Alcohol
The purchase, possession, transportation, storage and
consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Towson University
campus is permitted only in accordance with Maryland state,
county and municipal laws, University policies, and Housing
policies, as outlined below. Students consuming alcohol in
On-Campus Housing are expected to respect their surrounding
community as well as their own personal health and safety.
Additionally, behavior that encourages or contributes to
excessive alcohol consumption is prohibited.
a. It is prohibited for any person under the age of
21 to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Any
person consuming alcohol must be able to produce appropriate
identification with birth date displayed upon request.
b. It is prohibited for any person under the age of
21 to knowingly and willingly make any misrepresentation or
false statement as to his/her age.
c. It is prohibited for any person to purchase,
serve or sell alcoholic beverages to an individual who is
under 21.
d. It is prohibited for any person, regardless of
age, to possess open containers of any alcoholic beverage in
a public place. In On-Campus Housing, public areas are
anywhere outside of a student room or apartment.
e. Public intoxication is prohibited. Those
conditions considered to indicate intoxication include but
are not limited to: affected manner or disposition, speech,
muscular movements, general appearance or behavior as
apparent to the observer.
f. Guests (student or non-student) who are of legal
drinking age may consume alcoholic beverages only in
rooms/apartments where a resident is at least 21 years of
age, and only when the of-age resident is continually
present while alcohol is being served.
g. No guests (student or non-student) under 21 may
be present in a room where alcoholic beverages are being
consumed.
1. Residents under 21 assigned to rooms or
apartments where roommates are
over 21 are not required to leave their room if others
are drinking, but must not
consume alcohol and are expected to follow all
applicable alcohol policies.
2. In rooms where there are residents both over
21 and under 21, no more alcohol
beverage containers can be open than the number of
individuals over 21 who are
present.
h. Alcoholic beverages, empty or full alcoholic
beverage containers, alcohol paraphernalia, or
decorative/hobby collection(s) of alcoholic beverage
containers are permitted only in student rooms/apartments of
residents who are of legal age. Drinking games of any type
and drinking game paraphernalia are prohibited.
i. It is prohibited to have multi-quart containers
in On-Campus Housing at any time. Such containers include,
but are not limited to; kegs, pony kegs, beer balls,
handles, and any other container holding greater than a
single quart of an alcoholic beverage. Residents over 21
may have no more than one 30-pack of beer in their
possession.
2. Building Access
a.
Students may not enter the residence halls when the
halls are closed for breaks or between semesters unless they
have a contract for and are assigned to a designated
building that is open during these times.
b.
All individuals who enter On-Campus Housing must show
proper identification to university personnel with residents
showing their OneCard. All guests must be registered and be
with a building resident at all times (see section 13).
Residents may have no more than five (5) guests registered
at any one time (an exception of the five guest policy may
be granted by the Residence Life Coordinator). Guests must
wait for their host before entering the building.
Unauthorized access will subject violators to arrest for
trespassing and/or judicial action.
c.
Entering and exiting of residence halls and
apartments is permitted only through designated front
doorways. Doorways may have restricted hours of access.
Entry or exit through windows, loading docks or unauthorized
areas is prohibited.
d.
It is prohibited to enter, exit or allow anyone to
enter, or exit through any door other than the front
doorways, except when the fire alarm is sounding.
e.
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS ENTERING CAMPUS HOUSING
FACILITIES
The University will enforce all applicable University and
housing policies. Guests are prohibited from bringing
alcoholic beverages into On-Campus Housing regardless of
age. Admission to On-Campus Housing facilities, by both
residents and guests, may be conditioned on an inspection by
the University of any packages, bags, pouches, or other such
portable items that can be used to carry, contain or conceal
prohibited items, including alcoholic beverages.
3. Damage
Policy
Damage to or misuse of property, whether university
property or property belonging to other person(s), is
prohibited.
4. Disorderly or
Disruptive Conduct
Disorderly or disruptive conduct is prohibited
anywhere within a building (i.e., rooms, hallways, lounges,
lobbies, stairwells, etc.). This is conduct that threatens,
harms, or interferes with regular or normal functions of an
on-campus living environment. Such conduct includes, but is
not limited to, fighting, excessive noise, public
disturbance, harm to self or others, and lewd or indecent
conduct.
5. Compliance With Staff
Every resident is required to follow all written
and verbal directives or requests of University staff
promptly and act in an appropriate and civil manner.
Failure to accurately identify oneself to staff or to comply
with staff in performance of their duties is prohibited.
6. Doors
a.
The state fire code requires that doors be closed in
most residence halls and apartments. Tampering with doors or
preventing the door from latching is a violation of fire and
safety policy. Propping open quad doors is prohibited.
b.
No additional locking device may be placed on any
university door (room, bathroom, suite, quad or closet).
c.
At no time shall an individual compromise the
security of others by propping open an exterior residence
hall or apartment door.
d.
Propping open stairwell doors is prohibited.
e.
Quad doors in Newell, Richmond and Residence Tower
shall not be propped open or have the locking device
tampered with by any means that would prevent the door from
locking/latching.
f.
The corridor bathroom doors in Richmond, Newell,
Ward, West, Prettyman and Scarborough shall not be propped
open or have the locking device tampered with by any means
that would prevent the door from locking/latching.
7. Drugs
a.
Residents and guests must follow state and federal laws and
university policy that prohibit the possession, use,
distribution or sale of marijuana, illegal narcotic drugs,
or illegal substances. Drug-related paraphernalia is
prohibited.
b. It is
prohibited for any guest/visitor to be in a room where
marijuana, illegal narcotic drugs, or illegal substances are
present or are being used.
8. Fire Safety
A violation of any policy listed below may result
in judicial action and/or immediate termination of your
Housing Contract.
a.
Fire Alarms
Each student present on a floor where a fire alarm sounds
must immediately leave the building. Once outside the
building, persons may not enter a building while the alarm
is sounding anywhere in the building. The building may be
entered only after instructions are given by the appropriate
official. For safety reasons, fire drills will be routinely
scheduled during the semester in all residence halls and
apartments.
b.
Fire Safety Devices
Fire alarms and fire extinguishers are located on every
floor in every building. Familiarize yourself with their
locations.
c.
Fire Precautions
Precautions must be taken against fire, and smoking is
prohibited in all On-Campus Housing.
d.
Candles and Open Flames
The possession of candles is not permitted in On-Campus
Housing. The use of objects with open flames is prohibited.
e.
Obstructions in Room
No items inside a student room, quad or apartment shall
obstruct the doorway or impede exiting or entering the room.
This includes furniture, curtains, hanging beads, clutter on
the floor, wires or any other object that could impede entry
or exit. Additionally, a clear view from the doorway into
the room, quad or apartment is required. Therefore, no items
shall block the view into the room (e.g., curtains,
furniture, linen, sheets, paper, etc.).
f.
Items on Fire Equipment and Sprinkler System
No items may be hung, adhered or affixed to any fire
equipment including sprinkler systems.
g.
Wires on Floor
Wires shall not be placed in an area where they can be
stepped upon. Wires must never be taped to the floor/carpet.
This includes wires from power cords, speaker wires, cable
TV coaxial, phone wires, etc. If wires are in a foot traffic
area, they must be in a cord cover that is Underwriters
Laboratory (UL) approved. Residents need to assure that
wires are not located where they can be worn or damaged.
Note: Students should take caution when running wires along
the walls, around doorframes, and behind furniture. Make
sure that the wires are not pressed against any furniture
that may move and cause damage. Any damaged wires must be
discarded. Also, wires may not be attached to or hung from
the ceiling (see Room Decorations).
h.
Persons whose actions cause a fire alarm to sound,
interfere with a fire alarm system or with fire fighters,
tamper with, inappropriately use or remove fire
extinguishers or other fire safety devices, including
sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, exit signs, call boxes,
and room alarms are subject to judicial action and removal
from On-Campus Housing. Behavior that activates the
fire/safety system will be considered a major safety policy
violation.
9. Furnishings and Appliances
in Student Rooms
a.
All rooms are furnished with single beds (some can be
bunked), dressers, desks, chairs, and a university approved
MicroFridge (except Towson Run and Millennium Hall). All of
the residence halls have carpeting and draperies or blinds
in each room. No university furniture can be removed from
the student room.
b.
You will need to provide your own linens, pillow,
desk lamp and wastebasket.
c.
Tubular halogen light bulbs in torchiere-style
halogen lamps are not permitted in student rooms unless they
meet the following: 1) are manufactured after February 5,
1997, the bulbs are 300 watts or less, and meet UL revised
performance standards; or 2) lamps with bulbs that are 300
watts or less and have a wire guard over the bulb which
meets new UL standards.
d.
Individual air conditioning units are not permitted.
e.
The only electrical cooking appliance that is allowed
in student rooms is the provided MicroFridge. Other
refrigerators, freezers, or microwaves are prohibited. The
possession of other electrical cooking appliances is
prohibited in student rooms, including Towson Run bedrooms.
In Towson Run kitchens, students may store and use only
Underwriter Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved
appliances with an enclosed heating element. Heating or
cooking devices that utilize flammable liquids or flammable
compressed gases are strictly prohibited from use in
On-Campus Housing by fire code. Any student who uses an
illegal appliance will be required to remove it from the
building. Continued violations will result in judicial
action.
f.
Extension cords are prohibited for use in On-Campus
Housing for any purpose. All electrical appliances must
either be plugged directly into the wall outlet or plugged
into an Underwriter Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM)
listed power strip that contains a circuit breaker or a
replaceable fuse. Electrical items with frayed electrical
cords or damaged plugs should be either repaired or
discarded. For appliances with 3-pronged plugs, the third
grounding
prong should never be removed and must be plugged in
appropriately. Electrical cords/power strip cords should
never be run under mattresses, rugs, carpeting or other
potentially combustible materials (See “Fire Safety”,
Section 8.g.).
g.
The misuse of or failure to properly attend any
electrical appliance (e.g., iron, hair dryer, etc.) is
prohibited. This includes items with frayed wires or ground
plugs that have been altered.
h.
Mattresses are to be used on the bed frames provided
and not on the floor. All beds, except bunk beds, must
remain on the floor and may not be elevated in any manner.
Waterbeds, other beds, any large pieces of furniture, (i.e.,
wardrobes, dressers, etc.) may not be brought into the
residence halls. Furniture is to remain upright and used as
designed and is not to be disassembled in any manner.
Furniture may not be stacked.
i.
Lounge furniture that is provided for the general use
of all students in the quad or lounge area and is not to be
removed for use in individual rooms. Assigned furniture not
found in the lounge at the end of the semester will be
billed to the residents of that immediate area.
j.
Newell and Richmond Halls Quads: All furniture in the
quad must stay in the common area. It cannot be removed from
the common area which includes moving it into student rooms.
Furniture in other public areas in the building cannot be
moved into the quad common area.
k.
Towson Run: All furniture in the apartment must stay
in the apartment. Furniture in other public areas in the
building cannot be moved into the apartment.
10. Gambling
Gambling is not permitted in On-Campus Housing.
11. Guest/Visitor and Escort
Policies
a.
Only those students who have been officially
assigned, who have paid the appropriate fees, and have a
signed housing contract (or lease/residential agreement) on
file, may reside in On-Campus Housing. The use of the
assigned living space by persons other than those officially
assigned to the space is prohibited. Each resident contracts
equally for a room and adjoining living space and is
entitled to privacy as well as the right to sleep and study
in his/her room. The person entertaining guests is expected
to go elsewhere, not the roommate.
b.
Guests are not a right but solely a privilege granted
by the roommate(s).
c.
Residents wishing to host guests must first acquire
permission in advance from their roommate(s). The resident
hosting guest(s) is expected to go elsewhere when the
roommate(s) has not granted permission. When permission is
granted by the roommate(s), a resident may host no more than
three (3) overnight guest(s) for no more than three nights
in a seven day period. There can be no signs of cohabitation
that include repeated stays by guests which might include
keeping belongings in the room.
d.
Any person who wishes to enter a building in which
they do not reside must be a guest of and accompanied by a
resident of that building at all times (see “Building
Access”). Hosts must register all guests. Residents may have
no more than five (5) guests registered at one time (an
exception of the five guest policy may be granted by the
Residence Life Coordinator). Guests must keep their valid
guest registration slip with them at all times and present
it to university personnel when requested. Guests must be
escorted at all times by a resident of that building when
traveling inside the building. Guests without a host or who
are not escorted will be required to leave.
e.
The host that registers a guest is responsible for
that guest and for making sure their guest adheres to all
university and housing policies and will be held accountable
for their guest’s behavior. Financial assessments resulting
from damages, destruction of property, or violations of
policies by a guest are the responsibility of the host.
Hosts are expected to have their guests leave when directed
by university personnel. It is prohibited for a resident to
allow any person who is banned from a building to visit
their room or provide entry into a building.
f.
Quad and corridor bathrooms are designated by gender.
The entry of quad or corridor bathrooms by persons of the
opposite gender is prohibited.
12. Health Insurance
All on-campus students are required to have
health/hospitalization insurance. If not covered by a family
policy, the student may purchase the university's insurance
plan. Students are legally responsible for any medical
expenses incurred during enrollment at Towson University,
and the university will not be responsible for any medical
expenses.
13. Quiet Hours
All Areas (except Richmond Hall)
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.
Friday - midnight Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday
Richmond Hall
Hours: All days - 6 p.m. until 10 a.m.
Note: These are minimum mandatory quiet hours. Each living
unit may vote to extend (but not shorten) the length of
quiet hours for their floor or wing.
Quiet Hours: When quiet hours are in
effect, noise shall not penetrate another room, and thus,
noise should not be heard one door away.
Courtesy Hours: (When quiet hours are not
in effect) Noise shall not disturb others or controllable
noise shall not be heard three doors away or one floor above
or below or outside of the building. An individual’s right
to study or sleep always takes precedence over another
individual’s controllable noise. Noise shall not be heard
outside of a building.
In and Around Buildings: During quiet hours, noise
in and around buildings should not be loud enough to be
heard inside. This includes porches, entrances, under room
windows, etc.
Note: Musical instruments with an amplifier (e.g., guitars,
etc.) can only be used with headphones regardless of the
time of day.
Finals Week: During finals week, 24-hour
quiet hours will be in effect beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the
day before the first exam and will stay in effect through
the last exam.
14. Residents’
Responsibilities
a.
Rooms
Residents are responsible for all behavior that takes place
in their rooms. (See “Guest/Visitor and Escort Policy”
11.e.)
b.
Quads
Students living in quads are responsible for the common area
shared within the quad. This includes all behavior which
takes place in the shared living area within the quad. The
quad common area may be entered at any time by staff.
15. Room and Apartment
Capacity
Maximum Occupancy Limits
To help ensure safe evacuation, the following occupancy
levels represent the maximum number of individuals allowed
in a given space at any time (including the residents):
a. Single Rooms: 4
b. Double Rooms*: 8
c. 3-Capacity Rooms: 10
d. 4-Capacity Rooms: 12
e. 1-Bedroom Apartments: 12
f. 2-Bedroom Apartments: 16
g. 4-Bedroom Apartments: 24
*Including temporarily expanded triple rooms in the Glen
Complex
16. Room Decorations
No items may be attached to or hung from the
ceiling. Residents are not to attach items to any other
surface (wall, door, floor or furniture) unless an adhesive
is used which will not cause any marks or damage. You may
not use glue, nails, tacks, staples or screws. No papering
or painting of rooms or furniture is permitted. Certain
residence halls contain moldings that can be used to hang
decorative materials. Students will be financially
responsible for removal, repair or any damage caused by room
decorations.
All decorations must meet all applicable university
policies. These policies include:
a.
Fresh-cut trees are prohibited.
b.
Dried vegetation (cornstalks, dry moss, leaves,
sawdust, etc.) is prohibited.
c.
All decorations must be at least three (3) feet away
from a heat source.
d.
Electrical light sets must be UL or FM labeled and
identified for indoor use. No extension cords can be used,
they cannot be attached or hung from the ceiling, and no
more than three (3) strings of lights shall be connected
together. Light sets must be turned off whenever the room or
apartment is unattended. Also, please see “Fire Safety”,
section 8.d.
17. Room Entry and Inspection
a.
The university shall have the right to enter the
student's room to enforce the Code of Student Conduct and
university policies and regulations and to otherwise carry
out its responsibility to maintain discipline and order
consistent with its educational mission. The right of entry
shall include the right to inspect the room to protect the
health and safety of students and university employees
and/or agents, to maintain order and discipline and to keep
the rooms in good order and repair.
b.
In the event the university enters a student's room,
it shall make reasonable efforts to provide the student
assigned to the room reasonable notice of entry. Advanced
notice need not be given; however, if the university, in its
discretion, believes that such notice will interfere with
its ability to maintain order and discipline, or endanger
the health and safety of students and/or university
employees or where immediate entry is deemed necessary to
protect and/or to maintain property, or where immediate
entry is otherwise allowed by law.
c.
When a resident initiates maintenance or housekeeping
requests, appropriate personnel are authorized to enter the
room to provide service without notice.
d.
Entering or allowing other persons to enter a
student's assigned room (or apartment) without permission at
the time of entry of a resident of that room (or apartment)
is prohibited. Students living in suites shall not enter or
allow others to enter the adjoining room through the
bathroom without permission of a resident of that room.
Staff will not admit a person into a room (or apartment)
that is not the resident's.
e.
You are expected to respond to staff who identify
themselves and you are to open your door.
18. Restricted Items
a.
Incense
The possession of incense is not permitted in On-Campus
Housing.
b.
Hazardous Materials
The possession, carrying or use of explosive items,
hazardous materials or chemicals, e.g., bullets, fireworks,
firecrackers, etc., is prohibited.
c.
Weapons
Students or guests (including those licensed to have a
weapon) may not bring any item categorized as a weapon into
On-Campus Housing at any time. Prohibited weapons include
knives with blades greater than three (3) inches in length,
archery equipment, bayonets, firearms (e.g., guns, rifles),
swords, all types of martial arts weaponry, paint ball guns
and any device capable of casting a projectile. [Also, see
University Policy 06-11.01 – Weapons Prohibited]
Persons participating in programs that involve the need to
use any of these items must find alternative ways of storing
them other than bringing them into the residence halls or
apartments.
d.
Pets
Pet fish are allowed in On-Campus Housing. They must be kept
in tanks smaller than 10 gallons, without electrical
equipment. No other pets or experimental animals (living or
dead) are allowed.
e.
Athletic and Recreational Activity and Equipment
Athletic and recreational activity or the use of athletic
and recreational equipment is prohibited in and immediately
outside On-Campus Housing. This includes the use of bicycles
and skates.
f
Offensive items or language
Offensive items or language shall not be displayed on a door
(i.e., room suite, or quad) or be viewable from outside a
room, quad or suite.
19. Security
a.
Room Security
Keep your door locked at all times. Do not open your room
door unless you know the person. Staff will identify
themselves.
b.
The university is not responsible for the loss or
damage of personal property of residents. Residents are
advised to carry personal property insurance, and to remove
all valuables from their rooms during vacation periods.
c.
Uniformed security personnel that are stationed in
the residence halls and apartments act as university
officials.
20. Smoking
All On-Campus Housing is non-smoking. Smoking is
prohibited anywhere inside a building. This includes smoking
out of an open window and in any stairwell. Water pipes and
similar devices (e.g., hookahs, etc.) are prohibited.
Residents who choose to smoke must do so outside the
buildings at least 30 feet away from the building or in a
designated smoking area. Smoking is prohibited on porches
and near building entranceways.
21. Solicitation and
Advertising
To protect the privacy of residents, commercial
activities and door-to-door solicitation or distribution of
materials are prohibited in the buildings or on the grounds
of On-Campus Housing. Advertising must follow established
university and Housing and Residence Life posting policies.
No advertising or posting may be placed on the outside of
buildings, windows, or doors. These policies apply to all
individuals and groups except when written permission has
been specifically granted by the director of Housing and
Residence Life.
22. Surveillance Devices
Use of surveillance equipment or any electronic
device that invades the privacy of any person is prohibited.
23. Unauthorized
Possession/Theft
Persons are prohibited from theft or the
unauthorized possession of the property of another.
24. Windows and Screens
a.
Windows and screens are not to be removed for any
reason. If they are removed, the student occupant(s) are
subject to judicial action and will be charged for labor
costs for their replacement, as well as any damage caused.
b.
No objects may be thrown or dropped from windows,
balconies or other elevated areas.
c.
No items may be hung or displayed outside of a window
or anywhere on a building.
d.
Offensive items or language may not be displayed in
or viewable from windows.
e.
In the Residence Tower, it is prohibited to have the
windows open.
Section II – Policies for University Housing
These policies pertain to University Housing
owned and operated by Towson University and include Glen
Towers A, B, C, & D, Prettyman, Scarborough, Newell,
Richmond, Residence Tower, Ward, West, and Towson Run.
Students living in privatized housing (Paca and Tubman
Houses and Millennium Hall) are subject to the terms of
their lease/residential agreement.
25. Bicycles, Motorcycles,
Motorscooters
Bicycles are allowed inside on-campus housing only
in student rooms and apartments provided they do not
restrict entry or exit or violate any other policies.
Bicycles cannot be left in any public area including
stairwells, lounges, and lobbies near entrance doors, or
locked near entrance doors either inside or outside of the
building. Bicycles cannot be left in the quad area of the
residence hall. Motorcycles, motorscooters, mopeds and/or
other fuel-powered vehicles are not allowed in On-Campus
Housing and must be parked in accordance to university
parking regulations. Bicycles may not be used in and around
the building (See “Restricted Items”, 18e.). Bicycle racks
are provided outside of many buildings and can be used to
store bicycles.
26.
Check-in Procedure
Immediately upon occupying a room, a student
reviews the Room Condition Report. Any damage or missing
items must be noted at this time. It is the student's
responsibility to return this form to the designated staff
member in the building as soon as possible after checking
in. Room occupants will be held financially responsible and
accountable for unnoted damages or missing items.
27. Check-out Procedure
(Please see the "Withdrawals" section if you are
leaving during the school year.)
All student rooms, furniture, bathrooms, private lounges and
corridors must be clear of personal belongings, free of
debris, and clean prior to the time the student checks out
of the residence hall or apartment. To avoid charges,
furniture must be placed where it was located at the time of
check-in. The check-out procedure consists of three steps:
a.
Clean your room and surrounding areas.
b.
Your room will be inspected by a Housing and
Residence Life staff member who will check the condition of
your room against the Room Condition Report filled out at
the beginning of the semester. (The student will sign the
form to verify all information recorded. Final billing
assessments will be made based on any discrepancies found by
the Housing and Residence Life staff member.)
c.
Return all keys at your community center. Room (or
apartment) occupants will be held responsible for the
condition of their room (or apartment), the furnishings in
the room (or apartment) and any damages to the room (or
apartment) or furnishings that occur during occupancy.
After a resident checks out of a room, the university will,
at its discretion, make a reasonable effort to keep found
tangible personal property. The university will keep found
tangible property for up to one year for the student to
claim. After this time, the items will be discarded at the
university’s discretion. The student will be billed for any
storage or disposal costs. Items that will not be kept
include papers, books, perishable items, food, trash,
personal furniture, or other items of little or no value.
28. Damage Policy
a.
Damage to or misuse of property, whether university
property or property belonging to other person(s), is
prohibited.
b.
Each student is responsible for the general condition
of the assigned premises, including damages, defacement and
general order. Room occupants will be held responsible for
the condition of the room and the furnishings in the room,
and for any damages that may occur during occupancy. Charges
for damages or defacement will be assessed to the occupants.
Continued or excessive damages in On-Campus Housing will
result in contract termination. Damages resulting from
inappropriate behavior or unintended use of equipment or
facilities will be charged to the responsible student. (See
Housing Contract or Capstone Residential Agreement/lease).
c.
Common Area – When damages or defacement of common
use areas, such as bathrooms, lounges, recreation rooms or
corridors occur, they may be assessed to individuals
identified as responsible. When individual responsibility
cannot be determined, residents may be held collectively
responsible, at the university's discretion, for damage,
theft, loss or special service to the assigned space, to
common areas or to university fixtures, furnishings or
property within them. An equal portion of the charges will
be assessed to each student in the assigned space, building,
or residence area, as appropriate.
d.
Students are not permitted to perform maintenance
tasks or paint any part of the accommodations. A university
work order, available from the front desk in your building
or from your Community Center, should be completed when
maintenance tasks are needed. Tampering with or altering
hardware on doors, including locks, hinges or closures, is
considered a fire and safety violation.
e. Moving university equipment or furniture from the
room or other areas is prohibited. Altering or tampering
with the heating or electrical systems is prohibited as
well. Windows and screens are not to be removed from their
proper positions. Closet doors may not be removed.
f. Residents held responsible for damages or losses
will be billed by the Department of Housing and Residence
Life and must make payment immediately upon receiving the
bill. Any question or appeal about a bill must occur within
30 days of the date on the bill.
29. Keys
a.
Students will receive their room keys at their
assigned residence hall or apartment upon official check-in.
All residence halls and apartments use the student ID (OneCard)
for outside door access.
b.
Take all precautions not to lose your keys. You may
not lend your key or ID access card at any time.
c.
Students who lose or fail to return room keys when
required will be charged for the cost of the keys and a
lockcore change. Students who lose or fail to return the
outside door key will be billed the established amount.
d.
Should you temporarily misplace your key, you may
sign out the extra key available at the desk in each
building. The key is to be returned within 24 hours. Should
you lose your room key, you will be assessed for the cost of
replacing the lost key, your roommate's key, the spare key,
and a new core for your room door.
e.
It is prohibited for a person to have in his/her
possession any residence hall or apartment key that was not
issued to him/her by a member of the Residence Life staff.
The possession or use of a key belonging to the University
for which you have not received written staff permission to
use, can result in immediate termination of your contract or
rental agreement/lease. If the unauthorized key was used to
enter any residence hall facility, additional charges of
illegal entry may also be levied against the appropriate
parties.
f.
All room, door and elevator keys are the property of
Towson University.
30. Lounge, Lobby and Public
Space Use
Building lounges, lobbies, and other public areas
are for use by residents of that building. Lounges, lobbies
or public spaces may only be used for meetings or programs
as follows: 1) Permission must be granted in advance for
designated spaces by the Residence Life Coordinator of
that building; 2) Only the following groups may use space:
a) Building Council, URG, or Residence Life staff, b)
Recognized university club or organization, c) university
office or department; and 3) no sales, solicitation, or fund
raising may take place without prior written permission from
the director of Housing and Residence Life. Note: Since
these spaces are primarily for use by residents, the
opportunity to reserve space is limited.
31. Maintenance or Repair of
Student Room Facilities
Necessary maintenance and repairs to student rooms
can be requested using the online work order system. Go to
www.towson.edu/housing click on the Maintenance Request link
and follow the instructions. You may also go to your
Community Center where you can receive assistance in
requesting service. Non-routine cleaning and/or maintenance
will be the financial responsibility of the resident(s)
identified. The cost of repairs will be billed to the
community of students living in that area (see “Damage
Policy”, section 28c).
32. Relocation
The department reserves the right to relocate a
student during a semester. Should this become necessary, the
student may ask the director to review this decision. The
director's decision shall be final.
33. Room/Hall Changes
a.
After check-in, there is a two-week waiting period
before students can move to another room.
b.
Students may request a room or building change.
Residents must first contact their Residence Life
Coordinator. He/she will discuss with the resident the
available options and explain the proper procedure.
c.
Students shall not move into any room they are not
assigned. This includes moving in belongings. Unapproved
moves will result in your having to return to your
originally assigned room.
d.
When a space becomes available in a multiple
occupancy room, the remaining resident(s) must keep the
empty bed clear, and a proportionate amount of closet and
dresser space empty. A new resident may be assigned at any
time to this space.
34. Room Cleaning|
It is the responsibility of each student to clean
and maintain his/her room. Group living requires that
residents perform certain duties to keep their rooms cleaned
and maintained. Food items need to be kept in sealed
containers and trash removed daily as not to attract pests.
Excessive clutter, continued garbage in rooms, and
unsanitary conditions are not permitted.
Additionally, students living in suites are responsible to
clean and maintain their bathrooms.
Vacuums, brooms, and other cleaning equipment may be located
at the Community Center desks for use by residents. However,
students will need to bring their own appropriate supplies
for cleaning. Either trash containers or trash chutes are
located in specific locations in each building for emptying
trashcans and disposal of waste. Students are strongly
encouraged to bag their garbage before placing it in the
trash chute.
Recycling is available in designated locations. Please
recycle as much as possible. The public areas and bathrooms
shared in hallways and in quads are cleaned by housekeepers
on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of students in
keeping these areas clean. Residents living in an area where
there is excess dirt, debris, or cleaning needed will be
charged for the time and labor needed to clean these areas.
Students may be held responsible for additional cleaning
charges and subject to policy violations.
35. Term Breaks, Holiday
Close Downs, Etc.
Charges for room and board do not include services
during official Towson University vacation periods or term
breaks. Residence halls will be closed between semesters
and during Thanksgiving and spring breaks. Closing and
opening dates will be communicated to students. During
breaks and at the end of the fall and spring semesters, all
students are required to vacate the residence halls. At the
end of fall and spring semesters, students must follow
specific checkout procedures and return all keys. On-campus
housing is not available during breaks and vacation periods
except for Towson Run Apartment residents and for
participants in designated residence hall(s).
36. Withdrawals
The Housing Contract is for the full academic year.
Students should review their Housing Contract, Section 17.
All students withdrawing from Towson University should
notify the Department of Housing and Residence Life in
writing immediately. The procedure for withdrawing during
the semester follows:
1. Students must notify the Department of Housing
and Residence Life, in writing, to cancel the Acceptance
Agreement.
2. A Residence Life staff member will inspect the
room and complete checkout procedures within 24 hours of
notification.
3. All keys must be turned in to a staff member.
4. Students wishing to cancel their meal plan must
notify the Office of Auxiliary Services Administration in
the University Union.
Note: Moving out of On-Campus Housing does not release the
student from his/her Housing Contract. Students are
responsible for the terms of the contract. Contact the
Department of Housing and Residence Life for more
information.
Revised August, 2008
