ROWAN UNIVERSITY POLICY

Title: Student Housing 
Subject: Student Life, Residential Learning and University Housing
Policy No: SL: 2016:19
Applies: University Owned/Operated/Affiliated Student Housing Facilities
Issuing Authorities: Vice

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Chancellor of Student Life/Dean of Students
Responsible Officers: Assistant

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Dean of Residential Learning and University Housing
Adopted: 08/10/2016
Last Revision:

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07/

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01/

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2025
Last Reviewed:

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07/

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01/

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2025

I.     PURPOSE

This policy establishes rules and procedures for operation of student housing.

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At the direction of the Vice President Chancellor of Student Life/Dean of Students, the Assistant Vice President for Dean of Residential Learning and University Housing, as well as other managers responsible for student housing shall implement and ensure compliance with this policy.

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This policy is applicable to all student housing facilities owned or leased and operated by the University, as well as student housing provided for the benefit of students by third parties “Affiliated” with the University.  "Students" for purposes of this policy includes any student enrolled at Rowan University, or students enrolled at any partner institution which has an agreement with Rowan University to provide housing to students of that institution, including, but not limited to students of Rowan College of South Jersey.

IV.   POLICY

ELIGIBILITY AND ASSIGNMENT OF HOUSING

1. In order to receive a housing assignment in University housing, students must submit an application and accept the terms and conditions of the applicable housing contract for the term they are seeking housing.
2. The contract is a binding legal agreement between the University and the student, and, where applicable, with Affiliated housing providers. The terms and conditions of the contract are disclosed during the application process. The terms and conditions of the contract supersede any provision of this policy that may conflict with the contract.
3. Cancellations, Terminations, and Suspensions of the Contract
   1. The contract terms and conditions specify the time period of the contract, typically for an entire academic year, and the grounds permissible for cancellation, termination or suspension of the contract. Students may request cancellation of the contract at any time by submitting a written request through the approved online system and submitting supporting documentation when required. Requests will be reviewed by the University based on the criteria outlined on the department website and in the contract. A cancellation fee may apply.
   2. Moving out or turning in keys without an approved cancellation does not release the student from the contract or any of their obligations under the contract, including the obligation to pay for the assigned space.
4. Application Deadlines and Wait Lists
   1. The application deadlines will be published each academic year and advertised as part of the annual room selection process. Students must apply by published deadlines. Students are notified as soon as possible when an assignment is made. Students who apply late may be placed on a waitlist. Students who are placed on a waitlist will be assigned once space is available.
5. Housing Not Guaranteed – Lottery
   1. On-campus housing is not guaranteed to juniors, seniors, or graduate students because demand for housing may exceed the available space. In the event that demand for student housing exceeds available capacity, the University may determine eligibility for student housing using a lottery. Students not successful during the lottery will be placed on a waiting list and assigned housing as space becomes available.
6. Disability Related Housing Accommodations
   1. Students who need housing accommodations related to any medical condition or disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services.
   2. Students are required to submit appropriate supporting documentation for their request and will be provided reasonable accommodations in accordance with University policy and applicable law.
7. Discrimination
   1. Rowan University does not discriminate in its housing assignments based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national or ethnic origin, or any other legally protected class.
   2. Complaints of discrimination or unequal treatment should be referred to the Vice President Chancellor of Student Life/Dean of Students or the Office of Student Equity and Compliance.

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1. Residential Learning and University Housing supports the commitment of Rowan University to be an inclusive institution of higher education. In addition, the University commits to provide housing in a manner consistent with the requirements of Title IX and other applicable laws protecting students from discrimination.
2. Chestnut, Evergreen, Magnolia, Mimosa, Mullica, and Willow afford limited restroom privacy. Space in bedrooms and suites within these halls will be assigned on a same gender basis, in accordance with the student's expressed gender identity.
3. Holly Pointe Commons and all University apartment facilities afford greater privacy and are designated facilities for Gender Inclusive Housing. Bedrooms and apartments in these buildings will be assigned based on student preferences regarding roommate gender. Students in these buildings will have the option to choose roommates without restrictions based on gender.
4. The following guidelines will apply to assignments in Gender Inclusive Housing:
   1. Students who agree to a roommate/group including students of more than one gender will commit to living in a gender inclusive assignment for the full academic year.
   2. If a vacancy occurs, a student who has requested a Gender Inclusive Assignment may be assigned to the suite/apartment. If the vacancy results in a living group that is single gender and they wish it to remain so, any new roommates assigned will be matched to maintain a single gender living unit. Students in this circumstance are responsible for notifying the University to update their gender assignment preferences prior to the assignment of a new roommate.
   3. Gender Inclusive Housing is not intended for romantic couples. When individuals involved in a romantic relationship live together, it can lead to conflicts among roommates that are difficult to resolve, as well as problems that may arise if the relationship ends. For this reason, the University strongly discourages couples of any gender combination from living together.  However, the University respects student privacy, and procedures for Gender Inclusive Housing will not require students to disclose the reason for their roommate requests, or prohibit couples from choosing to live together.
   4. Requests for exceptions to this policy may be granted upon submission to the Assistant Vice President for Dean of Residential Learning and University Housing.

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1. Quiet Hours
   1. The right of residents to sleep and to study without interference from other individuals is a primary right. All residence hall and apartment residents are responsible for noise they and/or their guests create while in the residential facility.
   2. Quiet hours are in effect Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m., however, residents are expected to be considerate of other residents at all times. Twenty-four-hour quiet hours are enforced in all areas during final exam periods.
   3. The use of amplified instruments is prohibited in University Housing. Students are however permitted to store musical equipment, including amplifiers in their assigned housing space.
2. Guests and Visitors
   1. A guest is any person who is not a student assigned to the room or building or a member of the staff performing their duties.
   2. Students are permitted to entertain guests in the assigned room consistent with the roommate agreement for their room/suite/apartment. Guests may not be hosted over the objection of roommates. The University, Provider, and/or any affected student/roommate/suitemate may request a visitor to leave for disruptive behavior or pursuant to University or Provider policies. Co-habitation is not permitted and a guest’s presence may not become a de-facto sublicense of the space due to frequency or duration of their stay.
   3. When guests will remain overnight or after 12:00 midnight the host student must obtain the permission of their roommate(s).
   4. Visitors may not stay for more than two (2) consecutive days without prior written permission from the University. Visitation for more than two (2) consecutive days without permission may result in disciplinary action.
   5. Guests must be met at the entrance doors to the building. Doors may not be propped open at any time.
   6. Guests must carry valid photo identification and provide this to University or Provider personnel upon request.
   7. When a guest is a minor under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present or provide the student host with written permission, including instructions/authorization for the student host to obtain any needed emergency medical care for the minor.
   8. Students must inform guests of University and Provider policies and will be held responsible for the behavior of any guest(s), including financial liability for any damages resulting from the actions of any guest(s). The host student must remain with and escort their guest inside the housing facilities throughout their visit.
   9. Persons who have been banned from University housing due to breaches of the housing contract or student disciplinary action may not stay in any University housing as a guest or visitor.
   10. Guests may not sleep in lounges or other common areas of housing facilities.
3. Common Area Kitchens
   1. Evergreen, Mimosa, and Mullica Halls have a small kitchen adjoining the student lounge. The kitchen includes a stove and a refrigerator. The purpose of the kitchen is for staff programming needs. Kitchens may be reserved for use through the Resident Director, between the hours of 8: 00 a.m. until midnight, and will remain locked at other times. Users are expected to keep the kitchen in a clean and orderly fashion. Failure to do so will result in suspension of privileges for a period of time.
4. Winter Break Closure – The following guidelines apply to housing during winter break:
   1. All traditional campus residence halls (non-apartment style) officially close for winter break after the last day of final exams and all residents are expected to check out. Students returning to the same space in the spring semester do not need to remove personal property. However, the University is not liable for personal property or valuables left in the room during the winter break period in the event of theft, damage, or loss.
   2. Students not returning to the same space in the spring semester must remove all belongings and complete the advertised check-out process, including the return of keys or fobs (if applicable) to the appropriate location.
   3. Students who require housing accommodations during the winter break period must complete the advertised winter housing application process and receive written approval of their request to remain on campus.
      1. Please note that no campus dining services are available during the break period. Certain building services, such as maintenance to common area restrooms and lounge spaces will be reduced. Also, building RA staffing for the duration of the winter break will be decreased. Students that remain on campus should be cognizant that services are limited and various maintenance and housekeeping related projects may occur within the facility.
   4. All spaces on campus will be inspected for maintenance and security purposes. If there is a vacancy in a shared space, additional inspections and housekeeping efforts will also take place over the winter break.
5. Residents Checking In
   1. Upon checking into a room or an apartment, residents will be instructed to review the Room Condition Report (RCR) which is recorded and may be reviewed online in the University’s MyHousing system. These reports are filled out before the student arrives to campus by staff. If the resident discovers something in the housing assignment that was not documented on the original report, the resident will have 24 hours after they check in to log in to the system to report any changes which should be made to the report.
   2. Failure to report existing damages in the RCR will result in the resident accepting responsibility for the condition of the room or apartment as it is documented on the RCR. In certain situations (i. e. early arrivals, emergency room changes) the RCR may have to be competed as soon as possible after a student moves in to their assignment.
   3. The purpose of the RCR is to document any existing damage, missing items, or other problems that may exist in the room or apartment on the date the room or apartment is occupied by a resident. These official reports will be used at the time the resident checks out of the housing assignment when the building staff assesses the condition of the room or apartment again. At the time of check out, the students assigned to that housing assignment will be held financially responsible for damages or missing items not listed on the RCR at the time of check in.
6. Checking Out of an Assignment
   1. Residents must check-out through the Resident Community Director or Resident Community Assistant. A proper checkout consists of returning all keys, and signing all check-out forms.
   2. Failure to return all keys will result in a lock change charge based on the actual cost of labor and materials needed to change necessary locks.
   3. The university reserves the right, with or without notice, to dispose of any personal property that remains in a student's space after check-out.
   4. Students may be assessed fees associated with the cost of removal of any property left behind.

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1. Routine maintenance requests should be submitted by logging in to the RowanWorks portal at rowan.edu/rowanworks and clicking on the appropriate link for maintenance and housekeeping.
2. Work order requests will be addressed by the appropriate personnel as quickly as possible.
3. For housekeeping concerns, students should report the concern to the Resident Community Assistant or Resident Community Director.
4. If a condition exists which presents an immediate safety hazard, a report should be made to Public Safety at x. 4922.

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