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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. Residence Life
  5. Residence Hall Policies and Rules

Decorations and Displays

Advertising of merchandise or services for sale or rent is not permitted in University-owned housing unless it is for the sale of personal property of a student living in the housing. Specific bulletin boards are provided and designated for this service. Permitted advertisements, if posted other than on the designated bulletin boards, will be removed.

Rooms

  • Pictures, bulletin boards, and decorations may only be hung from the picture molding with picture hooks.
  • Nothing may be strung across the room for the purpose of hanging decorations.
  • Darts and dartboards are not permitted.
  • The use of tape, adhesives, glue, paste, nails, tacks, staples, and screws on walls, furniture, doors, or other woodwork or glass is not permitted. A student may utilize products, such as Command brand items and poster putty, on walls, but will be responsible for any costs to repair damages that may result from use.
  • Painting or papering of the room or furniture is not permitted.
  • Live trees or greens are not permitted due to fire hazard concerns. Artificial trees may be used in approved lounge locations, as designated by Housing and Food Services.
  • Bulletin boards in the room and hallways may be decorated; walls and ceilings in the hallways may not have decorations applied.
  • Candles are not permitted. If the use of a candle is required for a religious celebration, the student will work with Housing and Residence Life staff to determine if an appropriate location is available for religious observance.
  • Plastic or foam-type material decorations are not permitted. Decorations must be non-flammable, such as ceramic or glass, aluminum foil wrap, fire-retardant-treated paper, crepe paper, tinsel, ribbons, etc., may be used.
  • Spray-on snow is acceptable to use on windows.
  • Decorative lights may be used in the student’s room. Students are encouraged to consider conserving energy by limiting the use of decorative lights.

Doors

A student may decorate the surface of their room door facing the corridor, provided that it is done according to the guidelines below. Adhering to these guidelines will protect doors from unusual harsh wear, eliminate potential fire hazards, and ensure free movement/access in the hallway. Decorations may not be placed on exteriors of University housing.

  • If a room sign with a whiteboard and/or corkboard is provided, decorations are limited to static cling items.
  • Decorations may only be placed on the upper section of the room door above the lock mechanism. If the door has louvers, no material may be placed on the louvers.
  • Decorations may not project more than one-half (1/2) inch from the surface of the door. Greeting cards should be fastened shut.
  • Decals and stickers are not permitted.
  • Bunting and streamers are permitted to celebrate special occasions but must be removed within 24 hours.
  • Memo boards, pictures, signs, and posters should be unframed.
  • Non-flammable materials should be used when possible.

Windows

A student may decorate the window(s) in their room and in lounge areas, provided that it is done according to the guidelines below. Adhering to these guidelines will protect windows from unusual harsh wear or damage and eliminate potential safety hazards.

  • Decorations may only be placed on the inside of the window.
  • Decorations must be removable (not permanent). Only water-based poster paint may be used for painted decorations. The use of spray-on snow is permitted.
  • One-half (1/2) of the total window space should remain transparent for emergency situations, such as a fire.
  • Decorations that present a safety hazard due to excessive weight, the possibility of breakage, degree of cleanliness, etc. must be modified and or removed if identified by University staff.
  • Decorations must be temporarily removed at the request of University staff for regularly scheduled window cleaning.

Damages and Violation of University Policy

All room, door, and window decorations must be removed prior to the student checking out of the room. Damages to the room, door, windows, drapes, and/or blinds, as well as any extra cleaning required, will be the responsibility of the residents and may result in a damage charge assessed to the student’s LionPATH account. University staff will determine the nature and extent of all damages.

Any room, door, or window decoration that is obscene or in violation of University policy will be referred to the Office of Residence Life or Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

Residence Life

  • Residence Life Mission and Vision
  • Meet the Residence Life Staff
  • Resident Assistants
    • Becoming a Resident Assistant
  • Residence Hall Policies and Rules
    • Alcohol Policy
    • Illegal Substance (Drug) Policy
    • Canvassing
    • Decorations and Displays
    • Guests
    • Quiet Policy
    • Safety
    • Security
    • Solicitations
    • Weapons, Firearms, and Paintball Devices
    • Lock-outs
    • Miscellaneous Information
  • Living on Campus
  • Roommate Conflicts
    • What is a Roommate Conflict?
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    • Roommate Mediation
    • Resources for Families
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    • Room Changes

Office of Residence Life

Spruce Residence Hall
814-949-5710 | [email protected]

HOURS
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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See Also

  • Residence Hall Association
  • National Residence Hall Honorary
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Go App
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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