HOUSING RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLIANCES
All electrical or gas appliances have the potential to be hazardous if not used according to manufacturer recommendations and kept in proper repair. It has been determined that the following type of appliances may be used in student housing:
electric blankets, lamps (100-watt limit), air-conditioner in the upperclassman area (10,000-BTU limit), stereos, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, printers, fans, hair dryers, electric hair curlers, hot air popcorn poppers, electric razors, heating pads, coffee pots, and closed-coil hotpots.
Recognizing that some appliances are more hazardous than others, the following list of items may not be used in student housing. Some of these items constitute a serious fire hazard or could cause damage to physical facilities. The item will be confiscated if it is found in residential areas and disciplinary action taken against students who possess such items. Unapproved appliances include, but are not limited to:
waterbeds, sun lamps, hot plates, toaster ovens, electric fryers, electric heaters (unless specifically approved by the College Fire Safety Officer), fog machines, and halogen lamps.
Residence Life reserves the right to limit appliances based on misuse and/or excessive electrical usage.
REGULATIONS IN THE FRESHMAN RESIDENCE HALLS:
APPLIANCE SHOULD NOT EXCEED
MicroFridge................................................... 3.0 cubic feet/10 amps
Refrigerator................................................... 4.5 cubic feet
Microwaves................................................... not permitted
Lamps (non-halogen only)............................. 100 watts
Stand-alone microwaves are not allowed in student rooms in the freshman area, though microwaves are available in the common areas. Only microwaves that are part of approved “MicroFridge” units (available through the Bookstore) are approved for use in freshman housing. Refrigerators larger than 4.5 cubic feet are prohibited in freshman housing.
All appliances must be UL-approved, and good judgment should be practiced while appliances are in use.
Failure to Comply with Appliance Policy
Warning
Confiscation of Illegal Appliance
Restitution
ADDITIONAL DOOR LOCKS
Only College authorized and installed door locks, chains, and deadbolts are permitted.
Unauthorized Door Lock Installed
Warning
Removal of Lock
Restitution
DECORATIONS
Residents are welcome to hang posters, signs, and pictures on walls, doors, and closets with masking tape or white poster-hanging putty. Residents are not permitted to use double-sided or duct tape, as these will leave a heavy residue and/or remove the paint. Residents may not use self-adhesive decals, nails, or bolts. To avoid being charged for damage, residents are encouraged to decorate with care. Residents may not possess any traffic sign without proper documentation as to its origin or legal purchase.
Alterations or additions within the residence halls or apartments are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, painting or applying adhesives to any window, ceiling, floor, wall, or furniture surface, adding wallpaper or borders, or affixing permanent shelving. Screens may not be removed from any of the windows.
Unauthorized Use or Possession of Signs
$100.00 Fine and 20 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Confiscation of Sign
Possible Disciplinary Probation
Possible Arrest and Prosecution
Deliberate Damage or Defacement
$100.00 Fine and 20 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Restitution
Possible Removal from College Housing
Possession of a Prohibited Item
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Confiscation of Item
Possible Disciplinary Probation
Possible Arrest and Prosecution
LOFTS
Residents are not permitted to construct lofts, purchase lofts, or make lofts by modifying College furniture. Residents may use only store-bought bed risers to raise their beds; no other devices, such as cinderblocks, are permitted.
Prohibited Loft
Warning
Removal of Loft
Possible Restitution
FURNITURE
Beds, desks, desk chairs, and dressers are provided by the College. In addition, each apartment has living room and dining room furniture. No furniture in any residential housing may be taken apart or removed from the residence.
Alterations, additions, and/or unauthorized use of college furnishings within residential housing are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, moving furniture from public areas to individual rooms, removing College furniture from residential housing, painting, marking, or applying adhesives to any furniture surface.
It is the responsibility of residents to remove any of their own furniture. Charges for removal of personal furniture will be assessed equally to all residents of the apartment or hall in cases where specific individuals cannot be identified.
Unauthorized Removal of College Furniture
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Restitution
GARBAGE
It is the responsibility of residents to dispose of their garbage in the Dumpsters located around each building or in the designated trash areas within the residence halls. Charges for garbage left in rooms, apartments, hallways, or public areas will be assessed equally to all residents of the apartment or hall when specific individuals cannot be identified. Recycling of glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum is encouraged.
Improper Disposal of Garbage
$15 Removal Charge (per resident/per bag)
Possible $50 Fine
Possible 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Possible Written Reprimand
DAMAGES
Each resident will sign a Residence Condition Report (RCR) at check-in. Other than normal wear and tear, residents are responsible for loss and damage in their room or apartment. To avoid damage, residents are asked to decorate with care. Damage done to common areas (lounges, stairwells, etc.) is assessed to the smallest, most likely group of residents possible when it cannot be determined who caused the damage. Damage in a residence will be assessed equally to all occupants unless a statement is received by the Residence Life Office indicating who is accepting responsibility.
Minimum charge for damage is $5.00 per resident.
FIRE ALARMS
When the fire alarm sounds students must vacate the building as quickly and safely as possible via the nearest fire exit. Students must not use elevators. They must walk, not run, to the nearest exit. Failure to evacuate is dangerous and may result in disciplinary and/or legal action. The College advises all residents to familiarize themselves with the location of fire extinguishers, alarm boxes, and fire exits. Anyone deliberately setting off a false alarm will be suspended immediately.
FIRE EQUIPMENT
Residential housing is equipped with the required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. All fire safety equipment is maintained by the Fire Safety Officer. In the event that equipment is damaged, the residents will be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Battery-operated detectors are located in each residence. Disconnecting or removing a battery from a detector is prohibited. If an extinguisher is used, it must be reported to Police & Safety or the RA immediately. If it is not reported, the occupants of the apartment or hall may be held responsible for Creation of a Fire Hazard.
FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS
Fire regulations are in place to protect students in their living space.
The College prohibits the unwarranted discharge of fire extinguishers or tampering with fire-fighting equipment.
Sounding a false fire alarm is illegal.
Candles and incense are not permitted in campus housing.
Gas grills and propane tanks may not be stored anywhere in campus housing.
Live Christmas trees are not permitted in campus housing.
Strings of lights without plastic coverings are prohibited with the exception of December 1 through December 16.
Removing batteries from smoke detectors is prohibited.
Fire doors are to remain closed at all times, since they act to contain toxic fumes and fire to a limited area.
Hallways, corridors, doorways, and fire escapes must remain unobstructed at all times.
Detectors and fire alarms in all residence areas must remain unobstructed at all times.
All ceiling tiles must remain intact. Missing and broken ceiling tiles create drafts that can lead to rapid spread of toxic fumes and fire.
Wall and ceiling coverings deemed excessive pose a fire hazard and are therefore prohibited.
All doorways must remain clear of furniture or drapes that may inhibit or prevent students from escaping in case of fire.
Excessive Wall and Ceiling Coverings
Warning
Removal of Coverings
Possible Written Reprimand
Possible $50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Possession of Candle/Incense in College Housing
Warning
Confiscation
Possible Written Reprimand
Possible $50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Creation of a Fire Hazard
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Removal and Restitution
Tampering with Detectors
$100.00 Fine and 20 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Restitution
Possible Removal from College Housing
Possible Arrest and Prosecution
OCCUPANCY LIMITS
A fire hazard risk analysis conducted by the Mercyhurst College Fire Safety Officer has determined the maximum occupancy limits for College residences. Based on this analysis, occupancy limits for each building are as follows:
Upperclassman Apartments/Townhouses ............ 25 or fewer people
Freshman Rooms ............................................…... 12 or fewer people
Residents may not permit more than the specified number of people into their living space.
Exceeding Occupancy Limit
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Social Probation
GRILLS
Gas grills and propane tanks may not be stored in residential housing, including basements, stairwells, and laundry rooms. The following safety precautions should always be taken when using outdoor cooking equipment:
Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations for operation, especially when using propane cooking equipment.
Outdoor cooking appliances should be kept a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure and should never be left unattended. All hot equipment should be monitored during and after cooking.
Charcoal, when cooled, must be disposed of properly.
Gas grills and propane tanks may not be stored anywhere in residential buildings.
FRONT DESKS
Baldwin, McAuley, and Warde Halls each have a front desk. All guests must be signed in by their hosts and must leave photo identification at the desk. It will be returned when the guest signs out of the hall. All guests must be escorted through the building at all times. Hosts will be held accountable for the conduct of their guests. Proximity readers are installed at each hall entrance to allow residents after-hours access.
GUEST POLICY
A guest is defined as a non-resident of a building. Host residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests at all times, whether or not the host is present. Hosts are required to inform guests of all pertinent rules and regulations. Guests may not stay longer than 48 hours or two consecutive nights. Abuse of the guest policy may result in the host and guest being found in violation of the unauthorized resident policy.
In the Freshman Area, guests must sign in and leave identification at the front desk and are required to be escorted at all times. Guests who are students of Mercyhurst College share responsibility for their behavior with their hosts.
In all cases, a resident’s right to have a guest is superseded by the roommate’s right to the use of the residence.
Failure to Abide by Guest Policy
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Loss of Visitation Privileges
Possible Pro-Rated Housing Charges
Irresponsible Host
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Loss of Visitation Privileges
Violation of Escort Policy
First Offense
Warning
Possible Written Reprimand
Possible Fine and Community Restitution
Possible Loss of Visitation Privileges
Second Offense
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Loss of Visitation Privileges
FRESHMAN AREA VISITATION POLICY
Mercyhurst College was founded in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, which includes the ethics and morals of Catholic Christianity. The College has the right and responsibility to establish living arrangements that reflect Christian values while encouraging the growth and development of students into adulthood. All students are called to responsible behavior by making sound moral judgments reflective of this tradition.
Residents may entertain guests of the opposite sex in their rooms from 8:00 a.m. until midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The host is responsible for registering guests by signing them in at the residence hall front desk. Hosts are responsible for the behavior of their guests at all times. All hosts and guests must abide by the visitation policy.
Mercyhurst College students’ primary purpose is to achieve academic success. The College strives to create living and learning environments within the freshman residence halls that are conducive to study, sleep and healthy living. The right of any resident to sleep, study, or simply enjoy privacy will always supersede a roommates’ privilege to host guests/visitors in the room.
Violation of Visitation Policy
First Offense
Warning
Possible Written Reprimand
Possible Fine and Community Restitution
Possible Loss of Visitation Privileges
Second Offense
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Loss of Visitation Privileges
UNAUTHORIZED RESIDENTS IN HOUSING ASSIGNMENTS
College housing is only available to actively registered students. Students or non-students found to be living in a campus housing assignment for longer than 48 hours or two consecutive nights without an authorized assignment from the Residence Life Office will face disciplinary and possible legal action. In addition, all residents condoning the behavior will face disciplinary action. Assessed sanctions will apply to both host(s) and unauthorized residents.
Unauthorized Resident
Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Resident
$100.00 Fine and 20 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Prorated Housing Charges
Possible Removal from Housing
PETS
With the exception of guide dogs or bona fide service animals and fish in aquariums with a combined capacity of 10 gallons or less, no pets are allowed in campus housing. Fish may be kept in rooms with the agreement of all roommates. Fish must be removed from the residential areas during long breaks.
Any exception to the pet policy must be approved by the Director of Residence Life or designee prior to the animal’s arrival on campus.
Unauthorized Pets
Removal of Pet from Campus
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Restitution
Possible Removal from Housing
COURTESY HOURS
Courtesy Hours exist 24 hours a day, every day. At no point should the noise of an individual or group have the potential to disrupt any other member or members of the community. The right to a peaceful environment outweighs the desire to be loud regardless of time of day. Having a stereo or musical instrument on campus is permitted, but the privilege may be revoked should a student demonstrate disregard for volume control.
QUIET HOURS
Quiet Hours have been established to ensure that the living environment is conducive to studying and sleeping. The hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from midnight to 11:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Twenty-four hour quiet hours will be in effect from 6:00 p.m. on the last day of classes until 6:00 p.m. on the last day of finals.
Failure to Respect Quiet Hours
Warning
Possible Written Reprimand
Possible $50.00 Fine
Possible 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Possible Confiscation of Equipment (e.g. stereos)
Violation of 24-Hour Quiet Hours
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Social Probation
Possible Confiscation of Equipment (e.g. stereos)
MANDATORY MEETINGS
At the beginning of each year, mandatory hall/building meetings will be held to introduce and review housing policies and regulations. Throughout the year, mandatory meetings may be held by the Residence Life staff to address residents regarding policy changes or concerns.
Attendance at these meetings is required for all relevant residents. Residents are responsible for any information presented at the meeting.
Failure to Attend a Mandatory Meeting
Warning
Possible Written Reprimand
Possible $50.00 Fine
Possible 10 Hours of Community Restitution
HORSEPLAY IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Playing sports, roughhousing, or other conduct that has the potential to cause disruption, damage, or injury inside residential housing is prohibited.
Residents may not have dartboards with metal-tipped darts.
Horseplay
Warning
Restitution
Confiscation of Equipment
Possession of Prohibited Dart Board
Warning
Restitution
Removal of Dart Board and Related Equipment
Possible $50 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Possible Written Reprimand
SUBSTANCE-FREE BUILDING POLICY
In substance-free housing, alcohol and alcohol containers are prohibited; tobacco products may not be used within the building. No alcohol or alcohol containers, including those used for decoration, are permitted in freshman housing, regardless of the student’s age, or in any apartment where each resident is under 21 years of age.
SMOKE-FREE BUILDING POLICY
All residential housing is smoke-free. There is no smoking anywhere in residential housing and in the immediate perimeter of each building. Smokers must be at least 20 feet from the building. Residents will be held responsible for their guests’ actions.
Violation of Smoke-Free Policy
$50.00 Fine and 10 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Possible Removal from College Housing
WEAPONS/FIREARMS/explosives
Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Use or possession of any item on campus that could jeopardize the health and/or safety of the community is prohibited. The College reserves the right to determine whether a specific object jeopardizes the health and/or safety of the community. Fireworks (including sparklers), explosive materials, and weapons (knives, guns, rifles, hunting equipment, lawn darts, Tasers, stun guns, paint guns, pellet guns, BB guns, “Air Soft” guns, “fake” guns, other simulated weapons, ammunition, etc.) are all specifically prohibited and may not be used, possessed, or brought onto campus. If the student needs assistance in determining what may be a hazardous device, the Police & Safety Office should be contacted. Mercyhurst College adheres to all municipal, state, and federal laws regarding weapons, ammunition, fireworks, and other dangerous substances.
FRESHMAN AREA RESIDENT VEHICLE POLICY
First-year students living in the Freshman Area are not permitted to bring vehicles to college. First-year students living in the Freshman Area who are found to have brought their vehicles will be required to take them home and will face disciplinary action, even if the car is parked on a neighborhood street rather than on campus. For extenuating situations (usually serious medical conditions and family emergencies) a student may request a temporary parking pass from the Residence Life Office, 323 Egan Hall.
Violation of the Freshman Area Resident Vehicle Policy
First Offense
Removal of the Vehicle
Warning
Second Offense
Removal of the Vehicle
$25.00 Fine and 5 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Denial of Future Parking Privileges
Third Offense
Removal of the Vehicle
$75.00 Fine and 15 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Possible Denial of Future Parking Privileges
Misuse of Freshman Parking Pass, Including Parking in Non-designated Lots
First Offense
Removal of the Vehicle
$25.00 Fine and 5 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Possible Revocation of Parking Permit
Second Offense
Removal of the Vehicle
$75.00 Fine and 15 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Possible Revocation of Parking Permit
Third Offense
Removal of the Vehicle
$150.00 Fine and 30 Hours of Community Restitution
Disciplinary Probation
Revocation of Parking Permit
RESIDENT VEHICLE POLICY
Visitor’s passes are available at Police & Safety and are required for friends and family who are visiting.
No student may obtain parking permits for others. Police & Safety issue parking permits with the understanding that the permit will be used for the student’s own use. Allowing another individual to use a permit issued to a student is a violation of College policy. Transference of Permits must be facilitated by Police & Safety.
Unauthorized Possession or Use of a Parking Permit
$100.00 Fine and 20 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
Possible Denial of Parking Privileges
STUDENT ID CARD POLICY
Mercyhurst College identification cards are the property of Mercyhurst College and any attempts to alter, enhance or reprogram a card may result in disciplinary action including adjudication through the Student Conduct system or criminal arrest. All students MUST carry their ID cards at all times when on College property and present the card to any College employee (staff, faculty, and administration, including Police and Safety personnel) when requested to do so. Failure to comply with the request will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Lending or giving this card to another party is prohibited. Misuse of the ID card can result in loss of privileges and discipline according to the Code of Conduct contained in the handbook.
Violation of Student ID Card Policy
First Offense
Warning
Second Offense
$25.00 Fine and 5 Hours of Community Restitution
Written Reprimand
Third Offense
$75.00 Fine and 15 Hours of Community Restitution
Social Probation
