Effective academic year 2007-2008. Subject
to revision.
Penn State Harrisburg strives to provide a residence environment
that is comfortable and conducive to learning and personal
growth. The University assigns housing accommodations without
regard to race or national origin. All students should familiarize
themselves with the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations found
in this section before completing the Housing Contract Card.
On-Campus
Residence Eligibility
Registered full-time (12 or more credits) degree-seeking students at Penn
State Harrisburg may live in an apartment and are assigned
using the following priorities, or until all spaces are
filled:
1.
Upperclass students who lived in Penn State Harrisburg housing
during the previous semester;
2.
Upperclass students who lived in University housing at another
Penn State campus during the previous semester;
3.
Students transferring from another Penn State campus who
did not live in University housing during the previous semester;
4.
First-year students who are offered admission to Penn State.
Students with less than full-time status may be considered for a Housing Contract if space is available after all other requests have been accommodated. Once a non-degree student receives a Housing Contract, he/she must actively attend classes while living on campus and make academic progress towards becoming a degree-seeking student. A non-degree conditional student whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0 and/or has not completed his/her attempted credits each semester will be placed on Contract Review status. A decision regarding the student’s Housing Contract status will be reviewed each semester by a committee comprising of a representative from Housing and Food Services, Division of Undergraduate Studies, and Student Affairs/Residence Life. Housing and Food Services reserves the right to make modifications to the assignment priorities as necessary to ensure full occupancy of residential facilities. Housing is not guaranteed for any student group.
General
Conditions of the Contract
THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT
A Housing Contract may not be transferred or assigned to
another student. Contract Cards must be signed and dated
as evidence of acceptance of the Terms, Conditions, and
Regulations of the Housing Contract. This is a legally binding
contract. Failure to pick up a room key does not release
a student from this Contract.
The University reserves the right to deny or cancel a Housing
Contract to an individual whose conduct and/or proven criminal
record indicates a potential threat or danger to the University
community, including students, faculty, and staff.
Obligation
of Students
Students are obligated to abide by the Terms, Conditions,
and Regulations of the Housing Contract Card they have signed.
This includes assuming financial responsibility and meeting
financial obligations for the entire contract period through
the end of spring semester. Signing the Contract Card means
acknowledgment of the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations.
Contract
Submission
First-year Students – Applicants offered
admission to Penn State Harrisburg who have requested resident
status from the Office of Admissions will receive a Contract
packet.
The Housing Contract Card, enclosed in the packet, must
be returned by the date indicated. A check or money order
in the amount of $100, made payable to The Pennsylvania
State University, must accompany the Contract Card. Due
to the high demand for on-campus accommodations, residence
space is not guaranteed to all students who submit a Contract
Card.
Upperclass Students – Upperclass
students interested in requesting on-campus housing for
the next academic year must utilize eLiving to submit a request. Students are notified in advance when the system will be available to submit a request for a Housing Contract. Students who are selected to receive an offer for a Housing Contract will be notified, and they must accept the offer online within the established timeframe. Students who accept a Housing Contract and did not live on campus the previous academic year will have the $100 Housing Deposit applied to their student account. Additional information is available on the eLiving website.
Housing Deposit
and Refund Schedule
Each student who applies for University housing who did
not reside in University housing during the previous academic
year must submit a $100 housing deposit with the Contract
Card. This deposit is nonrefundable unless the student’s
offer of contract is rejected by Housing and Food Services.
The housing deposit shall be retained by the University
until such time as a student indicates that he/she will
not be residing in University housing during the subsequent
year. At that time, the deposit will be credited against
the student’s account within 30 days after the final contract period ends.
A student that needs to cancel a Housing Contract due to not attending or withdrawal from the University, or is granted a Contract release, needs to contact Housing and Food Services in
writing. The Housing
Deposit will be refunded based on the following schedule for fall semester:
|
Notification
in Writing |
Refund Credit |
| by
May 1 |
$50 |
| between May 1 - July 1 |
$25 |
| after
July 1 |
$0 |
Housing Deposit refunds are not granted for spring semester Housing Contract cancellations.
A student who is granted a Change of Assignment to Penn State Harrisburg from
another Penn State campus must sign a new Penn State Harrisburg Housing
Contract. The initial housing deposit will be retained.
Housing Charges
Housing charges are payable by the prepayment deadline date
as announced for all University student billings. All Housing
charges are subject to change by action of the University.
If a Contract begins or a room transfer is made before
the end of the first week of classes (seventh consecutive
calendar day from the first day of classes), full rates
for Housing options will be charged. When a transfer from
one room to another is effected during the first week of
classes, the full rate will be charged for the room to which
the student is transferred. If a Contract begins or room
transfer is made after the first week of classes, charges
will be prorated.
.
Rental Contract
Periods
Rental contract periods for apartment assignments are based
on the semester the student intends to begin using housing
facilities. Students entering housing in fall semester are
obligated for fall and spring semesters. Students entering
housing in spring semester are obligated for spring semester.
Students using housing facilities in the summer session
are required to submit a separate Contract for use of housing
facilities in subsequent semesters.
Contracts are legally binding and include financial responsibility
for the entire contract period.
Housing and Food Services is not obligated to hold a specific
room assignment after 5:00 p.m. the day the student is assigned
to check-in, unless the student has made a request in advance
to the Housing and Food Services Office. If a student fails
to check-in, the student remains obligated to pay Housing
charges in full. If the student checks in after the assigned
time, the student is obligated to accept other available
accommodations provided by Housing and Food Services.
Meningococcal
Disease Immunization
The Pennsylvania Legislature passed the College and University
Student Vaccination Act on June 26, 2002, and then Governor
Mark Schweiker signed the Act into law effective June 28,
2002. This Act directly affects all students who reside
in on-campus housing accommodations in Pennsylvania.
The Act has the following key elements:
1.
Institutions of higher education are required to provide
to students residing in on-campus housing accommodations
information on the risks associated with meningococcal
disease (meningitis is just one form of this disease),
and the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine.
2.
Students who have not received the immunization are prohibited
from living in University-owned housing accommodations.
3.
A student, or parent or guardian of a student under the
age of 18, can sign an exception waiver stating that the
information was received and reviewed, and that the vaccination
was declined for religious or other reasons. The University
may permit the student to then reside in on-campus housing
accommodations once the waiver is received.
In order for Penn State to comply with this law, all on-campus
students are required to submit the certification form prior
to moving into an on-campus residence. The form is required
to be submitted during the first year of on-campus occupancy
and stays on file with Housing and Food Services during
the time a student has an on-campus Housing Contract. Students
who fail to submit a completed form will not be permitted
to move into on-campus housing.
Students have three options:
1.
Receive the vaccination from a health care provider prior
to arriving on campus.
2.
Receive the vaccination from University Health Services
prior to check-in. (Based on campus demand.)
3.
Request an exception from the immunization requirement.
Further information and the procedure for submitting forms
is available at www.hfs.psu.edu/vaccine.
Substitutions
For students who wish to move off campus but are living
in University housing and committed to a Housing Contract,
a substitution of another student may be permitted only
if a bona fide replacement is provided and no vacancies
exist in University housing. The substitute cannot be a
student who is already committed to a Housing Contract,
and may not be assigned to the vacated space by the Contract-released
student. The substitute is required to complete a Contract
Card, which is legally binding until the end of the spring
semester.
Occupancy
First-year students will be permitted to take occupancy
on the date announced by the University. Upperclass students
may occupy rooms no earlier than the date announced for
each semester. Food service for continuing students will
be available no later than the meal served immediately prior
to the announced check-in day, the start of registration,
or the start of classes at the campus. Penn State Harrisburg
reserves the right to establish and revise the University
calendar and arrival dates.
A student who arrives earlier than the date established
will not be permitted to move into the room. Students who
have been requested or permitted to arrive before the official
opening date may be assessed an additional daily charge.
Housing charges must be paid or arrangements made for payment
to the Bursar before a student is issued a key and Penn
State id+ Card. (Only new students receive id+ cards.)
Keys – When a student checks-in,
keys to the apartment and mailbox will be issued. The student
must sign a receipt for the keys and students should take
all precautions to prevent loss of keys. If a student misplaces
a key, a second key will be issued by Housing and Food Services
for a seven-day period (a deposit may be required). If the
original key is not found at the end of the seven days,
the core of the lock to the apartment will be replaced and
a new key will be issued to all residents of the apartment.
The student’s account will be charged the actual cost
per core change.
Check-In Form – When a student checks
into an apartment, he/she should complete the check-in form.
Any damages or missing items should be indicated to prevent
being charged for damages or missing items at check-out
time. The form is to be returned to Housing and Food Services.
Each student will be held responsible for the condition
of his/her room and apartment furnishings, and for any damages
or losses that may occur during occupancy.
Changing
Rooms/Apartments
Change Requests – No room/apartment
changes will be processed during the first two weeks of
any semester. No changes may be made without following the
prescribed procedure:
1.
A designated period for changes will be announced.
2.
Housing and Food Services or Residence Life will provide
the student with a Request for Change in Residence Assignment
form. All sections of the form must be completed in full
by the student before being approved by Residence Life.
3.
The student must take the approved form to the Housing
and Food Services Office to obtain a Change in Residence
Assignment form No moves are to be made until the student
has completed this form.
4.
The student must complete the change within four days
from the effective date on the Change in Residence Assignment
form. Keys must be exchanged through the Housing and Food
Services Office. Keys may not be directly exchanged between
students.
Emergency Room/Apartment Change Request
– Residence Life staff may approve emergency room/apartment
changes. The student will discuss the need for a change
in room assignment with a Residence Life staff member, who
will notify Housing and Food Services to discuss availability
of space and place a hold on the selected space.
Consolidation
of Vacancies
If all four rooms in an apartment are not occupied, consolidation
of apartments may occur. Students living on campus during
summer session may be reassigned to another apartment to
consolidate the number of occupied apartments. In consideration
of consolidating vacancies, students have the option of
either remaining in the current apartment with new roommates
being assigned, or being reassigned to another apartment
that has a vacancy. Housing and Food Services has final
authority for the consolidation of vacancies.
Change in Room
Assignment
Housing and Food Services reserves the right
to change the assignment of a resident in a specific location.
This may occur if the location is an ADA room, needed for
other programs or purposes, or conditions in a specific
location require such reassignment to ensure a proper educational
environment.
Termination
of Residence Occupancy
Contract Termination – Housing and
Food Services, in consultation with Residence Life, reserves
the right to terminate, cancel, or deny a Contract to a
student, or to change the assignment of a student, if that
student engages in any of the following conduct:
1.
Disregards the rights of other residents
2.
Jeopardizes the safety and/or well-being of other residents
3.
Disrupts the residential environment or food service program
4.
Is destructive to University property or is responsible
for excessive damages
5.
Is in violation of University rules and policies, including
the Student Code of Conduct, and/or the Terms, Conditions,
and Regulations of the Housing Contract
6.
Is in violation of state or federal laws
In the event of a disciplinary termination of the Housing
Contract, the University is not required to refund the housing
deposit. The student will receive written notification declaring
termination of the Housing Contract.
The student has a right to appeal termination of the Housing
Contract to the director of Student Affairs who, in consultation
with the general manager of Housing and Food Services, will
make the final decision.
Request for Contract Release by the Student –
The Housing Contract is legally binding. When a student
signs the Contract for the regular academic year, the student
is obligated for both fall and spring semesters. Contract
releases are granted only under rare and extenuating circumstances.
All requests for Contract release should first be directed
to Residence Life, who will consult with Housing and Food
Services. Contract releases are granted within the following
guidelines:
1.
Financial Release – If a student
has experienced a severe financial hardship since signing
the Contract, a Contract release may be recommended upon
verification of the student’s financial situation.
An alternative and more economical living option may be
required. The student will be responsible for providing
documentation supporting the financial hardship.
2.
Medical Release – If a student
suffers from a severe medical condition requiring that
he/she live off campus, verification of the condition
must be submitted to the vice president/director of Student
Affairs for the student to receive a medical release.
3.
Marriage Release – A student planning
to marry during a semester may be released at the beginning
of the semester to reside off campus with his/her spouse.
The student is still obligated to pay room and board charges
for the entire semester, and must comply with the established
refund schedule. A copy of the marriage license must be
provided within two weeks of the marriage date, or the
Contract will continue to be binding and the student will
be billed accordingly.
4.
Personal Release – A student may
have an extenuating personal circumstance that necessitates
a Contract release. Each request for release for personal
reasons will be considered on an individual basis. The
student may be required to participate in interviews and/or
counseling sessions with a University representative,
with a final consultation with Housing and Food Services.
Note: If a Contract release is approved prior to arrival
day of the semester (date available for occupancy), the
student will be assessed a charge equaling 20 percent of
the total room charges for the semester. The University
shall retain the total charges assessed as liquidated damages.
Students released after occupancy will have refunds processed
according to the established refund policy.
Withdrawal and Approved Release after Taking Occupancy
– Students who took occupancy of their residence
rooms and then withdrew from the University or were granted
a contract release will receive a credit based on a prorated
weekly refund schedule upon check-out. Before the end of
the first week of the semester (seventh consecutive calendar
day from the first day of classes) a credit of 80 percent
of the room charges will be applied. This credit will decrease
by 10 percent for each week thereafter, up to and including
the eighth consecutive calendar week. No room cost refunds
are granted after the eighth week of the semester. Refunds
are based on full weeks only.
Refunds are based upon the date belongings are removed
from the room, and the apartment key is returned to the
Housing and Food Services Office, or the effective date
of withdrawal from classes, whichever is later. Students
leaving the University apartment complex should confirm
plans with the Housing and Food Services Office and must
vacate their rooms not more than 24 hours after the date
of withdrawal or approved Contract release.
Students will be entitled to a full refund for room charges
paid in advance if they are denied permission to register.
Persons returning to the campus after receiving such notification
will be subject to a charge for actual housing and/or food
service participation.
Vacating
Residence
Students are required to check out of their rooms not more
than 24 hours after the last final or by the posted closing
date of the apartment complex, whichever comes first. Students
withdrawing from the University or released from Contracts
must vacate rooms not more than 24 hours after the date
of withdrawal or release.
Students who will continue to reside in the same room from
fall to spring semester are not required to remove belongings
from the room except as a personal security precaution,
or unless an apartment consolidation or a room change occurs.
At the end of spring semester—or
when a student withdraws from the University, is released
from the Contract, or is granted a room change request—all
personal belongings must be removed from the room and Housing
staff must be contacted for an inspection. All trash, posters,
personal items, and decorations must be removed from the
room before Housing staff will inspect for damage, etc.
All trash is to be removed to the apartment complex dumpsters.
A charge will be made for rooms left in an unsatisfactory
condition (the room should be in approximately the same
condition of cleanliness as when first occupied).
During the check-out process, the check-in form that was
completed during check-in will be reviewed for damages.
The student will be responsible for obtaining the check-in
form from Housing and Food Services and scheduling a check-out
time. The completed check-in form, and room, apartment,
and mailbox keys, must be submitted to Housing and Food
Services prior to leaving campus. Failure to return keys
at the time of check-out will result in the student being
billed for actual room and apartment core replacement costs,
plus a charge for key replacement. The charges will be applied
to the student’s account.
A request for refund of fees or deposit will be held until
all check-out procedures are accomplished.
The University reserves the right to cancel Contracts or
change assignments for the next academic year if the contracting
student’s room or apartment is left in an unsatisfactory
condition, or the student has excessive damage charges.
Students will be notified if the Contract has been canceled,
and any advance payment will be posted to the student’s
account.
If a student leaves any items other than University property
in the room after vacating it, the items will be considered
a general gift from the student to the University.
Rights Reserved
by the University
The University unconditionally reserves the right to inspect
rooms at times convenient to staff, terminate rental contracts,
repossess or reassign rooms, and to effect any other steps
necessary or advisable for the safety, maintenance, security,
and conduct of the residence program. The University may
deny eligibility for future occupancy and/or assess charges
for costs accrued due to the resident’s failure to
adhere to the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the
Housing Contract.
General Maintenance
Each student is expected to maintain his/her room and the
common areas of the apartment in an orderly and sanitary
condition, empty trash into the dumpsters in the apartment
complex, and to participate in the recycling program established
at the campus. If Housing and Food Services becomes aware
of unsanitary conditions resulting from failure of a student
to maintain the room or apartment, Housing staff will clean
the room or the apartment and the resident(s) will be charged
accordingly. Students are responsible for removing trash
from apartments and placing it in the provided dumpster.
Trash that is placed in the apartment landing or doorway
will be removed by Housing, and a fee will be assessed to
the apartment’s occupants. Recycling containers must
be kept inside the apartment, and are not permitted outside
of the apartment or on landings.
The University reserves the right to cancel the student’s
Contract and/or to refuse an assignment for future periods,
depending upon the inconvenience to Housing and Food Services
and other students caused by the persistence of disorderly
and unsanitary conditions in a student’s room or apartment.
Maintenance
Inspection
A maintenance inspection is not considered a search. Inspections
made by the University are to protect the students and assess
the nature of maintenance requirements. In all cases in
which an apartment is entered by University officials, a
Notice of Inspection form will be placed in the apartment.
Student apartments are inspected during each semester and
at 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: (1) to
evaluate the condition of the apartment and furnishings;
(2) to identify required maintenance and repairs; and (3)
to check for fire or safety hazards. If damages are noted,
the cost for repairs or replacement will be charged to the
resident(s) of the apartment. Should Housing and Food Services
observe the presence of unapproved appliances or objects
in the apartment, or notice objects attached to the facilities
in an unapproved manner, this will be recorded on the Notice
of Inspection form. Unapproved appliances and objects may
be confiscated. A copy of the form will be left for the
resident(s), who will be expected to correct the situation.
In the case of noncompliance, Housing and Food Services
reserves the right to make corrections and bill the occupant(s)
for costs.
Maintenance Repairs
– Maintenance needs, problems, or questions regarding
a student’s room/apartment should be discussed with
Housing and Food Services. Maintenance problems may be noted
on the Request for Service sheet, located in the Housing
and Food Services Office and in the Community Center, or
an e-mail can be sent to housingcl@psu.edu.
If a student has requested repair of an item in his/her
room/apartment, the repair should be completed during the
hours and days listed in the arrival day check-in packet.
For the safety and security of the occupants, it may be
necessary to reassign rooms in order to perform some types
of maintenance. Maintenance employees may enter a room/apartment
to perform preventive maintenance, needed repairs identified
during room inspection, or emergency repairs. If an employee
enters a student’s room/apartment when the student
is not present, the employee will leave a form stating the
date, time, and reason for entering the room/apartment.
Damages
All students will be held responsible for the condition
of the apartment, room, furnishings, and for any other damages
or losses that may occur during occupancy. 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 and returns his/her keys.
Each resident student is responsible for damage caused
by his/her guests. Individuals identified as being responsible
for damage, theft, or losses in an apartment will be billed
for the cost of repair or replacement. Amounts billed to
a student’s account for damages are listed as additional
charges under the Housing Contract.
All residents will be held collectively responsible for
damages, theft, or losses in common areas of the apartment
that may occur during occupancy when the individual(s) responsible
cannot be identified. A maximum amount of $10,000 per incident
per apartment, up to a maximum personal liability of $120
each semester of occupancy, will be assessed to residents
for nonattributable damages to common areas. Residents must
pay damage assessments when billed. End-of-semester damages
and unpaid charges will be applied to the student’s
account. Residents are not permitted to make damage repairs
or to arrange for them to be made. In an emergency, Housing
and Food Services, Residence Life, or University Police
should be contacted.
Due to the costly cumulative deterioration of physical
facilities, the following items may not be used in apartments:
tape, masking tape, adhesive, putty, glue, paste, nails,
tacks, dartboards, staples, or screws on walls, furniture,
doors, or other woodwork. Pictures, personal bulletin boards,
and decorations may be hung from picture molding with picture
hooks. Wire, rope, string, or decorations are not permitted
to be strung across the room or hung from the ceiling. Painting
or papering of rooms or furnishings is not permitted.
Financial
Account Charges
Any student who fails to pay for damages or incurs further
damage, leaves a room in need of major cleaning, or does
not return keys, will have the charges placed on his/her
University account. The minimum deduction is 50 cents.
Insurance
The University does not assume liability for the loss, damage,
or theft of any personal property. Therefore, each individual
is advised to carry personal property insurance.
Room/Apartment
Search
There are no routine room/apartment searches. Room/apartment
searches are conducted only when there is strong reason
to believe that an occupant of a room/apartment is in serious
physical or psychological distress, or that the room contains
items that are contrary to University regulations (which
include federal, state, and local laws).
Room/apartment searches are typically conducted by Residence
Life staff, after obtaining approval on the potential search
from Residence Life staff or Student Affairs. Approval is
given only after the reason for the search and the object(s)
being sought are clarified. Searches are usually conducted
in the presence of the student occupant, and only in unusual
cases would the room be searched in the student’s
absence.
When it is necessary for a member of the Department of
University Safety to search a room/apartment, the search
will be performed according to constitutional and criminal
procedure. If time and circumstances permit, a member of
the Residence Life staff will be notified of the impending
search. The staff member can provide guidance to the student
against whom any warrant is issued and can act as a witness.
Items seized will be taken, as authorized by law, and inventoried,
and a receipt listing each article will be given to the
owner or left in the room/apartment. If an officer observes
articles in plain view from a location where the officer
has a right to be, this would not be considered a search.
Amenities
Electrical Appliances – The following
electrical appliances are authorized for use if an Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., label (UL label) is on the appliance:
answering machines; televisions; stereo component systems;
coffee makers (with enclosed heating element and automatic
shut-off); clocks; fans; sun lamps (with enclosed bulb);
curling irons (with automatic shut-off); hair dryers; hair
setters; corn poppers (with enclosed heating element and
automatic shut-off); and personal computers.
The following appliances are prohibited: hot plates; toasters;
indoor/outdoor grills; halogen lamps and lights; lava lamps;
potpourri burners; immersion heaters; heating coils; ovens;
grills; fog/smoke machines; microwaves; and personal refrigerators. If the use
of multiple outlets is needed, a grounded 15-amp surge-protected
plug-in strip with built-in circuit breaker should be used.
Furnishings – Apartments are furnished
to meet resident living arrangements. Students are not permitted
to use furniture other than what has been provided, including
water beds. Bean bags are acceptable. Radios, televisions,
stereos, clocks, additional lamps (excluding halogen lamps),
and personal computers are permitted.
Dismantling furniture or removing it from a fixed position
is prohibited due to the wear and tear on furnishings and
securing devices, which may become a hazardous obstruction.
Blocking the flow of air into and out of heat radiators
will cause an imbalance of heat in the room, as well as
excessive energy use, and is therefore prohibited. The dismantling,
stacking, or hanging of beds is not acceptable.
Linens and Window Treatments – Mini-blinds
are furnished by the University. The University does not
provide bed linens, blankets, pillows, towels, or washcloths.
Penn State Network Connection –
Students can access the Penn State Internet system in the
apartment complex using a personal computer and Ethernet
connection. The software/hardware required for this connection,
and information on how to have the data connection activated,
is available at www.rescom.psu.edu.
By registering for or using the connection, the student
agrees to be bound by the Penn State Residence Hall Network
Connection Agreement, which is available online at www.rescom.psu.edu/pages/connectionagreement.htm.
Specific information regarding illegal activity, bandwidth
limitations, inappropriate content, servers, and personal
responsibilities is also provided on the ResCom Web site.
The use of the network connection also subjects the user
to adhere to Penn State policy AD20 – Computer and
Network Security, which is available online at http://guru.psu.edu/policies/AD20.html.
Telephone Connections/Service –
Each room is equipped with a telephone outlet as part of
the Housing Contract. Local and nontoll long-distance calls,
subject to restrictions imposed by the long-distance carrier,
may be made and received on telephone lines. 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.
Violation of Pennsylvania Criminal Law –
The following acts can result in fine, cost, and imprisonment:
1. Placing telephone calls to annoy, molest,
or harass another person, or using indecent language while
on a call
2. Giving information to an operator so
that charges for telephone calls or services are made
to an account, person, firm, or institution without authorization,
or to a fictitious or nonexistent number
3. Installing anything to rearrange or
tamper with any telephone company facility, wires, or
equipment to avoid payment
Vending and Laundry – Problems (malfunctions,
refund needs) with vending machines, washers, or dryers
should be reported to Housing and Food Services. The University
is not liable for damage to personal property.
Security
It is the responsibility of residents to help ensure that
adequate security is maintained in the apartment. Students
should report unauthorized persons to proper authorities
and be constantly aware of the importance of maintaining
security in the apartment complex. Each student should keep
room doors and windows locked when not in the apartment.
.
Safety
Elevators – Elevators should never
be used in the event of a fire. When using an elevator,
passengers are expected to refrain from the following behaviors:
1. Tampering with or abusing any of the
elevator equipment or controls
2. Prying open doors or holding them open
by the safety edges
3. Attempting to exit an elevator that
is stuck between floors without directions and assistance
from elevator technicians or emergency personnel
4. Jumping up and down in the elevator.
Engaging in any of the above behaviors may result in a
referral to the Community Standards process or the Office
of Judicial Affairs.
Fire Precautions – It is the responsibility
of all students to take precautions to prevent fires. Candles,
incense, potpourri, and other flame-emitting articles are
prohibited. Papering walls and/or ceilings with posters
and flammable decorations and putting paper in light fixtures
are fire safety hazards and are prohibited.
The following may cause hazardous situations and are prohibited
under State Labor and Industry regulations: papering of
ceilings, doors, or walls; disguising of doors or exits;
and posting of papers, signs, and other combustible materials
in hallways or on doors (except bulletin boards).
Multiple outlet adapters present a fire hazard and should
only be used with low-wattage devices. A grounded device
wattage adapter should be limited to 400 watts total. A
grounded 15-amp surge-protective plug-in with built-in breaker
is required, and total amperage should not exceed five amps.
Residence rooms have limited circuit capacity (one 20-amp
circuit for up to four rooms). Electric cords should not
be hung around the room or placed under furniture or carpeting.
Repositioning outlets by the use of extension cords or splicing
is prohibited.
Fire Equipment – Fire extinguishers
are located in the hallway of each apartment. All apartments
are equipped with modern sprinkler equipment. Battery back-up
smoke detectors are provided. Tampering with fire extinguishers
and smoke detectors is a serious matter that could jeopardize
the safety of a number of people and could result in severe
disciplinary and/or criminal action. Federal and state laws
apply.
Smoking – In compliance with University
policy, smoking is prohibited in all parts of the apartment
complex.
Miscellaneous
Regulations
Advertising – Advertising of merchandise
or services for sale or rent is not permitted in residence
or food service buildings unless it is for the personal
property of students living in the apartment complex. Special
bulletin board space is designated for such advertising.
Items posted elsewhere will be removed.
Alcoholic Beverages – State laws
prohibit the purchase, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages
by anyone under 21 years of age. University and campus regulations
concerning alcoholic beverages are published and are on
file at the Office of Student Affairs.
Bicycles, Skateboards, and Other Conveyances –
Bicycles may be stored in student bedrooms. With the mutual
consent of the other roommates, bicycles may be stored in
the common apartment area. Bicycles, skateboards, and in-line
skates are not permitted in the Community Center or dining
facilities. Wheelchairs and similar equipment required by
an individual with a disability are approved for that individual’s
use only.
Canvassing – Canvassing is defined
as any effort to influence student opinions, gain support,
or promote a particular cause or interest, specifically
excluding any solicitation or fund-raising as defined by
current University regulations. Surveys are not considered
to be canvassing for purposes of this policy.
Students, student organizations, residence community governments,
and outside interests are eligible to canvass in the apartment
complex. Canvassing is prohibited in the dining commons,
but can occur in the Community Center and door-to-door in
individual apartments, unless restricted by a majority vote
of the residents of the apartment complex. Canvassing is
restricted to the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. All
canvassers must register with the Residence Life Office
at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled canvass.
When contacting students in their apartments, canvassers
must knock before entering, identify themselves, announce
their specific purpose, enter the apartment or an individual
room only with the expressed consent of the resident, and
leave immediately if the resident so requests. A canvasser
who is not a resident of the apartment building in which
door-to-door canvassing is taking place must be escorted
by a resident of the building at all times. Canvassers must
abide by all University rules and regulations. All violators
will be subject to referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs
and/or civil or criminal prosecution.
Commercial Enterprises – Conducting
any business enterprise for personal profit is prohibited
in and around University-operated facilities. Such enterprises
may be conducted only by recognized student organizations
and student governments within the apartment complex, subject
to the prior approval of Housing and Food Services and Residence
Life. Sale of food by any person or organization is prohibited.
Fund-raising Activities in Residence and Dining
Facilities – To protect the privacy of residents,
solicitations, sales, canvassing, fund-raising, and contributions
are restricted.
Guests – Each student may have a
guest in his/her room, in accordance with the campus visitation
policy established by Residence Life. Keys will not be provided
for the guest. The student sponsoring the guest will be
responsible for the conduct and actions of that guest.
Motorbikes, Motor Scooters, and Motorcycles
– Motorbikes, scooters, and motorcycles are to be
parked in designated areas of student parking lots. Fines
will be levied for parking in any other areas, including
residence area patios, walks, porches, covered walkways,
and driveways.
Other Regulations – The use or possession
of the following items is not permitted in or around the
apartment complex:
1. Nonprescribed drugs (state and federal
laws, policies and rules for students) not to include
over-the-counter medications
2. Gambling (state laws)
3. Aerials, masts, satellite dishes, and
other short-wave radio and transmitting/receiving equipment
(FCC Interference and Safety Regulations)
4. Weight-lifting equipment in individual
rooms due to potential damage to floors and furniture
5. Power tools and implements (safety
regulations)
6. Decorated live or fresh-cut holiday
trees
Pets – Pets of any kind are NOT
permitted to be fed, housed, or harbored in or around any
apartment or area owned or operated by Penn State Harrisburg
Housing and Food Services. This includes amphibious creatures,
reptiles, birds, dogs, cats, etc.—with the exception
of tropical fish and goldfish in a fish tank, not to exceed
10 gallons. This policy also pertains to pets of guests.
The University reserves the right to inspect the premises
and will do so when pets are suspected.
Quiet Policy – One of the goals
of Housing and Food Services and Residence Life is to provide
an atmosphere that is conducive to study and rest. In order
to meet this goal, all students must understand that the
right of students to study and sleep takes precedence over
the right to make noise that disturbs others.
Recreational Areas – There are designated
areas for baseball, football, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball,
basketball, catch, etc. For the safety of others and for
the preservation of windows, lawns, and shrubs, students
should not use the lawns and seeded areas adjacent to the
apartment complex, nor rooms within the apartments.
Storage – There is limited storage
in apartments for trunks and suitcases. Due to fire safety
precautions, boxes, rugs, and cartons of any kind may not
be stored. Storage is not allowed or available between the
end of spring semester and the next fall semester. The University
is not responsible for loss of items left in apartments
during absences.
Traffic and Parking Regulations –
Student use of vehicles on campus is governed by campus
parking regulations (available at the office of University
Police) and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. Vehicles
used on campus must be registered and display a sticker
as evidence of registration.
Parking is prohibited on lawns and in front of fire hydrants.
Students must park their cars or their vehicles in designated
parking areas and abide by University policies outlined
in the parking regulations.
Weapons and Fireworks – Possessing,
carrying, or using any weapon is prohibited in all University
buildings, on University-owned or controlled property, and
at University-sponsored and/or supervised activities, except
by authorized law officers and other persons specifically
authorized by the University.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms
(such as pistols, rifles, shotguns, BB guns, paint ball guns,
or ammunition), bows and arrows, sling shots, hand-billies,
dirk knives, razors, switchblades and other dangerous knives,
explosives, chemicals, and martial arts equipment. Pennsylvania
law prohibits the possession or use of fireworks.
Windows and Screens – Students are
responsible for ensuring that windows in their rooms are
closed when no one is in the room. Closing windows will
help protect mini-blinds, sills, and floors from rain, snow,
and dampness and conserve heating fuel. Antennas are not
permitted to be strung out of the windows. Removal of window
screens is prohibited. Damaged screens will be repaired,
and any charges assessed will be posted to the student’s
account.
Violations
Resident students who engage in behavior that violates the
Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of the Housing Contract
and/or the Student Code of Conduct will be required to work
with Residence Life and/or Judicial Affairs to resolve the
issue. Outcomes could include, but are not limited to, the
following actions: educational interventions; Contract review;
change of housing assignment; Contract cancellation; Contract
termination; and disciplinary action. Guidelines and procedures
related to this process are available from Residence Life.
Residence Life has identified a number of administrative
and educational interventions to address inappropriate behavior.
If a student is found to be responsible for the behavior(s)
documented in the Incident Report, the student may be assigned
either or both types of the following interventions.
Administrative Interventions impact a student’s status
within the apartment complex. This list includes, but is
not limited to, the following:
1. Verbal Warning –
A verbal acknowledgment that community standards and/or
expectations have been disregarded.
2. Letter of Concern
– A written acknowledgment that community standards
have been disregarded.
3. Contract Review –
Implemented for either a serious breach of community standards
or repeated inappropriate behavior. Contract review is
for a specified period of time (semester, year, etc.)
with the understanding that further disregard for community
standards may result in the termination of a student’s
Housing Contract.
4. Contract Termination - The cancellation of a student's Housing Contract.
5. Change of Housing Assignment - The student is moved either temporarily or permanently to another apartment location.
6. Restitution - The student must pay for damages for misappropriation of University property. This may be required through financial payment, community service, or both.
Educational Interventions require students to become actively engaged in a process that will challenge them to learn how their behavior impacts the community, and how they can make positive contributions to the community. This list includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Community Service - assignments or tasks to be completed within a specified time frame.
2. Educational Projects - may include writing an essay, attending and/or presenting a workshop, creating a bulletin board, etc.
Appeals may only be heard in the case of contact termination. Judicial Affairs has identified sanctions relating to the University Code of Conduct violations. For more information, please refer to the Student Guide to General University Policies and Rules, found on the Web at www.sa.psu.edu/ja/PDF/PoliciesRules.pdf
Food Services - Meal Access/id+ Card: The id+ Card provides access to an optional meal plan and may be used only by the student to whom it is issued. Misuse of the meal plan or id+ Card may lead to disciplinary action. Each student must present his/her id+ Card to the cashier for each meal purchased. Students will not be permitted to use the meal plan for purchases without the id+ Card. The cashier is prohibited from making exceptions to this policy.
Loss of id+ Card
1. Students should check with the Housing and Food Services office to see if the id+ Card has been turned in.
2. If the id+ Card has not been turned in, the student must obtain a replacement id+ Card at the current replacement fee.
Dining Policies - Napkins, silverware, chinaware, trays, paper products, condiments, and other supplies may not be removed from the dining facility. Consumption of food in the food court area, or removal of food items without paying, is strictly prohibited. Individuals violating these policies will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including prosecution.
Due to safety and health regulations, all students are required to wear shirts and shoes while in the dining facility. Acts of horseplay and food fights are prohibited. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
Postal Service and Mail - Students will receive their apartment assignments and mailing address in the semester bill, which is available one month before the semester begins. Only mail addressed to the occupant of the room will be processed. The mailbox key is issued with the room key.
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