Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the Schuylkill Campus Advisory Board Housing Contract for the 2020-21 Academic Year

The Housing Contract is a legally-binding contract, obligating the student to on-campus living once it is accepted. A student agrees to these Terms, Conditions, and Regulations (TCRs), as well as the HOUSING Contract legal terms/signing statements in Eliving when accepting the HOUSING Contract.

INTRODUCTION

The Schuylkill Campus Advisory Board strives to provide a residence environment that is both comfortable and conducive to learning and personal growth.

The Advisory Board assigns housing accommodations without regard to personal characteristics, not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by Advisory Board policy, or by state or federal authorities. The Advisory Board does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, physical or mental disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy (or pregnancy-related conditions), gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, political ideas, service in the uniformed services, or veteran status.

All students should familiarize themselves with these Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of living in Advisory Board housing.

For the purposes of this document, “Advisory Board housing” refers to Advisory Board residence halls and apartments.

The term “resident” or “student” refers to the student who holds a Housing Contract with the Advisory Board.

“Assignment”, “space”, or “room” refers to the space which has been assigned to the student, including, but not limited to, an apartment, room, or suite.

“Housing”, when capitalized refers to the Advisory Board Housing.

“Residence Life”, when capitalized refers to the Penn State University’s Office of Residence Life.

“eLiving” refers to the online housing portal for students who hold a HOUSING Contract with the Advisory Board, and is available at www.eLiving.psu.edu. Access to eLiving is only provided to the student.

LEGAL INFORMATION

The HOUSING Contract is a legally-binding contract that details the obligation between the student and the Advisory Board and is effective once the student accepts the HOUSING Contract. The student is required to abide by these Terms, Conditions, and Regulations, which are incorporated into the HOUSING Contract, and includes assuming financial responsibility of all room fees for the entire HOUSING Contract period.

HOUSING Contracts are available only on a combined room-only basis. Meal plans are optional and purchased outside of the housing contract agreement. The HOUSING Contract cannot be transferred or assigned to another student except as outlined below in Contract Transfer of Obligation.

If a student is under the age of 18, the student must acknowledge that his or her parent/guardian has read and also agrees to these Terms, Conditions, and Regulations and that wrongful acknowledgment of his or her parent/guardian’s agreement could result in a penalty of perjury.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. HOUSING DEPOSIT

A student accepting the offer of admission to Schuylkill Campus will be offered an Eliving housing contract electronically via email notice.  If the contract is accepted, the student is required to submit a $100 non-refundable housing deposit to the Advisory Board.  This bill is emailed to the student, with instructions on how to make this payment. If the student enrolls at Schuylkill Campus, the housing deposit will be credited to the student's first-semester rental bill. The housing deposit will not be refunded if the student does not enroll or attend the Schuylkill Campus during the student's HOUSING Contract period.

2. CONTRACT TERM PERIODS

There are three HOUSING Contract periods for assignments to Advisory Board housing. The four HOUSING Contract periods are:

  • Academic Year (Fall and Spring semesters)
  • Spring Semester Only
  • Summer Semester Only (Maymester, Summer Session I and/or Summer Session II)

Specific occupancy data for the HOUSING Contract periods can be found at the arrival.psu.edu site. The Advisory Board reserves the right to not offer a particular housing option during a HOUSING Contract period.

3. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Students enrolled full-time at PSU Schuylkill campus are required to live in Advisory Board-provided housing if their permanent residence is further than 50 miles from the campus. An exemption to this requirement may be requested by emailing the Housing Office at [email protected].

4. REASONABLE HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS

If a student has a disability that requires an accommodation related to the housing environment, the student has the right to submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing. The form may be submitted at any time; however, if a student has indicated preferences on the HOUSING Contract, the form should be submitted by the deadline indicated on the Medical Accommodations website and on the form to allow the Advisory Board sufficient time to consider the preferences for the assignment process.

A student must have a valid, accepted HOUSING Contract before the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing can be submitted. Once the form is received and reviewed, the determination that is made will take effect immediately, and may impact a student’s current room assignment. If the form is received after the deadline, contract preferences for the area, building, Special Living Options, and/or roommate requests will be reviewed but only taken into consideration if space permits. If the form is received after room assignments are posted, the Advisory Board reserves the right to reassign the student to a space that will accommodate the student. If a student is offered a change to the housing environment, an additional cost may be associated with the resulting assignment or requests.

The determination for the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing will remain on file and will be referenced for processing room assignments for future HOUSING Contracts. Students are not guaranteed on-campus housing because a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing has been submitted.

TEMPORARY MEDICAL CONDITION

Room changes for temporary medical conditions are valid only for the academic year in which the request is submitted. If a student needs to request temporary housing accommodation, the student’s attending physician must complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing. If the determination is made that requires a room change, the student will be reassigned to a space that will best accommodate his or her need until the accommodation is no longer required, or until the end of the contracted period should the original room assignment be assigned to another student with a HOUSING Contract.

5. ELIGIBILITY FOR ADVISORY BOARD HOUSING

AGE

To be eligible to reside in Advisory Board-owned housing, a student must be at least 16 years of age during the period of occupancy.

REGISTRATION STATUS

To be eligible to reside in Advisory Board-owned housing, a student must be scheduled for Schuylkill Campus courses as a degree-seeking student. Non-degree students will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The student is responsible for the full payment of room charges for the contracted period. Room charges will be sent electronically via email to the students' PSU email account with an identified due date. Failure to pay the bill by the due date will result in late fees being applied to the account.

If a student has a delinquent balance for room charges, an email notification will be sent to the student's PSU email account and a negative service indicator will be placed in the student’s Elion account. Other consequences include, but are not limited to, vacating Advisory Board housing; cancellation of the HOUSING Contract; and/or having amount owed sent to a collections agency for processing.

If a student withdraws or leaves the University prior to the end of the semester without paying room charges, an invoice will be sent to the student for the amount owed during the time the student was in Advisory Board housing and/or used services. Failure to pay the outstanding balance will result in a negative service indicator placed on the student's PSU account; cancelation of future HOUSING Contract(s); and/or having the amount owed sent to a collections agency for processing.

CHANGE OF CAMPUS REGISTRATION

A student who is planning a change of campus (COC) to Schuylkill may submit a request for a HOUSING Contract through eLiving as soon as the change of campus has been approved. The student must initiate the change of campus process at his or her current campus.

6. CHECKING INTO A ROOM

ROOM CHECK-IN

Information about the arrival process and when students can check-in will be announced online, in advance, for each semester at arrival.psu.edu. Each student should plan on arriving on the appropriate scheduled arrival day unless prior arrangements have been made for a special group to arrive early.

The student must be present at check-in; a parent or other family member may not check-in for the student. The student must present his or her Penn State id+ Card or other valid photo identification to receive a room key. Each student will receive one room key and one mailbox key at the time of check-in and will sign an acknowledgment of receiving the keys. Information about the student’s mailbox and mailing address will also be provided.

LATE CHECK-IN

Unless a student requests an extension of the arrival period by contacting Housing, the Advisory Board is not obligated to hold a specific room assignment later than 5:00 p.m. on the first day of classes. If a student arrives after that time, the student may need to accept other available accommodations, whether in regular or supplemental housing and will remain obligated to the HOUSING Contract and for paying for the full room charges if enrolled at the University.

7. CHECKING OUT OF A ROOM

All rooms, regardless of the date or circumstances, should be clean and in good condition at the time that a student checks-out. The student should contact the Housing Office or Res Life regarding the check-out date and schedule a room inspection. The student must return the room key upon check-out. If the student does not return the room key, the cost to change the lock will be charged to the student’s rental account. Any items that a student leaves in the room will be considered abandoned.

For Fall Semester, Advisory Board housing closes at Noon on the day following the last scheduled examination for official University courses, as announced by the University Registrar. For the spring semester, Advisory Board housing closes at 2:00 p. m. on the day following the last scheduled examination for official University courses, as announced by the University Registrar.

8. UNIVERSITY BREAK PERIODS

Advisory Board housing is closed during the three (3) official University breaks as announced by the University Registrar. Details will be announced regarding the closedown schedule for each break period.

9. ROOM CHANGES

DIRECT ROOM EXCHANGE

A direct room exchange is a change of assignment with another student of the same gender with a compatible HOUSING Contract. A student interested in a room assignment change must contact a staff person from Res Life.

EMERGENCY ROOM CHANGE

An emergency room change will be arranged only when all other options to resolve differences between roommates have been thoroughly explored under the guidance of Residence Life. If a student feels that an emergency room change is necessary, the student must discuss his or her need for the change to the room assignment with a Residence Life staff member. If the staff member determines that an emergency exists and space is available, the Residence Life staff member will contact the Housing Office to process a permanent change in assignment.

SPRING SEMESTER ROOM CHANGE

If a student is interested in changing his or her room assignment for the spring semester, the student should contact Res Life for approval and then Housing for options and availability.  If a room assignment is changed, the student will be responsible for fully vacating the Fall semester room assignment and returning the room key prior to leaving the Advisory Board at the end of the fall semester. If a student does not return the room key, the student will be assessed a charge for core change and key replacement. The amount will be charged on the student’s rental account and a bill will be emailed to the student. Housing is not able to guarantee that the room the student selected for the spring semester will be accessible at the end of the fall semester to store items, due to current occupancy.

BY THE ADVISORY BOARD

The Advisory Board reserves the right to change the assignment of a student in specific locations in the event that (1) the location is needed for other programs or purposes; (2) the student’s room is specially equipped to provide for a medical need and such need arises; or (3) conditions in a specific location require such reassignment to ensure a proper educational environment or the health and safety of individuals.

10. CAMPUS MEAL PLAN

The HOUSING Contract does NOT include a campus meal plan as all apartments have a full kitchen.  Residents have the option of purchasing a meal plan online at hfs.psu.edu.

11. DAMAGES AND LIABILITY

  1. Room occupants will be held responsible for the condition of the room and furnishings and for any damages or losses that may occur during occupancy.
  2. Individuals identified as responsible for damage, theft, or losses in common areas of the building (such as corridors, elevators, stairwells, recreation rooms, dining commons, study rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, workrooms, and lounges) will be billed for the cost of repair or replacement. Amounts billed are additional charges under the HOUSING Contract and will be charged on the student’s rental account and a bill will be emailed to the student’s PSU email account. Students will be held collectively responsible for damages, theft, or losses in common areas of the building that may occur during occupancy when the individual(s) responsible cannot be identified.
  3. For the purpose of damage, theft, or loss assessment, occupancy shall be inclusive from the date of check-in to the date the student properly checks out of the room. Residents must pay a damage assessment as billed via email to the PSU email account.
  4. Students are not permitted to make damage repairs or arrange for them to be made directly with another person or vendor. In an emergency, a staff member on duty should be contacted. Any student who leaves the Advisory Board at the end of the contracted period or earlier due to withdrawal from the Advisory Board or other termination of study, or who fails to return the room key at the time of check-out, will automatically be assessed a charge for a core change and key replacement and a bill will be emailed to the student’s PSU email account.
  5. The University nor the Advisory Board is not liable for any loss or damage to a student’s personal property, including any loss or damage that results from the Advisory Board’s efforts to eradicate bed bugs.
  6. Given that the Advisory Board does not provide property insurance, each student is strongly encouraged to obtain property and/or rental insurance.

12. CONTRACT CANCELATION AND RELEASE

FAILURE TO ENROLL

A HOUSING Contract submitted to the Advisory Board is legally-binding and holds the student to the financial obligation of the entire contract period. A student can be released from that obligation should the student formally cancel his or her enrollment with the Advisory Board.

EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

The Advisory Board may release a student from the HOUSING Contract if the student submits a timely Contract Cancelation Request in eLiving and, on a case-by-case basis, the Advisory Board finds that extreme circumstances warrant a release. If the student is released from the HOUSING Contract under this provision prior to the first day of the Advisory Board classes, as announced by Registrar, for the HOUSING Contract period term, the student will be charged a penalty fee equal to twenty percent (20%) of the applicable room. If the student is released from the HOUSING Contract under this provision after the first day of the Advisory Board classes, as announced by the Registrar, for the HOUSING Contract period term, the student will be charged for room charges incurred up to the date of the cancelation or when the student has removed all personal belongings from the assigned housing and returned the room key, whichever occurs last. Charges are calculated by multiplying the number of days of occupation as determined above for the applicable academic semester by the computed daily rate, which rate is determined based on a truncated eight (8) week term (for Fall and Spring semesters), or a truncated four (4) week term (for Summer session). If a student seeks a release from the HOUSING Contract after the eighth (8th) week of the Fall or Spring semester, or after the fourth (4th) week for summer session, the student will remain responsible for the payment of the entire applicable semester’s room charges.

CONTRACT TRANSFER OF OBLIGATION

If a student of third (3rd) semester standing or higher who is enrolled and attending the Advisory Board’s Schuylkill campus has accepted the HOUSING Contract and is interested in canceling the HOUSING Contract, he or she may transfer the obligation of the HOUSING Contract to another eligible student by processing a HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation within the identified timeframe and according to the following conditions.

CONDITIONS OF A HOUSING CONTRACT TRANSFER OF OBLIGATION

  1. The Housing will provide the time period for when HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligations can be performed. Once the deadline has passed, requests may not be submitted. In the case where there are limited vacancies, the option of the HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation may be suspended prior to the deadline without advance notice.
  2. The student wishing to cancel the HOUSING Contract is responsible for locating an eligible replacement student.
  3. The replacement student accepting the HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation must be an upper-class undergraduate student (third semester or higher) of the same gender and be in good standing with the Advisory Board. First-year students may not perform a HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation.
  4. The replacement student cannot have already signed a HOUSING Contract for the same contract period.
  5. The replacement student must acknowledge that he or she understands that the HOUSING Contract offer may be for supplemental housing space. The replacement student will not receive the transferring student’s HOUSING Contract type or room assignment. The replacement student may have the ability to add his or her name to a Waitlist for other housing options.
  6. The replacement student must accept the HOUSING Contract through eLiving. If the semester has already begun when the transfer is completed, room charges will be prorated for both students as necessary.
  7. If the replacement student does not take occupancy or withdraws from the Advisory Board before taking occupancy, the student initiating the HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation remains liable for the financial obligation of the HOUSING Contract.
  8. It is a violation of the Advisory Board policy to sell or attempt to sell a HOUSING Contract. The replacement student cannot offer, and the transferring student cannot accept, any form of compensation for the HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation. Any student who is found to have sold or purchased a HOUSING Contract will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
  9. The Housing Office may deny a HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation request if is determined that the transaction is not in the best interests of the Advisory Board or the students requesting the transfer.
  10. The Housing Office will determine the time period that HOUSING Contract Transfer of Obligation requests may be processed and may elect to not accept requests after the submittal deadline.

ADVISORY BOARD-SANCTIONED ACADEMIC ACTIVITY (E. G., PRACTICUM, STUDENT TEACHING, INTERNSHIP, CO-OP, STUDY ABROAD)

If a student will be away from the Advisory Board housing for a University-sanctioned activity, such as practicum, student teaching, internship, co-op, or study abroad, for one or more semesters during the HOUSING Contract period, the student should submit a HOUSING Contract Cancellation Request through eLiving. Upon verification of the student’s status in LionPATH, the HOUSING Contract will be canceled for the period of time that the student will be away from the Schuylkill campus. The HOUSING Contract will remain active for the period of time that the student is physically present on campus and the student remains financially liable for that portion of the HOUSING Contract.

WITHDRAWAL OR ACADEMIC DROP

If a student is no longer eligible for Advisory Board housing due to voluntary withdrawal from the University or an academic drop from the University, the HOUSING Contract may be cancelled. If a student withdraws or is academically dropped before the eighth (8th) week term (for Fall and Spring semesters), or a truncated four (4) week term (for Summer session), the student is responsible for payment of Housing charges incurred during the time period in which the student occupied the assigned housing. Charges are calculated by multiplying the number of days of occupation, as determined above for the applicable academic semester, by the computed daily rate. If a student withdraws or is academically dropped after the eighth (8th) week of the Fall or Spring semester, or after the fourth (4th) week for Summer session, the student will remain responsible for the payment of the entire applicable semester’s room charges. Once a student has withdrawn, the student must officially check-out of Advisory Board housing within 24 hours.

13. CONTRACT TERMINATION

The Advisory Board may terminate the HOUSING Contract or change the housing assignment of a student under the following circumstances:

  • Violation. If the student violates the HOUSING Contract (including the TCRs), the Student Code of Conduct, or any other University or Advisory Board rule or policy.
  • Poor Conduct. If the student engages in conduct which (1) disregards the rights of other students; (2) jeopardizes the safety and/or well-being of him or herself or other students, or otherwise (3) disrupts the residential environment.
  • Criminal Conduct. If the student’s conduct and/or proven criminal record indicates a potential threat or danger to the community, including students, faculty, and staff.
  • Eligibility and Financial Holds. If the student does not have classes scheduled and/or has a financial hold placed on his or her student LionPath account for delinquent tuition and/or room charges incurred during previous semesters.

In certain circumstances, the student may be entitled to a fair and equitable hearing by the Senior Director of Residence Life or designee prior to HOUSING Contract termination. In the event of termination, the student is liable for room charges incurred through the date of HOUSING Contract termination and for any damages or losses resulting from the student’s violation of the HOUSING Contract.

Rather than a HOUSING Contract termination, the student may be offered the opportunity to work with Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct to resolve the issue. Outcomes may include but are not limited to, educational sanctions, HOUSING Contract review, change of housing assignment, or disciplinary action. Guidelines and procedures for this process are provided by Residence Life.

14. REFUND POLICIES

CONTRACT CANCELLATION AND RELEASE

If a HOUSING Contract cancellation is approved by the Advisory Board, a student may be entitled to a refund of the paid housing charges. Refunds will be based on the date of contract cancellation or the date in which the student has removed all personal belongings from the room and returned the room key, whichever occurs last. No refunds will be made for the housing charge if the contract is cancelled, or the student does not remove their personal belongings and return the room key, after the eighth (8th) week of the applicable semester (or after the fourth week if it is a summer academic semester).

15. MAINTENANCE OF THE ROOM

ROOM INSPECTION FORM

The student is responsible for completing a Room Inspection Form in eLiving within seven (7) days of check-in. The Room Inspection Form is used to identify any damages or missing items in the room and will be verified when the student checks out of the room. Any damages or missing items not indicated on the Room Inspection Form will be charged as a damage fee and a bill will be emailed to the student’s PSU email account.

REPAIRS

Maintenance needs, problems, or questions regarding a student’s room or residence hall must be submitted through the online work order system FIXIT.psu.edu. Once a student has submitted a request for a repair to an item in his or her room, he or she can expect the repair to be completed during regular business hours. For the safety and security of residents, it may be necessary to reassign the occupants to a different room to perform certain types of maintenance.

Maintenance personnel may enter a student room to perform preventative maintenance, needed repairs identified during a room inspection, or an emergency repair. If an employee enters a student room when the student is not present, the employee will leave a form stating the date, time, and reason for entering the room. Although a student may ask to schedule an appointment for a repair, it will be determined by the Housing facilities staff, on a case-by-case basis, if the situation needs an immediate response or can wait to be scheduled at the convenience of the student.

CLEANING

Each student is expected to maintain his or her living space in an orderly and sanitary condition. Students who occupy a room, apartment, or suite with a bathroom are responsible for cleaning the bathroom. Each student is responsible for removing trash from the room, apartment, or suite and placing in the designated disposal area. If the Advisory Board becomes aware of unsanitary conditions resulting from a student(s) failing to maintain the room, apartment, or suite, Housing or an outside vendor will clean the space. The student(s) will be charged a cleaning damage fee and a bill will be emailed to the residents of the space. Depending upon how the Advisory Board and/or other students are affected by the persistence of disorderly and unsanitary conditions in a student’s room or apartment, the Advisory Board reserves the right to cancel the student’s HOUSING Contract and refuse an assignment for future contract periods.

Residents are solely responsible for removing personal garbage from their apartment and putting it in the designated dumpster. Students are not permitted to put personal garbage in common area receptacles in the residence area, including porches, lobbies, lounges, hallways, corridors, or bathrooms. Students will be held collectively responsible for garbage left in their apartment and/or common areas of the building when the individual(s) responsible cannot be identified.

16. INSPECTION AND SEARCHES

INSPECTIONS

A room inspection is not a search. Student rooms are inspected during each semester and at the time of check-out. Routine inspections will be announced in advance, and the student may choose to be present during the inspection. These inspections are conducted jointly by Res Life and Housing staff 1) to evaluate the condition of the room and furnishings; 2) to identify needed maintenance and repairs; and 3) to check for fire and safety hazards. If damages are noted, the cost for repairs or replacement will be charged to the student’s housing account and a bill will be emailed to the student PSU email address. The Advisory Board reserves the right to make non-routine, emergency inspections to protect the health and safety of all students.

Should Res Life or Housing staff observe the presence of unapproved appliance or objects in the room or notice objects attached to the facilities in an unapproved manner, this will be recorded on a Notice of Room Check form. A copy of this form will be left in the room for the student, who will be expected to correct the situation. In the case of noncompliance, the Advisory Board reserves the right to have the items removed at the expense of the student(s) in the room.

SEARCHES

There are no routine room searches. A room search is conducted only when there is strong reason to believe that the student(s) in the room are in serious physical or psychological distress, or that the room contains items that are contrary to University and/or Advisory Board regulations (which include federal, state, and local laws). In most cases, an act of misbehavior will precipitate this concern. Room searches are conducted exclusively by Residence Life staff. Approval is only granted after the reason for the search, the person(s) who is to search the room, and the object(s) being sought are clarified. Searches are usually conducted in the presence of the students living in the room, and only in unusual cases would the room be searched in their absence.

When it is necessary for a member of University Police to search a room, the search will be performed according to constitutional and criminal procedures. If time and circumstances permit, Residence Life will be notified in advance of an impending search. Items seized will be taken (as authorized by law) and inventoried, and a receipt listing each article will be given to the student or left in the room.

REGULATIONS

1. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

ALCOHOL POLICY

  1. The possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all Advisory Board housing, including apartments, for students of any age.
  2. It is a violation of Pennsylvania state law and Advisory Board policy for a student under 21 years of age to attempt to purchase, consume, possess, or transport alcoholic beverages. It is unlawful to sell, furnish, or give to any minor, or permit that alcoholic beverages be sold, furnished, or given to any minor.
  3. A student will be held responsible for activities that occur in his or her room and will be referred to Residence Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and/or University Police if guests are violating the on-campus alcohol policy in this provision.
  4. Failure to comply with the direction given by or the request to present identification, or supplying false information such as name, age, etc., to a University official acting in the performance of their job duties is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and will result in a referral to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

It is a violation of Pennsylvania state law, University and Advisory Board policy to possess, distribute, manufacture, or sell illegal drugs. If a student violates this policy, he or she will be referred to Residence Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and/or Advisory Board Police.

It is also against policy for a student to be under the influence of an illegal substance or to be in a residential area (room, common area, common building, building entryway, or quad area within residence area complex) and in the presence of an illegal substance. If a student is caught in the presence of an illegal substance within those areas, the student will be referred to Residence Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and/or Advisory Board Police.

2. CANVASSING

  1. Canvassing is defined as any effort to influence opinions, gain support, or promote a particular cause or interest, specifically excluding any solicitation or fundraising as defined by current University policy. Surveys are not considered to be canvassing for the purposes of this provision.
  2. Students, student organizations, residence hall student government, and outside interests are eligible to canvass in the residence halls.
  3. Canvassing may not occur in individual residence areas unless approved by a majority vote of the students living within that area. Residence Life will organize the voting process at the beginning of the Fall semester.
  4. Canvassing will be restricted to the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  5. Any canvasser in the residence hall buildings must register with the Associate/Assistant Director of Residence Life no less than 24 hours prior to the canvass. The canvasser must clearly understand all provisions of canvassing regulations before the canvassing may occur. A canvasser who is not a resident of the building in which the door-to-door canvassing is occurring must be escorted by a resident of the building at all times. The canvasser is permitted to knock on student room doors, and then must identify themselves and announce their specific purpose for contacting the student. The canvasser may only enter a student’s room with the expressed direct consent of the student and must leave the room immediately if requested by the student.
  6. Canvassers must abide by all University and Advisory Board rules and regulations. Violators will be referred to Residence Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and may be subject to civil or criminal prosecution.

3. SOLICITATIONS

Definitions: A residence hall is an Advisory Board-owned building that contains rooms assigned to students for sleeping, dressing, studying, and socializing. A residence hall also offers common areas used by all students assigned to the residence hall, including common means of entering and exiting, common lavatories, common study lounges, common laundry facilities, common storage areas, and areas used in common for organized educational and social functions.

Solicitation is the offer of sale of products or services.

  1. Except as hereinafter provided, no person (including a student), firm, business entity, charitable organization, religious organization, or other organization may solicit money, sell, or solicit the sale of any product or service anywhere in a residence hall.
  2. A student assigned to a room in a residence hall may invite a person, firm, business entity, charitable organization, religious organization, or other organization to his or her assigned room to solicit money, sell, or to solicit the sale of products or services with that student only. Such solicitation or sale may only occur in the room of the student who invited the individual. The solicitation of money or the sale or solicitation of a sale of products or services to any other student is prohibited anywhere in the residence hall.
  3. Registered student organizations and residence hall student government may solicit money and/or sell or solicit the sale of products or services in a residence hall in accordance with Advisory Board regulations governing student organizations, as identified in the Student Guide to General University Policies and Rules.
  4. Nothing in this provision shall be deemed to preclude any solicitation or sale by mail, email, telephone, or other communication media.

4. COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES

The use of Advisory Board-owned facilities and/or property for commercial sales activities by individuals or non-University organizations is prohibited. University organizations, within limitations established by University Policy AD27 and other University regulations, and with appropriate approval, may sell materials to support the purpose of the organization.

5. DECORATIONS AND DISPLAYS

ADVERTISING

Advertising of merchandise or services for sale or rent is not permitted in Advisory Board-owned housing unless it is for the sale of personal property of a student living in the housing. Specific bulletin boards are provided and designated for this service. Permitted advertisements, if posted other than on the designated bulletin boards, will be removed.

ROOMS

  1. Pictures, bulletin boards, and decorations may only be hung from the picture molding with picture hooks.
  2. Nothing may be strung across the room for the purpose of hanging decorations.
  3. Darts and dartboards are not permitted.
  4. The use of tape, adhesives, glue, paste, nails, tacks, staples, and screws on walls, furniture, doors or other woodwork or glass is not permitted. A student may utilize products, such as Command brand items and poster putty, on walls, but will be responsible for any costs to repair damages that may result from use.
  5. Painting or papering of the room or furniture is not permitted.
  6. Live trees or greens are not permitted due to fire hazard concerns. Artificial trees may be used in approved lounge locations, as designated by Housing.
  7. Bulletin boards in the room and hallways may be decorated; walls and ceilings in the hallways may not have decorations applied.
  8. Candles are not permitted. If the use of a candle is required for a religious celebration, the student must work with Housing and Residence Life staff to determine if an appropriate location is available for religious observance.
  9. Plastic or foam-type material decorations are not permitted. Decorations must be non-flammable, such as ceramic or glass, aluminum foil wrap, fire-retardant-treated paper, crepe paper, tinsel, ribbons, etc., may be used.
  10. Spray-on snow is acceptable to use on windows.
  11. Decorative lights may be used in the student’s room. Students are encouraged to consider conserving energy by limiting the use of decorative lights.

DOORS

A student may decorate the surface of his or her room door facing the corridor, provided that it is done according to the guidelines below. Adhering to these guidelines will protect doors from unusual harsh wear, eliminate potential fire hazards, and ensure free movement/access in the hallway. Decorations may not be placed on exteriors of Advisory Board housing.

  1. Decorations may only be placed on the upper section of the room door above the lock mechanism. If the door has louvers, no material may be placed on the louvers.
  2. Decorations may not project more than one-half (1/2) inch from the surface of the door. Greeting cards should be fastened shut.
  3. Decals and stickers are not permitted.
  4. Bunting and streamers are permitted to celebrate special occasions but must be removed within 24 hours.
  5. Memo boards, pictures, signs, and posters should be unframed.
  6. Non-flammable materials should be used when possible.
  7. If a room sign with a whiteboard and/or cork board is provided, decorations are limited to static cling items.

WINDOWS

A student may decorate the window(s) in his or her room and in lounge areas, provided that it is done according to the guidelines below. Adhering to these guidelines will protect windows from unusual harsh wear or damage and eliminate potential safety hazards.

  1. Decorations may only be placed on the inside of the window.
  2. Decorations must be removable (not permanent). Only water-based poster paint may be used for painted decorations. The use of spray-on snow is permitted.
  3. One-half (1/2) of the total window space should remain transparent for emergency situations, such as a fire.
  4. Decorations that present a safety hazard due to excessive weight, possibility of breakage, degree of cleanliness, etc. must be modified and or removed if identified by Advisory Board staff.
  5. Decorations must be temporarily removed at the request of Advisory Board staff for regularly scheduled window cleaning.

DAMAGES AND VIOLATION OF ADVISORY BOARD POLICY

All room, door, and window decorations must be removed prior to the student checking out of the room. Damages to the room, door, windows, drapes, and/or blinds, as well as any extra cleaning required, will be the responsibility of the residents and may result in a charge to the student’s housing account. Housing and Res Life Staff will determine the nature and extent of all damages. Any room, door, or window decoration that is obscene or in violation of Advisory Board policy will be referred to Residence Life.

6. GUESTS

Advisory Board housing is provided and intended for use by the students assigned to the area and for their invited guests. A guest is defined as a person visiting a student in his or her assigned residence hall at the request of the student. Delivery persons are not considered guests. The Advisory Board reserves the right to revoke the privilege of a guest policy at any time. Students will be notified if this occurs. If a student violates the guest regulations, including University students who are unescorted in a building, he or she will be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct.

Overnight guests are not permitted to stay in Advisory Board housing until after the first day of classes for the current semester, as announced by the Registrar. This restriction helps ease the congestion of the move-in process and allow roommates the opportunity to get to know each other and decide how to handle overnight guests.

  1. The host student has the responsibility to ensure that his or her guest is aware of and understands Advisory Board policies. A guest will be held accountable for his or her own actions. The host student may be held accountable for the behavior of the guest, and for any damages committed by the guest unless the guest is also an Advisory Board student.
  2. A student is permitted to have a guest in his or her room only if the student’s roommate(s) has granted permission.
  3. The guest cannot receive a room key or building access card. The host student is responsible for escorting his or her guest at all times. The host student is not permitted to give the guest his or her room key or Penn State id+ Card to gain access to the room or building.
  4. The guest may stay in the student’s room for a maximum of three (3) consecutive nights. The guest may not move from one host’s room to another host’s room in an attempt to extend his or her stay in Advisory Board-housing past the three (3) nights.
  5. Only students living in the assigned housing and their invited guests are permitted in the living areas of the building, including individual rooms, floor lounges, and common area spaces. If an individual who is not a resident of the building or a guest of a resident is found in the building, the individual will be considered to be trespassing.

7. QUIET HOURS

A goal of Housing and Residence Life is to provide students an atmosphere within housing that is conducive to sleep and rest. To achieve this goal, it is necessary for all students to understand that the right of students to study and sleep takes precedence over the right of students to make noise. Established courtesy hours and quiet hours are posted in all housing facilities. It is expected that all students will maintain a proper study atmosphere during the established quiet hours. These hours may be extended if additional study conditions are required. Residence Life may extend the hours.

COURTESY HOURS

Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. A student’s right to study and sleep will be respected at all times. Every student and his or her guests will lower their voices and/or the volume of their equipment (music, TV, computer, musical instruments, etc.) if asked to do so by another student or Advisory Board staff.

QUIET HOURS - ALL ADVISORY BOARD HOUSING FACILITIES

Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Friday - Saturday: 1:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

QUIET HOURS - HONORS HOUSING

Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: midnight - 10:00 a.m.

FINALS WEEK

During finals week, 24-hour quiet hours are maintained. Quiet hours are in effect beginning at 8:00 a.m. the day before finals begin, and continue until the end of the semester for all Advisory Board-housing facilities. In Honors Housing, quiet hours are in effect beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the Friday preceding the first day of finals.

GUIDELINES

During quiet hours, students are expected to follow these guidelines:

  1. Electronic sound equipment (radios, stereos, TVs, electronic games, computers, tablets, etc.), musical equipment, and room activities will not be heard outside of the room. Such equipment should not be played so loud as to disrupt other students.
  2. Amplified sound is not to be directed out of windows by using speakers.
  3. Each student has the responsibility to take the initiative and discuss noise concerns with the offending student. If a student is bothered by someone else's noise, the student should ask him or her to reduce the volume level of the offending noise. The student has every right to expect the other student to reduce the volume. Likewise, if a student is requested to reduce the volume level, he or she should do so out of respect for a fellow student. Residence Life will deal with excessive noise. However, staff may not always be aware of every problem.
  4. Students and guests should keep their voice levels low while talking in hallways, bathrooms, study lounges, etc., to help maintain a quiet living environment for all students.
  5. Students will refrain from participating in sports-like activity within or immediately adjacent to Advisory Board housing. The Advisory Board has designated playing areas for these types of activities.
  6. If a student persists in creating excessive noise, the student may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct.

8. PETS AND SERVICE ANIMALS

Pets of any type are not permitted in Advisory Board housing. Visitors and guests may not bring animals or pets into Advisory Board housing. An individual with a service animal or service animal in training are permitted in Advisory Board housing, in accordance with Advisory Board Policy AD66. A student who has a need for a service animal or emotional support animal should refer to the medical accommodations process for further information.

9. BICYCLES, INLINE SKATES, SKATEBOARDS, SEGWAYS AND HOVERBOARDS

Refer to University Policy SY16: Regulations for Bicycles, Mopeds, Skateboards, Scooters, In-line Skates, Roller Skates, and Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices. Advisory Board housing follows these regulations.

Any student with a bicycle on campus should have it registered with Police Services. Bicycles are not permitted in student rooms, lounges, laundry rooms, hallways, bathrooms, dining halls, or other public areas. If a student causes damage by using a bicycle, the student will be responsible for any damage charges associated with repair.

Inline skates are permitted on campus, but may not be worn inside of Advisory Board housing or common buildings.

Per Advisory Board Policy SY16, the use of skateboards is prohibited on campus.

10. GAMBLING

Gambling in Advisory Board housing and commons building is a violation of federal, Pennsylvania state, and local laws, and is therefore prohibited. If a student is involved in a gambling-related incident, he or she may face legal and/or disciplinary action.

11. MAIL SERVICE

Students residing in Advisory Board housing will have a locked USPS residential mailbox for each apartment to receive U. S. Postal Service mail. Each resident receives a mailbox key at check-in.  A student residing in Advisory Board housing may also receive package deliveries via USPS to a parcel locker near their mailbox. For non-USPS deliveries, the student will be notified by email when he or she may pick up the package in Office B204 by presenting his or her Penn State id+ Card. Only mail and packages that are addressed to the student’s name and to the correct room assignment will be processed.

MAILING ADDRESS

Student’s Name
(APARTMENT#) University Dr
Schuylkill Haven  PA  17972

FORWARDING ADDRESS

The student is responsible for submitting a forwarding address form online at USPS.com. The housing office will not forward USPS mail after check-out.  USPS staff will clean out mailboxes, return items to sender, and suspend deliveries after the housing checkout date.

12. STORAGE

Advisory Board housing does not provide storage space for student use. The items that a student brings to live in Advisory Board housing must be stored in the student’s room.

13. COMPUTERS AND NETWORKS

Housing provides a single wired connection and/or several wireless network connections. A student may use a personal wireless device or a single wired device on the network to access computing resources and the Internet. When a student utilizes the network, he or she is acknowledging his or her responsibility to act in accordance with the relevant policies, including the following:

  1. University Policies

2.   The Residence Hall Network Connection Agreement

If a student violates these policies or federal or state laws, access to the network or other information services may be suspended, and the student may face disciplinary action and/or legal proceedings. Information on using the network is available from Residential Computing (ResCom) Office.

14. TELEPHONES

There are no active telephone landlines provided in student apartments.

15. FURNITURE

The Advisory Board provides furnishing for all student rooms. A student is not permitted to use additional furniture, including liquid-filled furniture and personal mattresses, with the exception of a desk chair or beanbag chair. If a student brings a personal desk chair, the desk chair provided by the Advisory Board must be kept in the room. Dismantling furniture or removing it from a fixed position is not permitted. Furniture or furnishings may not be removed from the student’s room. The student is not permitted to use other Advisory Board furniture, such as lounge furniture, in his or her room. If a student has other furniture in his or her room, he or she will be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct.

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

A student is not permitted to have weightlifting or exercise equipment (such as treadmills, trampolines, stationary bikes, etc.) in his or her room. Fitness equipment may damage the floor, walls, or furniture, disrupt other students, and impede a safety egress.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

1. FIRE SAFETY POLICIES

CANDLES AND INCENSE

Candles, incense, and other flame-emitting articles are prohibited in Advisory Board housing. A potpourri burner with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff is permitted.

SMOKING

The Advisory Board promotes a smoke-free environment. The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, all nicotine delivery devices, and other tobacco products are not permitted on campus, including all Advisory Board housing.

2. FIRE PREVENTION

FIRE DRILLS

The Advisory Board must comply with Pennsylvania state and local fire regulations; this requires that fire drills be conducted in Advisory Board housing once a month. Everyone present in a building during the emergency fire drill must participate by vacating the building according to instructions. Rooms may be checked during a fire drill to ensure compliance. If a student fails to evacuate a building, the student may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct.

FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  1. Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are located on every floor of Advisory Board housing. A student should be familiar with the locations of the fire safety equipment.
  2. Advisory Board housing is equipped with a smoke detector. If the building has a sprinkler system in the rooms, the smoke detector is monitored by University Police. All other smoke detectors operate independently from the building fire alarm system. Any issue with a smoke detector or sprinkler should be submitted to Housing and/or Residence Life immediately.
  3. Tampering with fire safety equipment is a very serious matter that could jeopardize the safety of many people. If a student tampers with this equipment, including covering the equipment, dismantling the equipment, or discharging a fire extinguisher, the student will be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct. Disciplinary action may include cancellation of the HOUSING Contract.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Every student is responsible for taking precautions to prevent a fire and should exercise caution and good judgment when using electronic items or placing items near the heater. Desk lamps should not be placed near flammable objects, such as curtains, bedspreads, pillows, posters, clothing, etc., and should be turned off when the student is not present in the room.

3. FACILITY SAFETY POLICIES

AERIALS AND ANTENNAE

Due to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) interference regulations, aerials, masts, satellite dishes, and other short-wave radio transmitting equipment are not permitted in Advisory Board housing.

APPLIANCES

Students are permitted to use the following appliances in Advisory Board housing, provided the item has an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. label (UL label):

  • televisions, stereos/radios, coffee makers (with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), Keurig machines, blenders, clocks, fans, hair dryers, hair setters, curling irons (with automatic shutoff), printers, corn poppers (with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), rice cookers (with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), personal computers, gaming equipment, air purifiers
  • iron, which may only be used in the designated ironing area in the laundry room
  • grounded, 15-amp surge-protected plug-in strip with a built-in circuit breaker

The following appliances are not permitted in Advisory Board housing:

  • hot plates, toaster ovens, insta/quick pots, pressurized rice cookers, torchiere-style lighting (floor-standing lighting) with halogen lamps, immersion heaters, heating coils, space heaters, ovens, indoor or outdoor grills, microwave, refrigerators, 3D printers, fitness equipment (treadmills, trampolines, stationary bikes, etc.)
  • toasters are not permitted in residence halls but are approved for use in Schuylkill apartments
  • personal or portable dehumidifiers and air conditioning units are not permitted in Advisory Board housing. If a dehumidifier is necessary, the Advisory Board will provide an approved unit. If a student has a medical need for an air conditioning unit, the student will need to submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing.

If an unapproved item is observed in a student’s room, the student will be asked to remove the item from Advisory Board housing. If the student does not comply with the request, the Advisory Board reserves the right to have the items removed. The Advisory Board will store the items until the student is able to remove them from the building.

BALCONIES

Advisory Board housing may have exterior balconies as part of the architectural facade. Students are not permitted to access the balconies.

ELEVATORS

Some Advisory Board housing buildings offer an elevator. Students and guests are responsible for using elevators in a safe manner:

  • Tampering with or abusing any of the elevator equipment or controls is not permitted.
  • Elevator doors should not be pried open, nor should the doors be held open by the safety edges.
  • If an elevator is stuck between floors, occupants should not attempt to exit the elevator until directions and/or assistance is provided by Advisory Board elevator technicians or emergency personnel.
  • Occupants should not jump up and down in the elevator.
  • The elevator should not be used in the event of a fire.

If a student and/or his or her guest is found to be in violation, the student and/or guest may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Conduct.

WINDOWS/SCREENS

Windows in Advisory Board housing should be kept closed when a student is not present in the room to assist with energy conservation and protection of the room interior. Food and beverages should not be stored between the window and outside screen, or on the outside ledge. The window screen should not be removed. Antennae, speakers, or other devices should not be strung out of windows.

4. SECURITY FEATURES

UNIVERSITY ID+ CARD

Every student is responsible for possessing an ID card - the Penn State id+ Card, and is responsible for following the id+ Card policies.

The id+ Card has monetary value and should be treated the same as cash. If a student suspects that his or her id+ Card has been lost, misplaced, or stolen, the student should follow these procedures:

  • Report the id+ Card lost online, which will deactivate the privileges associated with the student’s account (Advisory Board housing access, Campus Meal Plan account, LionCash+). This online service is available 24 hours a day. The student is responsible for deactivating a lost id+ Card. The Advisory Board is not responsible for any loss or expense resulting from the loss, theft, or misuse of the id+ Card.

  • To obtain a permanent replacement ID card, the student can visit the Office of Student Affairs. The student must present positive proof of identification to receive a replacement ID. The card replacement fee can be paid for with cash, check, or charged to the student’s LionPATH account.

  • A student whose id+ Card has been reported as lost, misplaced, or stolen will not be able to gain entry to any dining commons or retail operation until the student has secured a replacement ID.

CARD ACCESS

Advisory Board housing, with the exception of Wayne Lammie Hall, are equipped with an electronic/computerized card access security system. Advisory Board housing is locked 24 hours a day while students are in residence. Adjustments to the access hours may be modified during Fall semester arrival and Spring semester closedown. A student must use his or her id+ Card to gain access to his or her assigned building. Card readers are located on the building’s entrance doors. Other doors may be designated as exit-only doors, which cannot be held open or an alarm will sound.

If a card reader fails to unlock the entry door after a student swipes his or her id+ Card, the student should report the malfunction to Housing staff in Office B204. If the student is unable to gain entry to the building after hours, the student should contact the Residence Life staff on duty for assistance.

If a student has food or other items delivered, the delivery person and unescorted guests are not permitted to enter Advisory Board housing. The student is responsible for meeting the delivery person at the building entry door.

5. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY

Each student plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment within Advisory Board housing. Even with a sophisticated card access system, the safety and security of residents can be compromised by careless behavior. Every student is responsible for locking his or her room door, refraining from propping open entrance and exit doors and allowing unescorted guests to enter the building.

SAFETY AND SECURITY TIPS

  • A student entering Advisory Board housing should not permit an unknown person from entering.
  • The staff member on duty should be notified if someone has insisted on entering Advisory Board housing. The student should try to get a good description of the individual, and observe the direction in which he or she was headed.
  • Every student should keep his or her room door locked, even when sleeping, and especially when leaving the room or building.
  • A malfunctioning card access reader or door should be reported to Housing staff.
  • If a student is expecting a guest, the student is responsible for meeting the guest at the building entry door and escorting him or her in the building.
  • A student is not permitted to lend his or her room key or id+ Card to another student or guest.

REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

If a student notices any suspicious activity, the student should immediately contact the Residence Life staff on duty. Suspicious behavior may include the following:

  • A person going room to room, trying to open doors
  • A person loitering at unusual hours or locations
  • A person running (especially if something of value is being carried)
  • A person exhibiting unusual mental, emotional, or physical symptoms
  • A person carrying Advisory Board property or other items not wrapped
  • Open or broken windows or doors
  • Unusual noises, screams, or cries for help