Residency Policy
Responsibilities of Residents
The obligations of students with respect to residence in College facilities are described in the College Life Manual and are set out in detail in the Room and Food Service Contract signed by each student resident before taking occupancy of a room. The Contract provides for the right of entry of College officers, agents, and employees “for the purpose of examining the condition (of the room), making such repairs as the College may see fit to make, inspection for health or safety reasons, or enforcement of this contract.”
Greek Housing
The health and welfare of students are of paramount importance. In order to be assured that the students are living and congregating in safe surroundings, the College reserves the right to request and be granted permission to inspect Greek Houses. The College will also require annual reports from Greek organizations establishing that they are satisfying state and local government codes.
College Houses
All regularly enrolled first- and second-year students, except approved commuting students who live at home or with a legal guardian, are required to live within their College House during the first and second years at the College and in approved College housing for the remainder of their time at the College. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the Housing Committee. Each spring, a room selection process will be held.
The College has established some basic regulations that require each student to assume maximum responsibility for the environment in which he or she lives. All students are expected to abide by the Student Code and act in such a manner that the rights, safety, and comfort of others are not disturbed. Behavior inconsistent with these values could lead to administrative action and/or a hearing by the Committee on Student Conduct. Such cases may also result in civil action and/or action by the Dean of the College or designee.
Students are also expected to establish and observe College House rules.
College policies are in effect whenever college approved housing is occupied. It is the responsibility of each student and his or her guests to be aware of the regulations and to adhere to them, as well as to policies outlined in the Room and Food Service Contract and in other sections of this Manual, including the alcohol policy.
General Regulations
Students residing in college housing are entitled to the expectation that they will be able to study in their rooms, enjoy the company and conversation of their friends, experience the privacy and opportunity for uninterrupted sleep that a demanding schedule requires, and, in general, benefit from a style of life more independent than they experienced before entering college. No one has greater responsibility for providing this atmosphere for study, rest, friendship, and civility than the residents themselves.
Canvassing and Commercial Enterprises
For the protection of residents, canvassing, soliciting, and commercial enterprises are prohibited unless approved in advance by the Director of College Programs. In order to obtain approval, individuals should contact the Director of College Programs. Unapproved items will be removed from halls and responsible individuals and/or groups may face disciplinary action. The Director of College Program must also approve club fundraising projects and personal profit-making enterprises. Such sales, for limited periods of time only, are restricted to tables in lower level of the College Center, except by special advance approval.
Cooking and Appliances
Air conditioners, hot plates, microwave ovens, electric heaters, and heavy appliances, such as large refrigerators, are not permitted in college housing. Microfridges (small 2.1 cu. ft. refrigerators with attached microwaves) and refrigerators are available to students through a leasing arrangement with a local firm.
Damages
Students are responsible for their rooms and the furnishings therein and also the cost of any repair and replacement beyond ordinary wear. Students are required to keep all items, including College-issued furniture, personal furniture and other personal items, in their rooms at all times. Students may not store any items in hallways or common areas. In the common areas—lounges, hallways, bathrooms, etc.—when direct responsibility cannot be placed, the cost of repair and replacement of damaged items is shared by all students living in and using these areas.
In order to prevent structural damage, students and their guests may not participate in sports games in college housing. This prohibition includes but is not limited to basketball, soccer, lacrosse, football, hockey, and frisbee.
Students’ own property is not insured by the College’s insurance. Students should consider obtaining renter’s insurance or equivalent coverage (fire & liability insurance) to protect their personal property. The College shall not be liable for any loss of damage to property left in a room after the room has been vacated by the student, nor shall the College be liable for loss or damage to property resulting from fire, theft, water damage from sprinkler release or any other cause. Additionally, the College is not responsible for any personal injuries occurring with a student’s room unless caused by or resulting from the negligence of the College.
Keys
For the safety of students, lost keys should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety, which will contact the necessary offices so that locks will be recombinated and keys replaced. There will usually be a $40 fee for the lock re-combination and a $50 fee to replace exterior door fobs. Failure to return assigned keys and fobs at check out could result in disciplinary action as well as replacement costs.
Lockouts
A student who becomes locked out of his/her College-owned residential facilities, for which the Department of Public Safety maintains keys, will be assisted by a staff member from the Department of Public Safety, who will unlock the residence after identification is verified. A student will be allowed assists for the first week of school free of charge. A $10 fee will be levied for each subsequent room unlock by the Department of Public Safety during the academic year.
Pets
No student may keep a pet(s) in college-approved hosing without prior approval. This includes all reptiles, all mammals, and any other animals that live outside of water; the only exception is fish. Aquariums must be 20 gallons or smaller. Pets also are not allowed in the Steinman College Center or any food service areas at any time. The City of Lancaster Health Code prohibits animals in areas where food is served, and a City of Lancaster ordinance requires dogs to be leashed in public places. Licensing laws are strictly enforced. Copies of the City’s “Dog Law” are on file at the Department of Public Safety.
Pictures and Ornaments
In hanging fixtures and other ornaments in student rooms, care must be taken so that painted surfaces are not damaged and that smoke detectors are not covered.
Room Changes
Room changes can be made only with the approval of the House Prefect, in the case of special interest housing the College Residential Coordinator. In most cases, room changes are not allowed during the first and last three weeks of each semester. Please note that suites and apartments cost more than single or double rooms. Accounts may reflect a different housing charge once a student changes rooms.
Room Condition
Repairs to on-campus and theme housing should be reported to the Service Response Center or House Adviser. Only authorized maintenance personnel are permitted to install equipment and to make alterations or repairs.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted in any of the College’s residential facilities. Please see the College’s nonsmoking policy for additional details.
