Rules and Regulations
Please read and familiarize yourself with the Rules and Regulations for the current academic year. For questions, please contact the Assignment Office at (814) 865-7501 or assignmentoffice@psu.edu.
The University reserves the right to change the rules and regulations. Residents (and their guests and children residing in the apartments) agree to comply with the rules and regulations below:
Advertising
Advertising of merchandise or services for sale or rent is not permitted in apartments unless it is for the sale of personal property of the residents living in the residence apartments. Only special bulletin board space is designated for the service. If posted elsewhere, it will be removed. Signs and advertising cannot be placed on any part of the building or upon any door or window.
Aerials, Etc.
Aerials, masts, satellite dishes, and short-wave radio transmitting equipment are not allowed in the apartments or in the residential area because of FCC interference regulations and safety precautions.
Alcoholic Beverages
State laws prohibit the purchase, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages by individuals less than 21 years of age. University regulations restrict the use and possession of all alcoholic beverages to the individual apartments of persons 21 years or older. Alcoholic beverage consumption is restricted to the inside of apartments, not in common areas, lounges or outside.
Alterations
Residents shall not, without prior written consent of the University, paint, or make any structural change inside or outside of the apartment. The use of or installation of wallpaper, wood, paneling, and/or tiles is prohibited unless approved by the University. Check with your area Housing manager. Individual apartment doors may be decorated in compliance with the “Residence Hall/Apartment Door Decorating Policy.”
Appliances
The following electrical appliances are authorized in apartments if an Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc., label (UL label) is on the appliance: televisions, answering machines, stereo component systems, coffeemakers (with enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), potpourri burners (with enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), popcorn poppers (with enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), personal computers, and University provided microwaves. Toasters and toaster ovens may be used in the apartment kitchens. The following appliances are prohibited in all University Apartments: hot plates, Torchere style (floor standing) halogen lamps and lights, immersion heaters, heating coils, ovens, 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. If unapproved appliances are observed in an apartment, the resident will be asked to remove them from the building. In case of noncompliance, the University reserves the right to have the items removed. The items will be returned to the resident for removal from the complex upon request to housing management. Air conditioners may not be installed without prior approval from the University. Small propane gas grills may be used outside the apartments. Use of charcoal grills (briquettes/lighter fluid) is prohibited in all residence hall and apartment areas.
Bicycles and Skateboards
Bicycles are to be placed in the bicycle racks located outside the apartments. Students may store their bicycles inside their apartment. Bicycles are not permitted to be stored in halls or stairways. Skateboards are prohibited on campus. In-line skates are not permitted to be worn inside residence facilities.
Candles
For fire safety reasons, candles, incense, or other flame-emitting articles are prohibited the apartments. Only potpourri burners with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff are permitted.
Card Access
Each student is issued a Penn State ID+ card for entrance to meals, building of residence, if applicable, use of University services and identification. Cards must be shown as identification when requested by a University staff member. A charge may be placed against the resident’s student account for a replacement fee.
Check Out
Keys must be returned upon check out by the end of the lease term and apartments must be left in a clean condition. The resident must remove all personal items and trash prior to check out or a charge will be assigned for removal of items left behind. Residents will be obligated to the full term of the lease regardless of the check out date unless an Application for Release from the Lease is submitted and approved 30 days prior to the expected check out date.
Cleaning
Students are expected to maintain their apartments in an orderly and sanitary condition. Students are responsible for cleaning the bathroom. If the University becomes aware of unsanitary conditions resulting from students failing to maintain their apartment, the University will clean the affected areas, the resident(s) will be charged, and the amount will be applied against their student accounts. If the University and/or other students are affected by the persistence of disorderly and unsanitary conditions in a student's room/apartment, the University reserves the right to cancel the student's lease and to refuse to renew their lease for future academic periods.
Commercial Enterprises
The use of University facilities and/or property for commercial sales activities by individuals or non-University organizations is prohibited. University organizations, within the limitations established by this policy and other University regulations, and with appropriate approval, may sell materials to support the purposes of their organization. Residents may not post or place any signs, advertisements or notices on any part of the outside or inside of the building, laundries or apartments or common areas.
Conduct/Criminal Record
The University reserves the right to deny or cancel a Housing lease for University-provided housing to an individual whose conduct and/or proven criminal record indicates a potential threat or danger to the University community, including students, campus residents, faculty, and staff.
Damages
Residents shall not in any way damage the walls, floors, ceilings or other parts of the apartment or building. Such damages may result in a charge to the resident for repairs or replacement of damaged items. Since the University is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property of the occupants, each individual is advised to carry personal property insurance.
Data Communication Service
Students can access the Penn State computer Internet using their own personal computers. Any student using a personal computer to access the network acknowledges his or her responsibility to act in accordance with relevant policies including:
a. Penn State University Policy AD-20
b. EDUCOM Statement on Ethical Use of Software and Policies and Rules – A Guide for Students at: www.psu.edu/computing/policies/educom.html.
These policies are agreed to when a University Access Account with the Center for Academic Computing is activated. Violation of policy or law may result in suspension of network access or other information service privileges, disciplinary action and legal proceedings. Information pertaining to your data connection is available through ResCom, Penn State Housing’s Residential Computing Office, located in each residence hall area. See the Web site at: www.rescom.psu.edu.
Decorating
Decorations are governed by several policy statements on file in the University Apartments Office. These include “Student room and lounge window decorating and display policy”, “Student room door decorating and display guidelines” and “Seasonal and Holiday Decorating Guidelines. Check the policies before decorating.
Fire Safety
Fire equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are located in each apartment and common areas of the residential buildings. These are for your safety. Do not tamper with or disconnect them. Tampering with this equipment is a serious matter that could jeopardize the safety of a number of people and can result in severe disciplinary and/or criminal action. If you experience a problem, contact the housing staff or community assistant.
Firearms and Fireworks
The possession, storing, carrying or use of any weapon, ammunition or explosive by any person, except authorized law officers and other persons specifically authorized by the University, is prohibited in University Apartments, University owned or controlled property and at any University sponsored or supervised event or activity. Weapons, ammunition and or explosives are defined as any firearm (including but not limited to pistols, rifles, shotguns, BB guns, paintball guns, flare gun, tranquilizer gun, stun gun, zip gun, spear gun, dart gun, sling gun, air gun or spring gun),that propels a pellet of any kind with a force that can be reasonably expected to cause bodily harm; bows and arrows, handbillies, dirk knives, razors, switch blades or other dangerous knives; any striking instruments (including but not limited to, clubs, truncheons, blackjacks, sandbags or metal knuckles; any weapon used in martial arts; smoke grenades and explosives (including fireworks); and dangerous chemicals (including but not limited to lighter fluid).
Furnishings
No University supplied appliances or furnishings are to be removed from the apartments or common areas. The use of other University furniture in an apartment is not permitted and can lead to disciplinary action.
Gambling
Gambling in University-owned residence halls apartments, and commons buildings, which is in violation of federal, state, and local laws is prohibited. Students involved in gambling-related incidents may face legal and/or disciplinary action.
Guests of Residents
Apartment keys and access cards will not be provided for guests. People found in the apartments or common areas that are not residents or guests of residents are considered to be trespassing.
Family Apartments:
Residents are permitted to have overnight guests in their apartments for nine days or less without registering them at the University Apartments Office. The University reserves the right to revoke this privilege. Apartment keys and access cards will not be provided for guests. People found in the apartments or common areas that are not residents or guests of residents are considered to be trespassing. Guests are included in occupancy assessment and the limit cannot be exceeded. If guests will stay longer than nine days, they must be registered at the White Course Apartments Office.
Occupancy of apartments is limited to the following numbers, including guests of residents:
- One Bedroom Apartment Maximum occupancy is 3 people
- Two Bedroom Apartment Maximum occupancy is 4 people
- Three Bedroom Apartment Maximum occupancy is 5 people
Single Apartments:
With approval from apartment mates, residents are permitted to have overnight guests in their apartments for a maximum of three days. The University reserves the right to revoke this privilege.
id+ Cards
Identification cards issued by the ID+ Office are not to be given to others for use.
Keys
Each adult resident is issued a key after signing a key receipt at the apartment office. Each resident is cautioned against the loss of the apartment key. Should the key be temporarily misplaced, staff will issue a second key for a period of two (2) hours. Keys may not be duplicated. If the original key has not been found at the end of two (2) hours, the core of the apartment door lock will be replaced, a new key will be issued, and the charge for the installation of the new core will be assessed against the resident’s student account. Locks may not be changed or added by the resident.
Laundry Facilities The University is not liable for any loss, damage or injury to resident or resident’s property relating to or resulting from use of the laundry equipment. A resident may not install washing machines and dryers.
Liquid-filled Furniture
Because of the excessive weight and the potential for liquid damage, liquid-filled beds and other liquid-filled furniture are not permitted.
Maintenance
The University or their representatives have the right to enter the apartment in order to inspect or make repairs, additions or provide pest extermination. Entry will be at reasonable times and will be performed when the University believes it is necessary for the safety, maintenance or repair of the building, or for the safety or convenience of the occupants of the building. An apartment inspection is not a search. Student apartments are inspected during each session/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: 1) to evaluate the condition of the apartment 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 resident(s) of the room. The University reserves the right to make non-routine, emergency inspections to protect the health and safety of its students.
Should University management observe the presence of unapproved appliances 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 the form will be left for the student, who will be responsible for correcting the improper situation. In the case of noncompliance, the University reserves the right to have the items removed at the expense of the resident(s) or to cancel the student’s lease and to refuse to renew their lease for future academic periods. All maintenance requests should be reported to the University Apartments Office as soon as possible.
Meningococcal Disease Vaccination Law
All student campus residents in the state of Pennsylvania must submit a form accompanied by documentation that they have had a meningococcal vaccination or sign the waiver section stating they choose not to get the vaccination. The form and any accompanying documentation must be submitted at move in. Keys will not be issued without a completed form. The form can be obtained at the White Course Community Center office or on the web at www.hfs.psu.edu/vaccine.
Parking/Vehicle
Residents may not store or park car trailers. One parking permit for the White Course lots is provided for each apartment upon resident showing current vehicle registration. Additional parking permits shall be purchased from the University Parking Office. Vehicles may not be driven on the grass areas. Motorbikes may not be stored on patios, only in designated parking locations. Making car repairs, or changing motor oil in the apartment areas, particularly the parking lot, is prohibited.
Pets
Pet animals are not permitted in apartments for reasons of sanitation and safety. One tank for tropical fish or goldfish is permitted.
Play Areas
There are designated areas on campus for baseball, football, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, etc. For the safety of others and for the preservation of lawns and shrubs, please do not use the lawns and seeded areas adjacent to the apartments. Resident children using the community play areas and equipment must be supervised by parents/adult guardians.
Postal Service/Mail
Mailboxes are located in the White Course Community Center. Do not use “Penn State” or “The Pennsylvania State University” in the address.
Only mail addressed to the occupant of the apartment will be processed:
Name
Apartment number Building name
University Park, PA 16802
Extended zip codes by building:
16802-
(Ray); -6831(Haffner); - 6832 (Palladino); -6833 (Lovejoy); 6834 (Ikenberry); - 6835 (Osborn); -6836 (Holderman); -6837 (Ferguson); -6838 Farrell; - 6839 (Donkin); - 6840 Cunningham; - 6841 (Bernreuter)
Mailbox combinations are issued at check in. A branch of the U.S. Postal Service is located next to the HUB-Robeson Center on campus.
Quiet Policy
One of the goals of Residence Life and Housing is to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to study and rest. In order to meet this goal, all residents must understand that the right of residents to study and sleep takes precedence over the right to make noise that disturbs others. The 24-hour quiet courtesy policy stipulates that if another person, i.e., fellow resident, staff, etc., asks you to control the noise level in and around the apartments, you are expected to comply with the request. Some examples of bothersome noise include loud music or instrument playing, children playing loudly, or car or motorcycle engines, etc. The quiet hours are as follows: weekly (Sunday-Friday) 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., weekend (Friday-Sunday) 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Exam Periods (December and May during final exams week) 24 hours per day, 7 days.
Safety
Residents should not do or keep anything in the apartment that will affect the insurance on the building or the contents of the building against fire or other hazards or affect the rate for such insurance. Residents shall not do or keep anything in the apartment that shall violate any laws or government regulations, nor permit any guests or visitors to do any act which is prohibited in these regulations. Apartment interiors and exteriors must be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Sidewalks, corridors, walls, stairways, and landings cannot be blocked with trash, furniture, baby carriages, toys, etc. Any items found blocking these areas will be disposed of at University’s discretion. Children must be supervised at all times. Residents shall not bring into or keep any explosive, dangerous or unreasonably offensive substance in the apartment and/or building. Stove drip pans, stove tops, and oven surfaces should not be covered with aluminum foil. Paper, plastic wrap/adhesive, and foil are not to be attached to walls and counters near stoves.
Security
Residents are responsible for helping ensure that adequate security is maintained in the apartments. Residents must refrain from behavior that compromises building and apartment security, such as allowing "piggybacking" at entrance doors (when a resident swipes card for door access, and another unknown person enters along with the resident without swiping), leaving doors unlocked or propping open building doors. Residents should report unauthorized persons to proper authorities, and be constantly aware of the importance of maintaining security in the residences.
Smoking
Smoking inside apartment buildings is not permitted. Penn State has developed a policy that prohibits smoking in all buildings, thus creating a smoke-free environment. This policy is enforced in all University facilities, including residence halls, apartments, common areas, hallways and dining commons.
Storage Areas
The University is not liable for any loss, damage or theft of property in apartments or storage areas. Residents are not permitted to use outdoor entrance areas of apartments or common areas for personal item storage. Renters insurance is highly recommended.
Telephone
One telephone will be provided for resident use in the apartment. This telephone will be restricted to local use.
Trash Removal
Residents are responsible for disposing of garbage, recyclables and other refuse and/or waste matter in the location designated by the University
University Code of Conduct
Student tenants must abide by the University Code of Conduct. Any breach of this Code of Conduct will breach the lease and precipitate eviction. See Judicial Affairs website at http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/conduct.shtml.
Weightlifting Equipment
Weightlifting equipment is not permitted in apartments because of noise and potential damage to the floors.
Window Decorations
Window decorations are governed by a policy statement titled “Residence Hall/Apartment Student Room Window Decorations and Displays” on file in the University Apartments Office. Check the policy before decorating. Removal of window screens is prohibited.
