Residence Life and Community-Living Policies

Revised May 22, 2024
Most recent revision posted Aug. 26, 2024

Experience a vibrant, tight-knit community at Susquehanna University, where your four-year on-campus residency is more than just a place to live — it’s an integral part of your liberal arts journey. In our residential spaces, you’ll find a welcoming environment that fosters deep connections, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging.

Our Residence Life staff is dedicated to creating a living experience that is not only inclusive but also ethically grounded, encouraging you to embrace the values of civility, respect, and care for both yourself and others. Here, your living space becomes a hub for academic success, personal discovery, and leadership development.

We believe in the power of community and the importance of understanding and appreciating individual differences. As you navigate university life, you’ll be challenged to reflect on your own values and make decisions that honor both individual rights and the collective well-being of your community. This is where you’ll learn to lead, grow, and thrive — together.

Susquehanna provides up to four years of housing to full-time undergraduate students without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law in both placement in university residential facilities and in the furnishing of facilities.

Susquehanna University reserves the right to enforce any restrictions or regulations necessary for the general welfare of residents and/or the maintenance of its property.

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Residential Requirement

All full-time undergraduate students are required to live in university housing.

Exemptions to this policy can be granted to students who meet at least one of the following exceptions:

1. commuting from and residing full-time in the primary residence of their parents or guardians within a 45-minutes driving distance of campus,
   
2. married or civilly unified and residing with spouse,
3. serving as a legal guardian of a child(ren) and residing with said child(ren),
   
4. at least 24 years of age at the start of the academic year.
   

To request an exemption from living on campus, students must complete a housing exemption form and select the category that best applies to their situation from the list of exceptions provided above. If the exemption is denied, the student can appeal to the Housing Exemption Appeals Board. If the exemption is granted, it is valid for a student’s entire time at Susquehanna. If at any point an exempted student needs on-campus housing, they can contact the Residence Life Office.

Housing is dependent on available space, which can vary each year. Housing is not guaranteed for undergraduate students beyond their senior year, or their 8th semester, whichever comes first; for graduate students; or for part-time students. Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours per semester are considered part-time and need permission from the Director of Residence Life to live in on-campus housing.

Meal Plan Requirement and Dining Protocols

Students living in university-owned housing, except for those in Liberty Alley Apartments and 18th Street Commons, are required to purchase a meal plan. Residents of Liberty Alley Apartments, 18th Street Commons, and commuter students have the option to purchase a meal plan through the housing self-service portal.

A properly validated university ID card serves as the student’s meal ticket and is intended for the student’s use only. Anyone without a meal plan can purchase a meal using a credit card at any on-campus dining location; cash is not accepted.

All students must follow dining hall policies, including using approved recyclable to-go containers for removing food from the Evert Dining Room. Good conduct, proper manners, and appropriate dress and footwear are required in all dining venues. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct.

Room and Dining Agreement

Enrollment at Susquehanna University implies a binding room and dining agreement.

Termination of the room and/or dining agreement may be permitted for the following reasons:

1. approved change of residence status,
2. absence from campus because of a semester-long academic program such as an internship, student teaching, or study-away program,
3. an official leave of absence,
4. an official withdrawal from the university, or
5. completion of a degree program.

The university may terminate a room and dining agreement if a student’s course load falls below the full-time credit requirement, if the student engages in prohibited conduct, if the room is vacated, if the student is officially unenrolled, or if it is deemed in the best interest of the residential community. A student’s departure from campus without notification to Residence Life or non-participation in the meal plan does not exempt them from the residential requirement or from their Room and Dining Agreement.

Room and the comprehensive student fee are neither pro-rated nor refundable and therefore once classes begin students have earned room and the comprehensive student fee in their entirety. Official termination of the agreement cancels charges for future semesters, but, per university Withdrawal & Tuition Adjustment Policy, no refund is given for partial semester occupancy.  In cases of disciplinary termination, no refund will be provided.

Housing Selection Process

Housing Options by Class Year

Residence Life assigns first-year students a room. Students have the ability to choose their housing for subsequent years based on class year and the housing lottery.

• First-year students are assigned to one of these residence halls: Hassinger Hall, Reed Hall, and Smith Hall. Aikens Hall and Scholars House also house first-year students as well as returning students.
• Returning students can live in Aikens Hall, houses on the Avenue, GO House, North Hall, Sassafras Complex, Seibert Hall, Scholars House, West Hall, and West Village.
• Only seniors can select to live on 18th Street; spaces not filled by seniors will be filled at the discretion of Residence Life.

Gender-Inclusive Housing

Susquehanna University is committed to creating a comfortable living environment for students of all gender identities. The university offers flexible options in housing, including specialty housing for LGBTQ+ students. Also, single-user bathrooms are available in suites, apartments and several residence halls.

In making room assignments:

• First-year students are assigned to gender-inclusive spaces only upon request.
• For returning students, the Residence Life office ensures that everyone in a suite is in agreement before assigning a new student to a mixed-gender suite.
• No students are assigned to mixed-gender doubles, unless two students request a roommate match into a mixed-gender double.

Recognizing that sex-segregated housing may not suit everyone, students can indicate their gender identity on the housing application and choose roommates regardless of gender.

Susquehanna does not ask for relationship status of roommates during the housing selection process. Before requesting to reside with a partner, students should consider factors like communication styles, room cleanliness, guest policies, and privacy needs.

Room Assignments, Changes and Transitions

Students residing in university residencies are not permitted to move to an off-campus location, move to another room, change to another building or within the same building without prior permission from Residence Life.

Successful roommate pairings do not always involve students who consider their roommate a best friend, but often describe a relationship and room environment that is restful, friendly and respectful. Learning to live with a roommate takes time and work and the Residence Life staff is committed to helping roommates learn skills that will enable them to have a good living experience. The following steps are required in almost all situations before a room change is considered:

• An initial discussion between roommates to address concerns.
• A student staff member, a Resident Assistant (RA) and the residents will examine the roommate(s) agreement for additions, deletions, and the drafting of a new roommate agreement. Students are asked to honestly implement the revised/new agreement during the following fourteen (14) days.
• If issues remain unresolved, residents will be referred to a Professional Staff member.
• No requests are granted for room changes until the third week of the academic semester unless deemed necessary by the Professional Staff member.

If the Professional Staff member finds a room change necessary, the resident making the complaint will be the one to move out. In a case where both students initiated a complaint, both students will be given the opportunity to move to different spaces. The Professional Staff member and Resident Assistant (RA) stay neutral in roommate disagreements and conflicts and try their best to work with students’ living situations.

The university reserves the right to assign another student to a partial vacancy or to require a student to move from a partial vacancy to another room. This is referred to as room consolidation. To accommodate all students applying for space, it may be necessary to assign a student a temporary housing accommodation. Withdrawals and cancellations will permit these students to be transferred to permanent rooms. When vacancies in permanent rooms occur, temporary spaces must be vacated, upon request of Residence Life. Space may not be sold or loaned to another student for free or compensation.

Room Check-In and Check-Out

At the beginning of each academic year, student staff complete an inventory of each residence hall room. This is to ensure that each room is clean, that all items in the room are functioning properly, and that all necessary furniture is present. Residents are then responsible for verifying the good condition of their room upon arrival at check-in. If an item is missing or not in good condition, the resident must file a work order with Facilities Management so that the condition can be rectified.

If a student changes a room, suite or unit for any reason during the academic year, a formal checkout with the Resident Assistant staff must occur to avoid improper checkout penalties. At checkout time, the resident and a staff member will review the room inventory and record any damages. Any resident failing to check out properly will be assessed an improper checkout fee of $50 as well as costs for key(s) replacement, lock change and new unit keys, as applicable. When they move into their new space, they should fill out a new room condition inventory. It is the student’s responsibility to record any pre-existing damage. Any damage beyond what was recorded at check-in will be assessed as damage and charged back to residents at or after checkout. At check-in, students are given a room key and outside door key in some instances. Most of the facilities have proximal technology and require entrance with a student ID card.

For health and safety purposes, before vacating the residence hall room for breaks, students must complete all tasks on the break checkout form, including but not limited to, emptying trash, closing all doors and windows, unplugging all electronics, and taking home all valuables. Students are responsible for acquiring this form from their Resident Assistant and posting it on the outside of their residence hall room door upon departure. The Residence Life Office reserves the right to issue a $50 improper checkout fee for items not completed on the checkout form.

At the end of the academic year, rooms are to be left in their original condition, with trash disposed of and floors swept. Facilities Management and Residence Life perform room checks after students move out. Any missing items or damage to walls, woodwork, furniture, floors, window treatments, windows and screens, etc., not reported at the time of original occupancy will be corrected and the cost will be charged to resident(s) of the room. 

Prior to Commencement, graduating seniors may be subject to a Pre-Inspection process to assist all students in identifying any billable damage, cleaning concerns, or missing/damaged furniture. 

Early Arrival/Move-In student housing agreements are as follows:

Fall semester:

• First-Year students move in the Thursday before classes begin.
• Transfer students are invited to move into their fall assignments the Wednesday evening before classes begin. They may choose to move in on the following day (with first-year students).
• Returning students move into the residence halls on the Sunday before classes begin.

Spring semester:

• All students move in the Sunday before classes begin.

Any arrival before these established dates is considered an Early Arrival and must be pre-approved by Residence Life. Some athletic teams are approved for Early Arrivals. Residence Life and Athletics work collaboratively to establish the arrival time and location for specific teams. Students who arrive on campus without pre-approval may be asked to leave campus until their approved move-in or return date.

Study Abroad Arrangements

Students participating in fall GO study-abroad experiences do not participated in housing selection in the spring semester; however, they are guaranteed to be placed into on-campus housing the following spring, with placement preferences being accommodated on a space-available basis. Many students going on GO experiences can find complementary swaps, with one student living on campus for the fall and taking their GO semester for the spring, and the second student taking their GO semester for the fall and returning to campus housing in the space of the outbound student.

Housing for Breaks

Thanksgiving Recess, Fall and Spring Breaks (Mid-term breaks)

During these short breaks, the residence halls do not close, but many campus services do.  All students are asked to complete a Break Form to notify the university if they will be on or off campus for each short-term break.

Winter and Summer Breaks (End-of-term breaks)

For longer breaks, the residence halls close, and students must leave by the appointed closing time and return no earlier than the official reopening. Limited or no campus services are available during break periods, e.g., dining services, counseling center, health center, library, sports complex. 

Susquehanna realizes that students may have extenuating situations regarding housing; therefore, students may request an exception to remain in the residence halls over a break period. Request deadlines are generally one week to ten (10) days prior to the break period. Exceptions may be granted, and students will receive notification via their mikeshiner.com email account. During winter and summer breaks, additional policies are in place. Students staying over breaks are expected to read the application for exception as well as the approval email. 

At the end of each semester, students are expected to leave within twenty-four (24) hours of their last final exam or the posted hall closing time. Extensions on assignments given by professors do not imply that a student may continue to live on campus during a break. The student is still responsible for requesting an exception to remain according to the application policies and deadlines located on myNest.  

The university reserves the right to close all residence halls during end-of-term breaks and to lease and/or utilize campus housing during any winter and summer breaks. Unless otherwise notified by Susquehanna, personal belongings may remain in student rooms during break periods occurring during the academic year: mid-term breaks, Thanksgiving recess; and winter break. Personal belongings may not remain or be stored in any residential or other university space over the summer break. 

The university cannot be held liable directly or indirectly for loss of, or damage to, the personal property of individuals. All personal items must be removed from university premises at the end of a student’s occupancy of a room, or when required to do so during a break. Any personal items found on university property after a student’s occupancy ends will be discarded and the owner will be charged for removal. It is good practice to leave a copy of the serial numbers of all expensive equipment at home and to purchase Student Personal Property insurance if a family homeowner’s policy does not extend to belongings on campus.

Additional information is in the Room Check-In and Checkout section.

Summer Session Living on Campus

During the period between the end of spring semester and the start of fall semester, also known as Summer Session or Summer Term, students remain subject to the policies outlined in the Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct. These policies apply to anyone engaged in activities at Susquehanna University, including working, researching, interning, volunteering, taking classes or involved in any other activity, regardless of their home institution. Additionally, the Summer Session may introduce specific policies related to the particular activities in which students are involved. It is recommended that students consult directly with the department or supervisor overseeing their activities to understand any additional policies that may apply.

Transitional housing, which allows students to move from Summer Session housing into their fall housing assignment early, is available only to returning students who have a confirmed fall housing assignment. Students not returning to the Susquehanna campus for the fall term must vacate their summer housing at the end of the Summer Session.

Applications for summer housing open during the late spring term and can be completed through the Housing Self-Service platform. An additional fee, separate from the academic year bill, is required for summer housing. Students should be aware that during the Summer Session, campus services such as dining, health services, and counseling are limited or unavailable. It is important to consider these limitations when deciding on summer accommodations.

Room Requirements and Housing Amenities

Keys

To ensure safety, each student is required upon arrival or move-in to check in with the Residence Life office to receive and sign for their key(s) and verify their housing assignment. Failure to do so may result in referral to the conduct process.

Students are responsible for their assigned key(s) and will be held accountable if a key is lost, damaged, and/or if a key is being used in a way that violates university policy. Students may not loan a key assigned to them to any other person. Likewise, students may not be in possession of a key that is not assigned to them. Students are prohibited from duplicating keys issued by the university.

If a key is lost:

• Students must request a temporary key from the Residence Life Office. The student will then have three (3) business days to locate their missing key.
• If the key is found, the student must return the temporary key to the Residence Life Office within those three (3) businesses days. Failure to return the temporary key will result in a lock change.
• If the key is not found, the Residence Life Office will request a lock change. The student will be notified via email that the lock change has been requested. Once the lock change is completed, the residents of that space will be notified via email. All residents affected by the lock change will be directed to the Residence Life Office to pick up their new keys and return any old or temporary keys. Failure to pick up new keys may result in referral to the conduct process.

Students are expected to return their key to the Residence Life Office when they vacate the space. Failure to do so will result in billing for a lock change and replacement keys.

Damage Billing

Damage billing occurs throughout the year. Students will receive an email notification when damage billing has been added to their student account.

• Individual Damage Charges: Individual students receive these charges for damages in their assigned bedroom. If a student would like to appeal the individual damage charges that have been applied, they must complete the Damage Billing Appeal Form found in their damage billing notification email within three (3) business days of the notification. The appeals are heard by a group of students, faculty, and staff members on campus. Appeals must stand alone (meaning everything a student wants considered must be included on the form) and are considered final once the group has made a decision. That could be to deny the appeal, partially grant the appeal, or fully grant the appeal.
  
  
• Community Damage Charges: These are charges resulting from damage in a common area in a building, suite, townhouse, or house. This can include damage to the exterior of buildings. These charges cannot be appealed. These charges are divided among all who live in that space. Should the responsible party or parties be known it is up to those with this knowledge to report this to the Residence Life Office. This is in keeping with the philosophy that residents are members of a community and therefore should try to hold each other accountable within that area. If a resident witnesses another student damaging university property, it is the resident’s responsibility to report the incident, so the responsible party bears the cost of the damage rather than the community members. Community damages are communicated during the damage billing process.

Maintenance and Work Requests

The Facilities Management Office is responsible for completing maintenance in all university residential facilities. Students should submit a Facilities Work Request on myNest > On-Campus Living tile to report maintenance needs or concerns.

Residents are expected to also participate in the maintenance of the residence halls. Broken or malfunctioning items within student rooms should be reported immediately so they can be repaired or replaced. If a report is made but the condition persists, residents should submit a second Facilities Work Request, unless information is received indicating that the problem cannot be fixed.

Students should not attempt to make repairs themselves. Improper repairs will be charged as Damage Billing.

Pest Control

Any pest concerns should be reported by submitting a Facilities Work Request on myNest > On-Campus Living tile. Flea bombs or other means to control pests on your own are not allowed. Any concerns should be reported to Facilities Management who will work to resolve the concern.

Bicycles and Personal Electric Vehicles

Bicycles are permitted on campus but cannot be stored inside university buildings or residence halls (except for designated storage areas). For a list of storage rooms and keys, contact the Residence Life Office.

Students must remove their bicycles from campus when they check out of their assigned living space. The bike storage key must be returned with the room key to the Residence Life Office. The University reserves the right to remove any bicycle in violation of this policy and will bill and/or fine the owner for associated labor costs.

A limited number of bicycles are available for rent by contacting the Leadership & Engagement Office.

Electric bicycles and other personal electric vehicles (PEVs) — such as electric or motorized scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, unicycles, and other motorized micro-mobility vehicles — are permitted on public roads (e.g., University Avenue). Per university policy, they are prohibited on campus roadways, sidewalks, grounds, athletics facilities, in residence halls or any buildings on campus, and they cannot be charged on campus. For further information and prescribed enforcement, see the policy.

Electric wheelchairs and scooters designed for individuals with mobility impairments are an exception and must be approved by Disability Services in the Center for Academic Success.

Hammocks

Hammocks are allowed on campus at students’ own risk. They must be securely fastened to a manufactured hammock frame or with tree straps that will not harm trees. Hammocks cannot be attached to buildings, porch posts, or small trees (under 8” in diameter). Hammock nets and frames must be stored indoors when not in use; any items left outside will be considered abandoned and removed at the student’s expense.

Water Features

The addition of any water features, including, but not limited to, pools and lawn water slides is prohibited on campus due to safety concerns. 

Cleanliness of Housing and Adjacent Grounds

Cleanliness of units, common areas and surrounding grounds is expected at all times.

• Student Responsibility: Students must keep their rooms clean and supply their own cleaning tools. Rooms posing health or safety risks must be cleaned by residents as instructed. Students must remove personal items from common areas or risk them being discarded.
  

• Custodial Services: Provided only for common areas. Staff may discard personal items left in bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.
  

• Administrative Charges: May apply to residents for excessive cleaning or for the disposal of personal items.

Community Appliances

The university may provide a range, microwave, or mini fridge in common areas of the residence halls. Community appliances may never be left unattended while in use and must be cleaned after use. Damage or excessive clean-up charges unable to be attributed to an individual(s) will be charged back to the residents of the unit.

Laundry Facilities

Laundry units are available to students based on the number of occupants in a residence hall/residential area. Students are expected to remove clothing from washing machines/dryers at the completion of a laundry cycle and use the machines for their intended purposes. Damage to laundry units will be charged to the residents of the residence hall / residential area should the responsible party or parties be unknown.

Furnishings

Each student room includes a bed, mattress, desk, chair, and dresser for each resident. Traditional rooms may also have window screens and, occasionally, closet doors. Common area furniture varies by unit type.

Room and common area furniture must remain in place, meaning it cannot be removed from the assigned area and cannot be dismantled or altered. Lounge or common area furniture is not allowed in personal rooms. Beds can be raised using store-bought risers, but any risers deemed unsafe by university officials must be removed. Beds on desks, radiators, or windowsills are prohibited, as are self-constructed lofts. Students who desire to have a bed lofted can request this through Facilities Management via the work request system.

Certain rooms in Hassinger, North, and Seibert halls come with at least one bed lofted at move-in. Rooms that are designed to house three or more students, referred to on campus as “multiples” contain furniture specific to those rooms and cannot be removed, regardless of occupancy.

Decoration Policy and Fire Restrictions

The interior of a student’s room provides a living space for personal preferences of expression, provided that expression does not violate any residential-living policies and guidelines or the Student Code of Conduct.

Residents are permitted to hang items on interior walls of personal rooms using poster putty, removable hooks (e.g., 3M, Command M) push pins or thumb tacks, but will be responsible for any costs to repair damages that may result from use or other structural changes.

Restrictions

Students are not permitted to make structural changes to common or personal areas.

Restrictions for residence hall rooms, suite common rooms or university-owned houses or apartments include:

• Hardware nails, screws, staples and other metal fasteners (other than standard push pins/ thumbtacks to hang lightweight items on walls) are prohibited in walls, doors, trims, other structural surfaces, furniture or fixtures.

• Permanent adhesives, tape, glue and pastes to mount on any structural surfaces, furniture or fixtures, are prohibited (other than Command-brand or similar removable hangers).

• Painting or papering (e.g., wallpaper, borders, contact paper, stickers, decals) is not permitted on any structural surfaces, furniture or fixtures. Paint repairs should be submitted to Facilities Management.

• Nothing can be attached to the windows (interior/exterior), doors (interior/exterior), or outside of the residence halls.

• Standing any kind of object or container on outside windowsills, ledges, porches or roofs is prohibited.

• The use of alcohol bottles (full or empty), cans, caps, labels, boxes or alcohol-related promotional materials for any decorative purposes is prohibited.

• Metal-tip darts/dartboard games and free-standing bars are not permitted.

• Students may not hang their own curtains on windows unless they adhere to the recommended system for fire safety. For a Facilities-approved list of window treatments, visit the On-Campus Living myNest tile.

• University’s in-window shades or pull blinds must remain in the window.

• Nothing should be hung from ceilings, strung across the room, over doorways, or covering windows at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, fabrics, tapestries, lights, curtains, and posters.

• Wall hangings made of burlap or any other highly flammable fabrics, tapestries, netting, etc. are prohibited.

• Live trees, dried flowers or decorative greens/cornstalks are prohibited. Small plants in soil and fresh flowers in water are permitted.

• Outside decorations may be displayed at any residential houses if they are a part of a university-sponsored event (e.g., Halloween on the Ave, Homecoming). Facilities Management and Residence Life reserve the right to restrict or prohibit outdoor decorations.

Electrical Appliances

Reflecting fire safety and electrical concerns, residents are limited in the use of electrical appliances and cooking devices they may store in personal residence hall rooms. One coffee pot (12-cup maximum), Keurig® or similar machine is permitted in each personal residence hall room. It must have a two-hour maximum automatic shut-off feature. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, personal or propane grills, electric blankets, air-conditioners, portable heating units of any kind, dehumidifiers (unless provided by Facilities Management), microwaves over 700 watts, and refrigerators over 5 cubic feet. Residential spaces are not permitted to have more than two large appliances in an assigned bedrooms — for example: one microwave and one refrigerator, 2 refrigerators, or 2 microwaves.

Students can rent a microfridge from mymicrofridge.com. Microfridges include a 2.13 cubic foot refrigerator, a.74 cubic foot freezer, and a 700-watt microwave. Microfridges are delivered prior to move-in day, are maintained by Microfridge, and include a sensor in the microwave that will turn off the microwave if it detects smoke.

Kitchen appliances, particularly those with an exposed heating unit, are prohibited in personal residence hall rooms. This includes, but is not limited to, hot plates, toasters, electric frying pans, broilers and griddles. They may be stored and used in kitchens / kitchenette areas within the common areas of residence halls at the owner’s own risk. Appliances stored in common areas must be unplugged and restored immediately after use. Kitchen appliances can be stored in your personal room, but not used in the residence hall room.

University officials reserve the right to request the removal of any appliance on university premises that may pose a safety or security risk.

Extension Cords and Other Hazards

Extension cords must be suitably sized for the appliance or device they are supplying. Expected practices with electrical cords to prevent fires:

• Use only three-prong extension cords or power strips with surge protector capabilities. Household extension cords are not allowed on campus as they lack a grounding prong and are unsuitable for high-power devices.

• Do not overload extension cords.

• Do not run extension cords under rugs, carpets or furniture.

• The following fire hazards are not permitted and will result in the confiscation and/or possible disposal of any high-risk item:

• Attaching items to or covering smoke detectors or sprinklers, tampering with fire bells or alarms, pull stations, extinguishers, hoses, exit signs, instruction signs, sprinkler systems and the rendering of a false alarm are all prohibited and subject to the Code of Student Conduct.

• Halogen lamps and bulbs are prohibited. Use only LED bulbs that match the wattage of a lamp or fixture.

• Miniature decoration UL-approved LED lights (e.g., holiday lights, novelty lights) can be used in a room interior, though they cannot be attached to room fixtures using metal fasteners (as an alternative option, white removable adhesive putty is recommended) or used in any other manner contrary to manufacturers’ recommendations.

• All candles (new or burnt wick), reed and oil diffusers, open flames (e.g., tiki torches), objects that emit vapor or smoke (e.g., fog machines, e-cigarettes), fuels, such as kerosene, butane, propane, lighter fluid, gasoline, or fuel-powered devices, damaged lithium batteries, and the burning of incense are prohibited.

• Fire pits, unless provided by the university, are not permitted on university property.

• The possession or use of fireworks on university property is prohibited. Fireworks are defined as any substance prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion or detonation.

As it is impossible to have a fully comprehensive list, residents are advised to keep any fire risks and hazardous materials out of residential living spaces and follow manufacturers’ guidelines.

For religious exemptions to restrictions of this policy, please contact the Director of Residence Life who will confer with the Director of Religious & Spiritual Life about appropriate accommodations.

Safety Protocols

Safety is critical in community living.

Safety Measures

• Fire-Safety Equipment including extinguishers, alarm systems and other prevention and protection equipment are provided, tested, inspected and maintained in university buildings as a safeguard for lives and property.
• Fire Drills are conducted regularly in the residence halls by the Campus Safety Office. Students receive instructions for their specific living unit at the beginning of the academic year. All individuals are required to vacate a building when a fire alarm sounds or when asked to do so by a university official.
• Health and Safety Inspections occur throughout the academic year in all residence hall rooms to ensure that rooms are safe and free of unapproved items. Residence Life staff will make residents aware of health and safety inspections through floor meetings, emails, and/or posting notices of inspection in hallways.

Room Entry by Officials

University officials may enter a room or unit if there is a possible safety hazard, life and safety concern, or other emergency. For any other reason, university officials will request the occupant of the space (resident or not) to allow access to address individuals in the room. If occupants of the space fail to comply or deny entry, university officials will contact the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students or their designee for permission to enter the space. Residents are expected to comply with the reasonable directions of university officials who are addressing or investigating possible policy violations including requests to open the door to speak with university officials.

• Routine Community Rounds: University officials, including paraprofessional staff, make daily, routine rounds of the residence halls for the purposes of community development and being a consistent, accessible presence. They reserve the right to enter common area spaces in suites, apartments, townhouses, and houses to address safety and security concerns as well as suspected university policy violations.

• Inspections and Maintenance Visits: The university makes periodic inspections of, and maintenance visits to, university residence hall rooms and living areas for reasons of health and wellness, safety, and maintenance. The university reserves the right to enter rooms at any time for the purpose of making these inspections and maintenance visits. Students who request work orders in their space will have the ability to schedule when Facilities will enter their room to complete requested work.

• Searches and Seizure: A room may be searched by university officials and items seized if there is reasonable cause to believe that students are using their room for a purpose of violating university regulations, or violating federal, state or local law, or if a university official believes there is a safety and security violations or concerns within the room. Students who are on disciplinary probation as a result of being found “responsible” for violating the university alcohol or drug policies are subject to policy compliance checks, regardless of the “cause” while they are on disciplinary probation. The Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students or designee must authorize all room searches, except those conducted by law enforcement officers. University officials shall give the students involved the opportunity to be present during the search unless the students are unavailable. The students involved will be informed of the purpose of the search and whether any material is found to be in violation of federal, state or local laws and/or university regulation, or both.

• Emergencies: Rooms may be entered without authorization in the event of an emergency, e.g., a situation in which a person’s health or well-being is threatened and/or personal or university property is thought to be in immediate danger.

Animals / Pets

Animals (except for small fish in a 20-gallon or less tank or pre-approved service or emotional support animals) are not permitted in residential buildings. Any animal on university premises must be leashed, under control at all times, and may not enter any campus building, including residence halls. See exceptions in the Service and Assistance Animals Policy.

Occupancy Restrictions

Each residence hall room and common area, including those in group-housing living areas, have an occupancy limit due to fire codes. Exceeding the limit of individuals in a room or common area is prohibited.

Smoking Prohibition

All campus buildings (including residence halls) are completely smoke-free including smoking tobacco products or any devices that emit smoke or vapor (including e-cigarettes and other devices). Those who smoke outside of campus buildings are required to stay more than 25 feet from an entrance or window and are asked to use the ashtrays that are located outside building entrances for the disposal of cigarettes and cigars.

Sports Activities Prohibited in Residential Buildings

For reasons of safety and maintaining courtesy hours, sports and other related activities are not permitted to be played anywhere within residential buildings (this includes personal residence hall rooms). This includes but is not limited to hockey, skateboarding, soccer, Frisbee throwing, water fights, snowball fights, bouncing balls, running, weightlifting and the use of other exercise equipment. Storage of sports paraphernalia and equipment is not permitted in any residential common space, hallway, or bathroom. It is the student’s property and should be stored only in their assigned residence room or locker room (if appropriate and available).

Security Restrictions

Guests

Within the residence halls at Susquehanna University, a “guest” is defined as any individual who is found in a residence hall or residence hall room who is not officially assigned to live there by the Residence Life Office.

A roommate must be consulted and give consent prior to inviting a guest to stay overnight in the residence hall room. The rights of a student to privacy, quiet, etc. are paramount and take precedence over the desire of a roommate to have guests in the room or suite/apartment. An individual may be an overnight guest in a residence hall for a maximum of two nights in any given two-week period. A person may not be an overnight guest of more than one resident per two-week period. In addition, a host may not have more than one overnight guest in a two-week period.

Any individual staying as a guest who is not a Susquehanna student must obtain a guest pass upon arriving to campus and keep it on their person during their entire time they remain a guest on campus. Guest passes must be obtained in the Campus Safety Office (open 24 hours a day: (570) 372-4444, or ext: 4444 from any campus phone). Guests must provide the following information:

• The guest’s cell phone number
• The name of the Susquehanna University student host and their cell phone number
• The building and room number of the host’s on-campus residence
• A name of an emergency contact and their number (e.g., parent or legal guardian)
• The reason for the visit (this should include the particular department who invited the guest to campus if relevant — e.g., field hockey recruit, prospective student from Admission, Music Department recruit)
• The name of the Coordinating Administrator and their contact number (if the guest is a prospective student)
• The date(s) of the visit

Students may serve as hosts to guests through athletic teams and departments.

Guests may be asked to provide this information to the administrator responsible for coordinating their visit. If a guest pass is given to a guest by a Coordinating Administrator, the guest does not need to go to Campus Safety to obtain another pass. Guests are obligated to spend the night in their host’s residence hall room unless previously instructed by an administrator or coach.

Hosts (Susquehanna University students) are responsible for the conduct of their guests on university premises and at functions sponsored by the university or any student organization. Hosts may be held responsible for their guest’s behavior. All guests are subject to university regulations.

Should a guest be found without their guest pass or violating university policy, they may be arrested by the Selinsgrove Borough Police for trespassing and/or asked to leave campus.

Guests who are registered sex offenders in any state, hold a felony conviction, or have an active warrant or are otherwise wanted by law enforcement may be asked to leave campus under certain circumstances. Hosts who knowingly permit these persons on campus can be held responsible for hosting under university conduct.

Noise Level

With the understanding that noise travels from community to community within the residence halls (“up and down” and “side to side”), students are expected to respect the right of others to live, study and sleep in a quiet environment at all times. Therefore, residents are expected to use discretion where noise is concerned and refrain from activities that have the potential to create excessive noise or a disruptive environment for others. As a guideline, noise should not negatively impact others in the residential unit or living area.

• Excessive Noise: Any noise deemed disruptive to the ability to sleep and by other residential students. Excessive noise is prohibited at all times. Sound should be kept on a low volume at all times. This includes but is not limited to talking voices, electronic devices and instruments. Residents reserve the right and are encouraged to politely enforce courtesy hours with one another in an entire residence hall.

Speakers, of any sort, may not be placed on windowsills and/or directed outside or used at levels which negatively impact individuals or the community with noise or vibration.

Quiet Hours

Noise should not be heard outside of one’s personal residence hall room with the door closed. For apartments, townhouses or houses, noise should not be heard outside of the unit or between units. Please note that Quiet Hours are extended during midterm and final exams and any other time as determined by a university official.

Quiet Hours are:

• 10 p.m.–8 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
• Midnight–10 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Personal Property

Students are responsible for the care and safety of their own personal property. The university cannot be held liable directly or indirectly for loss of, or damage to, the personal property of individuals. Students are urged to confirm whether their personal property is covered under their parents’ or guardians’ homeowners’ insurance policy and to make arrangements for additional insurance coverage if necessary. It is suggested that students keep serial numbers of expensive equipment with a family member. Students must take all belongings out of their personal residence hall room after they vacate the space. Any items left behind will be disposed of appropriately and students will be charged excessive cleaning fees.

Students should use caution leaving personal items in public areas such as common rooms, kitchen/kitchenettes, and bathrooms. Items that interfere with the cleaning of these spaces may be disposed of. Students living in suites or townhouses should be aware that cleaning staff will move items to clean effectively. Residents who leave personal items in living rooms and common spaces take on the liability of leaving items in those spaces.

Solicitation/Fundraising

The solicitation of sales, services, memberships, or gifts on campus, including residence halls, without the permission of the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students or a designee is prohibited. No fundraising activity may involve the solicitation/completion of a credit card application.

Student-owned businesses must comply with local laws regarding permits and procedures. Students may not set up goods in common rooms or other public areas without explicit permission from the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students or designee.

In accordance with the university’s policy on partisan political activity, no political fundraising may take place on campus, including the solicitation of campaign contributions and the sale of campaign materials. While campus individuals and organizations are free to collaborate on event funding or to request funds from bodies constituted for the purpose of providing funding for campus events (Student Government Association), individuals and organizations are not permitted to issue blanket and/or anonymous appeals on campus for contributions to events. Non-university-related individuals, groups, or organizations may not solicit for funds or sell goods or services in residence halls.

Student Identification

Students are required to carry their Susquehanna identification card and upon request of authorized university personnel, including Residence Life staff, library staff, dining hall staff, and Campus Safety staff, students must present their identification cards. Students may not forge or alter their identification. Students may not loan their student identification card to another person and students may not be in possession of an identification card that belongs to another person. There is a replacement cost for subsequent Student Identification cards if the original card must be replaced. New and replacement cards are issued by the Campus Safety Office.

Unauthorized Entry or Use of Facilities

No student, group of students or student organization (including Greek chapters) shall make or attempt to make unauthorized use of any university building, office, property or other facility. Upon appropriate notice by university officials, authorization for the use of university facilities and premises may be withdrawn or otherwise restricted.

Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• accessing storage areas, attics, basements, second-floor porches (unless approved by Facilities), balconies, or roofs of buildings (including Greek houses and residence halls). Any items, personal or organizational, found to have been illegally stored in restricted areas will be discarded immediately and without notice at the organization or residents’ expense;
• tampering with locks or other security devices;
• sleeping in common areas of residence halls;
• having more than one individual in a shower stall at a time;
• defacing university property (e.g., spray painting, using sidewalk chalk);
• throwing anything from windows, balconies or doorways of university facilities; or
• being in a residence hall unaccompanied by a host who is a resident assigned to live in that building.

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Group Housing Standards

Group housing includes housing that is designed to house three or more individuals in a suite, apartment, townhouse, or house. This includes housing assignments found on University Avenue, 18th Street Commons, Liberty Alley Apartments, Sassafras suites & townhouses, West Village and Seibert suites.

Residents of group housing are subject to all community living policies, in addition to group housing standards. Any violation of the standards will result in any applicable notice being directed to the organization and/or individuals that inhabit the space in question. This may include, but is not limited to, documentation for violation of university policy, assessment of fines or cleaning/disposal fees and loss of the privilege of living in the space.

Notice of violations may come from Residence Life, Leadership & Engagement, Facilities Management or Campus Safety or designee.

Common Area Furniture

The University provides furniture for common areas. Additional furniture (two chairs or one couch) can be self-provided as long as it meets fire and safety inspection standards. At any time, university staff may deem the amount of furniture excessive and officially request that items be removed by the residents of the housing area. Furniture in common areas will be limited to 2 or 3 upholstered pieces, per room, depending on the size of the furniture and room. 

All personal items, including excess furniture, must be removed from the house at the end of the spring semester. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the removal of the items at the organization or residents’ expense.

General Condition

It is expected that all areas of group housing common areas, both interior and exterior, will be maintained in a clean, orderly fashion. If, at any time, a house is found to be deficient of this standard, the residents may receive an official request to rectify the situation.

The university also reserves the right to rectify areas of concern without notifying the residents beforehand if they present a distinct life safety or property concern and levying appropriate sanctions as this document serves as a first, official warning against the creation of disorderly or unattractive conditions.

Grills 

Residents are not allowed to bring gas grills onto university premises. However, charcoal grills are permitted for use from August 30 to November 1 and from April 1 to May 15. These grills must be removed when not in use and outside of the permitted dates. Grills will not be stored on campus over the summer, and any left behind will be removed and discarded at the expense of the organization or residents. During the summer, residents are encouraged to use the gas grills available in the 18th Street Commons area. Lighter fluid and self-starter charcoal may not be stored in residential units.

Each living area is allowed only one grill, except during officially registered events with the Leadership & Engagement or Residence Life offices, where multiple grills may be used but must be removed after the event. Grills must be in good condition, with a cooking surface no larger than 830-square inches, and must be used at least 15 feet away from any structure, including houses, garages, and trees.

Flames may not exceed the height of the cooking surface, and charcoal briquettes must be disposed of properly after cooling. Grills at the 18th Street Commons community building must not be left unattended while in use and must be cleaned afterward. Failure to adhere to university policies and safety standards may result in the loss of grilling privileges.

Exterior Restrictions for Houses, Apartments, and Townhouses

Nothing that is conspicuous, in violation of any other policy, or in bad taste will be permitted on the visible exterior of the house at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, porches, yards, driveways and windows. Residents of group housing can be asked at any time to remove approved or unapproved furniture, signs, decorations, trash or other items that are outdoors. 

• Patio/outdoor furniture is permitted from August 30 until November 1, and from April 1 until May 15. It must be pre-approved by the Leadership & Engagement or Residence Life offices before being placed outside.

• Outdoor items must be secured or stored inside by residents ahead of high-wind events.

• Interior furniture will not be approved for outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to, couches, coffee tables, kitchen tables or kitchen chairs. Any interior furniture found on exterior porches or patios will be discarded at the expense of residents.

• Magnetic screen coverings are not permitted on exterior doors.

• Porches and yards of Avenue houses, 18 th Street apartments, and Sassafras townhouses must remain free and clear of all furniture, trash, recycling, equipment and any other miscellaneous items. This includes lawn or yard decorations or signs. Any item found on the porch/yard areas for an extended time will be discarded upon inspection at the cost of the residents. 

• Pop-up tents are not permitted over patios on 18 th Street, or in the yards on University Ave, 18th Street, and Sassafras townhouses.

• Holiday decorations are permitted no more than three weeks prior to the holiday and must be taken down within one week after the holiday.

• Organizations wishing to have identifying letters visible from the outside of their house must provide their own letters. Letters must be submitted to Facilities Management for approval and installation.

Kitchenettes/Kitchens 

Storage of Personal Items

Organizational items for those living on the Avenue may be stored in closets or the shed behind 310 University Avenue (Greek letter organizations). Personal items cannot be stored in organizational spaces or the shed behind 310 University Ave. Access to this shed can be obtained from the Director of Leadership & Engagement (or designee).

Personal items found on campus grounds at the conclusion of the academic year will be discarded at the organization’s or residents’ expense.

Local storage units are available in the Selinsgrove area for the storage of personal belongings that a residential student does not want to take home for the summer.

Unauthorized Entry: Attics, Basements, Second Floor Porches, Balconies, and Roofs

All attics, basements, second floor porches, balconies, and roofs are considered “off limits” to all residents. Any items found to be stored without approval in these areas will be discarded at the expense of the residents. Items found on second floor porches will be discarded at the expense of the residents.

Chapters that have approval to use the attic space as chapter storage do not have regular access to the space. Arrangements must be made with the Leadership & Engagement, Residence Life or Facilities Management offices to access their attic. At the time of access, the members will have minimal time to get items from storage before the attic is locked once again. These spaces should remain orderly and organized. Chapters should clean these spaces at the end of every academic year. Misuse of attic storage space, including storing personal items, will result in loss of the privilege to store items in that space.

Vacancy Information

Each Greek house will be filled by its House Manager in collaboration with the Residence Life Office. House managers will meet with the Director of Residence Life or designee to review the housing process and timeline. When a vacancy occurs over a break period or during the semester, it is the house manager’s responsibility to communicate with the Residence Life Office who will be filling the space. In the event a chapter cannot fill a vacancy, the university holds the right to fill vacancies with non-affiliated students if the need arises. The university reserves the right to consolidate members of the house. If a percentage of the house is not filled with members, the university reserves the right to suspend chapter activities in the house.