The residence hall is staffed by a Director of Residence Life, a Graduate Assistant and Resident Advisors (RAs), all of whom are members of the residence life and student affairs staff. They are responsible for the personal and group needs of resident students and to insure that their living experience will assume educational significance. The staff is also a liaison with the maintenance concerns and the Department of Facilities and Property Management.

The front line people, however, are the Resident Advisors who live with the students on their respective floor sections. They help to manage the residence hall, communicate important information to resident on the floors, advise and refer students with personal problems, encourage the development of maturity by their own behavior, help students adjust to a group-living environment, and maintain an atmosphere conducive to academic pursuit. To enhance their skills, the staff participates in an in-service training and leadership programs.

Frances Warde and Dougherty Halls: Most students residing in the residence halls occupy Dougherty Hall. Freshmen reside on the 4th and 5th floors of both Frances Warde and Dougherty as well as the 6th floor of Dougherty Hall. Offices are located on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of Frances Warde, while the Childrens Center occupies the 1st floor.

1. What is in my dorm room?
Each resident is provided with a bed, dresser, closet, bookshelf, desk and chair. All rooms are carpeted.

2. Are there laundry facilities in the residence halls?
Coin-operated washers and dryers are located on each floor of the residence halls. Each machine is 75 cents per load.

3. How do I obtain my ID card?
Each student is provided with a photo ID card that must be carried at all times. The ID card is used to gain access to the residence hall, as well as many other buildings on campus, as a library card and a meal card. New students receive their card during New Student Orientation. You do not have to renew the card each year.

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4. Do I need to be a full time student to live in the residence hall?
All students must carry a full time course load (12 credits or more) to live in the dorm.

5. How do I sign up for housing?
In keeping with the policies and philosophy of the University, the Office of Residence Life does not discriminate when providing housing with regard to race, color, sexual orientation, creed or age. Application materials for housing and food service will be forwarded to students who have been accepted and have paid their admissions deposits.

6. How do I select a roommate?
New Students: Prior to moving into the residence hall, a $100 room damage deposit is made to the Admissions Department along with a $100 room holding deposit. Once the deposit is made, a Roommate Preference Form is sent. Once completed and sent back assignments are made using the information supplied on the form. Traditional aged freshmen are required to have a roommate. In the event that you know of another student who is attending Carlow and would like to room with the individual, both students must indicate their preference on the form.

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Returning Students: A room lottery is held in the spring (April) for students who plan to reside in the residence hall the following fall term. A deposit of $100 for a double occupancy or a deposit of $500 for a single occupancy is to be paid to the Student Accounts office before the schedule lottery date. Lottery numbers are pulled and rooms are selected by seniority of class--up coming seniors, juniors and sophomores. It is the responsibility of the student to find a roommate. A list of students needing roommates is mailed out during the summer. If a student is unable to find a roommate from the list, she will be assigned to a transfer student.

The room damage deposit is carried over from year to year. Each residence hall student is required to maintain a balance of $100 in this account. Providing the student has no fines and/or damage assessment against their account, the remainder is refunded upon withdrawal from the residence hall.

The room holding deposit is credited to the cost of the student’s next spring semester housing charge.

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7. When will I find out who my roommate will be and where I will be living?
New Students: You will receive your housing assignment by the first week of July. Your assignment will include your room number, telephone number and mailbox number. You will also receive your roommate name, phone number and e-mail address (if student has one).

Upperclassmen: Room lottery is held in April. Returning students are responsible for finding a roommate. A list of students needing roommates is mailed immediately after the lottery and again in the summer. If a student is unable to find a roommate from the list, she will be assigned to a transfer student.

8. What are the visitation hours?
To ensure that visitors to the residence hall do not compromise the safety and privacy of resident students, all students shall have the privilege of visitation in accordance with the general policies of the residence hall and the specific rules of the individual floor.

The desk attendants and RA’s are responsible for organizing and supervising visitation in the residence hall. The student must escort her guests at all times. Each resident is responsible for the actions of her guest, including damages. Residents must sign in their guests upon their arrival and sign them out upon their departure at the front desk. Each resident may sign in three (3) guests at a time. All guests must relinquish pictured IDs which display name when signing in. A guest pass will be given to the guests. In the event a guest does not have a photo ID, the resident student may use her ID. Only one (1) guest may be admitted in this case.

Visitation hours are set as Sunday through Thursday, noon to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 2:00 a.m. Overnight visitation during the weeknights is not permitted. Three (3) weekends are designated as overnight weekends for each semester. Students may sign in one (1) overnight guest per night during these weekends. Freshmen are NOT permitted overnight visitors until the second semester.

Visitors of a resident student can be signed into the student union after visitation hours until 3:00 a.m. All visitors must leave by 3:00 a.m. each night.

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9. Can I bring a carpet for my room?
There is no need since all dorm rooms are equipped with wall-to-wall carpeting.

10. May I get a refrigerator for my room?
A refrigerator of three (3) cubic feet with power input - 120 volts; 60 cyc AC; 50 watts, power output.6 (when running) is allowed. Only one refrigerator per room is permitted. Please make sure you discuss this with your roommate.

11. May I have a microwave or other appliances?
One microwave per room is permitted. Cooking appliances can only be used in designated areas in each hall, hallways, and kitchen areas. Cooking is prohibited in residence hall rooms. Use of other electrical devices such as radios, stereos, tape recorders, typewriters, and hair dryers are permitted providing such devices are plugged within the room do not exceed the amperage limits of the circuit within the room.

The operation and maintenance of electrical appliances are the full responsibility of the student. Only one television, one microwave, and one refrigerator per room are permitted. All electrical appliances must be kept in good working condition and are subject to inspection by college employees. The college also reserves the right to confiscate unauthorized, dangerous, electrical appliances.

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12. Should I bring an extension cord?
For safety reasons, if you need to use extension cords, please make sure you use heavy-duty cords with a minimum of 14-gauge wire. If you use surge protectors, please make sure that they are heavy duty with a self-tripping breaker.

13. How can my room be decorated?
You and your roommate will have a great deal of freedom to put a “personal touch” on your room! You may want to hang posters and other items on walls, doors and closets. We welcome you to do this but ask that you use masking tape, white hanging putty, pushpins or thumbtacks. Do not use double-sided or duct tape as these will leave a heavy residue and/or remove the paint. In order to help ensure that there is a clear exit from the room in case of emergency, you are not allowed to hang tapestries from the ceiling or in front of the door. Also, because of the damage caused by self-adhesive decals and nails/bolts, we ask that you refrain from using them. Finally, halogen lamps are not allowed due to fire safety concerns.

Residents are not permitted to remove college drapes because they are made with fireproof materials. It is a fire hazard to put up additional drapes in order to divide or partition rooms and/or to block the entrance to the room.

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14. Are sweepers provided for each floor?
Vacuum sweepers are not provided. Although the housekeeping staff has vacuum sweepers, they are for facilities department use only. All students are encouraged to bring their own vacuum.

15. What can or should I bring?

16. Can I build a loft?
Beds cannot be taken apart or altered in any way. Mattresses cannot be kept on the floor. Waterbeds are prohibited. Requests for bringing a loft bed to the residence hall should be directed to 578-8776. If available, you may request bunkable beds.

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17. May I bring a pet to school?
If your pet is a fish, he or she is welcome. There is a 20 gallon limit on aquariums. During extended breaks/vacations, you are not required to unplug the aquarium. Please leave all other pets at home.

18. May I bring my own furniture?
Furniture owned by students is not allowed in rooms without permission from the Residence Life Department. Please realize that all of the University provided furniture must remain in your room. The college provides each student with bed, mattress, desk and desk chair, dresser, closet and a bookshelf. Furniture cannot be stored during the year. University furniture not originally designated to student rooms is not allowed in residence rooms. Residents are not permitted to remove university drapes because they are made with fireproof materials. It is a fire hazard to put up additional drapes in order to divide or partition rooms and/or to block the entrance to the room.

19. Are rooms inspected for damage?
You are responsible for any damage that may occur in your room and will be billed accordingly. The RA will review the room with each occupant at the beginning of the term and each roommate will sign a room inventory/damage form. At the end of the school year (or when a student moves out of the room) the RA will again review and access the room for damage with the students.

University officials, including RA’s, may enter a room for health, safety, or welfare of students, the performance of maintenance, or the enforcement of University regulations. Announced or unannounced room inspections may be made throughout the year for maintenance concerns. Tampering with any residence hall door to hinder one’s entry/exit is strictly prohibited and will result in a charge for any resulting damage and/or disciplinary action. Students are not to enter someone’s room without the resident’s permission. Students in violation of this policy may be charged with trespassing. Your room should be kept clean to avoid health hazards.

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20. Am I responsible for damage of University property?
Damage or theft of university property occurring in common areas is the joint responsibility of the occupants sharing the facilities. Occupants will be billed for damage or theft. Damage or theft in lounges, study rooms, and bathrooms, etc., located on the living areas of the residence hall will be billed to students living in the area. Misuse or abuse of facilities (i.e. TV lounges, study lounges, hallways, laundry rooms, and elevators) may result in damage charges and/or result in the restriction of its use.

21. Is cable TV available?
Each floor lounge is equipped with cable television. Rooms are wired for cable. Power input - 120 volts, power output-.5. You cannot connect a TV or stereo to the cable of the TV in the floor lounge. Also, TV/radio antennas or wiring are not permitted out the window or in the hallways.

22. Do I bring my own phone? And, are there two phone jacks in a room?
Student telephone service is part of the system which serves the entire University community. The University assumes the cost for the installation and the monthly basic service charges. Each room is equipped with one phone jack. There is one phone number for the room for incoming calls. Phones are available through the school; however, students are encouraged to bring their own phone (talk to your roommate to decide who will supply the phone). Long distance calls may be made upon signing up with Penn Telecom long distance service which the University has contracted. The student is given a pin number which are responsible directly for payments to the telephone company. Pay phones are also located throughout the residence hall for students not working with Penn Telecom.

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23. What size sheets do I need?
The beds on the 4th floor (rooms 416 – 444) and the 5th floor Fifth Avenue (rooms 501 – 514) are equipped with extra long mattresses. All other rooms are all standard twin size.

24. Am I able to hook up my computer in my room?
Yes, all rooms are wired for two (2) computers. The Information Technology Department provides lab assistants as support service for all computer needs. A session is held during the New Student Orientation where policy and procedures are reviewed and ID numbers are distributed. If you do not have your own computer, there are computer labs around campus. Some of the labs are in buildings with limited hours and some are in areas available for use 24 hours a day. There are two computer labs located o the 3rd floor of Frances Warde Hall.

25. May I bring my bicycle?
Bikes must be stored in student rooms. They may not be kept in lounges, stairwells, or halls.

26. Is smoking permitted in the residence halls?
To create an environment that promotes and reinforces health, responsible living, smoking is strictly prohibited in all buildings on the Carlow campus.

Resident students who smoke must go outside to the designated smoking area.

The burning of candles and incense in the residence hall is strictly prohibited and will result in an automatic $25.00 fine.

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27. Am I allowed to have a car on campus?
Due to severely limited parking, resident students cannot purchase a permit to park on campus.

28. What if my roommate and I do not get along?
Living with others in a residence hall setting is often a learning process. Communication is the key to a positive living situation. Make the time early in the year to talk with your roommate about your living environment. You will find that this is an important foundation for a successful year. The Residence Advisor is here to assist you. She will help you and your roommate work through situations and help resolve problems. If once you have made every effort to work things out, a roommate change may be made at the discretion of the hall director. Usually room and roommate changes are not granted during the first two weeks of the semester and will depend on available space. This gives the department time to deal with no shows and other room issues. A room change form must be completed and signed by the director before a move can take place.

29. How can I get involved?
There are many programs/activities offered by the Residence Life and Student Activities offices which you may participate in and perhaps even help plan and coordinate. All resident students are encouraged to become involved in the Resident Student Association (RSA) activities and programs.

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30. What if I lose my key and/or ID card?
If you require a new ID card and/or a room key because of loss, damage, or theft, you can obtain the ID card from the Student Affairs Office at a replacement cost of $10, and a key from the Residence Life Office at a replacement cost of $25.

31. What should I do to ensure the security of my property?
You should keep your room locked at all times. Do not leave cash, jewelry or other valuable items in the open. If you notice anything or anyone unusual in the building, please report this immediately to a staff member of the Office of Security. In the event that you are a victim or a theft, please notify the Residence Life staff and the Security Office immediately.

32. What are the bathroom facilities like?
Each floor has a common bath with a number of sinks, toilets and showers. Shower shoes, a robe and a carrying case for your toiletries are recommended. The shower stalls are single occupancy only. Under no circumstances may two or more people be in the shower together.

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33. What will my address be?
All resident students are assigned a mailbox. All mail should be addressed as follows:

Name
3333 Fifth Avenue, Box ______
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

34. What if I get locked out?
Contact your RA first. If she is not available, you can call the front desk (X-6005) and they will notify the RA on call or the Residence Life Office. You will not be charged for your first lockout. However, there will be a $2.00 charge for each additional lockout.

35. Is there a place for me to store luggage and boxes?
The Residence Hall has no space for storage. All personal belongings must be removed from your room at the end of the academic year. Items may not be left for storage in a room previously occupied or in a room assigned for the next academic year. The university assumes no responsibility for personal belongings left in the residence hall after the official closing date.

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36. Am I required to leave the dorm during holiday/vacation breaks?
The residence halls are closed for designated holiday breaks (Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and Easter). Students will be expected to make travel arrangements in advance so they are prepared to leave at the appropriate time. All campus facilities are closed during holiday breaks.

37. Is there a common lounge in the residence hall?
Each floor has a common lounge area with a TV, lounge furniture, and basic kitchen facilities. Pots, pans, and utensils should not be stored in these common areas. This area should be kept clean; dirty dishes should be removed after use or they will be removed by the staff.

38. Where do I eat?
The cafeteria is located in Tiernan Hall. Carlow University resident students are required to participate in the meal plans offered on campus. Upper-class students select their plan for the fall term during the room lottery. Freshmen are sent information during the summer before they enter the University. Your ID card functions as your meal card. Food cannot be taken out of Tiernan cafeteria.

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39. What if I need something repaired in my room?
Repair work should be reported to your Resident Advisor (RA), or, in the event of an emergency, to the front desk at X-6007. The Facilities and Property Management Department receives all work orders from the Residence Life Department.

40. What if I get sick?
The Health Service provides health needs for all students. The office is located in Frances Warde Hall – 3rd floor. The hours are Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

41. Is there exercise equipment available?
St. Joe’s Hall houses our pool and weight room facilities. There are specified hours each semester when the facilities are open. In addition, there are non-credit classes offered. The Wellness department can be reached at X-6049.

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42. Is there a Counselor on campus?
The Counseling Center exists to provide students with a safe place in which to talk about their concerns and feelings in a confidential, non-judgmental setting, either in a private session or by participating in a support group with other students.

43. Are there jobs available on campus?
The University participates in the Federal Work study program. To see if you are eligible for this program, you should contact the Financial Aid office at 412-578-6058.

The Bookstore and Food Service also employ students when positions become available. You can talk to the Directors of these departments once you arrive on campus.

44. How secure are the residence halls?
The Police Department is located in Curran Hall, first floor. Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The front desk of the residence hall is staffed 24 hours a day. The bottom level entrance of the residence halls can be accessed Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. After 6:00 p.m. all students and guests must enter by the 3rd floor entrance. Exits other then the main entrance/exit are locked from the inside and are alarmed. It is also the responsibility of the residents of Frances Warde and Dougherty Halls to maintain a secure living environment. ID is required at all times to gain entrance to the residence hall. The intent of this policy is to maintain maximum security in the residence hall.

Within the residence hall, any and all safety, medical and/security emergencies should be directed to X-6007. The desk attendant has access to quickly contacting campus police, city police, paramedics, and/or fire department. The desk attendant can provide assisting personnel with detailed directions to facilitate emergency assistance.

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45. Am I permitted to baby sit it the dorm?
Due to liability, babysitting is not permitted within the residence halls.

46. Are my belongings insured?
The college assumes no legal responsibility for the loss of or damage to personal property due to insufficient or excessive heat, fire, smoke, water, the elements, or action of third party. Residents should carry insurance protection for their personal belongings.

47. Where do I go if I have other questions regarding my living on campus?
After you arrive on campus, your RA is always a good person to start with. If they can’t help you, they’ll put you in touch with someone who can. If questions arise before you arrive, please feel free to call, write, or e-mail us: Office of Residence Life, Carlow University, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; (412) 578-8776; e-mail: halfertymb@carlow.edu

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