Fire Safety Policies
Candles and Incense
Candles, incense, and other flame-emitting articles are prohibited in University housing. A potpourri burner with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff is permitted.
Cooking
The student is permitted to use a University-provided refrigerator/microwave unit to heat/reheat items within their room. If University housing provides a common-area kitchen, the student may use that space to cook but must follow the posted guidelines. Refer to the Appliances section for items that are permitted and prohibited. If a student is assigned to University housing where a common-area kitchen is available, the student is still required to purchase the Campus Meal Plan.
Smoking
The University promotes a smoke-free environment. The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, all nicotine delivery devices, and other tobacco products are not permitted on campus, including University housing and dining centers.
Fire Prevention
Fire Drills
The University must comply with Pennsylvania state and local fire regulations. This requires that fire drills be conducted in University housing once a month. Everyone present in a building during the emergency fire drill must participate by vacating the building according to instructions. Rooms may be checked during a fire drill to ensure compliance. If a student fails to evacuate a building, the student may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
Fire Safety Equipment
Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are located on every floor of University housing. A student should be familiar with the locations of the fire safety equipment.
University housing is equipped with a smoke detector. If the building has a sprinkler system in the rooms, the smoke detector is monitored by University Police. All other smoke detectors operate independently from the building fire alarm system. Any issue with a smoke detector or sprinkler should be submitted to Housing and/or Residence Life immediately.
Tampering with fire safety equipment is a very serious matter that could jeopardize the safety of many people. If a student tampers with this equipment, including covering the equipment, dismantling the equipment, or discharging a fire extinguisher, the student will be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. Disciplinary action may include cancellation of the Housing and Food Services contract.
General Fire Safety Precautions
Every student is responsible for taking precautions to prevent a fire and should exercise caution and good judgment when using electronic items or placing items near the heater. Desk lamps should not be placed near flammable objects, such as curtains, bedspreads, pillows, posters, clothing, etc., and should be turned off when the student is not present in the room.
Facility Safety Policies
Aerials and Antennae
Due to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) interference regulations, aerials, masts, satellite dishes, and other short-wave radio transmitting equipment are not permitted in University housing.
Appliances
Students are permitted to use the following appliances in University housing, provided the item has an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. label (UL label): televisions, stereos/radios, coffee makers (with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), Keurig machines, blenders, clocks, fans, hairdryers, hair setters, curling irons (with automatic shutoff), printers, corn poppers (with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), non-pressurized rice cookers (with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), personal computers, gaming equipment, air purifiers, clothes iron, which may only be used in the laundry room but may be stored in the student's room, a grounded, 15-amp surge-protected plug-in strip with a built-in circuit breaker
The following appliances are not permitted in University housing: air fryers, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, instapots, quick pots, crock pots, pressurized rice cookers, torchiere-style lighting (floor-standing lighting) with halogen lamps, immersion heaters, heating coils, space heaters, ceramic heaters, ovens, griddles, indoor or outdoor grills, personal microwave or refrigerator, 3D printers, fitness equipment (treadmills, trampolines, stationary bikes, etc.), personal or portable air conditioning units are not permitted in University housing. If a student has a medical need for an air conditioning unit, the student will need to submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Housing.
Personal dehumidifiers are not permitted in University Housing. If a dehumidifier is necessary, the University will install an approved unit.
If an unapproved item is observed in a student’s room, the student will be asked to remove the item from University housing. If the student does not comply with the request, the University reserves the right to have the items removed. The University will store the items until the student is able to remove them from the building.
If an unapproved item is received through mail services, the student will be notified that the package was received but will be returned to the sender.
Balconies
University housing may have exterior balconies as part of the architectural facade. Students are not permitted to access the balconies.
Elevators
Some University housing buildings offer an elevator. Students and guests are responsible for using elevators in a safe manner. Tampering with or abusing any of the elevator equipment or controls is not permitted. Elevator doors should not be pried open, nor should the doors be held open by the safety edges.
If an elevator is stuck between floors, occupants should not attempt to exit the elevator until directions and/or assistance is provided by University elevator technicians or emergency personnel. Occupants should not jump up and down in the elevator.
The elevator should not be used in the event of a fire.
If a student and/or their guest is found to be in violation, the student and/or guest may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
Windows and Screens
Windows in University housing should be kept closed when a student is not present in the room to assist with energy conservation and protection of the room interior. Food and beverages should not be stored between the window and outside screen or on the outside ledge. The window screen should not be removed. Antennae, speakers, or other devices should not be strung out of windows.
Weapons and Fireworks
Per University Policy SY12 Weapons and Fireworks Regulations, Fireworks, and Paintball Devices, the possession and storage of weapons in University Housing are prohibited.
