Listed below are policies that Pennsylvania College of Technology has developed to help ensure appropriate student conduct. These policies are in addition to the information outlined on the Student Rights and Responsibilities website.

Residence Hall Complex Area

For purposes of clarifying the policies, the Residence Hall complex is defined as the area inside of the gate at each complex and the parking lots designated as parking for a particular complex.

Cohabitation Policy

On-Campus housing is not intended for students who are in intimate/romantic relationships to live together (cohabitate) and is not permitted.  Cohabitation in a college living area can create several issues for both the students in the relationship and other students who share the space. Further, relationship challenges and potential break-ups become even more complicated when students are not only in a relationship but also sharing a living space, potentially impacting the students in the relationship and others in the community. 

Apartment Responsibility

Residents will be held accountable for behavior that occurs in their apartment. This includes behavior of guests, damages, prohibited activity, and prohibited items found in their apartment. Therefore, residents should take action to monitor who is permitted to enter their apartment. Students should keep their apartment door locked at all times.

Alcohol

The use, consumption, possession, transportation, sale, or abuse of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by all residents living in Penn College on-campus housing facilities (including individuals who are over 21 years of age). All empty alcoholic containers (includes, but is not limited to, bottles, cans, kegs, party balls, bottle caps) are also prohibited and constitute a violation of the alcohol policy. This includes alcohol bottles that are used for decorative purposes. The consumption of intoxicating beverages is not considered an excuse for irresponsible behavior within the residence halls. The College takes action against residents who drink irresponsibly. Individual residents are held accountable for the actions of their guests.

Impaired Student Recovery Area

Note: This policy is in addition to the information outlined on the Student Rights and Responsibilities website.

Illicit Drugs

The sale, use, distribution, manufacture, dispensing, or possession of any illicit drugs, as well as any paraphernalia, in or around the residence hall is prohibited. In addition, prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription are prohibited.

Marijuana (including medical marijuana) is not allowed on campus.  Students found to be in violation of this policy will face conduct charges up to and including removal from the College in addition to possible legal implications.  Please be sure to read and understand the statement below.

Marijuana/Medical Marijuana

The sale, use, distribution, dispensing, or possession of any illicit drugs, as well as paraphernalia, in or around the residence hall is prohibited.  This includes medical marijuana per the College’s Statement on Illicit Drugs.

Developing a policy for students living with children in family housing requires careful consideration of the responsibilities and expectations of parenting students.  The following guidelines supplement existing College policies related to children on campus.  Specifically, these guidelines do not supplant College Policies related to minors on campus including P.47- Children and Guests in Educational Settings , and P3.05.14 - Children in the Workplace.

1. Child Supervision: Parenting students are responsible for the direct supervision of their children at all times while on College property.  This includes common area, such as lounges, playgrounds, dining units, and laundry facilities.
2. Use of Babysitters: Parenting students are free to identify other individuals to supervise their child as a babysitter; babysitters, whether paid or unpaid, serve in loco parentis and must follow all expectations placed on the parenting student. For the safety of the child, babysitting must take place in housing units designated as Student Family Housing or in areas of campus designated as public areas.  Babysitting is not permitted in on-campus housing areas that are not part of Student Family Housing.  The parent is responsible for informing the babysitter of all expectations for supervision. 

3. Guest Policy: Parenting students must adhere to the College's guest policy, which includes the following guidelines for registered overnight or day guests:

   • Accompaniment: Guests must be accompanied by their host at all times during their stay. Guests should not be left unattended in your room or apartment.
   • Access Restrictions: Individuals found in living areas (spaces requiring an ID card for access) without a host who resides in that area may be asked to leave and could face consequences, including being arrested for trespassing.
   • Host Responsibility: As a host, you are responsible for the actions and conduct of your guest(s) while they are on campus.
   • Limitations may apply regarding the number of non-resident children and overnight guests allowed in Student Family Housing.

   These guest policies ensure the safety and security of the Family Housing community while respecting the shared living environment.

4. Noise and Disruption: Parenting students are expected to ensure that their children do not create excessive noise or disrupt the living environment for other residents.  Quiet hours should be observed to maintain a conducive atmosphere for studying and rest.
5. Safety and Security: It is the responsibility of parenting students to ensure that their children do not compromise the safety and security of the housing community. This includes proper supervision in common areas and adherence to any safety regulations set forth by the College.
6. Community Engagement: Parenting students are encouraged to participate in family-friendly community events and activities organized by the College.  This helps foster a sense of belonging and support among families living in College housing.
7. Respect for Property: Parenting students are expected to ensure that their children respect College property and the personal belongings of other residents.  Any damage caused by children should be reported to Residence Life and addressed promptly. 

Courtesy Hours

Students are reminded that living in a residence hall requires consideration of others. At all times noise must be kept at a level where it cannot be heard outside of the apartment and where it is not disturbing other residents or the surrounding community. Additionally, daily courtesy hours are from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from midnight to 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Security Hours

All students must enter and exit the complex through designated gates. Climbing over the fence to either enter or exit the complex is not permitted at any time. When the gates are locked at night, residents must use their student ID to access the interior of the complex.  

Quiet Hours

During finals week of both semesters 24-hour quiet hours will be put in place from Sunday of finals week through Residence Hall closing on Saturday morning. 

Offenses Resulting in Eviction from On-Campus Housing

Respecting the rights of others is the foundation of community living in a residence hall. Respect demands that certain activities and behaviors not be exhibited. The following actions, which seriously infringe on the rights of other community members, are not tolerated. Violators may be evicted from on-campus housing, with no refunds, and also may be subject to additional disciplinary action.

This is not a complete list.

• Actions that endanger the health and safety of other persons
• Providing a common source of alcohol in on-campus housing
• Intentional damage or destruction of College property
• Use or possession of explosives, firecrackers, firearms, explosive materials, or weapons of any kind in on-campus housing
• Sale, use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or narcotics
• Misusing or tampering with fire safety equipment (fire alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers, etc.)
• Deliberately starting a fire in the residence halls

Damages

The student must pay for any damage to his or her housing unit and/or its furnishings. The student is jointly responsible with other students for damage to any common areas or other College housing facilities. Damages will be divided among all students within the defined living area, unless the party responsible for the damage is identified. All charges for damages will be deducted from the $100 Damage Deposit. Charges that exceed $100 will be billed and must be paid promptly upon demand by the College.

Abandoned Property 

Any personal items left in an apartment after a move out will be considered abandoned. Residence Life and General Services reserve the right to dispose of these items at their discretion. 

Apartment Sanitation and Trash Removal

Residents are required to maintain their apartment in a clean and sanitary manner on a routine basis. They are also solely responsible for bagging trash that accumulates in their apartment and disposing of such trash by depositing it in the designated receptacle and recycling containers. Students may not leave trash outside of their apartment door. There is a $25 minimum charge for improperly disposed trash. If during at any time it is determined that any area of an apartment is excessively dirty residents of that apartment may be required to clean the area within a given timeline.

End of Year Closing Procedures

The Resident will remain responsible for the apartment until all keys for the apartment are returned.

The Resident must:

• TAKE ALL THEIR BELONGINGS
• Clean their room/apartment: vacuum floors, clean kitchen and bathroom (if applicable), remove all trash and perishable food items from the refrigerators and cabinets. Cleaning supplies are available in the complex offices (Dauphin Office, Tiadaghton 101, Beech 1)
• Complete closing document on their door: Each person prior to leaving the room/apartment should sign the document on the outside of the door. 

• Turn keys in to the Dauphin RA Office and make sure to get a receipt.

  The Residence Life Staff will be going through each room/apartment after residents leave to inspect and make sure rooms/apartments have been properly closed per the instructions on the apartment closing document.  Failure to properly close your room/apartment will result in charges.

Furniture, Fixtures, and Personalizing Your Room

In consultation with fellow roommates, students are allowed to personalize their room so that it is more comfortable and homelike; however, certain conditions, policies, and procedures must be followed. These are outlined here to help students to utilize the facilities provided and to ensure that they understand some of the limitations and guidelines that are necessary within the housing environment. Students may make modifications such as moving certain pieces of furniture (see below) or bunking the beds (pegs for bunking beds can be picked up at the of Residence Life Office).

You may not:

• remove or store College furniture outside the living unit;
• bring couches, chairs, or futons into the residence halls unless you can provide manufacturer's certification that the furniture meets California Technical Bulletin 133 for fire retardancy of upholstered furniture or 16 CRF Part 1633 federal flammability standard for mattresses;
• suspend beds and/or furniture from walls, ceilings, or loft units;
• affix materials to the walls, windows, or ceiling in a manner that might damage the surface (e.g. nails, duct tape, etc.);
• place wallpaper or adhesive paper on the walls or windows;
• place adhesive paper in cabinets or on shelves;
• paint living unit (walls, doors, floor, etc.); this includes writing on walls with detergent;
• tamper with or remove hardware put in place to secure room/apartment windows in the closed position; 
• replace light bulbs in the apartment (only maintenance staff via the work order system may replace light bulbs).
• replace light bulbs in apartment fixtures with black lights;
• place stickers on doors or other surfaces in the apartment (Items should be fastened to doors using magnetic tape with the magnetic side of the tape in contact with the door.);
• place carpets/rugs in areas that will cause damage to doors;
• move appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, stoves) from their set location;
• move wardrobes inside of an apartment from one room to another;
• hang items from the light fixtures or fire safety equipment;
• turn bed legs over by removing them and fastening them upside down;
• tamper with thermostats and/or the security tape found on the thermostats;
• move loft units;
• use spray paint in apartments or outside area of the complex;
• use hangers that fasten over the top of doors;
• complete your own repairs to the facility, furniture, or appliance.

Bicycles

All on-campus residents who will have a bicycle on-campus must register their bicycle. Students storing unregistered bicycles on campus will be in violation of the on-campus resident bicycle regulation. Bicycle registration takes place in the Residence Life office, Dauphin 1085.

Residents of Rose Street Commons (Clinton, Delaware, Dauphin, Juniata, Lancaster, and York) are not allowed to keep bicycles in their apartments or bring them inside the building. Residents of Rose Street Commons may keep their bicycles in the bike storage area located in Rose Street Commons or in one of the bike racks located in the courtyards. Space in the bike room is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The bike room is open to residents of Rose Street Commons and access to the room is granted through the bike registration process.

Residents of Campus View and The Village are allowed to keep bicycles in their apartments. While Campus View and Village residents are allowed to keep bicycles in their apartments, riding bicycles inside the residence hall buildings is forbidden. Residents keeping bicycles in their apartments are reminded that they are held accountable for any damage occurring to their apartment.

Electronic bikes, "hoverboards", one-wheels, battery operated scooters and other motorized personal transportation devices should not be used, charged, or stored in College housing with the exception of those approved for use through the Disability and Access Resources Offices.

Anyone connecting a private computer to the College network via the College housing network (ResNet), a LAN connection, or any other network connection must refer to the College's Information Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy.

Physical Abuse & Harassment

Physical abuse and harassment, including verbal abuse or threats against any individual, are expressly forbidden. Harassment issues can include, but are not limited to, harassment based on gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Both individuals and groups can be targets for harassing behavior.

Note: This policy is in addition to the information outlined on the Student Rights and Responsibilities website.

Failure to Comply With Staff

Residents and their guests are expected to follow all official requests from all Penn College staff members (including but not limited to Coordinators, Resident Assistants, Penn College Police, College Administrators, etc.). Failure to comply with an official request will result in disciplinary action. Residents will be held responsible for the actions of their guests.

Postings

Flyers, pamphlets, brochures, etc. are not permitted to be hung or distributed without the permission of the Director of Residence Life. All materials must be brought to the Office to be stamped for approval. Once stamped, the appropriate staff members will properly distribute the information. Except for official College material, the "stuffing" of mailboxes will not be permitted.

Solicitation and Business Operation

Selling or campaigning door to door in the residence hall is not permitted. In addition, students are not permitted to operate a business from a residence hall facility. This includes businesses operated through the Internet.

Lot Clearing

During winter months it is sometimes necessary to close specific residential parking lots so that snow can be cleared. When a lot closing is necessary, notice will be given to residents at least 12 hours in advance by email to on-campus residents and notices posted within the residence halls.

The notices posted in the residence halls will state that a lot clearing is in effect and that students should check their Penn College emails for details. The email will state the time the lot is to be closed, list alternate locations where residents can move their vehicle, and specify the time by which residents must have their vehicles moved out of the alternative locations.

It is the resident's responsibility to be sure he/she receives this information and moves his/her car according to the established procedures. Vehicles remaining in the lot at the time of clearing may be towed at the owner's expense.

Automotive Work in Residence Hall Parking Lots

For reasons of health and safety changing oil, other fluids, and making repairs or modifications to vehicles may not be performed in the residence hall parking lots without specific written permission from the Director of Residence Life or assigned designee.

Use of Complex Grills

The grills located in each complex are available for resident use if not reserved for a sanctioned program. Residents using the grill must use bags of one time use charcoal (available at the College convenience store) since the storing of charcoal inside of the residence halls is prohibited.

Use of Laundry Facilities

Laundry machines are provided in each complex so that residents may wash their personal articles of clothing. The cost of operating the laundry machines has been incorporated into the cost of housing. So that there is an adequate supply of machines available to meet resident demand, residents are prohibited from doing laundry for non-residents. Additionally, non-residents are prohibited from utilizing the laundry facilities. Violation of this policy could result in judicial action. If you suspect that other residents or non-residents are utilizing the machines inappropriately, contact the Residence Life staff to report the incident.

Policy Guidelines

1. Prompt Removal of Laundry
   • Residents are required to promptly remove their clothing from washers, dryers, and other areas within the laundry room once their cycle is complete.
   • Laundry items must not be left inside machines, on top of machines, tables, or on the floor.
2. Respect for Shared Spaces
   • Residents are expected to keep the laundry rooms tidy by properly disposing of lint, dryer sheets, and other waste.
   • Laundry baskets, hampers, and other personal items should not be stored in the laundry room when not in use.
3. Unattended Laundry
   • Items left in the laundry room for extended periods will be handled as follows:
     • If items are found left unattended in the same place for more than 24 hours, they may be removed and disposed of by Residence Life or custodial staff.

Use of Rose Street Commons Fire Pit

The Penn College provided fire pit is the only fire pit to be used that may be used by students with the exception of fire pits that are set up and supervised by Residence Life staff as an official Residence Life program.  The fire pit must always be attended to while the fire is lit.

• The fire pit must be clear of any ashes prior to starting a new fire. Ashes need to be placed in the "Ash Can"
• Only Penn College provided seasoned dry, nail-free firewood and an approved fire starter may be used in the fire pit.
  • Other than a starter log, no accelerants (gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc.) or any other flammables may be used to start or re-start the fire pit. 
  • Fireworks are prohibited on campus and may not be used in the fire pit.
• While in use, no other combustible materials may be introduced into the flame and people must keep back a minimum of three feet from the flames while the fire pit is lit.
• Alcohol is prohibited
• Should any student want to use the fire pit:
  • Between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, students can get wood and a fire starter box from the Residence Life Office Assistants, located in Dauphin 1085.  On Saturday, student need to contact the Dauphin Duty phone number.
  • After 8:00 pm, son supplies will be provided due to "fully extinguished" times.
• Use of the fire pit is permitted:
  •  Sunday-Thursday between 5:00 pm. and 10:00 p.m. (fully extinguished by 10:00 p.m.) 
  • Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. - Midnight (fully extinguished by midnight). 
  • Rose Street Commons Resident Assistants will be enforcing the extinguished times during rounds.

• At all times, students using the fire pit must keep noise at a reasonable level so they are not disturbing residents in surrounding buildings. Staff may request the students to lower the noise level.  Failure to comply with this directive may result in the students being asked to extinguish the fire and break up the gathering in addition to possible other judicial sanctions.

  Extinguish and Clean Up

• The College has provided a cover to put on the fire pit when you are done. The cover will assist in ensuring that the fire is completely out.

• The College will provide a fire extinguisher to control the fire, in case of emergency only.  It is attached to the wall, near the Dauphin Hall stairwell. 

   

In order to live in on-campus housing all students must electronically sign and submit the appropriate Student Housing Contract thereby agreeing to the terms and conditions listed on the Student Housing Contract. Students under 18 years of age at the time they sign the contract must have a legal guardian dually review and electronically sign the Student Housing Contract. Below are sample Full-Year Housing Contracts:

New Student Full-Year Housing Contract Sample

Returning Student Full-Year Housing Contract Sample