Cleaning
Computers
Laundry Facilities
Mail
Newspaper Readership Program
Parking
Recycling Program
Telephone Service
Television Service
Cleaning
Housekeeping staff is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. to clean and maintain residence hall buildings. To ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment, the housekeeping staff performs the following tasks:
- Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and fixtures (Oak and Maple bathrooms are done on a daily basis; Spruce and Cedar bathrooms are done on a rotating schedule.)
- Surface cleaning bathrooms
- Cleaning and disinfecting showers
- Removing common area trash and recycling material
- Sweeping and vacuuming lobby areas and hallways
- Cleaning lobby areas
- Repairing and maintaining building system components (as needed)
- Performing other duties as necessary
Student Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for the condition of his/her residence room, furnishings, and any damages or losses that may occur during occupancy. Each student should also take action to prevent unnecessary cleaning needs that adds to the workload of housekeeping staff. Additional cleaning requirements beyond the normal cleaning schedules results in less time for staff to spend on their routine tasks to meet established cleaning standards.
To help keep the residence halls clean, students should:
- Dispose of trash in designated areas, making sure everything goes in-not around-the containers. Personal trash should not be placed in bathroom or lobby receptacles.
- Sort recyclable material by following the instructions on the receptacles.
- Clean up after themselves. If a student creates a mess or becomes ill, it is that student's responsibility to clean up the mess.
- Put what they sweep from their rooms in the trash can, not the hall corridor.
- Routinely clean their rooms.
- Never put food down the bathroom sinks!
Vacuum cleaners are available for student use. Students should see their RAs for additional information.
Computers
Ethernet Connections
Each residence room has been wired for Ethernet connections, enabling students to access the Internet using a personal computer. The software required for this connection and information on how to have the connection activated.
Technical Support
ResTECH (Residential Technical Support) is designed to assist students living in the residence halls with computer and networking support. For additional information about available services, contact ResTECH at 814-949-5363, or visit the ResTECH Web site.
Computer Labs
Computer labs are available in each residence area for exclusive use by the residents of that building. There is also a computer lab located on campus on the second floor of the Computer & Learning Resources Center (CLRC) building, which is adjacent to the Eiche Library.
Laundry Facilities
Fully equipped laundry facilities are located in each residence area for exclusive use by on-campus residents. Washing machines cost $1.50 per load, and dryer cycles are $0.50. LionCash+ is the only acceptable way to pay for laundry. Funds can be deposited to your LionCash+ account online or at the Housing and Food Services office.
Problems with laundry facilities should be reported to Housing and Food Services.
Mail
Incoming mail must be addressed properly, using the following format:
Student's name
Mailbox number
Penn State Altoona
3000 Ivyside Drive
Housing and Food Services
Altoona PA 16601-3760
Mailboxes
Each residential student is assigned a mailbox to share with his/her roommate. Mailbox numbers correspond with the hall/room number, and will be provided at check-in, along with mailbox combinations. Students who move to a different residence hall room will be assigned to another mailbox. Mail is placed in student mailboxes on a daily basis Monday through Friday. Mailboxes are located in the lobby of the Housing and Food Services building, outside the Port-Sky Café entrance.
Packages
A package notice slip will be placed in the mailbox if the student receives a package that does not fit in the mailbox. Packages can be picked up at the Housing and Food Services Office during the time specified on the package notice. The package notice slip and id+ card must be presented in order to receive a package.
Forwarding Address
At the end of spring semester, all students must submit a forwarding address to Housing and Food Services in order for mail that is received after the semester ends to be forwarded during the summer. Students should also contact companies and inform them of the forwarding address to prevent any delay in receiving mail.
Newspaper Readership Program
Newspapers are available Monday through Friday at convenient locations throughout campus. National favorites USA Today and the New York Times are provided by the Newspaper Readership Program as well as the local newspaper, the Altoona Mirror.
Any problems relating to the function of the newspaper machine should be reported to Student Affairs or send an e-mail.
Parking
Any student who wishes to have a vehicle on campus must register and pay the fee for a parking permit with the University Police Office, located in Willow Building. Visit the University Police site for more information.
Recycling Program
Penn State has taken proactive measures to reduce waste and protect the environment. The residence areas have been leaders in Penn State's recycling movement, and all residents are encouraged to participate. There are convenient recycling containers located throughout campus. Cardboard, office paper, aluminum cans, and plastic are recycled.
Telephone Service
Each residence room is equipped with a telephone outlet as part of the Housing and Food Service Contract. Local and non-toll long-distance calls, subject to restrictions imposed by the long-distance carrier, may be made and received on the telephone line. The cost of local and campus telephone service is included in the room and board fee. Toll long-distance calls cannot be made on the telephone; students are advised to purchase a phone card to place such calls. Students can sign out a telephone from the Housing and Food Services office if one is needed.
Telephone Problems
Contact the Voice/Data Student Helpline at 814-949-5600 for phone repair. Fill out an online work order form to report a problem.
Local Telephone Calls
To make an on-campus telephone call, dial the last four digits of the phone number. For off-campus telephone calls, dial a '9' before the telephone number. For emergencies, contact University Police at x5222 (on campus) or 814-949-5222.
Long-Distance Telephone Calls
Long-distance telephone calls can be placed using a calling card or by calling collect. To dial long-distance, dial "9", "1", then the area code and phone number.
Violation of Pennsylvania Criminal Law
The following acts can result in fine, cost, and/or imprisonment:
- Placing telephone calls to annoy, molest, or harass another person, or using indecent language while on a call;
- Giving information to an operator so that charges for telephone calls or service are made to an account, person, firm, or institution without authorization, or to a fictitious or nonexistent number;
- Installing anything to rearrange or tamper with any telephone company facility, wires, or equipment to avoid payment.
Television Service
Cable TV connections are provided in each residence room. Cable TV service is provided by Atlantic Broadband. Call 814-946-5491 to report problems with cable TV.
