Student Guide to Resources, Rights
and Responsibilities

III. G. Residential Community Information And Standards

• Introduction

  The residences are an integral part of La Salle University, and as such, all University rules and regulations are applicable to all University housing. Each student, resident or guest must observe in his or her use of the residences all federal and state laws and all ordinances and fire regulations of the City of Philadelphia. Resident students assume responsibility for reporting any illness or injury to a staff member nd all students are required to purchase adequate medical insurance and are encouraged to use the University Student Health Center.

  

• The Housing Contract

  See the Housing Selection Process for more specific information.
  • The housing contract represents an agreement between the University and the student for one academic year’s rent (or from the time of arrival to the posted closing time of the Spring Semester) on a space in the La Salle student residence facilities. All residents of dormitory-style buildings must also subscribe to one of the Food Services meal plans for resident students. A meal plan for apartment/townhouse residents is optional. Housing is limited to full-time, Day Division undergraduate students except in the summer months or (if space is available) during the academic year when some restrictions may be removed to include graduate students, conference groups, and guests. Terms and conditions of occupancy included herein (except for the meal plan requirement) remain in force throughout the calendar year.
  • The University does not assume legal obligation to pay for any loss of or any damage to students’ property if it occurs in its buildings or on its grounds prior to, during, or subsequent to the period of the contract. Personal property insurance is recommended.
  • Students are responsible for the accommodation and furnishings assigned and shall reimburse the University for all losses and damages done within or to said accommodations and furnishings. Students may not remove any University furnishings. Residents are collectively responsible for damages to common areas on their floors or in their buildings, such as walls, ceilings, floors, tiles, furnishings, doors, fire safety equipment, and other appurtenances if the person(s) responsible cannot be identified.

  • Room assignment and reservations are made by Administrative Services. Administrative Services makes the determination about which of the following options may be offered in a given situation. When a vacancy occurs in a residence hall-style room, the University reserves the right to consolidate and reassign the remaining occupant of the room to different accommodations or to assign any new or current resident to fill the vacancy. If permitted, the remaining occupant may request to remain in the room and 1) select a new eligible resident to fill the vacancy or 2) pay an additional premium for the continued use of the room at a reduced capacity.

    In order to fill apartment/townhouse vacancies Administrative Services reserves the right to offer any one or more of the following options based on occupancy demands in the academic year: 1) the remaining occupants may select an eligible resident roommate, 2) Administrative Services may assign persons to fill any vacancy, 3) Administrative Services may consolidate remaining occupants into other partially filled apartments and town-houses, or 4) the remaining occupants may pay an additional premium for the continued use of the unit at a reduced capacity.

  • When deemed necessary, the student implicitly agrees that Administrative Services may create extended housing by tripling double occupancy rooms and using common areas. If this occurs, every effort will be made to insure the security and comfort of the resident. As space occurs, residents in extended housing will be reassigned to permanent housing. Students remaining in a “de-tripled” room will be assessed the standard double room fee unless they are assigned a roommate or they arrange for another eligible roommate to move in to maintain the room as a triple accommodation.
  • Students are prohibited from taking a roommate, transferring the contract, or permitting any part of an assigned room to be shared by person(s) not duly assigned by Administrative Services.
  • The University reserves the right to make all room assignments and reassignments as considered necessary including during break periods and holidays. Due to an interest group housing assignment, alteration of the male/female housing ratio, damage to a building, or any other hall or floor reassignment condition, the University reserves the right to reassign residents or alter assignments as necessary.
  • The University reserves the right of entry into a student room during an emergency or for other purposes in accordance with University policy and the Student Handbook.
  • Authorized University representatives shall have the right of inspection within student rooms without prior authorization of the resident(s) at reasonable times for general maintenance/health /safety standards, preservation of the existing physical structure, identification of damage, and for enforcing University Rules and Regulations governing safety and security of University property. The University reserves the right to remove items belonging to the University or its agents which are in a resident’s room without approval. Along with Judicial charges, a removal fee will be imposed by the University.
  • The student agrees to comply with the rules, regulations, and conditions as contained in this agreement, together with such rules, regulations, and conditions as contained in the Student Handbook and the University Bulletin. Resident students are accountable for the behavioral conduct and physical contents within their assigned living accommodation should either represent a violation of University, federal, state or local regulation.
  • If any provision of this contract shall be declared illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
  • The student shall be expected to follow the check-out procedures established by Administrative Services and Community Development and to vacate University residence buildings within 24 hours after withdrawal or his or her last final examination or termination of this contract. End of semester and holiday closing dates and times are published annually by Administrative Services.
  

• Housing Assignment Matters

  • Room Changes

    Room changes may only be requested by submitting a properly completed Room Change Request form to Administrative Services during a room change period (See Housing Assignment Information ). When a resident changes rooms, the resident is responsible for the condition of both the former room and the present room. Rooms or room assignments cannot be changed without authorization from Administrative Services. Check-in and check-out forms are to be signed and completed at the actual time of each room change by the student and the Resident Assistant (RA) or (CA) Community Assistant. A $25 fee is assessed for improper room change, and the change may be nullified.

  • Single Rooms and Consolidation

    When vacancies occur in double occupancy rooms during the academic year by no-shows or room changes, the University reserves the right to reassign students in order to consolidate occupancy. Space permitting, requests to retain the same room will be considered by Administrative Services. An additional premium single room fee will be assessed if approval is granted.

  • Withdrawal from Residence

    See the Housing Selection Process for more specific information.

    If a resident seeks to withdraw from housing, an Application for Housing Contract Release must be submitted to Administrative Services. There is a charge for failing to notify Administrative Services and/or not following the prescribed check-out procedure if withdrawal is approved.

    Housing contracts are binding for the entire academic year, fall and spring semesters. Release from financial obligation for room rent for any subsequent semester in the contract can only be granted by the Director of Administrative Services when an application form is received prior to the beginning of that semester. Marriage, off-campus matriculation or job co-op, withdrawal from the University, or part-time or evening division status constitute the acceptable grounds for release from the housing contract. Residents withdrawing from school during a semester are eligible for a refund of room rent for that semester according to the tuition refund schedule noted in the University Bulletin.

    Pro-rated refund or alteration of the Food Services contract can only be obtained by contacting the Bursar and the Food Services Department.

  • Check-out Procedures

    Any time a resident student withdraws from school, graduates, gets married, goes home at the end of the academic year, or even CHANGES ROOMS, he/she MUST OFFICIALLY CHECK-OUT OF HIS/HER ROOM! Listed below are some important check-out procedures.

    • Each person must check-out of his/her own room. No one else can do it for him/her.
    • All possessions and items to be discarded (including anything on walls, doors, bulletin boards, and windows) must be removed from the room, and it must be broom cleaned. Bathroom and kitchen facilities in townhouses and apartments are to be cleaned as well.
    • The RA must do a final check of the room. Damages (if any) will be assessed and noted on the room inspection sheet.

    A check-out is NOT complete until THE ROOM INSPECTION SHEET IS SIGNED AND KEYS ARE RETURNED. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE LEAVING. Failure to do this results in a $25 charge for failure to check-out properly in addition to charges for key replacement. If the room/apartment/townhouse has been abused or vandalized, the resident may also be subject to disciplinary action for abuse of University property.

  • Hall Closing During Holiday Break Periods

    The residence hall-style buildings are closed for occupancy during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring break. Students who need to remain in any on-campus residence, including apartments and townhouses, beyond the posted closing times at each break period during the academic year may request such by submitting a Housing Extension Request form to Administrative Services. All students who have a University-related reason are automatically approved (free of charge). Students with later exams, athletic commitments, on-campus work responsibilities, etc. all fall within this category.

    Guests are not permitted during these vacation break periods in any residence facility.

  

• Care of Facilities

  Residents are expected to maintain reasonable standards of cleanliness and care for the residence buildings. Students are responsible for cleaning their own living quarters and are to refrain from abusing common area facilities. Requests for maintenance and repair can be submitted 24 hours a day by logging onto the mylasalle portal and clicking on the Maintenance Request Form.

  • Property Damage

    When damage occurs to residence hall property, Community Development reserves the right to assess charges for damages to the responsible party.

    The cost of the repair or replacement of damaged property in a student room will be charged to the responsible occupants. When damages occur on a particular floor or hall in a common area, the persons responsible will be assessed if they can be identified. Otherwise, all of the floor or hall’s residents will be collectively (as a group) assessed for the damage. Damages within a townhouse or apartment will be assessed to the group of residents in that unit.

    Damages to common lobby areas will be assessed to persons responsible if they can be identified. Otherwise, the repairs will be charged to the smallest identifiable group of students in the residential area.

  • Painting Rooms and Hallways

    The current Painting Policy Guidelines are available at Administrative Services.

  • Health, Safety, Maintenance Checks

    Periodically each semester Community Development Staff will conduct announced health, safety and maintenance checks of rooms, apartments, and townhouses. Residents need not be present. Violations will be referred back to the resident(s) for correction. Failure to comply with pertinent health, safety or maintenance standards and laws will lead to disciplinary action.

  • Furniture

    Furniture is placed in the common areas of the residences for use by all residents. It may not be taken out of a building or into a private living space. If University furniture is found in a student room, a charge would be assessed, and the return of furniture to its original location within 24 hours will be required of the residents.

  • Emergency Repairs

    Emergency repairs should be immediately reported to the nearest building staff or telephoned to Security and Safety at 215.951.1300 or 215.991.2111.

  

• Medical Holds

  All full-time undergraduate and residential graduate students must fulfill specific health requirements. Noncompliance with these requirements will prevent registration for the next semester’s classes. In order to be in compliance, a completed university Health History Form needs to be on file in the Student Health Center, including proof of insurance and the following vaccinations:

  • Three doses of DPT and tetanus booster, preferably the new Tdap vaccine booster, within the last 10 years
  • Two doses of MMR vaccine if born after 1956
  • Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
  • 2 doses of the Varicella vaccine or a positive blood test (history of disease IS acceptable)
  • TB testing (PPD) for all nursing majors, education majors, and students living in high risk countries in the past five years (S. America, C. America, Africa, Asia, E. Europe)
  • Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine or a signed waiver.

  Acceptable forms of proof can include medical documentation from a health care provider with the dates of the above vaccinations or your high school immunization record signed by the school nurse. This information should be included with your health form and sent to the Student Health Center. Completed health forms are due prior to the start of your first semester at La Salle University.

  Any questions can be directed to the Student Health Center at 215.951.1565.

  

• Security and Safety Requirements

  The La Salle residence community includes a capacity of over 2,000 undergraduate students in varied accommodations ranging from single and double residence hall style rooms in eleven halls to fully-furnished three, four, and five person apartments and townhouses. Services and programs intended to enhance the quality of life and to assure the safety and security of the resident student body are a major priority for the Community Development staff. Each residence facility includes a 24-hour security desk receptionist, and/or a magnetic photo identification card access system. All are served by live-in professional Resident Coordinators, and undergraduate Resident Assistants and Community Assistants.. Staff members are available for each building from 6:00 p.m. every evening until 7:00 a.m. the next morning, and staff make regular rounds in each building as part of the safety and security system provided for resident students. The following policies relating to the use of facilities and individual responsibilities are intended to provide a safe living environment.

  The University has trust that the great majority of students do not intentionally violate policies or contribute to events in which harm, threat to person, or destruction of property occurs. However, in the event that these factors are imminent, University personnel have a responsibility to react accordingly to protect students and property from harm on University property.

  • Enactment of Additional Policies

    In this regard, University Community Development staff reserve the right to enact additional policies and procedures it deems necessary to respond to foreseeable circumstances (such as, but not limited to, the restriction of alcohol sign-in privileges and/or building access privileges). Such circumstances may include:

    • Events in which alcohol and/or large numbers of people are regarded as contributing to an anticipated lack of civility, harm to students, or destruction of personal and/or University property.
    • Events during which threats to persons have occurred, and/or it seems likely that they may occur without intervention by University staff.

  • Building Safety

    • Fire doors and any locked access ways must remain closed and secured for all but emergency use.
    • All non-staff persons must avoid roofs and other limited access areas, including boiler rooms and electrical equipment boxes. Walking on the building roofs causes both immediate and long-term damage to roof surfaces.
    • Windows and screens are intended to secure student rooms, to keep out insects, and as a safety precaution. Removal of, or damage to, window screens will result in a damage charge. Where screens are not available, students should continue to observe safety precautions. In all cases, any person found throwing objects out of a window or hanging anything out of a window will be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, persons found to be throwing objects at windows may be subject to disciplinary action as well.
    • All persons must enter and exit residential facilities through designated access points. Persons may not climb over walls, gates, fences, or through windows.

  • Safe Living and Individual Responsibility

    • All persons must carry an appropriate form of La Salle identification (La Salle Student ID Card, La Salle Staff ID Card, or a currently issued guest pass) when inside a residential complex. All students and employees are issued photo ID cards and are required to present them upon request to University officials.
      • Inability to provide appropriate picture identification will likely require individuals to visit either the Department of Security and Safety or Gold Card Account office to receive temporary ID, purchase new ID, or be denied access to residential facilities.
      • Lost or stolen ID cards must be reported immediately to the Department of Safety & Security to prevent unauthorized use.
      • Trespassers are escorted off campus and may be detained by authorities.
    • Resident students may host the guest(s) of their choice, providing that the resident student has not had their guest privileges revoked as a result of disciplinary action, the guest has not lost visitation privileges as a result of disciplinary action, and both guest and host are willing and able to abide by all University standards.
      • Guest passes may be issued at the North Halls Security Desk, the Saint Basil Court Security Deskthe Sts. Edward and Francis Halls Security Desk, the St. John Neumann Hall Security Desk, or the St. Miguel Court Security Desk.
      • No guest will be allowed to enter a residential complex who is unable to present a picture ID. It is the responsibility of the host to insure that their guests are aware of this requirement.
      • All guests must be escorted by their host at all times while inside a residential complex. It is the host’s responsibility to insure that this occurs. A host will be held fully accountable for the actions of his/her guest(s).d. Guests are not permitted during vacation periods.
    • All resident students and staff must use their ID card to activate the turnstile or security door each time they enter the St. Miguel Court Complex, Sts. Edward and Francis Halls, St. John Neumann Hall, St. Basil Court, and the North Halls Complex.
      • Assistance with malfunctioning cards or equipment may be received from the Security Desk Receptionists or at the Department of Security and Safety. A malfunctioning card will not admit an individual to a residential complex and will require an individual to insure that his/her card is functional or replaced at either the Department of Security and Safety or Gold Card Account office.
    • The following guidelines are highly recommended in order to insure the safest educational environment within the residential community:
      • Lock room door and always carry key. Remember room door and mailbox combination.
      • Do not loan keys or door combinations. Report lost or misplaced keys immediately. There will be a small fee charged to change a lock or a door combination.
      • Report strangers or suspicious behavior of unfamiliar persons in the building. Contact a Community Development staff member immediately or call Campus Security at 215.991.2111.
      • Report incidents of vandalism, theft or property destruction to the Community Development Staff immediately.
      • Park in designated University parking areas. Avoid street parking.
      • All students and employees are encouraged to promptly report all crimes to Security and Safety and/or the Philadelphia Police

  • Prohibited!

    Because of legal statutes and for health and safety reasons, etc., the following are not allowed in the residence halls:

    • Any weapon or item defined in the University weapons policy
    • Any item in violation of University alcohol and other drug policy guidelines
    • Beer pong tables or beer funnels/bongs; and empty containers, if resident is a minor
    • Full size refrigerators, electric skillets (including Forman Grills), toaster ovens, or devices with open heating elements in residence halls.
    • Appliances with open heating elements or additional full size refrigerators in apartments or townhouses.
    • Connections to outside aerials or antennas
    • Wireless routers
    • Radio transmitters
    • Amplifiers and sound equipment
    • Waterbeds, or other water filled toys or furniture (pools, chairs, etc)
    • Air conditioners and space heaters
    • Candles (lit or unlit), incense, and hookahs
    • Darts or dartboards (electronic dartboards are okay)
    • Petroleum powered devices (gas engines, etc)
    • Pets of any kinds (yes, even fish)
    • Halogen lamps or sun lamps
    • Live Christmas trees, garland or swags made out of real trees
    • Extension cords without circuit breakers
    • Free weights and other body building equipment

  • Solicitation

    Solicitation of any kind is not permitted on or in the private property of the University without permission. This includes commercial salespersons, outside organizations, representatives of political parties, vendors, small businesses, etc. Campus-based student organizations, individual students, as well as individuals or groups not affiliated with La Salle must receive authorization from the Director of Administrative Services.

  

• Community Courtesy Guidelines

  The residential student community is an interdependent group of individuals. However, needs and behaviors of individuals can be in conflict with the needs and behaviors of small groups of residents or the entire residential community. The University facilitates the resolution of this conflict through three bodies of authority whose responsibility it is to define when and where the rights of individuals end and the needs of the community begin. These three authoritative bodies include the Community Development Office, the Community Development Advisory Board, and the Resident Student Association. All-campus policy issues are the responsibility of the Student Affairs Committee, the Provost and the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. The preponderance of resident student-specific policies are the responsibility of the Community Development Advisory Board and its membership which includes students, faculty and administrators.

  • Noise Annoys

    Each resident has the right to an environment that promotes courtesy and respect for individual study, sleep, and living habits. Excessive noise or behavior that infringes upon student residents or off-campus neighborhood residents is not appropriate at any time. In particular, sound equipment should not be placed facing an open window nor should it be played at such a volume to disturb others (Closing a room door and windows makes a lot of difference!).

    Courtesy in response to a request to lower the volume of sound from a room, hallway or outdoors is expected 24 hours a day. In addition to courtesy hours being in effect all day, quiet hours require a sound level conducive to sleep and study. Each living unit/floor may vote to establish guidelines beyond those listed below as minimum.

  • Quiet Hours

    Sunday Evening through Friday Morning - 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
    Friday Night through Sunday Morning - 1:00a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

  

• Visitation Policy

  Currently enrolled La Salle University resident students who are under no disciplinary or other sanctions that would prohibit them from doing so may enter and visit all La Salle University student residences (residence halls, apartment mplexes, and the townhouse complex) under the following conditions.

  • Students must carry valid La Salle University identification cards at all times and must present them upon request to University officials/staff members, including but not limited to the requirement that identification cards be used to access the student residences either by presentation at a Security Desk Reception booth or used in access card readers.
  • Students may visit residence hall floors or wings designated for the sex opposite their own only during the following hours:
    8:00 a.m. through 12:00 midnight Sundays through Thursdays
    8:00 a.m. through 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays
    (Undergraduate Community Development staff members, and professional/support staff members of the Division of Student Affairs, Security and Safety, and Physical Facilities are exempt from the hours limitations when fulfilling their job responsibilities.)
  • Overnight visitation in the student residences that are not comprised of floors or wings designated for single sex occupancy (i.e., St. Basil Court, St. La Salle Apartments, St. Miguel Court, and St. Teresa Court), while permitted in recognition of such residences’ structural designs and the possibility of legitimate needs for group study, is not encouraged by the University. Students are asked to be mindful and respectful of Catholic moral teachings and of others’ rights to privacy and to conduct themselves accordingly.
  • Students may visit residence hall rooms, apartments, or townhouses only with the permission of all those who reside in the rooms, apartments, or townhouses they visit. Such permission must be freely and expressly given and may be expressly withdrawn at any time. Students are expected to clearly communicate their permission or withdrawal of permission and to call upon Community Development staff members for assistance in addressing and resolving persistent disputes or concerns.
  • Visitors must adhere to all standards for community conduct formally adopted by and posted in the areas they visit, in addition to all other published and/or posted University rules and regulations.
  • Visitation privileges may be temporarily or permanently suspended or restricted for individuals or groups, in response to incidents requiring disciplinary action or in the event of emergency or other situations of concern.
  

• Guest Policy

  Currently enrolled La Salle University resident students who are under no disciplinary or other sanctions that would prohibit them may host guests, defined as anyone other than currently enrolled La Salle University resident students, under the following conditions.

  • Students must register their guests at one of the five Security Desk Reception booths (North Residence Halls, St. Basil Court, Sts. Edward and Francis Halls, St. Miguel Court, St. Neumann Hall) for up to twenty-four hours at a time. Hosts may re-register a guest within the twenty-four hour window to extend a visit for a second or third twenty-four hour period or must sign the guest out through the Security Desk Receptionist where they were originally registered. Failure to sign the guest in for the additional time within the 24 hour registration period or sign them out will place an immediate block on that guest being registered for 48 hours and denied access to all residential facilities during that time.
  • Hosts must present valid La Salle University identification cards. Guest must produce valid and appropriate identification, as defined in the guest registration procedures posted at each of the Security Desk Reception booths. Hosts and guests must fully comply with all those procedures, including but not limited to those that restrict the duration of each guest’s visit, normally to be no more than three (3) consecutive nights.
  • Hosts must accompany their guests at all times. Guests must carry the guest identification cards issued to them upon registration, must produce those cards upon request to University officials/staff members, and must adhere to all standards for community conduct formally adopted by and posted in the areas they visit, in addition to all other published and/or posted University rules and regulations.
  • Hosts are responsible for their guests’ behavior. Guests’ violations of published and/or posted University rules or regulations may result in the revocation of guests’ registration, the requirements that such guests leave University premises, and may result in disciplinary action for their hosts.
  • Students may host guests of the opposite sex in their own residence halls that are comprised of floors or wings designated for single sex occupancy (i.e., the North Residence Halls, Sts. Edward and Francis Halls, and St. Neumann Hall) only during the following hours:
    8:00 a.m. through 12:00 midnight Sundays through Thursdays
    8:00 a.m. through 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays
    In addition, guests registered by hosts of their own sex may be present in or on floors or wings designated for the sex opposite their own only during those same hours.
  • Overnight registration of opposite sex guests in the student residences that are not comprised of floors or wings designated for single sex occupancy (i.e., St. Basil Court, St. La Salle Apartments, St. Miguel Court, and St. Teresa Court), while permitted in recognition of such residences’ structural designs and the possibility of legitimate needs for group study, is not encouraged by the University. Students and their guests are asked to be mindful and respectful of Catholic moral teachings and of others’ rights to privacy and to conduct themselves accordingly.
  • Guests may be present in residence hall rooms, apartments, or townhouses only with the permission of all residents who reside in those rooms, apartments, or townhouses. Such permission must be freely and expressly given and may be expressly withdrawn at any time. Students are expected to clearly communicate their permission or withdrawal of permission and to call upon Community Development staff members for assistance in addressing and resolving persistent disputes or concerns.
  • Guest privileges may be temporarily or permanently suspended or restricted for individuals or groups, in response to incidents requiring disciplinary action or in the event of emergency or other situations of concern.
  

• Suspension of Housing Privileges

  The privilege of residing in or visiting University residential facilities is provided to all La Salle University students until or unless an individual demonstrates behavior which affects that status. The residential community requires that its members make an effort to respect one another as well as the facilities they share.

  Students found to be physically abusive or neglectful toward University residential facilities may risk losing privileges regarding their choice of living accommodations or their ability to live in or visit University residential facilities.

  Students found to be violators of University regulations, either through “Serious Misconduct” or through consistent or continuous violations of policy, risk losing certain privileges. This may include the ability to self-select their living accommodations or the ability to live in or visit University residential facilities.

  The following examples describe “minimum” responses and disciplinary action regarding housing privileges:

  • Intentional damage to common area of University property

    • First Offense

      Specific probation, restitution and loss of privilege to self-select living accommodations for next academic year.

    • Second Offense

      General probation, restitution, loss of all housing privileges for one academic year (may not live in or visit University housing facilities).

  • Damage or neglect of assigned living space

    • First Offense

      Conduct warning, restitution, and loss of two priority lottery points in the next room reservation period.

    • Second Offense

      Specific probation, restitution, and loss of privilege to self-select living accommodations or limited choices for the next academic year.

  The above listed examples are for general reference only. Extent of damage and other circumstances will affect sanctions necessary for individuals in specific circumstances.