Parents Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

1. How does my student apply to live on campus?

2. Is my student required to live on campus?

3. How do you assign rooms?

4. When will my student know their room assignment?

5. Can my student request a roommate?

6. What does the room have?

7. Are the halls air conditioned?

8. Can we see the room before they move in?

9. Can my freshman student live in the apartments?

10. What if my student needs to cancel their housing reservation?

11. What is offered if my student has a disability?

12. What are Freshmen Interest Groups (FIGs)?

13. What type of security is provided in the halls?

14. Is there a curfew?

15. What does the room rate cover in the residence halls?

1. How does my student apply to live on campus?

Students must first apply to the University at: http://admissions.shu.edu/apply/index.htm. Students will receive a housing application with the University acceptance packet and a student can apply for housing on the Housing and Residence Life website at: http://studentaffairs.shu.edu/housing/

2. Is my student required to live on campus?

Residency on campus is voluntary and there is no requirement for freshmen or other students to live on campus. All newly enrolled students who live on campus in residence halls, however, must participate in a University dining plan.

3. How do you assign rooms to new incoming students?

The first 700 applications received are guaranteed and then assignments are considered by the date that the housing application and deposit are received, and permanent home address. We suggest that new students apply as early as possible.

4. When will my student know their room assignment?

Assignments for new students are processed in July and are mailed to you before you arrive on campus (usually by end of July). It is your responsibility to keep us informed of your correct mailing address.

5. Can my student request a roommate?

Students who wish to room together in residence halls should submit their housing applications/contract form together and request each other in the roommate request field. While this does not guarantee that students will get his/hers choice of a roommate, HRL will do all it can to accommodate all request. If a student does not request a specific roommate, one will be assigned to him/her. Requests must be mutual and received in housing office by June 30.

6. What does the room have?

All rooms have single beds, desks, bookshelves, and closet space. The University does not assume any responsibility for any of your personal property which is stolen, lost, or damaged. An optional personal effects insurance policy is available and is highly recommended. Housing and Residence Life recommends that students insure their belongings with CSI Insurance Agency, Inc. If you would like to purchase an insurance policy, or get more information regarding different plans they offer, visit their website at: www.CollegeStudentInsurance.com, or contact them at 1-888-411-4911. Insurance information is also mailed to students during the summer. Students should also check with their parents to see if their belongings are covered by parent’s existing home owner’s policy.

7. Are the halls air conditioned?

All rooms are air-conditioned.

8. Can we see the room before they move in?

Admissions offer tours of the residence halls to aid in your decision making and planning. During the tours, you may view hall rooms and common areas, and ask your tour guide any questions you might have. Please note that it will not be possible to show you a specific room; instead you will be shown a model room within the hall. Please visit their web page at: http://admissions.shu.edu/visiting.htm for tours dates, times and appointment information.

9. Can my freshman student live in the apartments in Ora Manor?

Ora Manor Apartments are available ONLY to upper-class students.

10. What if my student needs to cancel their housing deposit?

To cancel your housing and receive a full deposit refund you must notify us in writing by June 1 of each year, for the fall semester. After June 1, students who cancel because they are not attending the University will receive a full refund. Those students who decide to cancel their housing and commute to classes will not receive a refund check; rather their housing deposit will be credited to their accounts towards their tuition bill.

11. What is offered if my student has a disability?

If you have special housing needs because of a disability, please notify us with your application; you must also contact the Office of Disability and Support Services (973-313-6003). It is important for us to be aware of your needs as early as possible so we can assist you in obtaining suitable accommodations.

12. What are Freshmen Interest Groups (FIGs)?

Freshmen Interest Groups provide an environment that can enhance motivation to learn, stimulate learning in specific areas of interest and offer opportunities to work closely with staff and faculty members. Current FIGS include Arts and Science, Education, Diplomacy, Nursing and PA/PT, Business Leadership, Communication, Honors and Out of State. Each semester, each FIG creates and plans events that provide focus that could include creating study groups, sharing their own work(s) or attending or participating in events in the campus and local community.

13. What type of security is provided in the halls?

The Residence Halls are equipped with several safety features. CARD ACCESS SYSTEM: Your student ID card will be used to gain access to a residence hall, but a key will still be required to enter your room FRONT DESK: All residence hall have 24-hour information desks located at the front entrances. These desks can be used to assist in identifying university staff that should be on your floor and to connect with other University safety measures (police, and RAs on duty) EMERGENCY TELEPHONES: Emergency call boxes are located in some parking areas and at the entrance of many residence halls. To operate the emergency phone, simply press one of the two emergency buttons. One will connect you directly to SHU Public Safety while the other one will dial 911. Speak into the speaker.

POLICE PATROLS: Two South Orange police officers patrol campus on selected evenings in addition to the already significant presence provided by the SHU Public Safety officers. We have experienced excellent response times to situations as a result of the strategic

location of these officers. SECURITY PATROLS: Residence Life staff performs security rounds of the buildings twice each evening and staffs are on call to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day.

14. Is there a curfew?

No. All guests of the opposite gender are required to adhere to visitation hours and be escorted by their resident host/hostess at all times while in the residence halls. In South Boland Hall, where bathrooms are community style, guests must use the rest room designated for the gender of the particular guest. Furthermore, your guests may not be left in the building, or residence hall when you are not present. In all residential areas you are responsible for the conduct of your guests. To learn more about our Guest and Visitation Policy please go to our web site: http://studentaffairs.shu.edu/housing/.

15. What does the room rate cover on campus?

Room rate includes heat, electricity, water, sewer, A/C, 24 hour security desk coverage, high-speed data connections, basic cable TV service, voice mail and on campus telephone calls. In addition, all residence halls offer wireless networks for convenience.

CABLE TV:

Campus TeleVideo provides programming and operates the SHU Cable TV System. The Campus TeleVideo cable service includes 70 Channels and it is included at no charge to the students, in all residence halls operated by the Department of Housing and Residence. For a complete cable line-up please see our web site at: http://studentaffairs.shu.edu/housing/cabletvlinup.htm.