Residence Life & Housing Policies

RESIDENCE LIFE & HOUSING POLICIES:

ABANDONED PROPERTY

The college will not be responsible for damage or loss of any personal property not removed within 48 hours after a student withdraws, separates from the college, or after the residence halls close in the spring. A room-cleaning charge will be assessed against any student who fails to remove his/her items of personal property within 48 hours of withdrawal or separation. Personal property left in hallways, stairwells and lounges will be considered abandoned property and will be discarded.

ACCOMMODATIONS (Housing Accommodations)

Students requesting on campus housing accommodations based on a documented disability should contact Academic Services for Accessible Education at aes@roanoke.edu.

ALCOHOL

Individuals who consume alcoholic beverages, regardless of their age, are responsible for their behavior and that of their guests.

The following actions constitute violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Policy:

  • Consumption under the legal age of 21.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages out-of-doors.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages in unauthorized areas.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages in college vehicles.
  • Being intoxicated as determined by college officials.
  • Providing alcohol to underage persons.
  • Transportation of alcoholic beverages in open containers in unauthorized areas.
  • Possession of bulk container(s) of alcoholic beverages. (Kegs and party balls found in the possession of students on campus will be confiscated and will not be returned.)
  • Alcohol-related Events in Unauthorized Areas
  • Violating state, local and federal laws applicable to alcoholic beverages.
  • Possession of empty alcoholic beverage containers in underage student rooms.

BICYCLES

Bikes may not be stored in public areas, hallways, stairwells, or near exit doors. Bikes found in these areas will be removed, and a $25 fee will be charged and must be paid in order to regain possession of the bike.

BICYCLE STORAGE

Bike racks are located outside of the residence halls. Bikes should be stored either in the bike racks outside the hall or in the residents' rooms. Bikes should be registered with the Campus Safety Office. It is recommended that a high security shackle lock be used to secure bikes. Unregistered bikes left on the racks after the academic year closes are considered abandoned and are subject to removal and disposal unless arrangements are made otherwise.

BREAK PERIODS

Residents who plan to stay during all or part of the breaks, whether at the invitation of the College or for personal reasons must submit the request form at www.roanoke.edu/breaks. An additional charge of $50 per day may be assessed for those students staying in the halls after closing, or returning before opening without permission from the Residence Life & Housing staff. Residence hall card access will be disabled during break periods. Without approval to remain during the breaks, access will be prohibited.

Residence Life & Housing staff does a safety and security check during closing for winter break. Violations of the Student Conduct Code discovered during room checks are dealt with in accordance with the standard referral procedure. Closing violations are recorded and fines are issued where appropriate.

For specific break dates refer to the Residence Life & Housing pages on the Roanoke College web site.

BUILDING SECURITY

Leaving room and apartment doors unlocked when not present or when sleeping creates security and safety risks. Residents should keep their doors locked during these times. Residence halls will remain locked 24 hours. Residents have access to their respective residence halls via their student ID card and 9am to 9pm access to other halls.

BUNK/LOFT BED POLICY

Only Roanoke College owned and installed bunk beds and lofts are permitted in campus housing.

The Wortmann complex (Blue Ridge, Shenandoah, and Tabor Halls) are the only buildings where lofts are authorized. The College has a limited number of lofting kits available. These kits are issued on a first requested, first installed basis. Only one loft kit may be used per bed. Lofting is not available in single rooms.

College provided bunk beds are authorized in all residence halls and Greek houses except for single rooms which only have one bed.

Residents who wish to loft (Wortmann Complex only) or use a bunk bed must complete the online Bunk/Loft Bed Request Form using their Roanoke College credentials. No one else can complete this Form on behalf of any other student.  If any resident requests a bunk or loft bed, then all residents of the room must submit this Form.

Once a bunk bed or a loft kit has been installed, it must remain as installed by the College without any components, removed or altered. Should it be discovered the bunk bed or loft has been modified in any way, the residents will have 24 hours to return the bed to the approved set up. If the bed is not returned to its original set up, it will be removed by staff; and all of the residents of the room will be charged a removal fee.

**Please note that bed risers up to 8 inches may be used without filling out this Form.

CHECKING INTO A ROOM

Keys

Residents will be issued a room key and exterior door access or an exterior door key (Afton) when checking into a specific residence hall. Residents may not change or add locks (including chain locks, deadbolts, etc.). Duplication of room and exterior door keys is prohibited.

Room Condition

Residence Life staff members conduct pre-occupancy inspections of all resident rooms prior to check-in. Residents are responsible for the condition of their room and room furnishings belonging to the College and sign a Room Inventory Card (RIC) documenting the condition of the room at check-in.

When completing your Room Inventory Card it is of utmost importance that you work with a Residence Life staff member to accurately record the contents and condition of your room at the time you check in. At the end of the year or upon vacating the room, the Room Inventory Card will be used by a staff member to determine what damages, if any, have occurred during the residents' stay. This card will be the basis from which any charges are made. It is the resident's responsibility to contact a Residence Life & Housing staff member should a damage occur while occupying a room. A Residence Life & Housing staff member will contact maintenance or housekeeping and work with the resident until the issue is resolved.

CHECKING OUT OF A ROOM

Before vacating their rooms, all residents must:

  • remove all personal belongings,
  • properly dispose of trash in the dumpster outside of their building/area, 
  • check out with a Residence Life & Housing staff member or complete express checkout, and 
  • return all College issued keys within 48 hours or by noon the day after commencement. A $50 charge per key will be assessed for missing keys.

Charges may be assessed for damage, missing furniture or keys, and any necessary excessive cleaning. Residents are responsible for damages to their rooms and furnishings belonging to the College. Damages will be assessed by comparing the condition of the room at the time of check-in with the condition at the time of checkout. It is the individual's responsibility to be sure that everything is recorded on the inventory card both at check-in and checkout. Anything missing or damaged at the time of checkout that was not recorded at the time of check-in will be charged to the individual(s) who reside in that room.

Withdrawals/Room Changes during the Semester

Should the resident change rooms, withdraw, or be separated from the College or its residences for any reason, the resident will remove all personal belongings from the College premises, vacate the residence, and return key(s) within 48 hours. All residents are provided with an opportunity to meet with a Residence Life staff member once they have moved all of their belongings from their room. The staff member may collect the room key and evaluate the condition of the room, noting any damages, missing items, or cleaning concerns. Residents who fail to check out with a Residence Life & Housing staff member are subject to charges for any or all damages/losses to the room.

COMMON AREAS

A common area is defined as any space and/or area outside a student room. This includes, but is not limited to stairwells, hallways, restrooms, lounges, quads, lobbies, kitchens, elevators, entrance ways, and study rooms. Community members share responsibility for ensuring that common areas are properly utilized. Please help discourage damages to rooms or common areas, and identify individuals responsible to a Residence Life & Housing staff member, Campus Safety staff, or the Silent Witness program which can be found on the Campus Safety page of the Roanoke College website. Damage charges resulting from the misuse or abuse of common areas may be assessed to all residents of the area. If the individuals responsible for the damage are identified, then only those persons are charged.

The College shall provide housekeeping services for the basic upkeep of the building. This will include the sweeping, mopping, and waxing of floors, cleaning of bathrooms (with the exception of Marion, Elizabeth, Afton Halls, and Maxey apartments and suites), etc. The residents of the hall are responsible for keeping the building in an acceptable condition. The residents may be billed for housekeeping/grounds services beyond those needed for basic upkeep.

Examples of resident responsibilities include:
• All trash in common living areas is to be disposed of properly. Trash must be placed into exterior dumpsters.
• Spilled liquids and excessive dirt on floors should be swept and mopped.
• Stickers, writing, and other marks on walls should be cleaned.
• Kitchen clean up - including taking care of dishes used, wiping up spills, and putting dishes away.
• Bathroom floors and shelves above sinks should be free of personal items. Personal items may be stored in storage units (cubbyholes, shelves) supplied in bathrooms, or in individual rooms.
• It is the responsibility of each individual to remove personal items from common areas. If items are left out, housekeeping staff will not be able to properly clean the area. Items left out for an extended period of time (at least 48 hours) will be considered abandoned property.

COMMON AREA ALTERATIONS AND DECORATIONS

Residence hall common area alterations (painting, decorations, etc.) must be approved in advance by the Director of Residence Life & Housing and the manager of physical plant operations.

CONSOLIDATION OF VACANCIES and DEFAULT SINGLES:

The Residence Life & Housing Office reserves the right to fill all vacancies. If a space becomes available in a room because a roommate has not been assigned or a roommate moves out, Residence Life & Housing reserves the right to fill the vacancy. If spaces are not needed after Census Day (one week after the first day of classes each semester), the resident may request to continue to live in the room at an increased rate for the balance of the semester and be assured that the College will not assign someone to that space.

A "double as single" rate shall be charged equal to the cost of a single room in the designated building. Students allowed to "buyout" their room agree that all room furniture will remain in the student room. Students who remove room furniture may be charged replacement value of the furniture and may face student conduct action.

Should a "buyout" be granted for the fall semester, it is not guaranteed for the spring semester. If need arises for the space for the spring semester, the Residence Life & Housing Office will provide advance notice to the current resident to prepare the room for a roommate.

Residents who engage in conduct designed or intended to dissuade or intimidate other students from moving into a room or who otherwise attempt to manipulate the housing assignment process may be subject to conduct action. This includes not responding to phone, e-mail or other attempts to make contact.

If someone is assigned a roommate at any time during the fall or spring semester, or when they leave for the winter break, it is important they are prepared to receive that person by ensuring the following:

  • one bed should be cleared and unobstructed
  • one desk should be emptied and cleared
  • one set of drawers should be emptied and available
  • one closet or wardrobe should be emptied and made available 
  • all assigned College furniture is present in the room

Additional information about Ghosting:

Ghosting occurs when students pay for a residence hall space but fail to move into their room. If a student fails to pick up their keys by Census Day (one week after the first day of classes each semester), the Residence Life & Housing Office reserves the right to change their housing assignment to a space designated as "overflow" to open up further options for room changes. Should the ghosting resident decide to move into their space after a room assignment has been changed, they will be required to live in their newly assigned space until further accommodations become available.

CONTRACT PERIODS

Rooms in residence halls are rented only for those periods of time when the College is in regular session, during the Intensive Learning Term, and during summer sessions.
At the end of each term residents must leave 24 hours after their last exam. Residents may be fined $50 for each evening they reside in the halls outside of the regular contract period.

DAMAGES

The charges listed herein are provided solely as an estimate of potential costs for typical damages and do not constitute an exhaustive list of all items for which a resident may be held financially responsible. This is intended to reflect common charges assessed in prior instances and is not binding as a complete representation of all possible charges. Residents may be held liable for any and all damages to the assigned unit, including but not limited to furnishings, appliances, bathroom fixtures (e.g., bathtubs, toilets), and other components of the premises. All damages will be assessed and charged accordingly, either to the individual resident(s) responsible or apportioned among all occupants of the unit (including roommates and/or suitemates), in accordance with the terms and conditions and College policies. 

Individual Student Rooms

Residents are responsible for damages occurring in their rooms and to their room furnishings. For shared room items and space, roommates will divide the cost of repair or replacement equally, unless one roommate accepts full responsibility in writing.

  • Excessive Cleaning / Trash Removal: $50 - $500+ (depends on the condition)
  • Interior Doors: $50-$800+ (will depend on repair or replace)  
  • Broken Blinds: $50-$150+ (depends on the size. Standard or Special Order)
  • Large Paint Chips: $50 (larger areas or numerous chips will be more)
  • Large Holes in Wall: $150 per hole (more if there is extensive damage)
  • Damaged/Missing Furniture: $150+

Common Area Damages

Students are expected to take proper care of College property. When damage occurs, the individual responsible will be billed through the Residence Life & Housing Office. In cases where the responsible party cannot be determined, damage costs will be prorated to all occupants of the hall or floor where the damage occurred; a minimum charge of $5 will be assessed to every occupant for each incident. Damages should be reported to a Residence Life & Housing staff member in a timely manner.

DEFAULT SINGLES

(See CONSOLIDATION OF VACANCIES)

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Electrical appliances have the potential to be hazardous if misused or not kept in proper repair and should always be used with caution and supervision. Appliances should be UL (Underwriter Laboratory) approved and have an automatic shut off system whenever available (coffee makers, curling irons, irons, etc.) No cooking is allowed in the residence hall bedrooms. Each hall has access to a kitchen. The following appliances are NOT permitted in the residence halls:

  • Air Fryers
  • broiler/toaster oven 
  • electric fry pan 
  • refrigerators larger than 3.9 cubic feet (with the exception of apartment and common area kitchens) 
  • microwave ovens with greater than 900 watts 
  • halogen lamp 
  • lava lamp brea
  • multi-colored floor lamp 
  • any appliance with an open flame or open coil or heating element

EMERGENCY/COURTESY PHONES

Yellow phones are located at designated residence hall entrances and can be used to call any campus number. Additionally, the phones are equipped with a 911 button which connects callers to Salem Emergency Services in the event of an emergency.

FALSE ALARMS

Discharging a false fire alarm jeopardizes the safety and welfare of residents, other members of the Roanoke College community, and members of the Salem community. Residents found in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary action.

FIRE/EXTERIOR DOORS

Propping fire doors or exterior doors creates fire and security risks and is prohibited.

FIRE DRILLS

In compliance with mandated fire codes, the staff will conduct regular fire drills in order to insure orderly and safe evacuation in case of fire or other emergencies. Failure to evacuate during a fire drill or actual fire emergency or re-entry into the building before permission is granted may result in disciplinary action.

Student and professional staff have been trained on fire alarm evacuation and safety. Student staff cover the specified area for specific hall evacuation plans during the first floor meeting during the first week of classes.

FIRE SAFETY

The following fire safety guidelines must be followed to help ensure fire safety and to be in compliance with local and state fire codes. Infractions may result in disciplinary action and removal of the prohibited item(s):

  • Based on the fire marshal’s recommendation, Roanoke College has a universal ban on extension cords in all residential buildings. You may use surge protectors with fuses that plug directly into the wall.  They should not extend through ceilings, under carpets, under or across doors, nor should they have any physical damage. (VSFPC 605.4.1-5).
  • nothing (e.g., tapestries, fishnets, posters, etc.) may be hung from or attached to ceilings or other horizontal surfaces above the head nor shall they cover more than 20% of the student rooms’ surfaces; 
  • nothing may be hung or draped over electrical outlets, smoke detectors, lamps, or other items with the potential to ignite the item through excessive heat exposure; 
  • nothing may be hung from sprinkler pipes, or within 18" of any sprinkler head; 
  • electrical outlets and extension cords may not be overloaded; 
  • surge protectors should be UL approved. Instead of extension cords, use surge protectors for multiple plugs. Surge protectors should not be linked to other surge protectors or be placed underneath carpets; 
  • the smoke detector battery must remain in the smoke detector. In the event the battery needs replacing, residents should contact a Residence Life & Housing staff member immediately; 
  • burning candles, oil lamps, and/or incense is prohibited in residence hall rooms or common areas. Birthday candles on cakes and candles necessary for the observation of religious holidays may be burned with prior approval of the Assistant Director and under supervision of a Residence Life & Housing staff member; 
  • lava, halogen, and multi-colored floor lamps are prohibited in residence hall rooms or common areas; 
  • flammable materials or equipment that contains flammable materials (such as camping stoves, lanterns, etc.) may not be stored in residence halls; 
  • live Christmas trees or wreathes are not allowed in residence halls; 
  • strung lights and electrical apparatus must be removed from all flammable materials and may not be hung across open areas; 
  • strung lights should be in good repair; Cords with frayed insulation or taped repairs are prohibited; 
  • keep room clear of fire hazards that are created through the accumulation of potentially flammable materials such as newspapers, magazines, boxes, cigarette butts, etc.; 
  • it is the responsibility of residents to become familiar themselves with the location of all building exits, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire alarm pull stations; 
  • residents should familiarize themselves with fire safety policies and exit procedures, and always cooperate with staff conducting fire drills or dealing with actual fire emergencies.


FURNISHINGS AND FURNITURE

Upon move-in, the following is provided for each resident: one bed frame, one extra-long twin sized mattress, chest of drawers, desk and chair and adequate closet/wardrobe space. Other furnishings may vary according to the individual residence hall. College furniture may not be removed from a resident's room or apartment and should not be switched between rooms. Under no circumstances may room furniture be placed in the hallways, storage rooms, or common areas. Unidentified furniture will be considered abandoned and will be removed. Charges for the replacement value of furniture will be assessed for missing furniture upon check out. Students are held responsible for their room (and apartment) furniture.

As mandated by section 805.4 of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, personal mattresses and are not allowed in student rooms. Students found in violation of this are subject to student conduct proceedings and fines. In addition, any upholstered furniture introduced into the residence halls must have the label of an approved agency confirming compliance with the following:

• NFPA 261 
• ASTM E 1537 

Any upholstered furniture not bearing the label, will not be allowed in the halls and will be discarded

Lounge Furniture

Lounge furniture is provided for the use of all students in the residence halls and may not be taken to individual rooms for private use. Unauthorized use of lounge furniture may result in charges assessed to the student(s) involved and can result in Code of Conduct charges.
College furniture from student rooms and common areas may not be taken outside.

GHOSTING

(See CONSOLIDATION OF VACANCIES)

GUESTS

Residents may host student or non-student guests overnight in their rooms with the expressed permission of their roommates. Residents are afforded this privilege with the understanding they will make responsible decisions regarding their behavior, which includes respecting the rights of roommates and other hall residents. Roommates or other hall residents who believe their rights are being violated or they are being imposed upon should first discuss the matter with the other party. If this does not lead to a resolution of the problem, residents should contact their Community Leader or Assistant Director.

Residents should inform their SCL/CL/GCL when they plan to have overnight guests. Residents are responsible and accountable (including disciplinary action, restitution, etc) for their guests' behavior while on College property or at College-sponsored events. Guests may not stay in any residence hall room for more than 3 days and 2 nights in a month without permission from the Residence Life & Housing staff. Residents must seek approval from the Residence Life & Housing staff prior to hosting a minor. Residence hall common areas are not available as overnight sleeping space.

HALL SPORTS

Games, sports, and sports-related activities that are otherwise played outdoors or in a specific sports arena are not permitted in the residence hallways, stairwells, or common areas.

HOUSING ELIGIBILITY

Housing is provided only for currently enrolled students. The College does not provide housing for non-student family members. The College reserves the right to deny campus housing to students for just cause, as determined by the Residence Life & Housing staff.

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

Students who inform Roanoke College Residence Life & Housing in a timely manner that they identify beyond the binary or as transgender will be housed in keeping with their gender identity; and every attempt will be made to give those students comfortable housing.

INDIVIDUAL ROOM RESPONSIBILITY

Individual rooms must be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner. To reduce the risk of fire, residents may not allow an excessive amount of combustible material (cardboard, paper, wood, etc.) to accumulate in their rooms. Residents must refrigerate perishable food items and store non-perishables in sealed containers. Occupants of a room not meeting this standard, as determined by the Residence Life & Housing, Campus Safety, and/or Maintenance staffs, will be given a designated period of time to correct the situation. Disciplinary action may be taken if the situation is not corrected within the designated time.

Room doors must be kept free of any writing or other damages. Memo boards may be put on doors as long as they are removed at the end of the year. Nothing should be put on room doors that will create a fire hazard, or cannot be removed by the residents of the room. All items must be removed from the door before vacating the room.

Inspections of each residence hall will be made on a regular basis and as needed.

INSURANCE

The College assumes no obligation to pay for the loss of, or damage to, personal property in College residence halls unless the loss or damage is due to the negligence of College personnel. Residents should check their parents'/guardians' insurance coverage to determine if their personal belongings are covered under the current homeowners'/renters' policy.

KEYS

Residents are issued a room key and card access. Residence hall keys are obtained from the Residence Life & Housing Office. No deposit is required for keys, but a $50.00 fee per key will be charged for keys that are lost or not returned. Keys remain the property of the College and should not be duplicated, loaned or given away. Lost or stolen keys should be reported immediately to the Residence Life & Housing Office.

KITCHENS

The College is not responsible for food or other personal belongings left in common kitchen areas. Food and trash must be properly disposed of and residents should confirm that the stove/oven is turned off after using the kitchen area. Residents who do not clean the kitchen after each use may be subject to disciplinary action.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES

The laundry facilities located within the residence halls are for Roanoke College residents only. During the regular academic year and the Intensive Learning term, the cost of the laundry is consumed in the room fee. During the summer terms, the laundry facilities are coin operated.

LOCK OUTS

Residents should carry their room key at all times and lock their rooms when not present. Residents who are locked out of their rooms should contact their Community Leader on Duty via the telephone numbers posted (starting at 4:30pm weekdays and throughout weekends), the Residence Life & Housing Office (Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm), or Campus Safety at other times. A $25 lockout fee will be charged to the student’s account. Students are reminded that responding to a lockout call is not an emergency and the staff will respond as soon as possible.

MAINTENANCE/HOUSEKEEPING

Maintenance and housekeeping concerns are handled by division of Business Affairs staff members. All residence hall maintenance/ housekeeping problems should be reported promptly using the online work order system.  For immediate issues please contact Residence Life & Housing during business hours. For immediate issues outside of business hours including weekends and college holidays please call Campus Safety.

MEAL PLAN

With the exception of Elizabeth Hall, residents are required to purchase a meal plan. First year residents are required to purchase a 19 meal per week plan. Upper-class residents may choose either a 14 or 19 meal per week plan. Residents of Afton Hall and New Hall apartments may choose a 14, 19, or 9 meals per week plan. Residents of Elizabeth Hall are not required to purchase a meal plan.

MISUSE/TAMPERING/DESTROYING BUILDING SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Any misuse, tampering, or destroying building safety equipment jeopardizes residents' safety and should be reported immediately to Campus Safety or a Residence Life & Housing staff member. Fire equipment includes, but is not limited to, room and hallway smoke detectors, exit signs, fire alarms, breaker panels, fire extinguishers, etc. Students are reminded that removing batteries or obstructing smoke detectors is a violation. Residents found in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary action. Report any problems with fire equipment to Campus Safety or a Residence Life & Housing staff member.

MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT

(See CHECKING IN or CHECKING OUT)

OFF CAMPUS

Residency Requirement Waiver

Students requesting to have their residency requirement waived based upon financial hardship must provide documented evidence of extreme financial need. Students must be able to demonstrate there has been a significant change in their financial status and have exhausted their financial options. Students must have submitted the most recent FAFSA. If no FAFSA exists, students must submit copies of the most recent federal tax return and evidence of extreme financial hardship (e.g. death of primary income provider, recent employment termination, medical expenses exceeding maximum insurance coverage, etc.). Requests for release of your residency requirement for financial savings is not a valid reason for a financial hardship. 

Commuting

Students who meet any of the commuting requirement may choose to live in the residence halls. However, the agreement is binding for the full academic year.  Request for Change in Residency Status forms are due June 15th each year for the entire academic year. If after residing on campus at any time you are interested in living off campus, you must submit an appeal to the off-campus appeals committee to explain the reasons for the change in status. Only extreme circumstances will be reviewed.

PETS

Pets or animals, other than fish kept in suitable tanks not exceeding 10 gallons, are prohibited. When considering whether to keep fish, residents should be aware that during break periods residence halls are closed and feeding may be disrupted.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Residence Life staff (including Community Leaders serving in their official capacity), Campus Safety officers, and other College officials maintain the right to seize, confiscate, and/or destroy paraphernalia associated with prohibited alcohol possession, smoking/vaping, and drug use within campus residence halls and on campus property.  Such seizures may result in disciplinary action. 

In addition to other prohibited items listed in the fires safety policies, possession and/or use of the following items is not permitted in the residence halls:

  • waterbeds; 
  • firearms or other weapons (such as BB guns, air rifles, slingshots, combat or folding knives with a blade of 2.5 inches or more, swords, martial arts equipment, etc.) capable of inflicting injury; 
  • items resembling guns or other weapons; 
  • fireworks, firecrackers, and other explosives; 
  • dart boards.

QUIET HOURS

Quiet hours are in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 9:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. During exam periods (reading day through residence hall closing) quiet hours are in effect at all times. Parties registered or otherwise, are not allowed during this time. There should be no noise heard outside of individual rooms during quiet hours. Courtesy quiet hours are always in effect, i.e., excessive noise at any time is not permitted. Excessive noise is described as any type of noise at such a level that it may disturb other individuals. This regulation also applies to excessive noise during work/class hours that possibly disturbs classrooms and offices. Amplified musical instruments or drums of any kind may not be played in the residence halls without prior approval from the Residence Life & Housing staff.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Like many private liberal arts colleges, Roanoke is a residential college. That is, the campus living experience is an integral part of the college experience and is highly valued as a complement to the classroom experience. We believe that living together in community provides residents opportunities to interact with other students, faculty, and staff and to enhance their social and interpersonal growth as citizens through shared living experiences. In support of this philosophy, College policy requires that students live on campus during their full tenure as a student unless they meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • have lived in the Roanoke Valley area (within 30 miles of campus) for at least six months preceding the date of first enrollment and continue to reside with their parent(s)/guardian(s); 
  • are married; 
  • have a dependent child; 
  • live with grandparents who live in the Roanoke Valley area; 
  • are 23 years old (before December of the year they desire to live off campus) 
  • are a military veteran; 
  • are enrolled part-time (students who claim off campus status due to part-time enrollment and who return to full-time status during the current or a subsequent semester, will be charged the current room and board rate); 

Students who are otherwise eligible to claim commuter status or have been granted off campus release may choose to live in the residence halls. However, the contract is binding for the full academic year.

Students who are on Disciplinary Probation at the time of the spring term housing selection process are not eligible for off campus release.

ROOFS/LEDGES

Being on the roof/ledge of any building is prohibited. Disposing of trash or placing items on the roof/ledge of any building is prohibited.

ROOM CHANGES

Room changes must be approved in advance by the Assistant Director of the hall(s) involved. Appropriate forms (room change form, condition form, etc.) must be completed before the move is made. Unauthorized room changes may be subject to a fine of a minimum of $50. There is a two-week period at the start of each semester during which room changes are not available. Room changes may be made until one week prior to the spring term housing selection process, and then afterwards at the discretion of the Residence Life & Housing staff.

The Residence Life & Housing staff reserves the right to make changes in room assignments at any time during the year.

ROOM ENTRY, INSPECTIONS, AND SEARCHES

Authorized College officials may enter and/or search residents' rooms at any time for the purpose of conducting College business or in the event of an emergency. To ensure compliance with College policies, the Student Conduct Code, Residence Life & Housing policies, and fire safety guidelines, room inspections by College personnel are made regularly and may be made at any time, with or without notice. Residents need not be present during room entry, inspections, or searches. Unauthorized or illegal items found during an entry, inspection, or search may be confiscated. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are notified of criminal offenses that are discovered during room entry, inspections, or searches.

ROOM RESPONSIBILITY

The occupants of each residence hall room are responsible for all activities taking place in their room, whether they are present or not. They are also responsible for any items found in the room.

SMOKING

Smoking (including e-cigarettes, hookah, vape pens, etc.) is prohibited inside or within 25 feet of the residence halls, including fraternity houses. Evidence of cigarette use, i.e. soiled ashtrays, cigarette butts, etc., in residence hall rooms or common areas may result in disciplinary action.

STORAGE

Storage is not available in residence halls. Students who are part of a Greek organization may utilize their chapter room for storage during summer months. Roanoke College has partnered Storage Scholars for your storage needs.

TERMINATION OF THE ON CAMPUS HOUSING AGREEMENT

The Housing Agreement is terminated when a resident:

  • finishes a regular academic year, Intensive Learning term, or summer term; 
  • withdraws officially from the College during any term; 
  • graduates before the end of the academic year; 
  • does not re-enroll for the subsequent term; 
  • is granted an exemption by the Residence Life & Housing staff; 
  • is removed from housing in consideration of the welfare of the student or other residents as determined by College officials; 
  • is temporarily suspended, suspended, or expelled from the College.

Unless arrangements are made otherwise, residents must vacate their living areas within 48 hours of termination of the Housing Agreement. All personal belongings must be removed. Personal belongings not retrieved within 48 hours of termination of the Housing Agreement will be considered abandoned and are subject to donation or disposal at the residents' expense.

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY/EXIT

Residents and their guests must enter and exit the residence halls through the exterior doors. Residents and their guests may not use windows as an entry or exit. Those found using windows to enter or exit the building or unlocking windows for this purpose may be subject to disciplinary action.

WAITING LIST (ON CAMPUS ROOM CHANGE REQUEST)

A room change request is offered for those who desire a room/housing change within or between terms. Requests are honored on a first-come-first-served basis.

  • a room change request for fall assignments begins at the completion of the spring term housing selection process and continues throughout the fall break 
  • the room change request for spring assignments begins one week after the beginning of the spring semester and continues through spring break (Afterwards, room changes will only be considered in extenuating circumstances.) 
  • room change requests expire at the end of the semester for which they are submitted

See ROOM CHANGES for additional information.

WINDOWS

Placing or permitting objects to rest or hang from the exterior of individual residence hall room windows is prohibited. Objects or materials displayed on the interiors of windows should be in good taste and not offensive to others. Curtains or other items displayed in window interiors must be made of flame-resistant materials.