Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Contact Us
Directory
Site Map
Search
IUP Home

Office of Housing and Residence Life

OHRL Home
Personnel
Policies & Procedures
Student Affairs

News/Announcements 
FAQs
Intolerance
Mission Statement
Campus Living
Campus Dining
Living-Learning
Summer Info
Suites at IUP
Technology
Employment
Publications
Printable Forms
Camps/Conferences
Map of Residence Halls
Freshman Residency Requirement
Important links

Policies and Procedures in the Residence Halls
Visitation/Guests Hall office workers
Noise
Alcohol
Appliances
Fire Safety
Bicycles
Cable Television
Data Lines
"Dial 58"
Elevators
Faculty Meals Program
Keys
Mail
Maintenance Procedures
Marquee Channels
Parking
Pets
Posting Signs
Smoking Policy
Solicitation
Campus Policies Regarding Technology
Loft Guidelines
Coordinating room change during semester

VISITATION/GUESTS

University housing facilities are open only to residents of that hall/apartment, to University officials, and to guests who have a legitimate reason for being in the building.  All visitors should be encouraged to use the building entrance telephone to contact a resident.  The following policies apply to guests who visit students living in the residence halls/apartments/group houses:

    1.  A guest is one who comes into the residence hall/apartment building to visit a specific resident upon the request of that resident.  Guests may also be persons who are invited by the hall council or University officials for a specific event taking place in that facility. 

    2.  A guest is limited in their visit to the time and location for which s/he was invited.  When visiting a specific resident, a guest must be accompanied by that resident during the entire period of time s/he is in the building.  Overnight guests, limited to two per resident, can visit up to three consecutive days in the assigned room of the host on a space available basis.  Advance consent of all residents of the room, in accordance with the specific visitation polices established for that floor, and a guest registration form must be completed before the guest arrives. 

    3.  Every guest is subject to University rules and regulations and is the responsibility of the resident-host while present in the building.  The University reserves the right to deny access to any guest if it has been determined that such person has disturbed, endangered, or disrupted the activities of any resident. 

     4.  Students are encouraged to confront any unfamiliar person they encounter in the residence halls in order to ascertain the identity of that individual and the reason for his/her presence in the hall.  Individuals who do not qualify as guests (as defined above) should be asked to leave the building.  Residence life staff and/or University Police may be contacted for assistance.

Guest host responsibilities

Whatever the visitation hours in the hall, it is the responsibility of the host or hostess to insure that visits by guests do not infringe on the rights of his/her roommate or violate residence hall/University policies and procedures. 

Cooperation is the key

Your willingness to accept your responsibilities as a host (as they are outlined here) helps to create residence hall/apartment environments that are secure and comfortable.  Your willingness to respect the rights of other residents (and, in particular, those of your roommate) helps to develop and maintain positive relationships with other individuals in your residence hall community.  Please do your part to help! 

Visitors and parking on campus

  • All visitors desiring to park a vehicle on the IUP campus between 7am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, must register for a temporary permit at the University Police Office, Administrative Annex.
  • Between 5pm and 7am on weekdays and at any time Saturday and Sunday, visitors may park in any non-reserved or handicap parking area.
Back to top

NOISE

Like roommate relationships, residents have primary responsibility for maintaining reasonable conditions for study and sleep in the residence halls/apartments.  According to the Residence Halls Lease Agreement for Housing and Dining Services, "Excessive noise is a violation of the right to study and/or sleep."  With this in mind, certain behaviors are prohibited based on their inherent disruptive nature.  These include:

  • noise from the residence halls that disturbs classroom and other normal University activities
  • stereo speakers set in or near windows in order to amplify sound to the outdoors
  • screaming and/or yelling in hallways, stairwells, outside windows, etc.
  • sports activities in the hallways
  • slamming doors
  • music instruments that are amplified (i.e. electric guitars) or from other instruments that can be heard outside of your room (drums, horns, etc.).
Courtesy and Quite hours

Minimum courtesy and quiet hours have been established by the Office of Housing and Residence Life.  Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours.  Minimum quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Sunday - Thursday, and 12:00 midnight to 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 

Courtesy hours require students to be considerate of the needs of others at all times and to comply with requests for maintaining a reasonable level of quiet.  Ideally, students will continually monitor their own behavior so confrontation becomes unnecessary.  Quiet hours require that noise be reduced so that nothing can be heard from within rooms when the doors are closed.

In addition, a 24-Hour Quiet Period goes into effect prior to and during final examinations.  This is designed to provide residents with an atmosphere to prepare for their examinations if they desire to study in the residence halls. 

Outdoor Activities

Each year there are student organizations that sponsor outdoor concerts and events in locations that are near residence halls/campus apartments.  Campus policies exist to make certain these events begin and end during reasonable times of the day/evening to allow residence hall students time to sleep and study in their rooms.  During these events some members of the residence hall community may need to find an alternative location to study.  The IUP campus community keeps these planned activities to a minimum because our priority is your success as a student.  We appreciate your patience when the outdoor noise is a little more disruptive than you might prefer.  We encourage you to plan ahead so you can join in the fun at the outdoor concerts and events so your participation won’t interfere with your studies! 

Intensified Study Floors

Two residence hall floors have been specially designated for students who wish to live in a quieter environment.  The Intensified Study Floors are located on Wallace 6 and Elkin 5.  Whereas other floors have set quiet hours during the late evening and night hours, Intensified Study Floors maintain a 24-hour quiet status to accommodate students who want an environment which reflects their intensified academic focus and commitment.  Residents on each floor may have the opportunity to establish one "courtesy" hour per day when quiet hours are relaxed. 

Basic truths

Fundamental to the successful management of noise in the residence hall environment is an acceptance of the following basic truths:

    • It is a rare person who likes to get up in the middle of the night and go down the hall or upstairs/downstairs to ask someone to quiet down.  Most people don't even enjoy doing so in mid-evening or afternoon.
    • Many students come to the University with little or no experience in expressing desires or needs which meet with the disapproval or rejection of peers.  Many students may be either too aggressive or too nonassertive.  Staff members may need to help them confront others.
    • On some floors, considerable peer pressure is applied to be tolerant of noise.  On other floors, the pressure supports quiet and consideration.  Many individuals new to the floor are reluctant to state an opinion that may conflict with the general community feelings.
Three kinds of noise problems

1.  Naive insensitivity -- There are situations in which noisemakers don't realize they are bothering anyone; they are usually willing to stop when informed.  Examples: bouncing something on the floor which disturbs neighbors below; a loud stereo in the middle of the afternoon after a hard test; yelling down the hall to another resident. 

2.  Cultural clashes -- Cultural clashes often develop when a difference in lifestyle exists and ignorance or prejudice inhibit communication.  Examples: roommates who keep very different hours; students who like different music, activities, and friends. 

3.  Intoxicated persons - This type of noise problem is frustrating, because individuals making the noise often seem uncooperative and are sometimes abusive.  Example: a stereo going on suddenly late at night; yelling in the hallway; "forgetting" to quiet down when requested to do so. 

Confronting noise

Living in a residential community requires cooperation and respect for the rights of others.  All of us share in the responsibility of creating a climate conducive to academic success.  Students are expected to speak up and confront other individuals who are infringing upon their right to study or sleep.  Resident Assistants and Student Managers are also available to help to maintain a reasonable level of quiet on the floor.  However, they should not be expected to be the sole policy enforcer on the floor.  No staff member can be available 24-hours a day to handle every possible noise situation that may arise in the building. 

At the same time, students are encouraged to practice the skills they will need to be self-sufficient adults.  When asked to confront a noise situation, RAs/SMs are likely to ask you if you have made any attempt to resolve the situation.  If you have and did not receive an adequate response from the student creating the noise, the RA/SM will assist you in intervention.  If you have not made an attempt to resolve the situation, the RA/SM will probably encourage you to discuss the matter with the student in question first. 

Students who continually disrespect the rights of others and/or refuse to cooperate with requests to keep the noise level down are referred to the Residence Director for disciplinary action.  Repeated violations could lead to a student's loss of eligibility for on-campus housing. 

Tips on confrontation

  • Make sure you are calm and objective when you confront.  Try not to confront when you are angry or upset.  (Try to take deep breaths before you confront to relax.)
  • You almost always have time to plan a strategy and/or consult with someone before confronting--take advantage of it.
  • Share your fears about confronting with your roommate/a friend/your RA/Student Manager--let them help you to develop the skill.  (It's difficult for most of us to confront another person.)
  • Be specific and clear in your confrontation.  Describe what behavior (e.g. loud stereo) is disturbing you.
  • Show concern for the individual.  Try not to embarrass him or her.
  • Always talk one-on-one.  Be simple and direct.  If there is a crowd, ask the person you know to be the room occupant or the one making the noise to go to a quieter place so you can talk.
  • Be well-informed, consistent, non-judgmental, open, calm, confident, and positive.
  • Don't avoid confronting out of a fear to confront--this usually results in an escalation of the problem and makes it even more difficult to confront later.
  • Remember, not every confrontation will result in good feelings.
  • Always report any verbal abuse, physical threats, and/or refusal to comply with your request to your RA or Student Manager.
  • Never put yourself at physical risk.  Call University Police if necessary.
**Special Note: When confronting intoxicated people about noise, address yourself to those who are the most sober, even if they are not the occupants of the room.  State your request clearly, concisely, and simply.  Give the noisemakers time and privacy to complete the task.  Don't take offense if they fail.  Ask again--they may have forgotten or been distracted.  From their point of view, they are just having a good time, and you are spoiling it.  Alcohol is not a friend of logic.  All the reasoning in the world will not achieve half of what a calm and friendly, but firm and clear, request may achieve. 

If you are confronted about noise...
Please respond by eliminating and/or lowering the noise coming from your room.  Noise annoys!  Together we can make the residential communities an enjoyable place to sleep, study, and socialize. 

Back to top

ALCOHOL

As a college student, you will be faced with many new situations.  One of these will be whether or not to use alcohol.  It is our hope that this section will empower you to make wise decisions regarding alcohol use. 

It is important to remember that if you choose to drink before you are 21, you are breaking the law. The University also has specific policies regarding alcohol use.  The following information explains these laws and policies in more detail. 

The law

**Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law prohibits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of twenty-one. 

**Pennsylvania law also prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages by anyone unless they have the proper license issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. 

**Indiana Borough ordinance prohibits alcohol in open containers on public/state property. 

University regulations

The possession, sale, and/or consumption of alcohol within traditional University residence halls is prohibited.  Violators are subject to disciplinary action.  Alcohol possession and/or consumption is permitted within University-owned apartments by persons over the age of twenty-one.  However, large quantities of alcohol such as kegs or beer balls are not permitted in the apartments. 

Other rules and regulations

**Alcoholic beverage containers (full or empty) may not be displayed in student rooms. 

**Alcoholic related neon signs or posters may not be placed in student windows. 

**Alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted on University or Student Cooperative Association grounds or in buildings. 

**Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in gymnasiums or fields at athletic events. 

**The advertising of alcoholic beverages to boost attendance at an event is prohibited. 

Despite popular belief, there are many college students who choose not to drink alcohol.  The decision to not drink is always OK.  If you choose not to drink, here are some tips:
 

  • Decline drinks politely but firmly.
  • Don't apologize or make excuses for not drinking.
  • Insist on your right to abstain.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for soda, coffee, tea, or juice.
Responsible drinking

If you are 21 or older, then you must decide
1) whether to drink or not drink
2) how to drink responsibly. 

For the person who makes the decision to drink, it is important to know that alcohol is a drug, and like any other drug, it will affect your judgment, your decision making abilities, and your physical coordination, even in small amounts.  There is always some level of risk for physical and social problems whenever you drink.  The only truly safe BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is zero.  In order to reduce your risk, it is important to consider the following guidelines:
 

  • Do not make drinking the primary focus of any activity.
  • Recognize another's right to drink or not to drink.
  • Avoid encouraging or reinforcing irresponsible behavior.
  • Remember that the right to drink is limited by society through laws governing drinking age, etc.; respect these laws.
  • Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to have, and stick to it.
  • Drink slowly; don't gulp your drinks.
  • Do not participate in drinking games.
  • Use a shot glass to measure the alcohol you are mixing into a drink.
  • Do not use alcohol in conjunction with any medications.
  • Discourage anyone under the influence of alcohol from driving; utilize a designated driver program.
  • Never mix alcohol with any other drugs.
  • Seek help if you think you have a drinking problem.  If you think someone else may have a problem, encourage him/her to seek help.
  • Never supply alcohol to someone who is under 21.
How will alcohol affect you?
The same amount of alcohol can affect different people in different ways.  Factors that determine the way alcohol will affect you include: 

What type of beverage you drink.  A 12 oz. beer, a 4 oz. glass of wine, and a 1 oz. shot of hard liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol.  Diluting alcohol with water or fruit juices will slow absorption, while mixing it with carbonated beverages may increase absorption into the circulatory system. 

How fast you drink.  If you sip a drink and do not have more than one drink per hour (with standard alcohol content listed above), the alcohol will not have a chance to build up in your bloodstream. 

Your gender.  Alcohol affects women faster than men.  Men have an enzyme in their stomach that helps them break down alcohol faster than women.  Women have less body fluid than men and thus alcohol becomes less diluted in their system.  Women are also more susceptible to the effects of alcohol when they are taking birth control, due to the hormonal effects of the pills. 

How much you weigh.  The same amount of alcohol has a greater effect on a lighter person that it does on a heavier one. 

Whether or not you have eaten.  Eating, especially high-protein foods like cheese and meats, will slow down the absorption rate. 

Your mood, attitude, and drinking experience can determine the impact alcohol will have on your body.  If you are tired or upset, alcohol will have a stronger impact than usual. 

Alcohol abuse on campus contributes to numerous problems:
 

  • poor grades
  • noise
  • social conflicts
  • accidents and injuries
  • harassment/abuse
  • poor health
  • vandalism
  • violence
  • acquaintance rape
What happens to people who drink or use other drugs in the residence halls?

In most cases, students will meet with the Residence Director to discuss the policy violation.  Generally, students will be referred to a chemical health education program.  These programs help individuals to learn about their own chemical health through group interaction and discussion.  All alcohol related violations in the residence halls will result in parent/guardian notification (see section on the Residence Hall Judicial System).  Additionally, the IUP University Police will be contacted for all incidents involving alcohol.  The University Police will write citations for illegal behavior.  For violations of policy involving alcohol and other drugs, a student will be placing their residence hall housing agreement into jeopardy.  Repeat violations of policy, as well as first time violations that are severe, may result in the loss of the residence hall contract. 

What if someone refuses to attend a chemical health program?

The person will probably be referred to the Residence Hall Judicial System.  One outcome of the judicial hearing will likely be a second referral to the chemical health program along with a more serious sanction. 

How to detect a drinking problem:

Basic indicators of a problem drinker (any one or more may be present):
 

  • drinking and being drunk takes precedence over other activities or precedes other activities
  • frequently drinks to a state of intoxication
  • consistently skips classes because of hangovers
  • has blackouts and loss of memory from drinking
  • frequently drinks alone to escape from reality, boredom, and loneliness
  • emphatically denies having an alcohol problem when approached about his or her behavior
  • suffers from chronic hangovers and wants to drink to relieve the hangovers
  • while under the influence of alcohol, does something s/he would not do otherwise
  • unable to consistently stop after one or two drinks--rather drinks to intoxication
It is important to remember that college students can have a problem with alcohol without being an alcoholic.  If someone close to you seems to have an alcohol problem, don't be afraid to talk with him/her.  Show concern and support without preaching or criticizing.  Have a positive attitude and be sincere about your feelings.  Be prepared to offer alternatives and specific advice as to what kinds of professional help are available.  The problem drinker is usually the last to know s/he has a problem. 

The Assistant Director, Center for Student Life is available to assist IUP students who may be experiencing problems with alcohol or have a friend or family member who is having problems.  The Director can be contacted through the Center for Student Life, Pratt Hall (x7-2315).  The residence hall staff can identify other sources of help; the staff is also available to discuss specific situations or the general issue of alcohol use and abuse. 

Dealing with the intoxicated:
There is no way to sober up quickly.  It takes time for a person to metabolize the alcohol in the bloodstream.  A cold shower, black coffee, oxygen, or exercise will have little effect.  A general rule of thumb is that it takes as many hours to sober up as the number of drinks that have been ingested. 

If a person has had "one too many" and passes out, monitor his or her breathing to make sure it's normal.  If breathing is irregular and/or the person appears to be in a coma, or has a purplish skin tone, try to wake him or her by shaking or gently poking.  If there is no response, call for medical attention immediately.  Be aware that if you do not seek medical attention when the situation necessitates it, you could be held legally liable.  If you have any doubt, call for help! 

To prevent choking on vomit by someone who is intoxicated, make sure the person is on his or her side.  Keep the person comfortable and let him or her sleep it off. 

Much care must be executed with the aggressive drunk who wants to fight everyone. 

1.  Approach him or her through the use of reason. 

2.  Attempt to get the person to leave and go home with someone s/he knows. 

3.  If the person continues to be combative and is hurting others, call the police to avoid further damage and to protect the individual as well. 

If you need help, call the Health Center (7-2550) and/or the University Police (7-2141). 

Resources on campus

Health Awareness Office, Center for Student Life    7-4799 

Center For Counseling and Psychological Services , Pratt Hall    7-2621 

Campus Ministers -- contact the Student Organization Office  7-2598

Resources in Indiana

Open Door Counseling and Crisis Center, 334 Philadelphia Street    465-2605 

Alcoholics Anonymous     349-4061 

Private physicians 

Area religious/spiritual leaders 

The SOAR Floors

"SOAR--Students Opting for Alcohol/Drug free Residence"--is a program at IUP for students who choose not to use alcohol or other drugs, either on or off campus.  The purpose of SOAR is to provide a supportive place for students who elect to live chemical-free lives, whether it be for medical, religious, athletic, or other personal reasons.  The SOAR program is located on the first and second floors of Wallace Hall.

Students living on the SOAR floor have access to trained undergraduate, graduate, and professional staff members to assist and advise them in community living.  A variety of social activities and educational programs are held to enable students to develop new skills in a healthy environment.  Programming specific to chemical health may include topics such as health concerns, issues specific to students in recovery, adult children of alcoholics, codependency, stress management, relapse issues, and 12-step philosophy.  Social activities include the annual SOAR retreat and semi-formal. 

A major goal of the program is to assist students in developing methods to stay alcohol/drug free.  Other goals and directions of the program are defined by SOAR members. 

Any student may apply to live on the SOAR floor.  However, individuals with special needs, such as those recovering from an addiction to alcohol or other drugs, are given preference in placement.  The SOAR floor application requires students to explain their motivation for wanting to live on the floor and personal strategies for helping oneself and others remain chemical free.  Each student must also make a written commitment not to use alcohol or other drugs. 

If you have any questions about the SOAR program, please call the Wallace Residence Director at 7-6596, or the Assistant Director, Center for Student Life at 7-4799. 

Back to top

FIRE SAFETY

A.  Before a Fire

    1.  Know the location of all fire alarm pull stations and fire safety equipment on the floor.
    2.  Know the location of all exits throughout the building.
B.  Upon Discovering Smoke or Flames
    1.  Go immediately to the nearest fire alarm pull station, lift cover, and pull handle down to activate building alarm.
    2.  Notify the fire department (9-911) if time permits.
    3.  Vacate your room, close the door and lock it, if time permits.
NOTE: If you are in your room when the fire alarm sounds, check your door and door knob to see if they are hot.  If they are hot, do not attempt to leave your room.  Keep your door closed.  Hang something out of your window, call 9-911 and shout for help to attract attention.
    4.  Vacate the building as quickly and safely as possible by the nearest accessible exit.  Keep fire doors closed!  If you encounter smoke while exiting, keep as low to the floor as possible.
C.  Upon Hearing the Fire Alarm Sound
    1.  Assume there is an actual fire somewhere in the building.
    2.  Promptly vacate the room, closing the windows and door and locking the door if time permits.
    3.  Vacate the building as quickly and safely as possible by the nearest accessible exit.
D.  Elevators

It is recommended not to use an elevator when vacating the building after the fire alarm has sounded.  If the power fails, elevators will stop and occupants will be trapped. 

E.  After Vacating the Building
 

    1.  Leave the immediate area surrounding the building.
    2.  Staff will instruct you to remain at a safe distance from the building.  You should remain in this location until further instructions are given from the staff or emergency personnel.
Fire drills
    1.  Fire drills are conducted at least once per semester in accordance with Pennsylvania law to familiarize occupants with the sound of the fire alarm, the emergency exits that are available, the procedure for evacuating the building, and to ensure fire alarm equipment is properly functioning.
    2.  Before you spend a night in any building, make it a point to find out where the exits are located.  Don't consider elevators as a means of leaving a building.  Plan two routes out in case your primary means of escape is blocked by smoke or fire.
    3.  These exercises may seem a nuisance, but they're important.  Sometimes, fire victims have hidden in closets when a safe exit was only across the room.  Victims have been found under beds and crouched in shower stalls.  Perhaps if these people had been more familiar with escape routes, or had not delayed escape, they would not have died.
Protect yourself and your possessions

Defective or missing fire protection and safety equipment should be reported immediately to the building office. 

Be alert.  Your safety depends mostly on your own attitude and actions.  Remember, do not panic! 

Typical hazards to avoid

Smoking -- Smoking is not permitted anywhere in on campus residences halls and apartments.

Overloading electrical circuits -- Do not use octopus-type plugs which can overload circuits, leading to possible shorts which can cause fires.  The use of a surge/noise suppression outlet strip to protect computers and other electrically sensitive equipment is recommended.  Also, the use of a UL listed multiple outlet strip with built-in 15 amp fuse or circuit breaker protection is recommended. 

Electrical appliances such as curling irons and hair dryers should be unplugged after use and not stored until they are cool enough to touch.  Appliances may also overload circuits and cause fires.  Appliances with worn or frayed electrical cords should be discarded. 

Rubbish and trash should be disposed of as soon as possible.  Surplus materials should be taken home or stored in an off-campus storage area. 

Prohibited items

Appliances

The following are among the appliances permitted in student rooms:

1. Due to power consumption needs, only ONE of the following four options is permitted in each student room:

Note:  Each Suite in the Suites on Grant is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave.

a. One Microfridge, OR
b. One microwave (not to exceed 700 watts), OR
c. Two small refrigerators (not to exceed two amps each), OR
d. One microwave (not to exceed 700 watts) AND one small refrigerator (not to exceed two amps). The use of a power allocator (available at the Coop bookstore) is highly recommended when using both a microwave and a refrigerator in the same room.

2. Clock
3. Computer/monitor
4. Curling iron
5. Electric Blanket
6. Fan (portable)
7. Hair dryer
8. Heating pad
9. Printer
10. Scanner
11. Stereo/DVD
12. Television
13. VCR
14. Coffee Maker

The following are among the appliances not permitted in student rooms:

1. Air conditioner
2. Ceiling fan
3. Electric potpourri burner, candle warmer
4. Electric space heater (except in extreme weather conditions as deemed by the university)
5. George Foreman or similar grill
6. Halogen lamp
7. Hot plate
8. Hot pot
9. Iron (not allowed in student rooms but permitted in designated areas within the building)
10. Popcorn popper
11. Toaster
12. Toaster oven

Octopus-type electrical plugs are not permitted. The use of a surge/noise suppression outlet strip to protect computers and other electrically sensitive equipment and the use of a UL-listed multiple outlet power strip with a built-in 15 amp fuse or circuit breaker are strongly recommended.

Fire safety requirements prohibit cooking in any area within the residence halls except kitchenettes specifically designed for such use. MicroFridges and microwaves are the only food preparation appliances which may be used within a resident’s room. Toaster ovens and hot plates are NOT permitted in student rooms.

Fire safety features

1.  All residential buildings are equipped with up-to-date fire protection systems which include heat and smoke detectors and have a direct communication link to University Police. 

2.  Fire extinguishers are designed to fight small fires.

    a.  Identify where they're located and what kind of fires they're designed to fight.
    b.  Don't block access to extinguishers.
    c.  Report all extinguishers that are missing or damaged or that have been used.
    d.  Don't empty fire extinguishers as a prank.
3.  Fire doors prevent fire and smoke from spreading and provide a safe escape route.
    a.  Keep fire doors closed at all times.  Report any that are in need of repair or that have been propped open.
    b.  Don't block access to fire doors.
4.  Fire exits/stairwells are meant to provide an exit from fire.
    a.  Know how to find them--even if it's dark and smokey.
    b.  Keep them free of obstructions (such as plants, bicycles, and storage boxes).
Responsibility

Fire alarms -- Evacuate the building immediately.  Failure to do so may lead to personal harm and is grounds for disciplinary and/or police action. 

Pulling a False Alarm

    a.  is a criminal offense.
    b.  can lead to serious criminal charges and civil liabilities.
    c.  causes building occupants to ignore genuine alarms.
    d.  may lead to fatalities.
    e.  is a temptation resisted by mature persons.


Do not pull an alarm or discharge a fire extinguisher unless it is absolutely necessary.  Pulling a false alarm is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.  Discharging a fire extinguisher is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by one year in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.  You can't afford it! 

Arson is a criminal offense, as well as an act of violence! 

Due to the extreme danger that fires pose in a residential community, any resident who ignites any facility, furnishings and/or equipment; interferes with fire officials; interferes or tampers with a fire alarm system or safety equipment including heat or smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, and pull station covers; or creates false alarms will be subject to immediate removal from University housing, and to further applicable University or civil action.

Persons having information relating to arson or to fire equipment tampering should notify a University staff member immediately.

Back to top

BICYCLES

Bicycles on campus are a convenience, but not a necessity. Most students can walk across the entire campus in within 15 minutes. For those who choose to ride, bike racks are available outside of most residence and academic buildings and the Suite buildings each have an indoor bicycle storage room. Students who bring bicycles to campus must store them inside their room/apartment or lock them outside. University Police recommend that students use a steel, u-shaped bicycle lock rather than a chain or cable lock. Chain or cable locks are easily broken, while u-shaped locks are very strong and often come with theft protection insurance.

Back to top

CABLE TELEVISION

Each residence hall room and apartment is wired to receive cable television.  The cost of cable programming is included in the housing fee.  Students must bring their own coaxial cable to connect their television unit.  The cable television system is owned and operated by IUP and provides residents with a variety of local stations and satellite channels such as Discovery, The Learning Channel, ESPN, BET, and MTV.  Residents are advised that they cannot subscribe to any premium channels or pay-per-view services.  Any problems with cable television reception can be reported directly to IUP Telecommunications at 7-2714. 

Back to top

DATA LINES

All residence hall rooms and apartment buildings have data line ports which are activated to allow a direct connection to the campus data network.  Data lines allow you to access IUP's computer services and the Internet.

There is an active data port for each resident.  If you live in a single room then only the top left, or AD port, is activated. If you live in the Suites, any port that's name ends in an A is an active ethernet port (ex:  135-AA, 207-BAA).  Ethernet connections require an Ethernet card.  Most new computers come with an Ethernet card already installed.  You can also purchase Ethernet cards at most computer stores.  Along with the Ethernet card you also need a CAT5 networking cable.  It is recommended that you purchase a cable at least 14' long.  For more information about Ethernet connection check out our Residential Computing web page at http://old.www.iup.edu/house/resnet/.

Back to top

“DIAL 58”

Dial 58 has been established so that harassing or abusive phones calls can be traced for residential students. The following is very important information concerning the use of Dial 58: 

After you receive a harassing telephone call, follow the steps below:

    1. Hang up your telephone. 

    2. Immediately pick up the receiver to get a dial tone. 

    3. Dial 58. (you will hear a confirmation announcement from Verizon). 

    4. Hang up your telephone. 

    5. Write down everything you remember about the call including the day and time the call was received, and any details about the call (what did the caller say, what were the distinguishing characteristics of the voice, etc.). 

    6. For harassing calls, report the incident to University Police at 7-2141 and your RA/SM or GRD/RD.

The number of the last call you received will be the number that is traced; that telephone number will be reported to Verizon. If you receive another call before you activate Dial 58, you will be tracing the second call, not the harassing call.  The system will only trace the very last call received. 

If/When the person alleged to be making the call is identified, University Police will file a judicial referral.  Criminal charges may also be filed by University Police. 

“Hang up calls” are not always considered harassing or abusive.  Particular attention should be paid to the number of calls you receive, and the time of day they take place.  Remember, Dial 58 can only be used for harassing calls. This is not an automatic call-back option (like * 69).  There is a $1 charge for using Dial 58. This charge will appear on your Verizon bill. 

Making a harassing/abusive telephone call is a violation of the IUP Student Behavior Regulation of C-7b Harassment. It is also a crime, punishable by imprisonment or a fine, for anyone to make an obscene/harassing telephone call. 

Back to top

ELEVATORS

Elevators are designed for the convenience of residents and staff and represent the sole means of travel to upper floors for persons with mobility limitations.  Abuse and misuse of elevators can result in damages and possible shutdowns of one to several days or longer, depending on the damaged part(s), representing an extreme inconvenience to all members of the residential community.  In order to assist maintaining the elevators in proper working condition:
 

  • Do not press the elevator call button more than once.
  • Do not attempt to stop the elevator between floors or at any time unless it is an emergency.
  • Do not overload the elevator.
  • Do not hold the elevator door open for extended periods of time.
If you observe anyone abusing an elevator, please report the incident to a residence life staff member.  Otherwise, you may soon be inconvenienced with a lack of elevator service! 

Back to top

FACULTY MEALS PROGRAM

You can take your professor to a meal for free!  The Office of Housing and Residence Life recognizes that developing positive relationships with faculty is a key factor in student success and satisfaction with the collegiate experience.  Any student living on campus can take a faculty member to a meal in Foster Dining Hall.  Contact your Residence Hall Office for a meal pass for your professor. 

Back to top

KEYS (Apartment/Room)

During check-in, each resident receives one key to his/her room/apartment.  Students are advised to lock their door and carry their keys with them at all times.  Leaving keys unattended or placing them in your mailbox creates a security risk!  Any tape or stickers on your key that indicate your building or room/apartment number should be removed.  Doing so will help to deter anyone who finds your key from using it to gain entrance to your room/apartment.  Never give your key to a friend.

Keys (Lost)
Students who have temporarily misplaced or lost their room/apartment key may obtain a spare key at their hall/area office.  If the key is not located immediately, the lost/missing key will be reported to the lock shop and an emergency lock core change will take place.  Only one spare key is available per room/apartment.  Keys can only be signed out for a 15 minute time period unless otherwise indicated by the building Residence/Graduate director.  Students will be billed for lock changes through the normal University billing process.

Suites on Grant:
The Suites on Grant will have i-card access to the Suite doors and key access to individual rooms within the suite where applicable.  Students will have to have their i-cards programmed for the suite doors upon arrival.  When an i-card is lost, the student will have to have their new card programmed at the hall office or at B31 Clark.

Back to top

MAIL

Each resident has a mailbox located conveniently within his/her building.  A resident's assigned mailbox number corresponds to his/her room number.  Residents should promptly return any mail not belonging to them to the hall office for correct delivery. Tampering with, destroying, or opening another individual's mail is a federal offense and may result in arrest and prosecution and/or referral through the University judicial system.

To receive mail, the following format must be used:

Mail is delivered to the Folger Hall Post Office and placed in student mailboxes no later than 5pm Monday-Saturday.  Students may retrieve their mail from their mailboxes at any time using a mailbox key.

Back to top

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES (How to Report Concerns)

Any maintenance problem should be reported to your building office immediately.  Each problem is recorded in a maintenance log and sent to the Maintenance Department via an electronic work order. Emergency maintenance problems should be reported immediately to a residence life staff in order that maintenance staff can be immediately notified and respond to the problem.  Requests are then prioritized by the Maintenance Department.  The severity of the problem determines the amount of time it will take to have your repair request completed, although most requests are completed within several days.

The IUP Maintenance Group is staffed from 7:00am to 11:00pm, Monday through Friday. In addition, maintenance employees are on-call from 11:00pm until 7:00am each week night, as well as on weekends to respond to emergency maintenance. 

The Maintenance Group is committed to serving you promptly. In order to complete your request as quickly as possible, the following procedures have been developed for the maintenance employee to announce their presence and promptly enter your room for the purpose of performing work:

  • Knock loudly (twice)...if no answer
  • Unlock the door and announce presence.
  • Slowly open the door and continue to announce presence while entering.
  • Turn the lights on and enter the room.
  • In the event of an uncomfortable situation, the maintenance employee will politely exit the room and return at another time.
If you are not present when the maintenance employee comes to make the requested repairs, s/he will complete the work without you present.  A Maintenance Notification Form will be left in the room updating you as to whether the repair has been completed or the work is still in progress. 

If you feel the repair you requested is taking an unreasonably long time, please notify your Residence Director.  Do not record your concern in the maintenance log twice, as this just bogs down the process with unnecessary requests and creates a situation in which the Maintenance Department responds to concerns that may have already been completed. 

Back to top

MARQUEE CHANNELS

The marquee channels are channels 15 and 17.  Channel 15 is the residence life channel.  It provides information/advertisements important to residence hall students.  Channel 17 is the campus dining channel and provides information on campus dining.

Back to top

PETS

To protect the general health and safety of all residents, only small fish are permitted to be kept as pets. A maximum of one 10-gallon aquarium is permitted per room/apartment. Other pets are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments, even on a temporary basis. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action. 

Back to top

POSTING SIGNS AND INFORMATION

All posters and flyers must be registered by your residence director or his/her designee before they can be posted on a designated bulletin board. Signs may not contain language that incites violence or contains obscenities, defamatory speech, true threats or promote the use or advertise the availability of alcohol and/or other drugs. Unregistered or outdated materials will be removed from bulletin boards/walls by members of the building staff. 

Back to top

SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is prohibited in all residential facilities.

Back to top

SOLICITATION POLICY

1) No door-to-door sales or solicitation is permitted in University residence halls or apartments. 

2) Students may post signs on their individual room/apartment doors indicating they provide a service (i.e., typing, haircuts, etc.) Students may also advertise services in other areas of the residence halls/apartments provided authorization to post has been granted by the Residence Director. 

3) Any on-campus individual or group wishing to use residential facilities for holding meetings, distributing literature, conducting surveys, and/or implementing fundraisers must receive approval from the Residence Director(s) responsible for the facilities. Requests for approval must be made at least three days in advance of any activity. 

4) Any individual or group must submit written materials, signs, and/or advertisements to the Residence Director(s) of the building(s) to seek registration for posting in common areas. All postings must be registered. Signs may not contain language that incites violence or contains obscenities, defamatory speech, true threats or promote the use or advertise the availability of alcohol and/or other drugs.5) Individuals, groups, associations, organizations, and corporations outside of the University must request approval to solicit in the residence halls/apartments from the Office of the Vice-President of Student Affairs and the Associate Director of Residence Life at least seven days in advance of the desired time for solicitation. 

6) Residents may have representatives conduct group or individual solicitation inside of their rooms/apartments only. These activities may not be disruptive to roommates or floormates. They must also receive the consent of the roommates. 

**Further information on sales and solicitation in the residence halls/apartments is available in The Source, the student handbook. 

Back to top

COORDINATING A ROOM CHANGE DURING THE SEMESTER

Room changes during the fall and spring semesters are permitted from the third week through the twelfth week of the term.

Typically, room changes involve either a one for one trade or filling a partially vacant room.

A one for one trade happens when two students exchange rooms.  This is the simplest change to coordinate.  If you are intending to do a one for one trade, skip the “contact prospective roommate” step.

If you don’t have someone to swap places with, you will be filling an opening in a partially vacant room.  Students in partially vacant rooms have been informed by the Office of Housing and Residence Life that they may be assigned a roommate at any time; therefore, don’t feel you are invading someone’s space.  If a student tells you the space has been filled, simply ask who has filled the space and that should provide a lead to another partially vacant room.

If at any point during the process you need assistance, speak to your Resident Assistant/Student Manager, Residence Director, or staff members in B-31 Clark Hall.

Conflict resolution or review the vacancy list.  Prior to initiating a room change, you should meet with your RA or Student Manager in an attempt to resolve any conflicts with your roommate. Most often opening the lines of communication and really talking with your roommate will resolve differences.   If a room change is still needed, go to your residence hall office or B-31 Clark Hall to review a list of students without roommates.  Write down the first names of prospective roommates and their telephone numbers. 

Contact prospective roommates.  Using the list you developed from the vacancy list, talk with prospective roommates.  Be sure to discuss guest visitation patterns,  likes and dislikes, cleanliness, and other potential areas of conflict.  You want to make an informed decision when choosing a new roommate.  This step of the process may take a while depending on the availability of prospective roommates.

Complete the Room Change Information Form.  You can get a copy of the Room Change form in your residence hall office, in B-31 Clark Hall.  The Room Change Form is usually the only paperwork you need to complete to have your room change approved.  If you don’t complete the form clearly and correctly, your change may be delayed.  Make sure to write legibly.  If you plan to move to a specialty floor, you will also need to complete a specialty floor agreement.

Get approval.  Submit your completed Room Change Form to B-31 Clark Hall.  Approvals will be granted immediately if a staff member is available to process the request.  Once your request is approved, you must complete your move and return keys to your original room by the date noted on the Room Change Form or you will be charged a penalty fee.

Exceptions you should be aware of:

  • Changes into empty rooms require payment of the super-single room rate unless two students move together.
     

  • Freshmen are excluded from the Towers apartments.
     

  • Specialty floors or clusters are restricted to students who meet the criteria for the respective floor/cluster.
     

  • Students moving to the Towers apartments cannot change or cancel their meal plans once the date to cancel meal plans has passed.

Correspondence regarding this web page should be sent to its maintainers, Housing Office Resnet Staff,
<iup-resnet@iup.edu> . Please see IUP's statement regarding pages that do not officially represent the university.