Updated June 21, 2024
Residence Life and Housing
Handbook
2024-2025
1
Index
2 Mission Statement
3 University Contact Information
4 Residence Life and Housing Staff
4 University Housing Requirement
5 Housing Assignment Procedures
5 Termination/Cancellation of housing contract
6 Withdrawal from University Housing
6 Abandoned Items
6 Refund Policy
6 Full Occupancy
7 Temporary Housing
7 Break Housing
7 Summer Housing
7 Room Changes
7 Room Consolidations
8 Contract Termination by Residence Life
9 Residence Hall Opening and Closing
9 Room Key and ID Access
9 Card Access System
9 Lock out Policy and Procedure
10 Housing Accommodations
11 Pet Policy and Comfort Animals
11 Banners and Signs
12 Guidelines for Residence Hall Decorations
12 Pandemic Policies and Policies
RESIDENCE HALL FACILITIES
14 Hall Maintenance
14 Residence Hall Furnishings
15 Health and Safety Checks
15 Right of Entry
15 Reserving Facilities
15 Laundry Facilities
15 Study Lounges/TV Lounges/ Res. Areas
16 Bike Storage Facilities
STUDENT RESPONSBILITIES
16 Consideration of Others
17 Tips Living with a Roommate
17 Occupancy in Rooms
17 Noise Policy
18 Candles, Incense, Fireworks, Firearms, Flammables,
and Explosives
18 Alcohol Policy
19 Drugs
19 Smoking in and around Housing
19 Fire Safety
21 EU Shield System
21 Tornado Warning
21 Winter Storm
22 Personal Property/Liability/Damages
22 Prohibited Activities/Appliances
25 University Visitation and Guest Policy
GENERAL INFORMATION
26 Sales and Solicitation
26 Residence Hall Technology Services
27 Parking
28 Mail
28 Illness
28 Needles Syringe Disposal
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Residence Life Mission Statement:
Mission
The mission of Residence Life and Housing is to provide a safe and supportive environment which
allows our residents to engage and explore learning outside of the classroom. Within our well-
maintained facilities, we strive to provide our residents with support and resources as well as activities
that create a sense of belonging, community, civic responsibility, and appreciation of diversity.
Vision
Residence Life and Housing seeks to create an environment in which students feel comfortable to
collaborate with others in support of their academic, social, and personal development by fostering
diverse, engaging, and responsible communities.
Equal Opportunity
It is the policy of Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) that there shall be equal
opportunity in all of its educational programs, services, and benefits, and there shall be no
discrimination with regard to a student’s or prospective student’s race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation/affection, gender identity, veteran status or
any other factors that are protected under local, state, and federal laws. Direct equal
opportunity inquiries to: Human Resource, 814-732-2703.
Welcome to PennWest and to Residence Life and Housing. Our staff understands the
challenges that you are facing as you continue to pursue your academic goals and experience
“out-of- the classroom” learning; as both are significant to your college education. You will
have ample opportunities to associate with students of different backgrounds, attitudes, and
lifestyles. We hope you will use your time in University Housing to participate in activities,
develop new friendships, and grow as an individual. To make your life easier, our staff has
committed itself to providing you with the highest level of comfort, cleanliness, and
convenience possible.
Each student living in University Housing will contribute to, and be affected by, the total
environment of the building and community. The degree to which these corresponding
influences are positive or negative will depend, to a large extent, on the willingness of each
student to cooperate in and be responsible for this community living experience. We
encourage you to make use of the numerous services available through Campus Housing and
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PennWest to participate in the variety of activities that the Community Assistant Staff will
schedule during the year for your education and enjoyment.
As a member of the community, you are expected to regulate your own conduct and behavior
in accordance with the standards of reasonable and responsible citizenship. It is your
responsibility to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of the university.
This handbook will assist you in obtaining necessary information concerning Residence Life and
Housing, amenities, and programs offered.
We are happy to have you with us, as we strive to make this time spent in University Housing
enjoyable and rewarding.
PennWest- Edinboro Contact Information
o Emergency Contacts
The Edinboro Campus Police recommend calling their direct line for emergencies
instead of 9-1-1, as University Police can respond more quickly and dispatch the
necessary emergency personnel.
University Police (Non-Emergency) 814-732-2921
University Police (For Emergencies) 814-732-2911
Center for
Wellness
814-732-2313
Fire
Emergency
911
Medical Emergency 911
Police Emergency 911
o University Contacts
Center for Leadership and Involvement 814-732-2842
Counseling Center 814-732-2252
Residence Life Office 814-732-2818
Student Financial Services 814-732-3500
University Registrar 814-732-3501
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Residence Life and Housing Staff
Residence Life and Housing is committed to the educational mission of the university. The staff is here
to be of assistance in making the residential experience a meaningful part of your college life.
Residence Life and Housing manages the Highlands Suites Residence Halls.
The professional staff and community assistants (CAs) are members of the Residence Life and Housing
Staff who reside in the residence halls. Professional staff are university staff members working in the
residence halls and apartments who supervise hall programming. They are given direct supervisory
authority and responsibility for hall operations and act as hearing officers of the student conduct code.
Professional staff members assist individual students and act as referral agents to other campus offices.
Graduate Hall Directors (GHDs) also serve as assistants to the professional staff. They live in the
residence hall and assist the professional staff with community development, programming, operating
the front desk and supervising CAs. As student leaders, they are a resource for you and are available in
office as well as the on-call system.
Community Assistants (CAs) are student members of the Residence Life and Housing staff who live in
the Residence Halls. CAs are responsible for building a community on the floor and in the building, as
well as being a resource and referral agent. In seeking to create and maintain a positive community, the
CA plans and implements community activities and programs, supports rules and regulations, and
assists with administrative responsibilities as directed by the professional staff member.
Housing Requirement
All incoming undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are required to live in university
housing for their first four semesters of enrollment:
o First-time-in-college students who are enrolled full time
o Transfer students who have earned less than 48 credits at a previous institution (who
are enrolled full time)
• Exemptions
o First-time-in-college students or transfers who are living with a parent or guardian at
their permanent address within a 50-mile radius of Edinboro
o Married students
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o Students over the age of 21
o Part-time students
o Single parents
o Military veterans who have been honorably discharged
To apply for an exemption, you must go to the housing portal at my.pennwest.edu and complete the
Housing Exemption Request Form. Requests will be reviewed by the appropriate personnel and a
decision will be communicated in writing within 10 days of receipt. Please note that all decisions are
final.
Housing Assignment Procedures
All housing applications are completed at my.pennwest.edu on the housing and dining portal.
Termination/Cancellation of the housing contract
Housing contracts will not be cancelled unless the student is no longer attending PennWest
University. Once their withdrawal form is in, students may request to cancel the Housing
Agreement/License Agreement by completing an online cancellation request form in the
my.pennwest.edu portal. Depending on the date cancellation request form was turned into Residence
Life and the reason for the request, cancellation fees may be assessed.
• No cancellation fee is assessed for the following circumstances if cancellation form and formal
written documentation are provided prior to departure:
o Student is participating in an education program that requires out-of-town residency (50
miles) for part of the academic year (i.e. student teaching, study abroad, clinical
rotation, and co-op/internship). This requires a one semester premium lease. Please see
a professional staff member for details.
o Student can provide proof of graduation. This requires a one semester premium lease.
Please see a professional staff member for details.
o Student must withdraw due to deployment for an armed service.
o Student has a medical condition requiring special accommodations that cannot be met
by university housing.
Please review the housing contract and contract release request form for specific dates and fees.
Withdrawal from University Housing
Rooms must be vacated the manner in which they were found not more than 24 hours after a student withdraws
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from the university or after their last scheduled examination, unless the student has received written approval
from the professional staff member to remain longer.
Students must officially withdraw through the Office of the Registrar and if refunds are due, they will be
processed by Residence Life. When withdrawal occurs, the student is responsible for returning keys and
other loaned property to the hall office and must have a residence life staff member make an end-of-
occupancy room inspection.
o For on-campus, a minimum charge of $75 will be assessed for the replacement of lost
room keys. A minimum charge of $25 will be assessed for the replacement of mailbox
keys. Rooms with multiple bedrooms will vary as indicated by the Facilities Department.
An improper checkout fee is $50. Other assessments are made for missing or damaged
furnishings, unclean rooms, and failure to check out of the residence hall properly.
Abandoned Items
Students are obligated to remove all personal property upon departure. The Residence Life and Housing
staff reserves the right, without further notice, to remove students’ personal belongings that remain in a
residential facility 48 hours after the termination of the housing agreement for any reason (withdrawal,
academic dismissal, housing revocation, etc.). For mid-semester move-outs the Residence Life and
Housing staff will contact the student and they will have 30 days from the date of the email, to the
student, to pick up the belongings from storage. If the student does not pick-up their abandoned items
within 30 days they will be disposed of. The student will be charged for expenses incurred in the disposal
of such property. The University will not mail belongings left behind to students.
Exception to this Policy: At the end of the academic year during move out, all
belongings left behind are discarded by housekeeping staff immediately upon
closing. The 30-day pick-up policy for belongings does not apply.
Refund Policy
For refunds after opening, housing and meal plans may be prorated. Residence Life follows the university
refund schedule.
Full Occupancy
While the university is committed to housing as many students as possible, demand sometimes exceeds
housing capacity. If this happens, students with junior and/or senior class status may not have access to
the housing application. If vacancies develop, these students requesting to live in university housing will
be contacted to complete the housing application.
The housing requirement states that students in their first four semesters at PennWest are required
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to live in university housing. Please see Housing Residency Requirement for more information.
Temporary Housing
During the fall semester, a high demand for residence hall rooms may necessitate the establishment of
temporary housing in some areas. Temporary assignments may include adding a third person to a double
room or housing students in university guest facilities. As permanent spaces become vacant, usually
within the first few weeks of the semester, students will be moved from temporary rooms to regular
student rooms. Every effort is made to reassign students in the same area.
Break Housing
Residence halls are closed during breaks. Students currently living in campus suites are to leave the
facilities during this time. Students who are required by the university to remain on campus will be
provided break housing in predetermined spaces. Non-affiliated university requests to stay may
be charged $50 per night. An online request form can be found in the myPennWest Portal under
Housing prior to breaks for students to complete. Students will be notified of any costs and if they were
approved. Any costs associated with these requests must be paid in advance.
Room Changes
Based on occupancy, room change period may only be offered if spaces are available. If there are spaces,
there will be a two week hold on all room changes at the beginning of each semester. Otherwise, room
change requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
If a room change is requested, a meeting with the CA and professional staff will need to take place to
discuss the reasoning. If it is discovered there is a suitable reason to change, a fee will not be accessed.
If the resident wants to room change without a mediation or meeting with Residence Life staff, a $150
charge and a possible cleaning fee may be charged to their student account.
Any unauthorized room or hall change shall be considered a violation of the housing agreement and may
subject the resident to disciplinary action, eviction, and/or fees. Specific instructions will be given in
August and January regarding room/hall changes for the beginning of each semester.
Room Consolidation Policy
Students who find themselves in University Housing without a roommate will be expected to keep their
belongings on their side of the room and only use their furniture. Residence Life and Housings reserves
the right to assign students to vacancies at any time, but do try to provide a 24-hour notice of a new
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roommate unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Room styles and roommates may be considered
if consolidated. If a consolidation process were to take effect, the residents would be notified with
options and a timeline in which the moves would have to take place.
Students who lose roommates must be prepared to accept a roommate at any time throughout the
semester (which requires keeping belongings on one side of the room in preparation for a new
roommate). Residents found to be using both sides of the bedroom will be documented by the
Residence Life and Housing staff. A check will be done within 48 hours to see if the resident complied
and removed their items to only be on their side and in their own furniture. If the student did not
remove items from the other side or furniture and failed to comply, a mandatory consolidation into
another room will take place or another resident will be moved into that room. Paperwork notice will be
given to the resident and all instances will be documented in the Judicial process and possible follow up
with the Dean of Students staff may be necessary if the student fails to comply.
Contract Terminations by Residence Life and Housing
The university reserves the right to terminate occupancy, repossess or reassign rooms, and take such
other steps as it may, from time to time, deem necessary and advisable for the proper conduct of its
housing program.
Some examples of situations which could be considered cause for termination are listed below:
o Failure to comply with the stated occupancy calendar.
o Failure to comply with the stated contract procedures.
o Damage and/or abuse of residence hall or apartment facilities or furnishings.
o Behavior which is disruptive.
o Failure to comply with stated check-in and check-out procedures.
o Disciplinary actions, recommending contract termination or contract reassignment for student
conduct violations.
o Housing Removal: Removal from campus housing for a specified period of time.
Access to campus housing including visitation is prohibited. Should circumstances
warrant, housing removal could be permanent. In accordance with Residence Life
policy, in such instances there will be no refund of housing fees
Individual Student Stipulations
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o Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to, or destruction of, University property.
o Housing Reassignment: Movement from a current residential assignment to another
location in campus housing. Housing rates may be impacted.
o Failure to complete class registration procedures.
o Failure to keep your PennWest Account in good standing.
Residence Hall Opening and Closing
The date of opening will be determined by Residence Life and Housing and announced to students.
Procedures for moving out of the residence halls for closings or breaks will be posted in each residence
hall and emailed to each residence hall student.
Unless otherwise stated, the residence halls close at 6 p.m. on the last day of classes or examinations.
Students who are not graduating should vacate their residence hall room within 24 hours of their last
exam, or the 6 p.m. deadline, whichever comes first.
Arriving early before the housing contract begins or staying after the housing contract ends may result in
a $50 per night fee.
Room Keys and ID access
The residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, making your key and Student ID extremely important. You are
responsible for both. Your key will open your suite and bedroom doors. Your Student ID will provide you with
access to your assigned hall. Always lock your door and always carry your key(s) and Student ID so you don’t lock
yourself out of your wing or hall.
There is a pre-determined replacement charge, per room type, set by the Facilities department for lost room
keys and mailbox keys, due to replacement and/or re-coring expenses. There is also a charge for lost Student ID,
set by Auxiliary Services. Keys and Student IDs are for the sole use of the person to whom they are issued and
may not be loaned or transferred to any other person. To do so is a policy violation and may be addressed
through the student conduct process.
If you lose your key, report it to the Residence Life and Housing Office or CA on-duty as soon as possible to
quickly regain access to your room. If you lose your Student ID, report it to the Access/Student ID Office.
Card Access System
Tampering with the card access system is considered destruction of or misuse/abuse of university
property and will be considered a violation of the code of conduct. Tampering includes forcing or
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propping doors open, permitting other individuals to gain access illegally (“tailgating”), and transferring
student identification to another individual.
Lock Out Policy/Procedure
Keep your room key and Student ID with you at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have access
to your room. Should you get locked out, if CAs are available, they can access a master key to open your room.
This service is offered as a courtesy only; a student who acquires more than three lockouts in a semester may be
referred to their building supervisor. Access will be given only to the certified resident of a particular unit, or
bedroom within a unit. You will be required to provide your Student ID or some form of photo identification to
verify your identity.
The first two weeks of the semesters will be a free period of lock outs. After that timeframe, each student is
allowed one “free” lockout per semester. Students will be charged $15 for each lock out after that until the end
of the semester.
Housing Accommodations
Students who requesting housing accommodations within the Residence Hall, should first contact the
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) (814-732-2462 or osd-edn@pennwest.edu). to submit
necessary disability related documentation and a Student Request for Disability Accommodations Form.
This documentation must verify the existence of a disability as defined under section 504 and under the
ADA; and establish a clear connection between the effects of the disability and the accommodations
being requested.
Upon receiving the appropriate disability related documentation and a Student Request for Disability
Accommodations Form from the student, an individualized assessment to determine if the request
submitted qualifies as a reasonable accommodation as defined by applicable federal and state laws. If
the request qualifies as a reasonable accommodation, the Coordinator will forward its recommendation
to Residence Life and Housing.
A student may request a housing accommodation at any time during the academic year, but students
are given priority consideration when Residence Life and Housing receives the recommendation from
OSD by the following dates:
• To be prioritized as an Incoming freshman a recommendation will need to be submitted to
Residence Life by June 15.
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• Returning upperclassmen need to have their recommendation to Residence Life by November 1
for the following year Room Selection process.
Requests received after the above dates for an assigning process will be accommodated base upon
availability. Depending on the nature of the accommodation request, the availability of a housing
accommodation may be quite limited. A student does have the right to decline an offered assignment,
however Residence Life and Housing may not be able to offer another accommodation.
Notice:
PennWest will make reasonable modifications to its housing policies, procedures, and practices when
the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination, unless the modifications will fundamentally
alter the nature of the housing services provided by the University.
Contact Information:
For more information please contact:
Office for Students with Disabilities
814-732-2462
Osd-edn@pennwest.edu
Pet Policy and Emotional Support Animals
Students may have fish. They must be kept in a fish bowl or aquarium with a maximum size of 10
gallons. One 10-gallon aquarium per person is allowed. Fish must be removed from the residence halls
at the end of each semester, and during some breaks. The fish owner assumes all responsibilities and
consequences resulting from improper care and for violation of fish ownership rules and regulations.
Turtles, hermit crabs, lizards or another other reptile that lives outside of water is not permitted.
Students who live in our residence halls that require service or emotional support animals may contact the (814-
732-2462). Do not bring your emotional support animal until confirm approval, and proper documentation with
is completed. This may include informing roommates of an animal in the space. The University does not
recognize emotional support animals that guests bring to campus, unless approved in advance by the Office for
Students with Disabilities.
Any resident or a guest of a resident that brings an animal not approved to be within our campus housing
facilities will be fined $300 with the instruction to remove the animal immediately (within 24 hours) and be
sanctioned through our student code of conduct.
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Banners and Signs
Hanging signs in the halls is a good way to advertise an event or show your school spirit. Any student or
student organization wishing to post signs or posters in the residence halls must deliver them to
Residence Life and Housing for approval and distribution by the hall staff. Residence Life and Housing
will provide the number of signs needed to post per floor/CA. Residence Life and Housing will not print
extra signs.
Guidelines for Residence Hall Decorations
In order to conserve energy, and in the interest of safety and fire prevention, the following guidelines
have been adopted regulating decorations for the residence hall rooms and corridors.
• In corridors, decorations and posters may be placed only on student room doors (where
permissible, check with hall staff) or on university-installed bulletin boards. No items may be
placed on or hung from the hallway or room ceilings and light fixtures, or any corridor areas
except the student room doors, white boards, and bulletin boards. Residents should
exercise caution when hanging items on doors as they may be billed for damages to the
door surface.
• No lights or other electrical apparatus may be used to decorate corridor areas, including student
room doors.
• Decorations may not be strung from door to door.
• Items on student room doors, white boards, or bulletin boards should not extend into the corridor.
• All materials used in areas where decorations are permitted should be noncombustible, such as
foil-type papers. The use of crepe paper and the practice of completely covering student room
doors with sheets of paper are prohibited. The university reserves the right to remove items
which may be hazardous or inappropriate. Students who fail to remove hazardous or
inappropriate items may be billed for removal.
• Students wishing to decorate windows or mirrors should use only water-soluble paint. It is the
responsibility of those who decorate the window or mirror to remove the paint. Cleaning
charges may be applied.
• All holiday decorations outside of student rooms must be removed before the holiday break and
are not to be left until students return for the spring semester.
• Students are not allowed to hang decorations in windows that fully cover the window.
Hanging or flying signs, banners, or any materials outside of your window is strictly
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prohibited.
Pandemic policies and procedures
PennWest will continue to monitor the fluctuating circumstances of any pandemic and will institute any
regulations for our campus housing that would be necessary to keep our communities safe per CDC
guidelines. Regulations that may be instituted but are not limited to:
- Required mask wearing
- Social distancing
- Isolation and quarantine guidelines if exposed or tested positive. These may include asking the resident to
go home or relocate to another room to help contain the spread of the virus.
- Limited guests
- Limited access to common area lounges and kitchens
Residence Life and Housing Staff will be monitoring any expectations that may be issued to keep the
communities safe. Failure to abide by our policies may result in immediate removal from housing,
temporary removal until the case is adjudicated, and referral through the student conduct process. It is
crucial to follow these policies to avoid a potential outbreak.
Residence Hall Facilities
Students will therefore be held responsible for the general conditions (cleanliness, damage, etc.) of
their living quarters. Restrooms, study rooms, lounges and corridors in the non-public areas are part of
the living quarters. All residents are collectively responsible for the general conditions of these areas
and will each be charged for excessive common area damages which cannot be attributed to one
individual or a group of individuals.
We anticipate students will find their rooms in satisfactory condition when they check in. However, if
there is a problem, it should be reported immediately to the hall staff and also documented on the
Room Condition Report which students will be asked to review during move in. It is important that
students review the Room Condition Report carefully before signing, because students will be held
responsible for any damages in their room which were not listed when they checked in.
During the checkout process that takes place when students vacate their room at the end of the
contracted period, each room will be checked twice for damages. The preliminary checkout takes place
during the last week of the semester and is conducted by a CA. The final damage fee assessment is
carried out by the professional staff and occurs after the students have vacated rooms and all
belongings have been removed from bed, desk, dressers, walls, etc.
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Hall Maintenance
Repair, replacement, remodeling, or refurbishing of residence hall facilities is the responsibility of the
residence hall management. Throughout the year, any damage or breakdown of equipment should be
promptly reported through the online workorder system that can be found in your My PennWest
portal. Click on Asset Essentials - Work Orders link. Students should not attempt to make repairs
themselves. Periodically, maintenance personnel will be present in the building to repair and inspect
residence hall facilities.
Residence Hall Furnishings
Residence hall furnishings are marked for identification and placement, and removal of these items from
areas in which they are placed, including removal from the building or removal to other areas of the
building without authorization, is considered an act of theft. The presence of university property or
other stolen property (such as unauthorized university furniture, cafeteria equipment, or items such as
road signs or commercial signs) shall be considered evidence of theft and treated as such by the
university administration unless rightful ownership can be proven. Room occupants may be assessed a
fee for each item of furniture which must be removed from student rooms.
o Students will be charged a damage fee if room furniture is disassembled.
o Students may want to add some personal touches such as plants, posters, and rugs to
make their room a little more ‘homey.’ Residents are asked not to use materials which
may damage or remove painted surfaces within the room. Nails are not permitted.
• Furniture Removal/Storage
o Every piece of furniture in your room at the time you move in must stay in your room
for the duration of your residency. You must not remove, store, or trade University
furnishings. Furniture may not be taken from lounges or public areas and kept in
student rooms.
o If a student is residing in a double room and there is no roommate assigned, the student
may not push beds together and take over the other furniture. This furniture is to be
left empty as a roommate can be assigned at any time. If a student pushes the beds
together and uses the other furniture, they will be warned once by Residence Life staff
to return it. If they are found using it a second time, the Residence Life staff has the
right to bill for the other side being now occupied. While we do not wish to bill,
students are only paying for single occupancy and roommates can be assigned at any
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time.
o The university does not provide storage facilities for personal belongings left in the
residence halls. All personal belongings not removed from student rooms at check-out
will be disposed of by the university.
o If summer storage would be available to students, Residence Life will advertise the cost
and location.
• Damages
o Common Area:
When hallways, bathrooms, elevators, and other residence hall public areas
receive undue abuse, we expect the assistance of residents in identifying the
responsible individual(s).
When the individual cannot be identified, all residents in that area will be
required to pay a share of repairing such damages.
o Room:
You are responsible for any damage that occurs in your room during your
occupancy. If damages are accidental, you must still pay repair costs.
Health and Safety checks
Once a month, the CA will post notice the week the health and safety checks will be completed. The CA
will be accompanied by another staff member when entering rooms and being sure that the resident is
following procedures for not having illegal items, not covering the sprinkler or smoke detector and HVAC
unit. The CA will not go through items, but will look around for any items of concern and will report
them to the Professional staff.
Right of Entry
The university unconditionally reserves the right to enter and/or inspect rooms.
Reserving Residence Hall Facilities
Lounges, meeting rooms, and other areas of the halls will have restrictions and occupancy limits.
Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to lock down community spaces if found in poor
condition.
Kitchen Facilities
When using the community kitchen, residents are expected to wipe down the equipment and area
before and after each use. Cleaning staff will clean the facility daily.
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Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities are provided on the main floor of each Highlands residence hall. They are serviced and
maintained by an outside vendor. The laundry area should be kept neat. Please be considerate of others waiting
to do their laundry. It is highly recommended that you do not leave your laundry unattended. The university is
not responsible for any personal items that are left unattended. If you experience any issues, such as washers or
dryers not working properly, please contact your CA for further instruction. Tampering with or maliciously
damaging any appliance is prohibited. Questions relating to laundry should be directed to
laundry@pennwest.edu
Study Lounges/TV Lounges/Recreation Areas
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in and around the study
lounges.
Elevator Use
Elevator occupancy cannot exceed the maximum allowed at any time.
Wheeled Transportation/Facilities
Students are permitted and encouraged to bring non-motorized bicycles to the university. Motorized
bikes, scooters, etc are not permitted in the Residence Halls. Charging these batteries in the Residence
Hall is also prohibited. The university is not responsible for theft or damage to any bicycle. Bicycles may
not block exits such as windows or doorways and may not be hung from walls, ceilings, or furniture.
Bike racks are located at various points around the campus, including locations near or in the residence
halls. Bicycles should be locked when not in use. Students should check with the hall staff if there are
questions concerning bicycles. You can refer to University Policy: SA010 Wheeled Transportation
Student Responsibilities
for all students in campus housing
Residents are expected to comply with the Student Code of Conduct & Community Standards Document found
at https://www.pennwest.edu/equity-title-ix. In addition, residents are expected to respect one another, the
residence life staff, and the housekeeping/maintenance personnel.
Conduct which interferes with, interrupts, or inconveniences the normal and usual activities of others
violates the Student Conduct Code. Residents should be aware of the possible effects of their behavior
on others. Residents are also responsible for the behavior of their guests.
Students are accountable for conduct violations which occur in their rooms. They may be held
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accountable for conduct violations due to their presence in a situation where a violation occurs. They
also may be held accountable for conduct violations if such accountability is reasonably concluded from
the circumstances of the incident.
Consideration of Others
Living in close quarters with other students requires sensitivity as to how one’s own behavior affects
other people. Every resident has the right to a living environment which allows him or her to sleep and
study within their room or apartment. With this right, all residents accept responsibility for monitoring
their own behavior, so it does not violate the rights of others.
Students will be required to complete Roommate/Apartment Agreements at the start of the year and if
there is a change in roommate(s).
Tips for Living with Roommates
o Treat your roommates as equals.
o Respect your roommates’ right to privacy.
o Keep borrowing to an absolute minimum.
o Avoid trying to correct your roommates or “reform.”
o Work out mutually agreeable division of chores.
o Make a sincere effort to be friendly.
o Accept routine inconvenience without complaint.
o Keep your promises and commitments without exceptions.
o Respect efforts of others to study.
o Prepare and live with a realistic budget.
o If you have a disagreement with a roommate, discuss it as soon as possible.
o Have a discussion and agree to boundaries about various relevant items.
Occupancy in rooms
For safety reasons, each resident may only have up to three guests each in any on-campus residence
hall suite; However, max occupancy is no more than six people in a room. Six includes the residents
assigned to the room. Any questions should be directed to the professional staff member regarding
occupancy of their particular situation.
Noise Policy
Residents are expected to refrain from interfering with another residents’ ability to sleep, read, and
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study. An atmosphere that supports studying and sleep takes precedence at all times in university
housing.
Students who are asked to lower their volume during quiet or courtesy hours by fellow students or staff
are expected to do so.
o Unreasonable noise consists of slamming of doors, running or shouting in the
halls/breezeways, carrying on conversations from windows, musical instruments, and
excessive noise in rooms, halls, lounges, stairwells, bathrooms, apartments, breezeways,
or parking lots. Sound speakers, unless for official residence life sponsored activities, are
not to be played or placed out of windows.
o Violations of any of these forms of noise may result in judicial action, fines, removal of
audio equipment from the residence, housing reassignment, and/or loss of university
housing privileges for the student.
o Quiet hours are specific times designated by Residence Life when noise from stereos,
televisions, conversations, and other activities must not be clearly heard in residence
hallways, nearby rooms, breezeways, stairwells, or through open windows.
Quiet hours are in effect for all university housing, seven days a week. Quiet
hours extend from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m., Sunday through Thursdays and from
Midnight until 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. “Courtesy Hours” are in effect
at all other times (24 hours). Other excellent study places are university housing
lounges, the library and some classrooms in certain academic buildings.
o Courtesy hours are always in effect, and residents should respect the rights and
requests of their fellow students with regard to noise levels in university housing.
Therefore, music or noise should not extend beyond three doors down the hallway
during courtesy hours in the residence Halls. Courtesy hours also apply to the
immediate perimeter of each building (including courtyard areas and parking lots).
In order to maintain an appropriate environment within university housing,
shouting to or from windows, playing loud music which carries strongly into
hallways or outside of windows is prohibited. Students wishing to plan an
activity which may include high levels of noise (such as a hall barbecue or dance)
must obtain permission from the residence life staff of all nearby housing at
least one week prior to the event.
All residence hall doors and apartment doors should be shut after midnight to
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help the community adhere to an atmosphere of quiet. Doors open after
midnight will be shut by residence life staff and/or security aides.
24-hour quiet hours will be in effect near the end of each semester in order to
facilitate studying for final exams. Additional information regarding 24-hour
quiet hours will be posted in individual halls late in the semester.
o As with any of our policies, students are responsible for their guests’ behavior and
compliance with the noise policy. Students are also expected to respect the requests of
others for quiet and share in the responsibility for developing and maintaining a positive
atmosphere in their community.
Candles, Incense, Fireworks, Firearms, Flammables, and Explosives
Due to fire safety and personal safety, both the possession and the use of any items that might be
classified under these headings are strictly forbidden in university housing.
Alcohol Policy
Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law
and PennWest Edinboro’s Alcohol Policy at https://files.pennwest.edu/policies/fa049-alcohol-drugs.pdf.
Because PennWest is a state institution, we are required to follow all state and local laws regarding
alcohol possession and consumption. Police may be called if alcohol is found in your residence hall room.
Note: Residence Life has adopted a “no empties” policy. The presence of empty alcohol containers will
result in documentation for violating the university alcohol policy. This includes decorations. Please
refer to the alcohol policy for PennWest at https://files.pennwest.edu/policies/fa049-alcohol-drugs.pdf.
PennWest Edinboro permits alcohol for those over 21 years of age, but does have restrictions therefore
please review the policy in its entirety.
PLEASE NOTE: The University maintains a Medical Amnesty Policy, which provides limited exceptions
to charges under this section in the interest of encouraging Students to seek help for drug- or alcohol-
related medical emergencies. Please refer to the University’s Medical Amnesty Policy. See Policy for
more information.
Drugs
The use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia, narcotics, marijuana, or other legally controlled
substances prohibited by state and federal law are strictly prohibited in the university housing and on
PennWest campuses. This includes, but not limited to, medical marijuana in any form.
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The use of substances which violate this law will result in disciplinary and/or legal action. Suspected drug
or alcohol overdoses should be reported immediately to the staff, student health center, or hospital for
evaluation.
Smoking in and Around University Housing
Students are not allowed to smoke or vape in University Housing. Students, staff, visitors, or guests
are asked not smoke or vape within a 25-foot perimeter of any University Housing building. Students
will be billed for any odor remediation due to smoking and or vaping inside of any housing facility. The
cost is typically $1000.
Fire Safety
Any student who willfully compromises the safety of fellow residents by tampering with fire safety
equipment or sounding false alarms will be subject to criminal prosecution, university disciplinary
action, fines, and/or eviction. All students must evacuate the building when the alarm sounds. Failure to
do so will subject the student to disciplinary action.
Fire Suppression Systems (Sprinklers)
All university housing buildings have sprinkler systems. These systems are designed to operate when an
area reaches extremely high temperatures. Tampering with any part of the suppression system is
considered destruction of or misuse/abuse of university property and is a violation of Pennsylvania state
law and additionally will be considered a violation of the code of conduct.
Misuse of Fire Alarm and Fire Fighting Equipment
Placement of fire hoses, extinguishers, alarms, sprinkler heads, and other firefighting apparatus is
required by law. The presence and conditions of these items are periodically inspected by the
Department of Labor and Industry. Any missing or non-working equipment results in a citation against
the university. The university is required to conduct periodic fire drills in its residential housing.
It is expected students know the rationale for firefighting equipment (such as smoke detectors and pull
stations) in university housing and understand their intended functions. Any student who violates
campus safety regulations by setting fires, tampering with fire safety or suppression equipment,
reporting false fire alarms, or otherwise threatening the safety of member(s) of the campus community,
will be liable under both the university judicial system and Pennsylvania state law. The Department of
Public Safety prosecutes for these violations.
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According to Pennsylvania law, false alarms to agencies of public safety are misdemeanors of the first
degree, punishable by imprisonment up to five years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Residence Life
considers such actions a violation of the housing contract. University sanctions may include suspension,
expulsion, and/or fines.
Fire Evacuation Procedures
As mandated by state law, PennWest is required to conduct regularly scheduled fire drills in all on-
campus housing. Because students will not know of the fire drills in advance, they will be expected to
respond each time as though there were a real fire. Failure to leave the building during an active alarm,
or re-entering a building during an active alarm may result in disciplinary action. During evacuation,
students may not use the elevators. Instructions for evacuation will be discussed at your first
community meeting with your CA.
When the alarm sounds, students should check see that their windows are closed and their drapes are
open. They should also dress appropriately and should carry a towel. Residents must close and lock their
doors upon leaving. Students should leave the residence hall through the nearest fire exit and exit at
least 100 feet from the building. A signal will be provided to alert students when they may re-enter the
building.
During an alarm, particularly one which takes place during inclement weather, residents may go to an
alternate facility until informed they may re-enter their residence hall. Designated residence life staff
will accompany residents to alternate facilities.
Emergency Alters
In the event of an emergency on or near campus, the emergency alert system will be utilized to
transmit emergency notifications via the components listed above. In the event of a tornado warning,
a tornado siren will be transmitted across campus in conjunction with the emergency alert
components.
To sign up for emergency alerts, register at https://alert.pennwest.edu
Students are automatically enrolled into the emergency notification system to receive emergency text
messages and emails. It is strongly recommended that all employees register. This service is completely
voluntary. You may opt out at any time. You are responsible for messaging charges imposed by your
service provider. Your information is not shared with or sold to third parties.
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Tornado Warning
Students should know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch
simply means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. A tornado warning is issued
when a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar.
In the situation that a tornado warning is in effect, students should open their room window
approximately ½ inch. This relieves internal pressure and will lessen the possibility of injury should a
tornado strike. Students are then advised to go to the bathroom or to the basement if their hall has one
with a portable, battery operated radio. Once the tornado warning has been lifted, the immediate
danger is over and students can resume normal activity.
Winter Storm
Students should be prepared for winter storms. Several items a student should have available are
cellular phone, flashlights with spare batteries, snow and ice removal equipment for vehicles, and a fully
stocked first aid kit.
Personal Property/Liability/Damage
The university assumes no responsibility for theft or damage to students’ personal property. Students are strongly
encouraged to secure renter’s insurance for their belongings. Please refer to the Liability section in the Student
Housing Contract for more details.
For all three campus locations: Please use the University's official address for these policies, which differs from
the students' on-campus mailing address: Pennsylvania Western University, 250 University Avenue, California, PA
15419.
Prohibited Activities/Appliances
Confiscated Prohibited Items
The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to confiscate or authorize personnel to confiscate any
prohibited item, or items deemed to be a danger to the individual, other residents, or college property at any
time. Confiscated items will be put in your residence hall's office and labeled. These items must be picked up by
the resident within thirty (30) days of confiscation for the purpose of taking the item off-campus. If these items
are not picked up within thirty (30) days, they will be disposed of. Residents are responsible for any charges
related to confiscated items including, but not limited to, storage or transport
PROHIBITED ITEMS LIST:
o Alcohol, including empty alcohol containers (unless you are age 21+ at Edinboro) Please see alcohol
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policy at https://files.pennwest.edu/policies/fa049-alcohol-drugs.pdf for more information.
o Animals (Unless prior approval has been obtained)
o Appliances
Air conditioners (both window and portable units)
Space heaters
o Candles and/or Incense/wax warmers (including candle and mug warmers or potpourri burners)
o Cooking Appliances – Appliances that capable of producing high heat, smoke, or steam in the
cooking process, including appliances with exposed heating elements. Exception: Microwaves in
designated cooking area
Examples
• Air fryers
• Crockpots
• Deep fryers
• Electric skillets
• Hot plates
• Instant pots
• Sous Vide Immersion cookers
• Indoor/Outdoor grills
• Pressure cookers
• Rice cookers
• Sandwich makers
•
Toasters
•
Toaster ovens
•
Waffle makers
•
Popcorn makers (unless air popper)
o Electric Transportation Devices – Prohibited in all University buildings
Electric bikes
Electric scooters
Hoverboards
One-wheel skateboards
Other similar devices
o Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Adapters – UL approved power strips or surge protectors with
overload protection are allowed be used when plugged directly into the wall. No daisy chaining
multiple power strips or surge protectors together.
o Furniture (non-university approved)
Large items such as couches, oversized beanbag chairs, etc. may be prohibited at the
discretion of the Residence Life and Housing Office. Upholstered, padded, or cushioned
furniture or beanbag chairs that are not certified by documentation from the manufacturer
as being flame-retardant
are prohibited.
Waterbeds
Lofts, cinderblocks, and lofted furniture of any kind
Entertainment/Fitness Poles and/or Aerial Equipment are prohibited.
o Halogen lamps and sun/heat lamps or similar heat producing bulbs
o Hazardous materials (except for consumer grade products in small limited quantities, such as air
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spray or hand sanitizer)
Examples
• Chafing dish fuel
• Gasoline
• Motor oil
• Propane
• Charcoal
• Lighter fluid
• Paint thinner
• Photographic development chemicals
• Pesticides
• Fireworks
• Black powder
• Compressed gas cylinders
o Heat generating Appliances – Appliances that have an exposed heating element or surface that
produces heat that is hot to the touch. Exceptions: Irons, Curling Irons or hair straighteners
o Hookahs or illegal smoking paraphernalia
o Illegal Drugs
o Immersion Coils
o Laser Engraver Machines/3-D Printers
o LED lights are NOT prohibited, but the adhesive tape that adheres them to the wall/paint is
prohibited. Students may drape or use the lights creatively but are not to adhere them directly to
the walls due to the extensive damage that is caused when removed.
o Oil Lamps, Lava Lamps
o Smoke or fog producing machines or devices (including products that produce mist, fog, smoke, or
simulated smoke conditions)
Weapons (of any kind)
o Knives
o Firearms
o Stun guns
o Tasers
o Spears
o Daggers or swords
o Paintball guns
o Ammunition
o Projectile weapons (including Nerf weapons, air soft, water balloon launchers/sling shots)
• Wireless routers and printers (these interfere with the University’s wireless internet system)
• Students are prohibited from throwing or shooting anything out their windows (bb guns, pellet guns, water
balloons, garbage, etc).
* This is not an all-inclusive list and the Residence Life and Housing Office has the right to add any items
that they see fit to prohibit.
* When in doubt - ask first.
Approved Items
• Coffee makers with automatic shutoffs
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• Refrigerator (4 cu. ft. max) – one per resident
• Microwave (700-watt max)
• Electric tea kettle
• Bathroom rug(s)
• Bedding and bathroom supplies, including a pillow, comforter, mattress protector and/or egg crate.
• Bed risers that are 4inches or less.
• Class/desk supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• Clothing hangers
• Computer/laptop with Ethernet cord
• Dust buster, broom, and/or vacuum
• Fan
• First-aid kit/prescription medications
• Flashlight and batteries
• Grooming supplies
• Hand truck/dolly for moving your belongings
• Large trash bags
• Laundry supplies (may include a basket/bag, detergent, softener, iron)
• Microwave-proof containers/dishes
• Personal documents (such as your medical insurance card and renter’s insurance information)
• Small lockable storage chest
• Storage crates (small and stackable)
• Supplies for your car (if applicable, including a small snow shovel and de-icer)
• Surge protector (please check prohibited items list for guidance before purchasing)
• Televisions
* This is not an all-inclusive list and the Residence Life and Housing Office has the right to add any
items that they see fit to prohibit.
Electrical Appliances
All appliances must be UL-approved and surge protectors must be used.
The unsafe, improper, or careless use of any electrical appliance may result in its confiscation. Personal
possession of cooking appliances other than those listed in “Cooking and Food Storage” below is not
permitted. Residents should exert reasonable caution to make certain approved appliances are used on
a non-flammable surface, and never on upholstery, bedding, or wood surfaces. Appliances should be
attended while in use, and unplugged when not in use.
Residents may use extension cords on a temporary basis, provided the cord is not placed across aisles,
wrapped around metal fixtures or furniture, run through doorways, or under carpets or bedding.
Extension outlet bars equipped with circuit breakers are the recommended extension devices.
Overloaded electrical outlets and any appliances with frayed cords are prohibited.
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Cooking and Food Storage
Student rooms and living areas in on-campus housing do not have adequate disposal facilities,
ventilation, and safety design for food preparation, and such activities are violations of health and
safety regulations. Cooking of food is prohibited in student rooms and should be done in areas
designated for cooking. Students may use coffeemakers (equipped with an automatic electrical
shut-off) or thermal/insulated carafes in their rooms.
Care should be taken in the storage of food so it does not create a health hazard. Residents who
store food in their rooms must make certain food is kept in tightly closed containers. Items are not
allowed to be stored outside windows.
University Visitation Policy and Guest Guidelines
A mature attitude is necessary when exercising your freedom and responsibility regarding guests in the
residence hall. Visitation procedures are in place to provide a measure of safety for the residential
communities. Please understand any system is only as safe as those whom are using it allow it to be. Safety is
a shared responsibility. Your cooperation in escorting your guest and informing on visitation/escort policies
when entering any on-campus residence is expected. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as
outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
All guests are required to comply with the policies in this guide. The resident is responsible for the behavior
of all their guests and will be held accountable for their behavior. Guests should in no way become a
nuisance to the neighbors/roommate(s). A roommate(s) has the right to object to future visits and staff will
mediate any concerns regarding the presence of guests. Guests are allowed only with the permission of all
roommate(s) and must be escorted at all times.
Guests are allowed 24 hours a day, subject to these provisions:
• A guest is defined as any individual who does not live in the room they wish to enter.
• Any non-university between the ages of 14-18 must provide written parental permission and contact
information to visit, and also must have a two-week prior approval from the Residence Life Professional
staff. PARENTAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT and CONSENT FOR A RESIDENCE HALL VISIT BY A MINOR
BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 18 form will be provided through Residence Life and Housing.
• Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited unless prior approval by the Office of Residence Life and
Housing is obtained at least two weeks in advance.
• All guests, regardless of gender, who wish to use common area facilities (laundry, vending, TV room,
computer room, study room, etc.) must be escorted by a resident.
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• Residents may host up to three guests at one time however apartments cannot reach over six
occupants. Six occupants include the students assigned to the apartment. Roommates must agree to
the presence of guests in the room or apartment. The rights of the resident who does not wish to have
a guest take precedence.
• The same guest is not permitted to stay overnight for more than three days during a seven-day
period. Those who violate this policy may be billed, removed and/or banned.
• The University does not condone or permit cohabitation.
• Guests may be asked to leave and residents may lose visitation right if guests are disruptive or violate
policies.
• Staff may temporarily suspend visitation privileges from any building or other area to ensure the safety,
security or well-being of residents or in response to policy violations.
Sales/Solicitation
Residents are not permitted to use their rooms or other facilities of the building for any commercial
purpose. Performing work for tips, donations, gratuities are also forbidden (some examples include
cutting hair or work involving hair, editing, writing, tutoring, etc. If in doubt ask your professional hall
staff first). Solicitation by residents or outsiders is strictly forbidden.
General Information
Residence Hall Technology Services
PennWest provides a comprehensive set of technology-based services. These services primarily
involve computer offerings. Available services for students include:
o High-speed internet access to the university’s network and the internet.
o A student help desk located on campus to assist students with computer questions
Tampering with residence hall technology equipment is considered destruction of or misuse/abuse of
university property and will be considered a violation of the code of conduct. Tampering includes
defacing or destruction of the modular wall unit that contains the room’s telecommunications
connection outlet.
Parking
Parking regulations are available from University Police. Automobiles parked in campus lots must be
registered with University Police. Visitors may obtain temporary parking permits by contacting
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University Police. Illegally parked student automobiles may be ticketed, booted/immobilized, or towed.
Mail
You have been provided with a mailbox key. Mailboxes are located in the basement of Pogue Student
Center. Mail is delivered Monday through Friday when school is in session, with the exclusion of
national holidays. Correspondence from the University is also sent to your campus mailbox, so you
should check your mail regularly.
Your mailing address is:
Your Name
Building Name, Room #
405 Scotland Rd
Edinboro, PA 16444
If the sender does not include your proper name, room number or box number, we cannot guarantee
you will receive your mail. If you change rooms, you should notify anyone from whom you receive mail.
Over semester breaks, first class mail only will be forwarded to the permanent address on record, so
please make sure your permanent address is listed correctly with Academic Records and on your online
account. If your permanent address changes, you need to notify Academic Records and update your
online account.
Illness
Students who become ill at any time or suffer an injury should notify their CA or other staff members.
Student Health Center hours of operation are posted at https://www.edinboro.edu/life-at-the-
boro/health-and-wellness/ghering/services/index.php
Needle/Syringe Disposal
Students who require use of hypodermic syringes must dispose of them in a container designed for that
purpose. Containers may be obtained by contacting the Center for Wellness at 814-732-2743. Note:
Needles are not to be disposed in university housing garbage.
Dining Services
PennWest Edinboro serves up a variety of delicious dining options. Dining locations and service hours can
be found at https://www.aviserves.com/pennwest/meal-plans-dining-edinboro.html
