To ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment, the housekeeping staff performs the following tasks:

• Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and fixtures (Mont Alto Hall bathrooms are done on a daily basis; Penn Gate I and II bathrooms are done on a weekly 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 could result in damage charges to residents in the building.

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. 

Ethernet Connections
Each residence room has been wired for Ethernet connections, enabling students to access the Internet using a personal computer. Click here for the software required for this connection and information on how to have the connection activated. Additional information is also available through ResCOM.

Technical Support
Residence Hall Computing is designed to assist students living in the residence halls with computer and networking support. For additional information about available services, contact them at 717-749-6193, or send an email.

Computer Labs
Click here for information about location and hours of on-campus computer labs.

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 $0.50 for each dryer cycle. 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.

Incoming mail must be addressed properly, using the following format:

Student’s name
MA box number
Mont Alto PA 17237

Mailboxes
Two residential students are assigned to share a mailbox. Mailbox combinations and mailing addresses will be provided at check-in. Mail is placed in student mailboxes on a daily basis Monday through Friday. Mailboxes are located in the lobby of the Penn State Bookstore building.

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 student mail room 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, student mail is forwarded to the permanent address on file with Penn State University, unless a different address is provided to Housing and Food Services. Students should also contact companies and inform them of the forwarding address to prevent any delay in receiving mail.

Newspapers are available Monday through Friday at convenient locations throughout campus. National favorites USA Today and the New York Times are provided, as well as the local newspaper the Record Herald. Click here for additional information about the Newspaper Readership Program.

Any problems relating to the function of the newspaper machine should be reported to Student Affairs or send an email.

Any student who wishes to have a vehicle on campus must register for a parking permit with the University Police Office, located in Wiestling building, or click here for additional information.

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.

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 Housing and Food Services for problems with telephone connections.

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 Police Services at x6070 or 911 (on campus) or 717-749-6070.

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 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.

Cable TV connections with basic cable service is provided in each residence room. Expanded service is available through ComCast.