billed accordingly.

Community Billing: In the event that individuals do not take responsibility for damages, the repair/replacement costs, thefts, or vandalism on a specific floor will be prorated among all residents residing with access to the affected area(s). This amount will be billed to the students' University account.

Common areas include, but are not limited to: shared kitchens, lounges, laundry rooms, study rooms, bathrooms, hallways, lobbies, and outside porches. Note: Housing and Residence Life staff reserves the right to close all common areas due to vandalism, misuse, or reserved events without notice.

Bathrooms: Community bathrooms are cleaned by the housekeeping staff. Personal items should not be left in community bathrooms or hallways. All other bathrooms need to be thoroughly cleaned by students and will be inspected periodically by housekeeping staff.

Furniture from common areas, such as lounges and study areas, must remain in their designated locations. Removal of furnishings from student rooms, lounge areas, and/or buildings is prohibited and may constitute a theft.

Residents are responsible for all damages done to their living and study area and/or loss of any furnishings therein, and are responsible for payment to the University for reasonable room damage charges. Charges may be made for damages to, unauthorized use of, or alterations to rooms, equipment, or buildings, including but not limited to:

• Altering any part of University housing accommodations/buildings, including installing locks or any type of security system or device.
• Marking, painting, damaging drilling into, or in any way impairing, defacing, or damaging any wall, ceiling, door, frame, partition, floor, wood or metalwork, wiring, fixture, plumbing, or equipment in University housing accommodations/buildings.
• Altering any equipment/devices that alter the existing plumbing and/or electrical systems in the residence halls.
• Attaching any foreign object or material to sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, exit signs, windows, cabinets, or appliances.
• Tampering with fire systems/devices including, but not limited to, pull stations, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems.
• Installing draperies, shades, blinds, or other materials visible from a building’s exterior, or removing/altering provided window treatments.

Any damage to the room, residence hall, or common area space other than normal wear and tear, will be assessed to the responsible student(s) to the extent that they are identifiable. To the extent not identifiable, students of a room will be assessed for any damage to the room, the residence hall, or common area spaces on a collective basis. Costs for damage caused by failure to report maintenance concerns in a timely manner may also be billed to a student determined to be at fault, or all students assigned to a room if fault cannot be determined. The University will directly bill student accounts for any reasonable room damage charges, and payment shall be due no more than 30 days from the date the charges are posted to student accounts. Students will also be responsible for any collection, attorney and/or other fees in the enforcement of this policy.

All resident students are required to purchase a meal plan unless living within the Apartment style residences, including the Woodlands, Bethany Hall and Perpetual Hall. 

Freshman students are required to select either the 15 Meals Per Week Plan, or the 38 Unlimited Plan. Upper class students may select from any of the residential meal plan options. If a meal plan is not selected by a resident student, the default meal plan option, the 38 Unlimited Plan will be assigned to the student. Meal plans are administered by Dining Services. Changes to student meal plans can be made within the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. 

Additional meal plan or dining information 

Eligibility to live in °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ housing is limited to full-time °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ students and students enrolled in the University’s Intensive English, Global Education, or similar program. Full-time undergraduate students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits each semester, and graduate students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits each semester. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s residency requirement is that all unmarried, full-time undergraduate students must reside in University housing during their first two years of enrollment unless they are at least 21 years of age or are living with their parents/guardians in their primary family homes that are within a 50-mile radius of °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s campus.

If at any time during the term a student is not actively enrolled in at least 12 credits, they may not be eligible to remain in university housing. Students not registered full time may request a waiver from the full-time status requirement in order to remain within the residence halls. In order to do so, the student must contact Housing and Residence Life and submit the required documentation for consideration.

Fire Safety - Building Evacuation Procedures

Know the location of all fire alarm pull stations and the fire safety equipment on the floor or in the building. Know the location of all exits throughout the building.

Upon Discovering Smoke or Flames

1. Go immediately to the nearest fire alarm pull station and activate the building alarm.
2. Vacate your room, close the door, and lock it, if time permits. (If you are in your room when the fire alarm sounds, check your door and doorknob to see if they are hot; if they are hot, do not attempt to leave your room. Keep your door closed. Hang something out of your window, call 911, and shout for help to attract attention).
3. Vacate the building as quickly and safely as possible by the nearest accessible exit. Keep fire doors closed. Do not use elevators. If you encounter smoke while exiting, keep as low to the floor as possible.

Upon Hearing the Fire Alarm Sound

1. Assume there is an actual fire somewhere in the building.
2. Promptly vacate the room, close the windows and door, and lock them, if time permits.
3. Vacate the building as quickly and safely as possible by the nearest accessible exit. Do not use elevators! If you encounter smoke while exiting, keep as low to the floor as possible.
4. When a fire alarm sounds, regardless of the cause, students must immediately evacuate the building.

After Vacating the Building

1. Leave the immediate area of the building.
2. Remain at least 200 ft. from the building at the designated meeting spot, until you receive further instructions from emergency personnel and staff members.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are conducted at least once per semester, in accordance with fire safety laws to familiarize occupants with the sounds of the fire alarm, the emergency exits, the procedure for evacuating the building, and to ensure fire alarm equipment is properly functioning. Failure to evacuate immediately during a fire drill will result in disciplinary action and possible fines.

Fire Safety

• All residential buildings are equipped with up-to-date fire protection systems, which include heat and/or smoke detectors.
• Do not remove batteries from smoke alarms. This will result in disciplinary action.
• Fire extinguishers are designed to fight small fires.Please identify where they are located and what kind of fires they are designed to fight. Do not block access to fire extinguishers. Report all extinguishers that are missing or damaged, or that have been used. Do not empty fire extinguishers as a prank.
• Setting any materials on fire will result in disciplinary action which may include suspension or expulsion from the residence halls/apartments and possibly criminal prosecution.

Resident Assistants hold mandatory meetings for all residents at various times throughout the semester. The purpose of the meetings is to share information, solicit feedback from residents, and build community. Residents who miss these meetings without prior notification to their Resident Assistant may be subject to disciplinary action.

University furniture in each residence has been inventoried and may not be removed except by authorized University personnel. Furniture in residences may not block hallways or exits. Furniture that presents a safety or fire hazard, as determined by the Office of Housing and Residence Life, will be removed at the expense of residents. Couches, sofas, recliners, waterbeds, lofts, double beds, and homemade furniture are not permitted in residences. Dismantling or removal of University furniture is prohibited. Costs for damages resulting from taking furniture apart will be billed to the student. The furniture and contents of any common areas should not be removed from designated areas for any reason. In addition to any disciplinary action, student(s) found with common area furniture may be subject to fines. Also, it is against University policy to elevate a bed on top of other furnishings of any type. Any loft and/or unsafe furniture placement will be removed by Facilities staff at the student’s expense.

The playing of sports (e.g. basketball, baseball, football, hockey, soccer, Frisbee, the riding of a skateboard, bicycle, roller skates, rollerblades, etc.) and throwing of water, water balloons, or the use of any item that expels a projectile in the living areas is prohibited.  Storage of sporting equipment (e.g. bicycles, hockey equipment, sports gear, etc.) is not permitted in common areas (e. lounges, hallways, bathrooms, etc.). Sports items or equipment involved in policy violation may be confiscated and will not be returned except to be removed from the building.

Housing and Residence Life staff members will conduct room inspections at least once each semester in order to ensure that residents comply with University policies and health and safety regulations. These inspections will be conducted at break periods and periodically throughout the semester. Unannounced inspections may also occur at any time as deemed necessary to ensure that University standards are being followed. Students are expected to clean their residences, remove all garbage and maintain furniture in its proper location. Students may be subject to disciplinary action or fees if the residence fails to meet University standards. Prohibited items found during health and safety inspections will be confiscated and, in many cases, discarded. Students may retrieve confiscated appliances from the Office of Housing and Residence Life to return to their permanent home when departing campus for the next weekend or scheduled break periods. (See Room Entry or Room Searches for more information).

HOUSING AND DINING AGREEMENT

All students are required to electronically sign the Housing Agreement in order to maintain their housing occupancy. Students who fail to sign the Housing Agreement prior to the start of the semester may have their housing assignment terminated.

HOUSING AND DINING AGREEMENT TERMINATION

The Housing Agreement is binding for the academic year consisting of both fall and spring semesters, or the remaining balance thereof. Housing and Residence Life will review applications for termination of the agreement, which are based on the following criteria and cancellation fees may still apply.

Housing and Residence Life may grant Agreement termination to a student when one of the following conditions is verified for the student:

1. Withdrawal of University enrollment
2. Transferring to another University/College
3. Taking a Leave of Absence
4. Participation in student teaching, internship, study abroad or similar academic endeavor that requires off-campus housing. 
5. Residence with parents/guardians in their permanent family homes that are within a 50-mile radius of °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ.

Students should not presume that the termination request will be granted until formal notification of the decision is received from the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Note: Commitment to a lease for housing off-campus while this Housing Agreement is in effect does not constitute a financial hardship and is not grounds for a release. Failure to check-in or move-in to University housing will not release these Agreement obligations for enrolled °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ students. The University reserves the right to cancel this Agreement if a student is enrolled as a part-time student.

When °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ automatically terminates a Resident’s Housing due to violations of the University’s Conduct or Residence Hall policies, all monies paid for that semester are forfeited and the Resident remains liable for any unpaid room or meal plan balances at the time of termination.

Students may visit the Office of Housing and Residence Life, located on the Terrace level of Loughran Hall, to pick up an application form. Students will need to complete the form, submit any additional necessary information, and return the form to Housing and Residence Life for consideration.

Students are issued either a °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ Student ID Card or a hard key for room access. Students may not give their ID Card or room keys to other individuals. Students should carry their ID Card with them at all times. Please notify Campus Safety if your card is lost or has been stolen. A new ID Card can be obtained at the ID Office in Madonna Hall. A charge of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) will be assessed for lost hard keys or keys not returned upon move out. A charge of twenty dollars ($20.00) will be assessed by Campus Safety for lost °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ Student ID Cards.

Washers and dryers are available in the residence halls for resident use at no additional charge. Laundry room facilities are intended for the sole use of current resident students only. No linen service is provided. Machine malfunctions may be reported via the online Work Order system.

Students should carry their Student ID card with them at all times. When locked out of their rooms, students should contact Campus Safety. Students may have to wait until Campus Safety Officers are available to address the lockout. A resident must present their Student ID Card before the lockout is completed. Fees be may assessed to those students who have frequent lockouts.

It is the responsibility of residents to promptly report any facilities maintenance needs through the University’s online Work Order system. For emergency maintenance (i.e., a broken pipe, excessive water leak,), students should immediately contact Campus Safety. Costs for damage caused by failure to report maintenance concerns in a timely manner may also be billed to a student determined to be at fault, or all students assigned to a room if fault cannot be determined.

Student parking is free at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ. Students must park in designated student lots or risk being ticketed by Campus Safety. Parking passes must be obtained from Campus Safety and students must comply with the rules and regulations outlined by campus safety.

Fire safety requirements prohibit cooking in the residence halls, except in the kitchenettes designed for such use. Cooking is only permitted within the designated kitchen areas of the Woodland Residences, Madonna Hall, Regina Hall Immaculata Hall, Perpetual Hall and Bethany Hall.

Free standing microwaves are not permitted in residence hall rooms. Students may opt to arrange to rent or purchase a . MicroFridges are designed to limit energy consumption, because the refrigerator turns off when the microwave is in operation, and vice versa.

Student-owned refrigerators or microfridge units are permitted in residence hall rooms, as long as specifications are less than or equal to the  (3 Amps/3.0 cubic ft.). Refrigerators or microfridge units that exceed these specifications are prohibited. 

The University is not responsible for any damage or injury to the student or any other individual or property in University housing beyond its control. The University is not responsible for any damage or injury from any act of another resident or any other person. The University is not responsible or liable to students for any personal property that is lost, stolen, or missing from University housing. Students are responsible for having adequate and appropriate insurance (i.e., homeowners’ supplemental insurance and/or renter’s insurance) to protect against any loss or damage to the Student’s personal property, University property and/or University housing (e.g. fire caused by student).

Safety and security starts with you. Historically, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ and the surrounding area has been a safe community. However, like any community, crimes can and do occur. The University promotes campus safety and security in various ways, such as by educating students about safety and security issues and by providing 24-hour Campus Safety staff on campus. In addition to the efforts of University staff, students must promote their own safety and the safety of others through their daily behavior. The following precautions are important and should be included in your daily routine.

In University Housing:

• Lock your door, even if you are only going to the bathroom or to the room next door.Many residence hall thefts from unlocked rooms occur while the residents of the room are on the same floor, but step out for "just a minute."
• Do not lend your room/apartment key, mailbox key, or ID card to anyone.
• If you lose your room/apartment key,report it to Residence Life or Campus Safety.
• Lock windows accessible from the outside, especially overnight.
• Strangers loitering in/around residence halls should be reportedto Campus Safety, 570-348-6242.
• Do not prop residence hall doors open, including inhibiting the locking mechanism; remove and report door props if you see them.
• Never open your door to strangers. Repair persons will carry proper identification.
• Escort any guests you may have in the building.
• Report unusual happenings to your Resident Assistant or Campus Safety.
• In the event of an emergency, contact Campus Safety at 570-348-6242, and then inform your Resident Assistant.
• If you witness vandalism, report it to your Resident Assistant.

On Campus:

• When walking at night, use the best-lit route and attempt to travel in groups of two or more people.
• If you are alone, call Campus Safety at 570-348-6242 to request an escort.
• If you are a victim of a crime, notify Campus Safety immediately.

Emergency Rooms at Area Hospitals

 (570) 703-8121

 (570) 348-7951

 (570) 770-5000

: (570) 346-4671 (24 hours/day)

The Women's Resource Center provides comprehensive services for female and male victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. Services include a crisis hotline, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, safe housing, legal services, support services, community education and advocacy.

The following items are prohibited in on-campus housing. This is not an all-inclusive list. Please contact Housing and Residence Life before bringing the item to campus if you are unsure the item is permitted.

• Free standing microwave ovens
• Toasters/toaster ovens/Air Fryers
• Crock pots
• Rice cookers
• Hot plates
• Electric skillets/grills
• Any item with exposed heating coils or heating elements
• 3D printers
• Air conditioners
• Space heaters
• Wax warmers/melters
• Extension cords
• Multi-plug adapters
• Wireless routers
• Hoverboards, segways, or similar devices
• Halogen bulbs
• Multi-bulb lamps
• Candles (NO open flames are permitted in any °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ buildings)
• Incense
• Pets other than fish (Tanks must be 10 gallons or less)
• Damaging wall hanging devices: Including but not limited to; (NOTE: any damage resulting in use of these products will be billed to student)
  • 3M products of any kind (including Scotch brand)
  • Glue of any kind (Gorilla, masonry, super glue, etc.)
  • Double-sided tape
  • Adhesive Velcro
  • All Gorilla Glue products
  • Nails
• Clings that block entire window
• Items hung from or attached to the ceiling
• Plug-in string lights, including holiday lights and lit trees (Battery-operated lights are acceptable)
• LED lights with adhesive backing
• Alcohol or alcohol paraphernalia (includes any containers or glasses associated with alcohol)
• Due to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s Smoking Policy, smoking, any use of tobacco products, and other smoking related products (including vape devices and e-cigarettes) are prohibited.

Students or their guest are not permitted on the roofs of any residential buildings. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Housing and Residence Life has the sole right to make residence hall room assignments and reassignments. A student may be reassigned to another residence at any time during the academic year at the discretion of Housing and Residence Life staff. Administrative reassignments may be authorized when a student’s hygiene, health, or behavior may adversely affect other students in the residence. When possible, a student will be given 24 hours’ notice before an administrative room change occurs. If a resident unreasonably refuses to accept a roommate or hinders the assignment of, or occupancy by a roommate, the University may require the resident to be responsible for the total charge for the room. Room changes are subject to approval of Housing and Residence Life. Students may not move to another room or bed without obtaining permission in advance from Housing and Residence Life, and students may not occupy additional beds/furniture within their assigned room, even where vacancies exist. 

In most cases involving roommate conflict, residents will participate in a mediation process. If mediation does not resolve the conflict, Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to change housing assignments as necessary. Students concerned about roommate conflicts should first attempt to resolve issues informally with the guidance and assistance of their Resident Assistant and or the Resident Director.

Residents are responsible for the care and upkeep of their individual rooms. Below are important things to keep in mind, to ensure that your room and the safety of you and your community are not compromised.

• Personalizing your living space is an important part of making your room your home, but understand that you may not make any permanent alterations to the walls, windows, floors, ceilings, and/or doors in Residence Hall rooms or common areas (i.e. painting, removing furniture, etc.). Pictures, posters, and other materials may be hung, but students are responsible for any damage that occurs, including if the damage occurs as a result of negligence. Significant damage from decorations or items placed on walls which will necessitate painting or repair will be at the occupant’s expense and will be charged to a student’s account.
• Please note that the use of wall adhesives other than sticky-tac or painters’ tape are prohibited. Students are also permitted to use up to 20 push pins to hang items for decorative purposes.
• Numerous fabrics and/or posters are a fire concern and maybe confiscated. Similarly, decorations visible from the outside of the room (i.e. through windows or on doors) may not be lewd, offensive, or reference alcohol or drug use. Decorations, signs, etc. may not be suspended from outside the building or in ways that disrupt other students.
• Ceiling tiles may not be moved or altered in any way; cords may not go through the ceiling tiles. Electrical cords must not be taped down or covered by anything other than an appropriate conduit material.
• Alcohol, alcohol containers, and drug paraphernalia are not permitted and will be considered as support for an alcohol or drug policy violation occurring.Alcohol containers may include: empty cans, empty bottles (including non-labeled bottles which contained alcohol), flasks, funnels and tubing, and alcohol-branded cardboard containers used to transport alcohol.
• Student rooms should be free from debris and trash should be removed from the room on a regular basis. Trash must be disposed of properly and only in designated containers, failure to comply with this process will result in fines being assessed to the resident.
• It is the responsibility of the residents with suite or private bathrooms to keep them clean and free from clutter.
• University furniture assigned to a room must remain in the resident's room.
• Items may not be hung from or attached to ceilings. Items may not be hung in a way that blocks the ceiling light or that create fire hazards. A clear path of egress (at least 36 inches in width) must be available at all times. All electrical appliances must be operated in a safe manner consistent with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Tampering with or altering electrical equipment, door alarms, wiring, fire safety equipment, card access systems, or other safety devices is a serious violation of Housing and Residence Life regulations that will be referred immediately for disciplinary action and may be the basis for criminal charges.

Room changes may occur after the second week of each semester ONLY if spaces are available. If you are requesting a room change during the room change period, you will need to:

• Discuss the change with roommate(s) and any other residents involved, as well as with your Resident Assistant;
• Complete a Room Change Request Form, available from Housing and Residence Life, and return it to your Residence Director;
• Once the move is approved, students are required to properly check out of their current room and into their new room. Proper checkout includes removing all personal belongings, reviewing the Room Condition Form, and returning any keys to Housing and Residence Life staff;
• Move into your new room within 48 hours.

Room changes requested after the room change period may be approved on a case-by-case basis. A supervised mediation may be required between roommates before a room change is granted. Students should contact their Resident Assistant or Residence Director to initiate this process. Any unauthorized room changes may result in disciplinary action.

Room Condition Forms (RCFs) are the official documents used by Housing and Residence Life to identify and track damages in your residence hall room. Prior to residents moving into their room, a thorough inspection of each room is conducted Housing and Residence Life and all damages or needed repairs are noted on the RCF. Residents are not held responsible for damages or needed repairs listed in the check- in section of the RCF. Upon checking into the residence halls, all residents will be able to review a copy of the RCF. Residents have the opportunity to conduct their own room inspection and report any discrepancies to their resident assistant within 48 hours of checking into their room. Any damages or missing items not listed on the RCF must be noted at this time to prevent a charge for these at check-out time.

If a resident does not report any discrepancies on the RCF by the deadline, the resident indicates that the room is in the condition listed on the RCF at the time of check-in.

Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to consolidate students who have an open/available space in their assigned living spaces. When there is an open space it may be utilized at any time throughout the academic year for a student who needs a housing placement on campus. Failure to comply with the consolidation policy may result in disciplinary action and/or additional housing fees.

ROOM ENTRY

University employees or their approved designees reserve the right to enter students' living areas to respond to emergencies, to perform routine maintenance work, to maintain an environment that ensures the health, safety, and welfare of all residents, to enforce University policies, and/or to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. By submitting a maintenance request, students consent to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ or a representative or contractor of °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ to enter the Room. The University also reserves the right to enter students’ living areas at reasonable times, with or without advance notice, to inspect and repair the room. (See Health and Safety Inspection for more information).

ROOM SEARCHES

The University respects a resident student's right to privacy in his/her living area. In addition, each student is responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with University policies and regulations in order to support a strong community. As a result, it will be necessary at times for authorized University personnel to enter student rooms to conduct searches. In cases involving civil authorities, the requirements for lawful search must be followed. (See Health and Safety Inspection for more information).

Searches

With appropriate prior authorization from the Vice President for Student Experience or designee, searches may be conducted:

• On students and their possessions while on University property;
• Within University housing, other campus structures, and their contents.
• Potential reasons for authorized searches include, but are not limited to:
  Indication that University regulations and/or federal, state, local laws are being violated; 
• Indication that danger to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ community members exists;
• Indication that a student cannot be located for an extended period of time.

Roommate or suitemate living agreements are completed at the beginning of each academic year. They are mandatory for freshman students, and elective for upper class students. Agreements are subject to revision if and when occupants of a residence change throughout the year. Once a student enters into a roommate/suitemate living agreement, the student is required to follow the terms of that agreement, unless revisions are requested otherwise.

All students interested in on-campus housing must pay a non-refundable $300 Room Reservation Fee in order to secure a housing placement. This fee will be applied to a student’s room charge for the following semester.

Sexual assault is an act of violence. It is the violation of a person's mind and body. In legal terms, sexual assault is forced sexual contact through physical force, the threat of force, intimidation, coercion, or the inability of the victim to give consent due to physical helplessness (mental disability, intoxication, etc.) of which the assailant was aware or should have been aware. Sexual assault could happen to anyone, female or male, adult or child. It occurs within all races, ethnic groups, religions, and socioeconomic classes.

It is important to understand that sex without mutual consent is rape, regardless of whether or not physical violence or weapons were involved. Understanding the meaning of consent is critically important.

• Consent is based on choice.

• Consent is active, not passive.

• Consent is possible only when there is equal power.

• Giving in because of fear or coercion is not consent.

• Giving in to something because of wanting to fit in, feeling bad, or being deceived, is not consent.

• In consent, parties must be equally free to act.

• In consent, parties must be fully conscious and have clearly communicated their intent.

Guided by °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ's mission statement, this Roman Catholic institution is committed to belief in God, the recognition of the dignity of each individual, and to the development of a supportive community. To support this mission, the institution depends on strict adherence to standards of conduct set by its members. Among these are standards regarding human sexuality, any expression of which must affirm the integrity and dignity of oneself and others.

Sexual misconduct in all forms violates the sanctity of the human body and spirit and will not be tolerated within our community. In addition, sexual assault is a crime punishable by both civil and criminal legal action and is a serious violation of University policy.

Through the sexual assault protocol that follows, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ seeks to provide a consistent, caring, and timely response when sexual assaults occur within the University community.

These procedures were created to:

• Support the recovery of a sexual assault victim by providing prompt and compassionate support services.

• Create a campus environment that both expedites and encourages the prompt reporting of sexual assaults.

• Facilitate the apprehension of assailants when such crimes are committed and the processing of cases through the campus judicial/conduct system.

 To accomplish these goals, the following information is provided:

• Procedures students should follow if a sex offense occurs, including who should be contacted, the importance of preserving evidence as may be necessary for the proof of criminal sexual assault, and to whom the alleged offense should be reported;

• Students' options to notify proper law enforcement authorities, including the on campus Campus Safety and local police, and the option to be assisted by campus authorities in notifying these authorities, if the student chooses to do so; and

• Existing counseling, mental health, or student services for victims of sexual assault, both on campus and in the community.

Procedures for dealing with sexual assault are addressed to the victim. Any student, staff, or faculty member assisting a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to follow these procedures.

• Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
• For your own safety and well-being, seek immediate support, information, and medical assistance. Help can be accessed through a number of campus and community resources.

It's important to know that the following steps will help guard evidence vital for prosecuting, should you at any time decide to pursue that option. The decision to report to the police or to go to court is yours alone. Even if you do not want to report the incident now, and you do not have to, you may reconsider at a later point.

• Go to the hospital for medical assistance.
• Do not shower, bathe, or douche.
• Try not to urinate.
• If oral contact took place, do not smoke, eat, or brush your teeth.
• If you change clothes, place them in a paper bag (plastic destroys evidence), and bring them with you to your medical examination.
• The hospital will call a counselor from the local Women's Resource Center to support you and provide follow-up resources during the hospital visit.
• Take care of your own needs-talking with someone you trust or keeping a journal can help you work through your feelings. Contact one of the resource people listed on the next page to assist you with this process.
• Whether the assault was recent or in the past, you may be experiencing physical and/or emotionally confusing reactions. Contact the Counseling Center at 348-6245 for support and to explore issues related to rape trauma syndrome.

Reporting Sexual Assault

Reporting within the University:

To encourage reporting, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ pursues a policy of offering victims of sexual misconduct the option of limited confidentiality or full confidentiality.

Limited Confidentiality is understood to mean that a victim can report a sexual assault to a Campus Safety Authority (Residence Life Staff, Campus Safety, Student Activities Personnel, Student Organization Advisors) and request that no action be taken to hold the perpetrator accountable for an alleged sexual assault, after the victim has identified the perpetrator. The decision to pursue judicial/conduct action against the perpetrator by the Dean of Students Office using the victim's name will be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to the following: an established pattern of sexual assault by the perpetrator; the gravity of physical violence; and the victim's wishes. Students must understand that reporting via this option does not guarantee confidentiality. The Dean of Students will always consider abiding by the wishes of the victim, but may make the decision to pursue the perpetrator through the University's judicial/conduct system. A confidential Sexual Assault Report will be made for statistical purposes to be sure that all sexual assaults reported to the institution are documented. Names do not appear on the report.

Full Confidentiality is understood to mean that a victim can report a sexual assault to a counselor in the University's Counseling and Student Development Center and confidentiality will be maintained. If a victim of sexual assault desires that details of his/her incident be kept confidential, victims should speak with on-campus Counseling Center staff or off-campus rape crisis resources, who will maintain full confidentiality. Counseling Center staff members are available to help victims free of charge, and can be seen on an emergency basis. A confidential Sexual Assault Report will be made for statistical purposes to be sure that all sexual assaults reported to the institution are documented. Names do not appear on the report.

Reporting to the Police

If you decide to report an assault to the police, you can do so with the intent to prosecute, or you can make an anonymous report. To make a report with the police, you may contact the University's Campus Safety or the Dean of Students Office to facilitate the police coming to campus. If you intend to prosecute, in addition to sharing details of the incident with the police, you will be asked to undergo a medical examination for the purpose of collecting evidence.

If you choose to report the sexual assault to the police, but do not wish to prosecute, or to have your name associated with the report, you can make an anonymous report. The police will record the date and time of the assault, the mode of operation of the assailant, and any description of the perpetrator you can give. If the victim knows the assailant's name, it will be recorded. This report may influence the District Attorney's decision whether to prosecute another case, if the assailant has been named in one or more separate complaints. Also, the police store the information, in the event that pattern crimes by the perpetrator are detected.

Smoking and tobacco use is not permitted in University Housing. All students are expected to follow the University's Smoke Free Policy. Students violating the policy will be referred for student conduct action.

Students are not permitted to operate a personal business, provide commercial services or solicit items in campus residence halls or apartments. Door-to-door sales or soliciting is not permitted. Housing and Residence Life staff or Campus Safety should be notified of the presence of any solicitors or salespersons. Trespassers will be escorted off campus and law enforcement may be contacted. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ individuals who are interested in promoting or implementing an activity, etc., must have permission from the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

General Visitation for guests who are not °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ students:

• Students are permitted to have guests in the residential portion of the building until midnight Sunday through Thursday.
• Overnight guests are permitted on Friday and Saturday only, unless it is a long weekend, (see details below).
• Twenty-four-hour visitation is permitted in the main common area 24-hour lounge of all traditional residence facilities. Sleeping is not permitted in any public space within the building.
• A roommate’s desire for privacy, safety, and normal use of their living space supersedes all guest privileges. Hosts should inform and obtain consent from roommates and/or apartment mates prior to having guests in their shared spaces.
• Guests of students in Loughran, Madonna, and Regina must be registered at their respective front desk by their host. This is necessary in order for staff to know who is in the building should an emergency occur. Guests must have a valid photo identification.
• Hosts must accompany their guest at all times. Actions of the guest are the direct responsibility of the host student.
• Guests are responsible for abiding by all campus policies and procedures. Guest may be asked to leave the residence halls or apartments at any time should they violate a policy or disrupt the campus community in any manner.
• The Host student shall be responsible and liable for any damages caused by the guest or the students’ guests or invitees to the living quarters, furnishings, or to any other area of the residence hall/apartment or its equipment.
• The amenities provided within university housing are intended for use by °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ residential students, and are not directly intended or designed for use by non-resident students or °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ guests.
• Questions regarding policy interpretation are at the discretion of the Residence Director on call or the Residence Director of the building.

VISITATION - OVERNIGHT GUESTS:

• Overnight guests are limited to a maximum of three consecutive nights and no more than six nights per month. Overnight guests are permitted on Friday and Saturdays only, unless it is a long weekend. Resident students are permitted to host one overnight guest who is not a member of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ Community. The total number of people allowed in any room is twice the room occupancy.
• To host an overnight guest, hosts must have prior permission from all roommates/apartment mates.  
• Hosts in Loughran, Madonna, and Regina Halls are responsible for registering their overnight guests at their respective front desks, regardless if there is a staff member present.
• If special circumstances exist, a written request for an overnight guest on an evening other than Friday or Saturday or for a stay longer than two nights in a seven-day period may be submitted to Housing & Residence Life at reslife@marywood.edu. 
• The Woodlands, Bethany Hall, and Immaculata Hall are required to ensure their guest has a valid Identification card. All policies are the same otherwise.

Age Restrictions on Overnight Guests:

• All guests must be over 18 with valid photo identification cards. If a resident would like to host a guest who is under 18, they must obtain permission from their Resident Director. Any guests that are not over 18 and do not have written permission to stay on campus may be asked to leave °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ property.
• In the event that a guest is under 18 and is found intoxicated, Residence Life or Campus Safety would contact the student's parent or guardian to pick them up from campus.
• Hosts seeking overnight guests over 24 years of age or, in special circumstances, overnight guests under 18, must request advance permission from the Housing & Residence Life Office via email at reslife@marywood.edu.

• Please note, in such circumstances, guests under 18 also require verified permission from the minor’s parent or guardian.
• Please also note that the overnight processes for Office of Admissions and Athletic Department recruits are separate from the policy stated above.

Weapons are not permitted on campus and thus residents are not permitted to keep weapons in the Residence Halls or Apartments. Persons with concealed carry permits are not permitted to carry weapons on campus. Included in the definition weapons: ammunition, bows and arrows, firearms, pellet/bb guns, paint ball guns, airsoft guns, water guns, Tasers, stun-guns, knives or any non-utensil bladed object, sling shots, nun-chuks and any item described as being an “offensive weapon” under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Possession of a firearm or weapon in University residence halls or firing a firearm/weapon or igniting dangerous explosives on campus will result in disciplinary action. Further clarification of what is a weapon under this policy can be found in the Student Handbook.

Anyone caught throwing an object out of or into a window, hanging items from, or leaning out of a window will be subject to fines for damage/clean up expenses, and disciplinary action. Screens must be properly kept in the window. Shouting out windows is not permitted. Individuals are not permitted to enter or exit a residence hall or apartment through a window. Students entering the room through a window or bringing items through a window, as well as the resident of the room that was entered, will face student conduct action.