2008-2009 DORM/ANNEX RESIDENTIAL LIVING GUIDE
- Introduction
- Personnel
- Important Phone Numbers
- The Graduate College
- The Porter's Lodge
- Contract Information
- Dining Services
- Student Policies
- Dorm Room Regulations
- Housing Procedures
- Facilities Services
- Fire Safety
- Emergencies
- General Safety
HOUSING
PREFACE
University housing is central to Princeton’s goal of creating a community of scholars. The University offers a wide range of rooms in the Graduate College and various Annexes to enrolled graduate students. All individuals choosing to live in University housing do so with the understanding that they must abide by all applicable regulations. They also agree to avoid any actions that may inconvenience other community members, cause damage to University facilities or result in disruption to the community at large. Failure to meet these standards may result in the University terminating the occupancy agreement and removing the individual from University housing.
INTRODUCTION
The Housing Department is pleased to welcome you to the University. We strive to provide you with University housing according to your needs and preferences and look forward to assisting you with any housing-related issues. Whether this is your first year or your last at Princeton, we encourage you to review this information on policies and services, which may have been changed or revised since 2007-08.
This information, along with the Housing/Dining Agreement Terms and Conditions, along with Rights Rules, and Responsibilities reviews all aspects of the policies and services available to you.
Office location: MacMillan Building
Office hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Summer office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
PERSONNEL
HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF
Student Housing
Assistant Director
Lisa DePaul (8-2517)
Manager for Graduate Housing
Scott Baldwin (8-1824)
Graduate Office Assistant
David Carter (8-3721)
Graduate Office Assistant
Winona "Nonie" Wilson (8-5758)
Dining Contract Coordinator for Graduate and Undergraduate
Phyllis Rodill (8-5757)
Operations and Inspection
Associate Director of Housing of Operations for Housing
Patty Smith (8-1908)
Facilities Manager
Matthew Ferry (8-7638)
Office Assistant
Lorraine Van Horn (8-6792)
Butler Apts. Superintendent
Dwight McEwen (8-1421)
Hibben/Magie Apts, Superintendent
Larry Spruill (8-6671)
Lawrence Apts. Superintendent
Dave Young (8-6139)
Millstone Apts. Superintendent
John Medley (8-6039)
Housing Inspection Manager
Ken Paulaski (8-3995)
Housing Inspector
Jeff Axelrod (8-5913)
Housing Inspector
Bob Van Schaick (8-3435)
Directors Office
Director of Housing
Andrew Kane (8-3469)
Associate Director of Housing
Joseph Plaksa (8-3712)
Office Coordinator
Pamela Slater (8-3677)
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergencies
- 911
- Princeton Borough Police 609-924-4141
- Princeton Township Police 609-921-2100
- Public Safety 8-1000 (Emergencies) or 8-3134 (General)
Building Services & Maintenance
- Facilities Customer Service Center (maintenance and extermination requests) 8-8000
- Facilities Manager (8-2326)
Dining
- Dining Contracts (8-5757)
- Dining Services (8-6097)
Graduate Housing Office
- General Office (8-3460)
- Housing Contracts (8-3721)
- Housing, Graduate (8-3721)
- Housing Inspectors (8-3995)
Information
- Campus information 0
- New Jersey information 411
McCosh Health Center
- Weekdays (8-3129)
- After hours and weekends (8-3139)
Office of Associate Dean of the Graduate School
- General (8-3028)
Telecommunications
- Telephone and Voicemail issues (8-4357)
THE GRADUATE COLLEGE
GRADUATE HOUSING POLICY COMMITTEE
The Graduate Housing Policy Committee is a joint student-administration committee that recommends the policies that govern dormitories, storage, room draw and other services and facilities. The committee is composed of graduate students, including a representative from each of the residential committees, and representatives from the Housing Department and the Graduate School. Interested students are encouraged to attend the committee’s meetings, to apply for membership and/or to contact one of the committee chairs.
PORTER'S LODGE
The Porter’s Lodge (8-3443) in the Old Graduate College provides a variety of reception services for residents. It serves as an information center, a focal point for activities and a source of equipment, recreational reading materials and videos and DVDs available for checkout by graduate students. In addition, the mailroom for Graduate College residents is located in the Porter’s Lodge. Upon arriving to the Graduate College, please visit the Porter's Lodge to fill out the necessary paperwork to setup your mailbox. If you fail to establish your mailbox after the start of the academic year, all mail and packages will be returned to the sender.
The Graduate College Office Coordinator is responsible for the Porter’s Lodge on weekdays. In the evenings and on weekends, it is staffed by graduate student porters. Office hours are:
Weekdays
9:00am - noon
1:00pm - 5:00pm
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Weekends
1:00pm - 5:00pm
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Variations in the scheduled hours do occur and are normally posted in advance. For more information visit the Porter's Lodge website.
GRADUATE COLLEGE HOUSE COMMITTEE
The Graduate College House Committee is the student governance organization of the Graduate College and the Annexes. As such, it represents residents to the administration and also is responsible for allocating house dues. The committee sponsors many of the social, cultural, athletic and intellectual activities that take place at the Graduate College. In addition, the group also has administrative responsibility for the laundry machines.
Each Graduate College and Annex resident pays house dues in conjunction with their Housing contract. The dues enable residents to participate in House Committee functions. Refund of the entire $50 occurs if the student cancels their Housing contract before September 30th. Any cancellation between September 30th and January 31st receives a $25 refund. Any cancellation after January 31st does not receive a refund of house dues.
The House Committee welcomes input and participation from all residents. Graduate students seeking opportunities for involvement are encouraged to contact house committee members by visiting the House Committee website.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
The Community Programs Coordinator, in liaison with the Graduate School and the Housing Department, represents the best interests of graduate residents to the University community. In a residence life program that emphasizes community development, the Community Programs Coordinator is responsible for the daily social management of the Graduate College, the coordination and implementation of all programming in cooperation with the Graduate College House Committee and the advising and referral of students as appropriate.
Several student-operated agencies provide housing-related services. In the fall, carpeting, furniture, futons, lamps, laundry service, lofts, refrigerator and TV/VCR rentals are all useful products to consider. Year-round, computer accessories, shipping and packing services and newspaper delivery are also available. In the spring, in order to facilitate students’ moves, summer storage and moving agencies are ready to serve students.
Information on each agency, its manager’s name, and its phone number are listed in the Student Agency Directory and in the Campus Directory. Click Here for further information. Students should contact the agency manager listed or the student agency office.
A. HOUSING
- Occupancy and Re-assignment
The University agrees to provide the student with the use of specified accommodations. Use or continued use of any particular space cannot be assured. The University may make changes in assignments of accommodations whenever it finds changes to be necessary or in the best interest of the residential community. The student may change accommodations only with the prior permission of the Housing Department. Space in University dormitories is made available to the student only for his or her personal use and the student may not transfer the use of such space to any other individual. While the student is permitted to have a guest for short periods of time, extended visits are not permitted. The length and frequency of visits is contingent upon the consent of all the roommates and the Assistant Director for Student Housing. - Terms of Agreement
Unless otherwise specified, the University agrees to provide the student with the use of the accommodations for the two terms of the academic year commencing at a time prior to the first week of classes as announced by the Housing Office in August and ending the last day of the final examination period for the second term of the academic year; except, if the student is receiving a degree in such academic year, ending at noon on the day after Commencement. Occupants remaining beyond the permitted time will be charged for their additional stay. If the space is occupied past the termination date, the Housing Department may enter the room and pack and store the belongings therein at the occupant’s expense. - Early Termination of This Agreement
The Terms and Conditions of the Agreement are binding for the entire occupancy period. However, under certain circumstances, the University permits the termination of the agreement, subject to the conditions below.- Cancellation by the Resident: The student who desires to terminate this agreement must notify the Housing Department in writing. The resident will continue to be charged for occupancy until proper notification has been received, the room has been vacated, and the keys have been returned. A student who accepts a contract and then wishes to cancel it will have ten business days after acceptance to do so without penalty. After ten days, a $200 fee will be assessed and the student can be held responsible for the full contract value if the space cannot be reassigned by another eligible person.
- Termination by the University: Housing may terminate a contract and repossess the assigned space for any of the reasons listed below. In such event, the student will be responsible for all obligations accrued under the agreement.
- If the residency is revoked by any University disciplinary authority for violation of University rules and regulations.
- If the resident takes a leave of absence, graduates, or withdraws for any reason.
- If the University finds such action appropriate for reasons of health, safety, or emergency.
- If the University terminates the agreement, the student agrees to vacate the space and return the keys.
- If a student fails to comply with such procedures, Housing may take related action, including removing any property remaining in the space and changing the locks. The student will be responsible for any related costs in taking these measures.
- If the student vacates the accommodations without prior consent, this contract shall continue in effect and the student shall be held responsible for all payments owed under the contract for the entire term of the contract.
- Charges
Responsibility for payment of charges due under this agreement rests entirely with the student. Payment of charges will be made pursuant to the procedures and schedule agreed upon by the Office of the Treasurer (Loans and Receivables). Failure to make payments as agreed will subject the student, under University Regulations on Non-payment of fees and charges, to sanctions, including interest charges, suspensions, withholding of degrees and withholding of transcripts . - Liability
The student is responsible for loss or damage of University property provided for the use of the student, including the furniture and the accommodations. All University property located in the accommodation at the commencement of the agreement period must be located in the same accommodation in good condition upon the termination of the agreement. The student may also be held liable for damage done to public areas and furniture or equipment located therein. The University is not responsible for loss, damage or injury to the student’s property or person. No alterations, painting or construction may be done in the accommodation. Students may not contract with or permit any outside provider to perform any maintenance, alteration, or repairs to the University’s facilities. Any cost incurred by the University to restore the accommodation or contents to the condition which they were in when made available to the student will be billed to the student. The student will be held liable for any fine or charge from a governmental agency accruing to the University through the student’s fault. - Keys
No student will be issued a room key unless he or she has signed an agreement for housing. One key is issued to each student. Keys must be returned by the last day of the term of this agreement or of the student’s use of the accommodations, whichever occurs first. No housing credit will be given unless and until the key is returned regardless of the reason for termination. Any student who loses or fails to return a key will be charged for a lock change. - Privacy and Right of Re-Entry
The University respects the privacy of the student, but reserves the right to re-enter and take possession of the accommodations upon breach of any term of this agreement. The University may enter the accommodations during reasonable hours to provide efficient services and maintenance. The University may enter accommodations without notice for the purposes of emergency service, safety, and room condition inspections or if there is reason to believe that any term or condition of this agreement is being violated. When entering accommodations, the University may be accompanied by an outside party, such as a municipal fire inspector. The accommodations must be cleared of all personal property upon termination of the agreement. The University accepts no liability for personal property remaining in the accommodations after termination. The University may dispose of such property at the occupant's expense. - Dormitory Regulations
Conduct in the accommodations is subject to rules and regulations as set forth in the current edition of Rights, Rules, Responsibilities and the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide. In addition the University may, from time to time, adopt other rules regulating aspects of life in University housing. Such rules and regulations, and any modifications thereto, are part of this agreement and will be enforced by the University. Students violating any of the regulations will be subject to University disciplinary action, which will include the imposition of fines by the Housing Office. Violations will be considered a material breach of the agreement by the student and may result in the University terminating the Housing Agreement. Particular attention is drawn to the following:- Fire Safety. The University requires all students to comply fully with all University fire safety regulations. The University will inspect the accommodations from time to time to ensure compliance. Smoking is not permitted in any dormitory building.
- Firearms. The possession, storing, or use on campus of firearms, ammunition, dry explosives, or incendiary devices that might threaten human life are not permitted.
- Cooking. Cooking is permitted only in Annex kitchens and other kitchens located in the Graduate College. Cooking in accommodations without kitchens is strictly prohibited.
- Roof Policy. Entering upon exterior elevated surface of campus buildings (roofs, fire escapes, terrace, balconies, ledges above the first floor, etc.) is prohibited, except in emergencies.
- Pets. Dogs and cats are not permitted in dormitory and Annex housing units. Other pets, which can be humanely housed in cages, bowls or aquariums, may be kept, but only with the permission of the student’s roommates.
B. DINING
- Terms of Agreement
The University agrees to provide meals at specified locations to the student for the academic year (two terms) commencing with breakfast on the Monday prior to the first day of classes and ending with dinner on Friday of the final examination period for the second term. A continental breakfast is provided at all times. The agreement period does not include fall recess, winter recess, intercession, or spring recess, except a continental breakfast provided during recess periods. Special agreements are available for these periods not covered by this agreement except for winter recess. All scheduled serving days are in accordance with the University’s academic calendar and are subject to change if the calendar should be revised. - Termination or Change
The student is permitted to change the meal agreement one time each semester. Changes may be made as follows: fall semester – during the third full week of classes; spring semester – during the first week of classes. Students changing their meal plan during the second week of classes must do so at the TigerCard Office. After the above periods, the agreement may be changed or terminated only by withdrawal from the University, or with the permission of the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School for compelling personal reasons. If permission is granted by the Dean’s Office, the student must change or terminate the agreement in the Graduate Housing Office. All credits will be prorated. New contracts may be signed at any time throughout the year. Meals may be added at any time. - Charges and Non-Payment
The student agrees to pay the yearly meal rate as stated on the contract. Payment will be made pursuant to the procedures and schedule agreed upon with the Office of the Treasurer (Loans and Receivables). Failure to make payments as agreed will subject the student to University Regulations on Non-Payment, including possible interest charges, suspension, withholding of degrees and withholding of transcripts, and the payment of costs and expenses of collection, including attorney and collection fees. - Identification
The University TigerCard is used in the student dining units for meals purchased through dining agreements. The student must present this card to be admitted to meals. It is for the exclusive use of the student to whom it is issued and is non-transferable. Any misuse of the TigerCard including the inappropriate transfer to others for any campus access will subject the owner to disciplinary action. Responsibility for safeguarding and proper use of the card is solely that of its owner. Students can avoid any inconvenience and expense to themselves by treating their card as though it were cash or a credit card. Faulty or damaged cards must be presented to the TigerCard Office for repair or replacement. If this card is lost/stolen or damaged, a replacement fee will be charged. - Conditions of Participation
All food selected in the dining unit must be consumed prior to leaving the dining room. Any removal of food from the dining room will be subject to disciplinary action. The Dining Service staff reserves the right to inspect packages, coats, bags, etc. that are brought into the dining unit. The department reserves the right to change the location and service for special meals. - Required Agreements
All residents of the Graduate College are required to sign a dining agreement for one of the specified meal plans.
C. HOUSE DUES
- Charges
Each Graduate College and Annex resident pays a fee for house dues when signing the contract. The dues enable residents to participate in House Committee functions. A complete refund occurs if the student cancels before September 30. A cancellation between September 30 and January 31 receives a credit for half the amount. Any cancellation after January 31 does not receive a refund of house dues. Payment will be made pursuant to the procedures and schedule agreed upon with the Office of the Treasurer (Loans and Receivables). Failure to make payments as agreed will subject the student to University Regulations on Non- Payment, including possible interest charges, suspension, withholding of degrees and withholding of transcripts, and the payment of costs and expenses of collection, including attorney and collection fees.
D. GENERAL CONDITIONS
- Exceptions
Any failure to provide meals or the use of specified accommodations due to acts of God, construction, strikes or threats thereof or due to any causes beyond the control of the University shall not constitute a breach of this agreement, and the University will not be liable to the student except to the extent of allowing in each such case a prorated reduction in charges for the number of meals not provided or the number of days that accommodations are not provided except that the University in its sole and absolute discretion may instead provide an alternative location for meals and alternative accommodations at no additional cost to the student as it deems necessary or desirable. - Relationship of Parties
The relationship of the student and the University shall be that of a guest and an innkeeper, respectively, and nothing herein shall be construed to give the student any additional rights including, but not limited to, those of a tenant under a residential lease.
Please go to the Dining Services website for the most up to date information regarding meal plans and other services.
Students are expected to be acquainted with and abide by University regulations regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. These regulations are designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey, and, in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of alcohol beverages by and to persons under 21 years of age. A complete statement of policy appears in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities. Students are in violation of the alcohol policy under any of the following circumstances:
- Possession of an open container of alcohol, by any student, in common spaces (such as lounges, game rooms, hallways, entryways, dining areas, courtyards)
- Possession of any container of alcohol (open or sealed) in common spaces by students under the age of 21
- Serving, providing or making available alcohol to persons under 21
The aforementioned violations are regarded more seriously if property is damaged or the privacy of others is infringed upon.
The University respects the right to privacy, and its representatives do not enter dormitory rooms in order to enforce this policy without reasonable suspicion that University policies or regulations have been violated. If a violation is determined, all alcohol and equipment used to dispense it are confiscated and not returned.
CHARGES
Responsibility for the payment of charges due under the Housing/Dining Services Agreement rests entirely with the student. Payment of charges are made pursuant to the procedures and schedule determined by the Office of the Treasurer (loans and receivables). Failure to make payments as agreed upon subjects the student, under University regulations on nonpayment of fees and charges, to sanctions including suspension, withholding of degrees and withholding of transcripts.
COMMON AREA DAMAGES
Charges for excessive damages in the common areas of dormitories may be prorated by entry, floor or building in cases where individual responsibility cannot be ascertained. The determination of what constitutes “excessive damages” are the judgment of the Graduate School and the Housing Department. These charges are assessed as a group billing and cannot be individually reduced.
FURNITURE
Every room in the Graduate College comes with a single bed, dresser, desk, closet and bedside table for each student. Students are responsible for the loss of or damage to University property provided for their use, including the furniture in their accommodations. All University property originally in the room must be left in good order. IMPORTANT: Furniture may not be removed from dorm rooms. Students may only remove the mattress from their room. The bed frame can be disassembled and placed under their new bed. At the end of the year, the student is responsible for returning the mattress and bringing the room to its original condition.
GRILL POLICY
Possession of or cooking with grills or other portable cookers is prohibited, except under the guidelines established by the Dining Services Cookout Policy. Any grills discovered on the exterior of any building will be confiscated and disposed of immediately.
GUEST POLICY
Space in University dormitories is made available to regularly enrolled graduate students of Princeton for their personal use, and use of such space cannot be transferred to any other individual. Visitors are allowed in housing throughout the 24-hour day, yet the presence of guests or visitors must not interfere with other residents’ normal activities. Roommates are expected to be sensitive to each other’s need for privacy as well as reasonable about the need for occasional guests or visitors to the room. The University strongly encourages that residents get 48 hours advance consent from and give advance notice to all other roommates before having guests or visitors. In the case of overnight guests or visitors, 48-hour advance consent from all roommates is required. Additionally, extended visits, greater than three days and two nights, are not permitted. Overnight sleeping in common areas of the building is prohibited. Disputes or concerns regarding guests at the Graduate College and Annexes should be brought to the attention of the Community Programs Coordinator or the Assistant Director of Student Housing for resolution. The University may deny guest privileges and impose disciplinary action if this policy is abused.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR GUESTS/VISITORS
It is expected that guests and/or visitors will show consideration for the property of their peers and of the University. Residents are encouraged to inform guests and/or visitors of all University regulations. Residents are personally responsible for the actions of their guests, including any damages to University property or the property of other residents. Residents are encouraged to accompany their guests at all times in the dormitory. If the guests are other Princeton University students, then the resident and the guests and/or visitors concurrently accept responsibility for their actions.
HIV INFECTION
The following excerpts are from “Guidelines for Students Regarding HIV Infection.”
Fundamental to Princeton’s response to HIV infection and other chronic illness is the commitment to respect the rights and reasonable concerns of everyone, including those individuals living with these conditions.
Accommodations for Students Living with HIV
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protect students with disabilities. Under these acts and University policy, HIV infection is considered to be a disability. As with all disabilities, Princeton University will make reasonable accommodations for students living with HIV.
Peers of Students with HIV
Peers of those students who are HIV infected are expected to continue to carry out their academic responsibilities in a normal fashion. Should a student experience fear or anxiety with regard to interacting with a fellow student who is known or perceived to have HIV disease, he or she should contact a member of the Princeton University Health Services staff for information on HIV disease, or the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School for information about accommodating other requests. Students who wish to transfer to another residence to avoid contact with a fellow student who is HIV infected or perceived to be living with HIV do not have a right to such reassignment.
For further information, please refer to the ”Princeton University Policy on HIV Infection“ and the complete “Guidelines for Students Regarding HIV Infection” available through the Office of the Vice Provost for Administration, 3 Nassau Hall, or the chief medical officer and executive director, Princeton University Health Services.
NOISE
Every Princeton dormitory resident has the right to a reasonably quiet environment, one conducive to study and to the pursuit of his or her other interests.
The University expects all students to respect this right and to be aware of the impact their activities may have on their neighbors. Stereo speakers, for instance, should not be placed in a way that interferes with the activities of others. Normally, audio equipment should be placed away from doors and open windows.
While social gatherings are an essential part of campus life, students who host parties are urged to be considerate of their neighbors. If the Department of Public Safety receives complaints about a loud party, or other noisemaking, prior to midnight on weeknights, or 2:00am on weekends (Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday nights only), Public Safety will ask the hosts to reduce the noise level. After the curfew hour, Public Safety is authorized to end the activity in question.
Residents concerned about excessive noise should themselves contact the person(s) responsible for the noise. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, they should call Public Safety for assistance. All noise complaints are noted by the Department of Public Safety. Especially flagrant and/or repeated violations of this noise policy may result in disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School.
PETS
Dogs and cats are not permitted in University dormitory or Annex units. Other pets which can be humanely housed in cages, bowls or aquariums may be kept, but only with the permission of the student’s roommates. The room/suite will be re-inspected within 7 days of the citation date. If the pet or evidence of the pet (food, cage, toys, etc.) are discovered upon subsequent inspections, an increased fine is issued with the possibility of losing housing privileges.
PRIVACY AND RE-ENTRY
The University respects the privacy of the student but reserves the right to reenter and take possession of the accommodations upon breach of any term of the housing contract. The University may enter accommodations without notice when necessary for the safety of the students or other occupants for the purpose of emergency service or safety inspections or when there is reason to believe that the terms and conditions of the housing agreement are being violated.
Prior notice will not normally be provided in advance of emergency situations or maintenance services that are carried out in response to a student request. In other situations, whenever possible, the University will attempt to notify students prior to entry of their rooms for maintenance purposes.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
The University has a strong commitment to the conservation of our natural resources. It is expected that all occupants of University housing will do their best to forward that commitment. Students are expected to minimize energy use whenever possible. Room lights and other electric equipment should be turned off when not needed. Shower and other water usage should be of a reasonable duration. In units with separate thermostats heat should not be set at an excessive level. Any problems affecting the above systems should be reported to maintenance for repair. In general, students are asked to be aware of and reasonable in their use of all consumable energy resources.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Respect for the rights, privileges, and sensibilities of others is essential to preserving the spirit of the community at Princeton. Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to individuals are therefore regarded as serious offenses. In particular, abusive or harassing behavior, verbal or physical, that demeans, intimidates, threatens, or injures another person because of his or her sex, race, national origin, or personal characteristics or beliefs is subject to University disciplinary sanctions. Examples of personal characteristics or beliefs include but are not limited to sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, and disability (Rights, Rules, Responsibilities). Dormitory residents should respect the desire of all members of the community for a reasonable degree of privacy. It is expected that residents show consideration for the property of their peers and of the University.
SMOKING POLICYPrinceton University is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free living environment for all its students. Further, New Jersey law prohibits smoking in all dormitories/annexes, including private student rooms and common areas. Accordingly, smoking is not permitted anywhere in Princeton University dormitories/annexes. Failure to follow the policy will result in disciplinary action. |
STUDENT LIABILITIES
Students are responsible for any costs that the University incurs in returning the accommodation to its original condition. In the case of suites, all residents of a suite are held responsible unless the responsible individual identifies himself or herself to the Housing Department. Those who damage University property are subject to disciplinary action and fines.
In addition, hosts are expected to be responsible for the behavior of their guests. Damages consequent to a party may be billed to the host, or disciplinary action may ensue.
Students may be held liable for all losses or damages resulting from negligent and/or purposeful acts. Violations of University regulations may result in removal from housing with no financial credit for the unelapsed term of the housing agreement, or in the denial of University housing for future years.
DORM ROOM REGULATIONS
AIR CONDITIONERS
Air conditioners are not permitted. Since medical authorities have determined that air conditioners do not reduce allergens and do not significantly alleviate discomfort so as to merit their installation, air-conditioning units are not available to students with asthma or severe allergies. Physicians do, however, recommend the use of an electrostatic precipitator that withdraws particulate matter from the air and is generally helpful to those suffering from allergies. Students interested in purchasing an air filter may check the Associate Director of the Maintenance Department at 8-3591 to make certain that the equipment they plan to purchase may be safely accommodated.
ANTENNAE
Rabbit-ear-type television antennae are permitted in dormitory rooms. Antennae and/or satellite dishes may not be placed on or near or affixed to the outside of any building. Violations result in a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
BULLETIN BOARDS AND WHITE BOARDS
The University has embarked on a program to provide each room with a framed white board adjacent to its entrance. The Housing and Maintenance Departments will be doing a few buildings each year, completing as many as funds allow. Until that time, students may install a white board that measures 10"x12" or less. No personal bulletin or white boards may be installed in buildings with University bulletin or white boards. No cork, foam, rubber etc. is permitted on or around any message/white board. Bulletin boards are prohibited except where installed by the University.
BUNK BEDS
Residents with University bunk beds may request safety rails for the top bunk. Contact Building Services at 8-3490 to make a request.
CARPET POLICY
The following guidelines must be observed:
- Carpets must not interfere with the full opening of any regular door or second-egress door. No door may be cut or shaved to allow movement over a carpet.
- Carpets must not be attached to floors. Use of nails, tacks, or glue is prohibited.
Violation of this policy results in charges for damage and/or fines for violations of safety standards.
CHIN-UP BARS
Chin-up bars may not be installed in any doorway and or/closet doorway.
DOORS AND SCREENS
Doors and screens may not be removed from their frames. If removed, the occupants will be charged for their reinstallation, replacement or repair.
EVACUATION SIGNS
On the interior side of the room entry door is an evacuation route placard. Anyone found altering, defacing, destroying, removing, or covering the placard will be charged for the cost to replace the placard.
INSTA-HOTS
Insta-hots are attachments to bathroom faucets that allow students to get near-boiling water immediately from the tap. A list of specific locations follows:
Graduate College
- 22nd entry, 1st floor and 2nd floor
- 23rd entry, 1st floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor
- 24th entry, 1st floor and 2nd floor
- 26th entry, 1st floor and 2nd floor
- 27th entry, 1st floor and 2nd floor
- 28th entry, 2nd floor
- 29th entry, 1st floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor
- 30th entry, 1st floor and 2nd floor
- 31st entry, 1st floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor
- 32nd entry, 1st floor and 2nd floor
- 34th entry, 1st floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor
- The public bathroom located outside the first breakfast room
- The public bathroom near the Porter’s Lodge
- The 3rd entry basement
- New Graduate College laundry room
INTERNET
Dorm rooms at Princeton are wired with high-speed Ethernet connections. You can use the Princeton Web site to read your e-mail, browse the Web, and share files with other computers. The costs are included in your housing charges.
KEYS
One key is issued to each resident at check-in. That key must be returned at the end of the contract period. When a room key is reported lost or stolen, the lock on the door is changed by the University. The student who has lost the key is charged a fee, which includes the cost of the lock change and new keys for all residents of the room (and a change in the associated mailbox lock for annex residents). When the room key is lost or stolen, the lock change is mandatory.
In the event that a room key is temporarily unavailable (such as left at home), a duplicate key is issued upon request at no charge for a maximum period of two weeks. If, after two weeks, the duplicate key has not been returned to the Housing Department, a lock change is required and a charge is assessed. After a lock has been changed, a student may pick up his or her roommates’ keys if he or she brings their ID cards with them. Students leaving campus, whether it be mid-contract or at the end of the year, must return all keys. Failure to do so results in a lock-change charge.
All lock-change charges are channeled through the Office of the Treasurer (loans and receivables). Cash is not accepted in the Housing Department. When a student reports a lost key to the Housing Department, it is recommended that he or she also report the loss to the Department of Public Safety (8-3134).
If a student is locked out of a room, he or she should contact the Department of Public Safety at 8-3134. Students must present their University ID card to be let back into the room.
Summer residents do not have lockouts tabulated during the two days specified as move-in days .
KITCHENS
Students should note that cooking is prohibited in dormitory rooms. (See "Fire Safety")
There are three kitchens in the Graduate College for general student use. These kitchens are found in the 4th entry basement, 9th entry basement, and New Graduate College Common Room.
Annex kitchens are treated as private suite kitchens and Old Graduate College/New Graduate College kitchens are treated as open dormitory kitchens.
Each kitchen has a University-supplied range and refrigerator. The kitchens are maintained by Building Services. If an oven, microwave, range, or refrigerator that has been provided by the University is not functioning correctly, students should call the Housing Department at 8-6792. Students may use small heat-producing electrical appliances in open kitchens, provided they are stored only in locked kitchen cabinets whenever they are not in use. Students should remember that all heat-producing electrical appliances are strictly prohibited in student rooms and may not be kept anywhere in dormitories except in locked kitchen cabinets. It is the responsibility of each individual who uses these facilities to clean up the area and wash the utensils used.
Any kitchen found in unsanitary condition may be closed for the duration of the year. Students should remove all items from refrigerators after they are given proper notice from Building Services for refrigerator cleaning as they are cleaned several times a year.
KITCHEN INSPECTIONS AND CLEANLINESS
A primary sanitation concern is in the kitchen areas of dormitories and the annexes. Thus, kitchen inspections are held several times during the academic year.
The inspectors may request that a kitchen be closed based upon poor sanitation. In order to keep the kitchens open, these steps must be followed:
- The snack kitchens available in the Graduate College were not designed for the preparation of full meals. These kitchens are strictly designed for snack preparation.
- Students are responsible for cleaning any area and utensils they use.
- Student-owned refrigerators may not be kept in lounges or kitchens.
- The outside, top, and gaskets of refrigerators should be wiped off frequently. The inside should be cleaned biweekly, and any spills should be cleaned immediately. Students should not wait for someone else to clean up a spill.
- All refrigerators should have thermometers, and the temperature should be maintained at 45˚ F or below, with the freezer regulated at -10 to 0˚ F.
- Freezers should be defrosted when frost buildup grows to 1⁄4 inch.
- Any food stored should be kept off the floor in sealed and marked containers. Students should not store cleaning compounds or other toxic materials with or on shelves above food.
- Utensils that are worn, chipped, pitted, or corroded should not be used. Utensils should be washed thoroughly after each use, drained dry, and stored to protect them from contamination.
- Refuse should be placed in the appropriate containers. Containers must be covered and lined with plastic bags, which are available from janitors. Containers must be kept clean inside and out.
- Food should be thawed either by placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours, in a plastic bag and running cool water over it, or by cooking. Food should never be left out in warm air to thaw since bacteria may thrive in such an environment.
- Personal hygiene is most important when preparing food for others. Students are reminded to always wash their hands and tie their hair back before preparing any food. Anyone with a communicable sore, boil, or skin condition should not prepare food.
- Kitchens must be kept sanitary. Annex residents must set up a schedule of duties to keep the kitchen area sanitary in order to safeguard the health of all annex residents.
LOFT REGULATIONS
While loft inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with University regulations, there may be unsafe conditions that are not discovered by an inspector. The University is not responsible for undisclosed violations or for any future violations.
The following guidelines must be met:
- Lofts must be freestanding, which means they may not be attached to the walls, floor, or ceiling. The owner is liable for all damages.
- Lofts may not exceed the floor area of the beds they replace (maximum size 4 ft. x 8 ft.). At least one third of the room must be clear.
- The occupant must be able to get out of the loft quickly.
- Lofts may not obstruct windows and must be situated to allow rapid egress from the room.
- No wiring may be attached to a loft.
- Lofts may not interfere with smoke detectors/sprinklers.
- Flammable materials such as paneling, curtains, and posters may not be attached to or enclose the loft.
- Lofts may not be placed near any heat source.
- Protruding objects such as coat hooks and nails are hazardous and are prohibited.
- When constructing a loft, students should use caution and discretion.
- There must be at least two feet between parallel lofts.
Lofts that do not conform to the above regulations are considered to be in violation, and a student is allowed seven days to make alterations for compliance. The loft is then reevaluated, and if it is still found to be unacceptable, it is then removed at the student’s expense.
Any alterations after the initial inspection must be discussed with the Housing Inspection Office before any revisions are made.
All lofts must be removed at the end of each academic year. Lofts left behind are removed at the student’s expense.
Make Yourself at Home, a booklet detailing the basic requirements for loft placement, is available in the MacMillan Building from the Housing Inspectors.
MAIL DELIVERY
Each resident of the Graduate College is assigned a specific mailbox by the Porter’s Lodge. Mailbox assignments and keys are not available until the beginning of the fall semester. Once mailbox assignments have been made, residents of the Graduate College should have their mail addressed as follows:
Student’s Name
Princeton University
The Graduate College
88 College Road West
Princeton, NJ 08544
Residents of the Annexes should have their mail addressed to the street address and room number (as indicated on the housing contract—note abbreviations), Princeton, NJ 08540. Note that the zip code differs from the University and Graduate College zip code.
If a GC mailbox key is lost, report it to the Porter’s Lodge (8-3443). The lock is then changed and a lock change fee assessed to the resident. The new key is left at the Porter’s Lodge. Annex room keys open individual mailboxes at each Annex (at Dickinson and University Place).
PAINT POLICY
Students are not permitted to paint and/or spackle their own rooms. Students who choose to paint their own rooms are charged for repainting. The charges are determined as a function of labor time and materials.
Students whose rooms were not painted in the normal painting cycle may request that they be painted through the standard work request procedure. The room is inspected and if painting is necessary, the room is normally painted within two weeks.
PARKING
For information about motor vehicle registration and handicapped parking, call 8-3157 or 8-5436, or write to tigercard@princeton.edu. Also, please visit the TigerCard website.
POSTING OF PERSONAL NOTICESPosters or notices of any kind may only be affixed to bulletin boards in dorm entryways, dining service units, academic and administrative buildings, and outdoor kiosks. All materials placed elsewhere (that is, stairwells, hallways, entry walls, or doors) are removed. |
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER REGULATIONS
- Residents are permitted only one refrigerator or only one freezer per occupant.
- Refrigerators/freezers must not exceed 5.2 cu. ft.
- Refrigerators/freezers may not impede the flow of traffic to exits.
- Damaged or spliced cords and any form of improper wiring are unacceptable. All refrigerator/freezer cords must be of adequate size and capacity. They must be plugged directly into a wall outlet, or a heavy-duty cord must be used.
- Refrigerators/freezers must be maintained in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition.
- Refrigerators/freezers must be located where free air circulation is not restricted. They may not be placed in closets.
- The condenser should be reasonably clean to allow heat dissipation, and the unit should have an underwriter’s label.
- Refrigerators/freezers must have functional gaskets and closing mechanisms.
- Refrigerators/freezers must be capable of maintaining safe temperatures (32˚ to 45˚F for refrigeration and -10˚ to 0˚ F for freezing).
- Refrigerators/freezers may not be placed in public areas (such as corridors, lounges, kitchens).
- All refrigerators/freezers are inspected throughout the academic year. Repeated violations result in fines and removal at the owner’s expense.
- Kegerators are prohibited.
Note: If you decide to discard your refrigerator/freezer, you must remove the door.
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ROOM DECORATION POLICY
Pictures, calendars, posters, wall hangings, and other decorations may be placed on walls if they are hung vertically and are at least 18 inches from any heat source. Nothing may be hung from the ceiling. Tapestries, posters, fabric items, or lights may not be draped from walls but must be installed fast to them. Unframed paper, tapestries, fabric items, plastic, or other easily ignitable materials may not be hung near operating fireplaces. At least six inches of space must be left between wall hangings.
All posters must be mounted firmly; however, tape and two-sided adhesives may not be used. Only small nails, pins, thumbtacks, pushpins, and easily removable adhesive tape may be used. The use of any adhesive, which is not fully removed, results in a charge for its removal and the painting of the entire affected wall. Heavy objects damage walls, so students should consult the building inspector before attempting to hang a heavy object. If wall damage occurs, the cost of the repair and repainting is charged to the resident(s) responsible. If no one resident claims responsibility for the damage, the entire suite is held financially responsible.
- Nothing may be attached to ceilings since that area is particularly dangerous.
- Oil, kerosene, and gas lamps are prohibited and will be confiscated.
- Furniture should not be placed near any heat source, light fixture, or working fireplace.
- Note: For further information on regulations, students should see the fire safety codes.
ROOM ENTRANCE DOOR
Nothing may be attached to either side of the room entrance door. As the primary means of egress, it must be recognizable as such at all times. A standard message board may be mounted on the wall to either side of the entry door.
The room entry door is a fire rated door (required per NJ State Fire Code). The room entry door must close and automatically latch so the door does not stay in a partially open position. Propping/wedging of the door or disabling the latching mechanism is prohibited and a $25 fine will be issued on first offense.
ROOM PERSONALIZATION
The physical configuration of dormitories may not be altered. Many room modifications are prohibited because of fire safety regulations (see Fire Safety section). Follow these guidelines before personalizing a room:
- Walls may not be paneled or wallpapered.
- Use only approved poster mount when attaching anything on the walls. Approved poster mounts are available from the Housing Office or the Inspectors. The use of any adhesive that is not fully removed results in a charge for its removal and for the painting of the entire wall. Fun-tack adhesive is no longer permitted. Spackling, patching, and/or painting is not permitted. If used, the student is liable to be charged for the complete painting/repairing of the affected wall area.
- Cork panels, mirror tiles, and two-sided stickums are prohibited.
- Dartboards must be mounted and backed properly so that errant darts do not damage walls. Dartboards may not be hung on doors.
- Nothing may be attached to either side of any door. Message boards may be mounted on the wall to either side of the entry door.
- Beds and lofts may not be located near windows leading to a second egress or near any heat source.
- Waterbeds are permitted in dormitories, however, the owner is liable for all damages resulting from them, including leaks or bursts. If the inspectors see one in a building where safety may be an issue, they will contact the Maintenance Department and the situation will be studied. If it is dangerous, the bed must be removed.
- Any University furniture not in place at the end of the year will be billed as missing (see Student Liability section).
- Ceiling fans, ceiling light fixtures, track lighting, dimmer switches, and modified wall receptacles are not permitted.
- Break-glass enclosures on second-egress doors provide security for adjoining rooms. They may be removed by University carpenters only, and the mutual consent of the occupants of any adjoining rooms is required. The maintenance labor charge for removal and reinstallation is $50. Students should call the inspection office for authorization at 8-3435.
- Hot tubs may not be present in dormitories, nor is any form of portable swimming or soaking pool permitted.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
University Services operates a Campus Shuttle Service. For more information, please visit http://www.princeton.edu/main/administration/transportation/shuttles/ .
TELEPHONES
The University’s main number is (609) 258-3000. All student dormitory phone numbers begin with the 986 exchange (Annex residents see below).
Princeton University maintains the telephone service (dial tone) in all students’ rooms. Telephone numbers are permanently assigned to the rooms and cannot be changed or transferred. Students are responsible for providing their own touch-tone sets. Touch-tone sets with caller-ID capabilities are preferred. Where possible, telephone lines are placed in common areas of the room/suite. Upon arrival on campus in the fall, every student’s dorm room is supplied with a telephone jack marked “A,” which will receive incoming calls and will permit campus and local outgoing calls.
To make long-distance calls, students must apply for a personal authorization code (PAC) by completing the Student Telephone Service Agreement form included in the application packet that is sent automatically to all new students. Following graduate check-in, PAC numbers can be retrieved online via a secure Web page for all students who have completed and returned the Student Service Agreement form. The PAC allows long-distance calling only from the phone in a student’s assigned dormitory room.
Charges for long-distance calls are billed directly to the student’s PAC account. Domestic long-distance calls currently are billed at seven cents per minute. International rates are posted at www.princeton.edu/telecom. A monthly bill for long-distance charges will be delivered to the student’s dormitory address from the Telephone Office unless another billing address is specified. Call details and monthly billing statements are provided online at www.princeton.edu/datamall. Access to the datamall is via a student’s NetID, and the password is the seven-digit PAC. As indicated in the stipulations listed in the student agreement form, monthly balances 45 days past due and over $10 will be subject to PAC disconnection and a $25 reactivation fee. Once a PAC number is assigned, this number remains the same for the length of time a student resides in on-campus housing and will not change unless the PAC is lost or stolen. It is highly recommended that all incoming graduate students residing in campus housing apply for a PAC. Ownership of an assigned PAC does not obligate a student to use the PAC for long-distance calls or incur any charges unless used.
Students may choose a long-distance carrier with an 800 access number. A listing of carriers may be obtained from the Verizon Business Office by calling (800) 287-9977.
All repair calls, except telephone sets, are handled by Princeton University Telecommunications Services. During the year, routine repairs are done at no charge. However, anything that the Telephone Office considers beyond routine wear and tear is billed to the subscriber. Repair problems should be referred to the Trouble Desk coordinator at 8-1200.
Additional telephone lines may be installed if the student is willing to pay the extra monthly service charges and installation charges. Questions concerning this policy or telephone service should be discussed with the Telephone Office by calling them at 8-2440 or visiting them at the Telephone Student Services window located on the first floor of the Frist Campus Center. Information regarding telephone policies, procedures, billing, etc. can be found on the Telephone Office website.
Students who wish to have their telephone number withheld from the directory must notify the Office of the Registrar, 101 West College, in writing prior to August 1 each year. Students must submit their off-campus address and telephone number in writing to the Telecommunications Business Office, 116 Prospect Avenue, by August 1 in order to be listed in the Princeton University telephone directory.
Due to the University’s not-for-profit status and other federal regulations, students are not permitted to operate a business out of their dormitory or Annex room nor use their telephone for business endeavors.
Individual student rooms in the Annexes are NOT provided with University extension telephones. After arrival in Princeton, many students have private telephones installed in their rooms. This can be arranged by contacting Verizon online at http://www.verizon.com/ or calling 800-427-9977. Information about installation and service fees can be obtained directly from Verizon. Arrangements for private telephone installation cannot be made prior to your arrival in Princeton.
Graduate student rooms with phone numbers beginning with the 986 exchange are provided voice mail service. Multi-occupant rooms have a group voice mailbox that connects the personal voice mailboxes via a menu. Personal voice mailboxes within a group begin with a “4". Mailbox numbers are listed via the Princeton University website online directory. Setup instructions are described in the printed Campus Directory and online at www.princeton.edu/telecom.
TENTS AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Tents, igloos, or similar enclosures may not be present inside or on the grounds of any dormitory, without the written permission of the Graduate School and the Housing Office. Hanging seats or hammocks of any kind are prohibited inside and on the grounds of all dormitories. Outdoor furniture may be placed on the grounds only while it is actively being used, as long as it presents not other hazard.
USE OF ELEVATED EXTERIOR SERVICES
Entering upon exterior elevated surfaces is prohibited except in emergencies. This policy specifically prohibits entering any exterior area above the first floor. The practice of "buildering" and climbing on any exterior or elevated wall is prohibited. Exterior elevated areas (fire escapes, roofs, parapets, etc.) of dormitories were not designed for foot traffic or gatherings and are designed to be used as a second means of egress in case of fire.
No items may be placed on a fire escape at any time, under any circumstances. No items, including antennas and wire, lights, banners, etc. may be placed on or affixed to the outside of any building.
Violations of this policy result in a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
HOUSING PROCEDURES
CHECK-OUT
Graduating students must check out by noon the day after graduation. A check-out procedure list is available online in April/May.
When a student leaves campus, whether it be anytime mid-contract or in May, he or she must remember that their room must be in the same condition as when they arrived, and the student must:
- Remove all personal belongings from the room and storage. All possessions left in the room are considered abandoned and are discarded. A student is billed for the removal of any possessions left in his or her room or suite;
- Close and lock doors and windows and return the room key as they leave. Failure to return the key results in a $50 lock-change fee; keys should be returned to the Porter's Lodge or Housing Office.
- GC residents file a change of address form in the Porter’s Lodge; Annex residents file a change of address form at the U.S. Post Office.
A student may not return to his or her room after checking out. The return of the key to the Housing Office indicates a final termination of occupancy.
DISABILITY and/or MEDICAL ACCOMMODATION
Students with disabilities and other health-related needs may apply for a special housing assignment through the draw process. Students who wish to be assigned through this process must:
- Provide documentation from a physician or other health professional about the disability or special need and how it may best be accommodated. Since doctors unfamiliar with Princeton University may suggest certain accommodations the University simply cannot meet (such as air conditioning), the University may ask students to visit the McCosh Health Center for a second opinion.
- Understand that any alteration to a room or space (such as rewiring or renovation) may require a student to live in that space for more than one year.
- Complete the disability and/or medical accommodation form.
Every effort is made to accommodate a student’s health needs first. Therefore all other preferences may not be accommodated. For more information, students should call the Housing Department (8-3721) or visit http://facilities.princeton.edu/Housing/b_Graduate/Forms%20?%20Applications/. Students must hand in their documentation by the deadline date listed in the room draw booklet, which is available online in mid-February.
ROOM CHANGES
The room change process allows students to request a change in their room assignment. Room change request forms are available in the Housing Office. When completing the form, the resident should be as specific as possible in identifying his or her needs and the type of room he or she wishes to obtain.
Room change requests are reviewed when a vacancy arises. Every attempt is made to match the type of room vacated with the specific preferences indicated on a form. If a student refuses the offer of a room that meets the standards requested, his or her request will be removed from the file, unless he or she requests that it be considered again.
Note: Approved moves must be completed, including key return, within 48 hours of approval. Each fall the specific date for the beginning of the room change process is announced by the Housing Department, but it usually occurs about mid-September. Thereafter, requests may be submitted through early April. Room change requests are maintained for the entire academic year. However, they do not carry over from one academic year to the next, nor do they apply to the summer months.
R00M DRAW
All returning graduate students who desire on-campus housing must apply for the next academic year. Detailed information will be provided early in the spring term on the Graduate Housing website.
It is very important that each student interested in obtaining campus housing read this information thoroughly and meet all deadlines. Since obtaining campus housing is competitive, negligence in following these important procedures could result in not receiving housing or, at the very least, in not obtaining your housing preference.
ROOMMATE ASSIGNMENTS
As spaces become available within suites, it is the prerogative of the Housing Department to assign new roommates. This may be necessary at any time during the academic year. It must be readily recognized that a fair and equitable allotment of spaces and furniture is ready for a new occupant.
Students who request room changes, those returning to the University for the spring semester, and visiting students are frequently assigned to vacancies in suites. Residents of suites with vacancies at the end of the fall semester should anticipate that a returning or visiting student will be assigned for the spring semester. The Department of Building Services, after proper notice, enters a suite to clean the empty space prior to the new occupant moving in.
The current roommates are expected to make every effort to welcome new residents into a suite. Each resident of a suite is entitled to the same rights, and division of space, regardless of when he or she begins occupancy. Similarly, each resident is equally responsible for the condition of the suite. The University does not tolerate abusive or offensive conduct toward roommates or neighbors. A student responsible for such behavior jeopardizes his or her assignment in University housing and may be referred to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
If the current residents of a suite know a returning student, they may request that he or she be assigned to that suite. These requests should be made in early January for the spring semester.
SPOUSES AND DOMESTIC PARTNERS
Spouses, domestic partners or dependents may not reside in the Graduate College or Annexes.
FACILITIES SERVICES
The Department of Facilities includes several different units that serve the campus. It is useful to be familiar with the workings of a few of these departments; it is particularly important to know which departments to call for specific service needs.
- Building Services (8-3490) primarily provides janitorial, extermination, and moving services to the campus.
- Grounds and Buildings Maintenance (8-8000) primarily carries out the maintenance and repair of campus facilities.
- The Housing Department oversees student needs in the facilities areas, assigns rooms, assures that day-to-day student needs are being met with respect to dormitories, and sees that all residents live up to fire code and other safety requirements.
- Dining Services (8-6097) operates all campus dining halls and other food services.
- The Engineering Department manages campus utility systems, including the central heating and chilled water plants and manages construction and repair projects that are primarily engineering in nature.
- Conference Services (8-6115) schedules and manages all use of campus facilities by non-Princeton University users, especially summer camps and other groups that use the dormitories during the summer months.
In particular, when requesting services, students must note that janitors work for Building Services, tradesmen for Grounds and Buildings Maintenance; this distinction can help when calling for services. A detailed explanation of the services offered by the Grounds and Building Maintenance and Building Services departments is available on the Facilities website.
The following information further outlines the responsibilities of the Departments of Building Services, Maintenance, and Housing.
FACILITIES CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER
The Facilities Customer Service Center provides students with care and quality service for plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, custodial, housing, pest control, furniture, and a variety of other service requests within dormitories and Annexes.
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 5:00pm
Tel.: 609-258-8000
Fax: 609-258-8001
Email: service@princeton.edu or submit an Online Work Request and receive a confirmation e-mail with a work order number for your records.
For emergency requests after hours or on weekends, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 609-258-1000.
BUILDING SERVICES
Building Services is responsible for cleaning and caring for campus buildings. Should a student have a question or problem with the following areas, call 8-8000.
Bicycles are to be secured only to University-provided bicycle racks. Bicycles should not be secured to benches, light posts, trees, chain/post borders, or handrails. Interior bicycle storage is permitted in designated areas only. Bicycles are not permitted to be attached to any interior railing, placed in a hallway, or allowed to impede a means of egress. Bicycles that impede a means of egress are cut away and confiscated by the Housing Department. Bicycles attached to handicapped ramps in any manner or presenting a safety hazard are confiscated. A fee is charged before bicycles can be reclaimed.
Bicycles are permitted inside students’ rooms if they are placed so that they do not block or impede egress. Hooks are available for students who wish to hang their bicycles in their rooms. To obtain hooks, contact the Facilities Customer Service Center at 8-8000. Requests are gathered during the first few weeks of classes, and the installations are begun in mid-October on a dorm-by-dorm basis.
COURTESY AND RESPECT
The Facilities Department asks that students respect their janitors and treat them with dignity. The best way to do this is to be mindful that every individual's actions have consequences. Being anything less than neat, tidy, and respectful is not acceptable.\
EXTERMINATIONRoutine efforts are made to ensure that all pest problems are controlled and eliminated. However, there may be a need to control a particular pest problem in a student’s room. Should such a need arise, students should call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 8-8000. Requests for services are handled as quickly as possible within the framework of the New Jersey pesticide control regulations.
Residents can help reduce the incidence of pest-related requests by maintaining their rooms in a sanitary condition. Food should be stored in closed containers, and garbage should be disposed of promptly.
Building Services makes every effort to respond professionally and promptly to students’ requests. All materials used to control pests are registered with and applied according to Environmental Protection Agency regulations by the pest elimination specialist. Should a student have any pest-related concerns, they should feel free to discuss them with the pest elimination specialist.
HOUSEKEEPING
Janitorial services are available 7:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. During the academic year Building Services is responsible for cleaning the public areas of all dormitory buildings. Students may not place University-owned furniture in the hallways. Corridors, hallways, and stairwells must be clear at all times; nothing may be placed in these areas. Students who fail to keep public areas clear are cited for a fire safety violation. Students should report any problems with public areas to Building Services at 8-8000. Students should report the need for appliance repairs in the Graduate College or Annex kitchens to the Housing Department at 8-5897.
LAUNDRY ROOMS
There are four laundry rooms (listed below). The cost per load is $.75 for washers and $.25 for 15 minutes of drying time. Should students have any questions, they should email the House Committe for Graduate College washers and dryers or the Housing Department (8-3721) for Annex washers and dryers. All problems should be reported to Facilities Customer Service (8-8000).
- Old Graduate College 15th entry basement
- New Graduate College 34th entry basement
- 11 Dickinson basement
- 35 University Place
Most light bulbs in the dormitories are replaced by Building Services. If a bulb needs replacement, call Facilities Customer Service at 8-8000.
Mops, brooms, and other equipment are available to dormitory residents from the Porter’s Lodge in the Graduate College (hours are as posted). Students’ University ID cards are held until all borrowed items are returned. In the Annexes, students should contact their building janitor or Building Services (8-3490) for cleaning supplies.
Posters with recycling information are located in all dormitory bathrooms. Students are asked to recycle the following items:
- Glass, metal, and plastic containers. Place these items in the re-cycling barrels in dormitory bathrooms or in the green barrels in the dumpster areas.
- Mixed paper. All mixed paper should be placed in the black containers labeled “recycled paper only.” The label contains information as to what is acceptable as mixed paper. Full containers may be placed in the hallway for disposal but should otherwise not be kept in the hallway because of fire and safety concerns. If contaminants or food items are found in the recycling baskets, a warning notice will be left under the door.
With many people living together in a dormitory, sanitation is vital. While the responsibility for cleaning public areas rests with Building Services, the students themselves are responsible for keeping their own rooms, kitchens, bathrooms within suites, and any facilities they use in sanitary condition. In the Graduate College and annexes, residents are responsible for cleaning their kitchens and placing the trash in the trash containers. Should students have any concerns, they should report them to the Building Services Department immediately.
Student rooms and the bathrooms located within or shared by these rooms are not regularly cleaned by Building Services while the rooms are occupied. Students are responsible for the cleaning and general maintenance of their own rooms. However, after a room is vacated, every effort is made to clean the room before the new resident arrives. If a roommate vacates from a double room or suite, Building Services will notify the remaining resident(s) 24 hours prior to entering the room to clean it. If there is a shared bath for the room/suite, Building Services will also clean that space and requests that any personal effects be removed.
Trash should be kept separate from recyclable materials. Trash containers must be kept in suites or rooms until ready for disposal. Full containers may be placed in the hallway for disposal but otherwise should not be kept in the hallway because of fire and safety concerns. If recyclable materials are found in the trash, a warning notice will be left under the door. If students have questions, call Building Services at 8-3490 or 8-8000.
SQUIRRELS/RACCOONS/BATS
Squirrels can easily enter through open windows; they search for food, destroy property, and, in general, annoy residents. The campus squirrels are bold and used to living among people. Students should exercise care so that they do not have any squirrels or other unwanted visitors in their living quarters, risking the possibility of being bitten. In all cases, please report any wild animal found inside a campus building to Public Safety at 258-1000.
While the likelihood of a bat, raccoon, or other wild animal found on campus being rabid is relatively low, you should always treat with caution any animal that behaves in a suspicous manner (lethargic/erratic moves), do not approach or handle the animal, and report it to Public Safety at 258-1000.
If a bat is found in your dormitory room, you should immediately report it to Public Safety at 258-1000. You should avoid contact with the bat, vacate the space, and, if possible, close doors and windows to confine the bat until Public Safety responds. Subsequently, any fruit or open food that was in your room should be discarded. Public Safety will secure the room until cleared by animal control personnel and determine who in the room may have been exposed. Important: If you awake to find a bat in your room , it should be assumed that you may have had some exposure while asleep. If you have had potential exposure, you are advised to go to McCosh Health Center for medical consultation and consideration of the need for rabies immunization. If the bat is captured and tests negative for rabies, there will be no need for immunization. If you cannot stay in your room because of pending clearance by animal control personnel, you will be offered overnight accommodations at McCosh Health Center.
Window screens in dormitory rooms and common spaces should be kept in place and in the closed position to prevent entry by squirrels and bats. Students should contact the Facilities Customer Services Center at 258-8000 immediately to report any missing or broken screen.
Limited storage space is available in the Graduate College and Annexes. University policy prohibits the storage of refrigerators, furniture, lofts, carpets, etc. Only boxes are accepted in storage rooms. Each box must be properly identified with the student’s name, address, department, the date it is put into storage, and the date it will be picked up. The box is to be taped shut.
Note: Students who are no longer enrolled must remove all items from storage or they will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of.
Students can get access to storage by calling Building Services (8-3490) between 9:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. During peak moving periods, special storage access schedules are posted. Please do not wait until the day you leave campus to store your belongings.
Students should read the storage information in the large check-out brochure that is sent out in April and May. For questions regarding storage, call Building Services (8-3490). Information regarding student storage and the moving agencies is available from the student managers (see Campus Telephone Directory listings).
WINDOW SCREENS AND SHADES
Availability of window screens differs from dorm to dorm. Most dorms have complete screens. If you are in one of these dorms, Maintenance will repair them on call. Other dorms only have limited screens; these must be fabricated individually and will be provided on a one-per-room basis on request by occupants. If you are in one of these latter dorms, and have a room with no screens, Maintenance will provide one on request.
All dormitory bedrooms and first-floor common areas are entitled to shades. Maintenance accepts requests for shades in other common areas throughout the year. Students should call the Facilities Customer Service Center at 8-8000 if they need to have a bedroom shade replaced.
MAINTENANCE
The Grounds and Building Maintenance Department is responsible for the upkeep and repair of all campus grounds and buildings. Situations that jeopardize the health, safety, or property of residents are given priority. For service and repairs, students should call the Customer Service Center at 8-8000, which is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. After hours students may leave a message for the following business day. If students have an emergency involving a power outage, a flood, or a potentially dangerous situation at a time when the office is not open, call the Department of Public Safety at 8-3134.
Routine service requests may be submitted by fax (8-8001) or by e-mail using forms that are available through the Facilities Department website at www.princeton.edu/facilities. Fax and e-mail should not be used for emergency requests. These should always be telephoned to the Customer Service Center (8-8000) or to the Department of Public Safety (8-3134) in order to assure an appropriate, timely follow-up.
If you feel a request for service was not given proper attention, please contact the Assistant Director or Director of Maintenance at 8-5299.
SAFETY
FIRE SAFETY
The following regulations are intended to prevent injuries to members of the University community and physical damage to facilities. Rooms are inspected periodically, at random times, to assure compliance with University regulations.
Because of the seriousness of the regulations that cover fire safety and the use of exterior elevated surfaces of campus buildings, the University takes disciplinary action on the first offense. Such actions may include the imposition of a fine by the Housing Department.
The University has the right, moreover, to require students who violate these safety rules to vacate their accommodations with no financial credit for the remainder of the semester. For clarification of any safety violation, students should consult the Housing Inspection Office.
CANDLE POLICY
Candles/incense are not permitted in any dormitory room or common space at the Graduate College or in any areas within the annexes. These items will be confiscated and disposed of immediately on the first violation. If a candle cannot be easily removed from its holder/container/receptacle, all parts will be confiscated and disposed of. Please refer to item #11 in the Fire Safety Policy section for more information.
COOKING
The ”New Jersey Hotels and Multiple Dwelling Act,“ and University policy, prohibit cooking in dormitory rooms. Student-owned microwaves are not permitted anywhere in dormitories. Microwaves found there are confiscated and fines are levied. (See item number 1 of the Fire Safety Policy for further information concerning electrical appliances.) Any suggestions for the placement of additional items on the authorized list should be submitted to the Graduate or Undergraduate Residence Committee. The Housing Department Web page will have committee membership information in October.
FIRE SAFETY POLICY
1. Heat-Producing Appliances
No heat-producing electrical appliances are permitted in University dormitories/annexes, inclusive of student rooms, except for certain authorized items. The only exceptions to this rule are locked, limited-access kitchens, locked cabinets in open kitchens, and private kitchens in some suites. Appliances found elsewhere in the dormitories, including those found in open dormitory kitchens, are confiscated, and fines are levied. Appliances in sealed cartons will incur a warning on the first inspection. Their continued presence during a subsequent inspection will incur a $100 fine. (This fine can be incurred whether it is the original cited appliance or another appliance in a sealed carton.) Authorized heat-producing appliances may not be left on while unattended or used in any hazardous manner.
Authorized items are irons, electric blankets, hair dryers, hair curlers, and clothes steamers. Also, certain coffeemakers, kettles, hot air corn poppers, and ice tea makers are authorized. For the complete list of these items, refer to the Housing Department website. Please be sure not only to get the correct manufacturer, but also to get the correct model.
2. Halogen Lamps
Halogen lamps found in dormitories/annexes are considered an unauthorized heat-producing appliance. Halogen lamps will be confiscated and a fine of $50 per lamp assessed for the first violation; $100 per lamp for the second violation. No warning is issued before fines are levied.
3. Unauthorized Space Heaters
Unauthorized space heaters are not permitted. They will be confiscated and a fine of $50 per heater assessed for the first violation; $100 per heater for the second violation. No warning will be issued before fines are levied.
4. Intentional Activation of Fire Alarm
Intentional activation of a fire alarm when there is no fire emergency is a violation of state law.
5. Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are not to be removed from their proper locations or discharged unless there is a true fire emergency. Anyone found tampering with a fire extinguisher is subject to disciplinary action and fined $100 per extinguisher or per student, whichever is greater. Building Services maintains and services portable fire extinguishers. Students are asked to report vandalism and/or discharged fire extinguishers to Customer Servicesat 8-8000.
6. Alarm Systems
Smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and/or carbon monoxide detectors must not be covered or blocked. Tampering with any component of the smoke detection system, sprinkler system, and/or carbon monoxide detector is prohibited. Absolutely nothing may be attached to wiring, smoke detectors, sprinkler system components, and/or carbon monoxide detectors. Students will be charged for repair and/or replacement of any detection device.
7. Holiday Decorations
Flammable holiday decorations such as live Christmas trees (cut or balled), wreaths made from pine boughs, and untreated bunting are not permitted in University housing units. Inspectors will remove and dispose of pine bough wreaths and other flammable decorations found in the dormitories. A fine of $25 is assessed for every live tree, wreath, bunting, or garland found in a dormitory. The student is expected to remove the tree as soon as possible, but, in any event, no later than the start of the next business day. If the tree is still present upon re-inspection the next business day, it will be removed at the student’s expense.
8. Room Entry Door/Fire Door
Room entry doors, fire doors, and/or any door with a closing and latching mechanism must not be propped open or disabled. Students are charged for repair and replacement of closing mechanisms, latch/lockset mechanisms and/or other door mechanisms or parts including the door.
9. Egress/Second Egress
Nothing is allowed to block, even partially, any means of egress. Water bottles, clothing, furniture, or any other items may not be placed in hallways and/or stairwells. All items must be kept in the room or in storage. Egress doors must be able to open fully with nothing blocking the swing of the door. Major items such as furniture or boxes blocking the doors will immediately subject students to fines. Lesser items, such as clothing or paper, will warrant a warning and an explanation before any fine is issued.
10. Safety Seals
Tampering with safety seals on any egress door is prohibited.
11. Open Flames
Alcohol lamps, oil lamps, stoves, fireworks, flammable or combustible materials such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, lighter fluid, charcoal products, or similar substances are not permitted in any student housing unit. Candles/incense are not permitted in any graduate dormitory or common space at the Graduate College or in any areas within the annexes. These items will be confiscated and disposed of immediately on the first violation. If a candle cannot be easily removed from its holder/container/receptacle, all parts will be confiscated and disposed of.
12. Exterior Elevated Surfaces
Exterior elevated areas (fire escapes, roofs, parapets) of dormitories are designed to be used as a second means of egress in an emergency. No items may be placed in these areas at any time under any circumstances. No items, including antennae, wires, lights, flags, banners, etc.may be placed on or affixed to the exterior of any building.
13. Safety Signs/Evacuation Signs
Safety signs, evacuation signs, and markings are not to be altered, defaced, damaged, covered, or removed.
14. Electric Wiring
Only University wiring is allowed in dormitory rooms with the following exceptions; U.L.-listed, fused power strips with cords of 12 feet or less may be used. Power strips may not be used in series to gain greater length. Electrical cords must not be routed unsafely (under carpets, in pathways, through doorways, taped down). Spliced, taped or frayed cords must not be used. Electrical witing which is "home-made" or otherwise modified is prohibited. Non breaker multi-outlet devices such as adapters, and cubes, etc. are prohibited. Dimmer switches, ceiling fixtures and ceiling fans may not be installed.
15. Egress Door/Window
Nothing may be affixed to any egress door (such as room entry, bedroom, room hall) or window.
16. Tapestries
Tapestries or other wall coverings must be hung vertically and must be at least 18 inches from any heat source (electrical outlets and/or switches, lights, etc.). Nothing may be hung from the ceiling. Tapestries, posters, fabric items, and lights may not be draped from wall to wall, but must be installed fast to them. Unframed paper, tapestries, fabric items, plastic, or other easily ignitable materials may not be hung near operating fireplaces. At least six inches of space must be left between wall hangings.
17. Unsanitary or Excessively Disorderly Conditions
Excessively disorderly conditions and the storage of excessive amounts of paper, trash, or recyclables are prohibited. Trash and recycling containers should only be placed in hallways for disposal. Trash and recycling containers must not be kept in hallways or stairwells.
18. Refrigerator or Freezer
Refrigerators and freezers that do not conform to University standards may not be kept in the dormitories and will be removed. Students are permitted only one refrigerator or only one freezer per occupant. An occupant may not have both. Students should consult the Housing Inspection Office for information regarding appropriate specifications.
19. Partitions/Paneling
No paneling or partitions are to be installed by students.
20. Motorized Vehicles
No motorized vehicles (motor-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters) may be stored or parked in or near a dormitory. Students wishing to park their vehicles should contact the Parking Office (8-3157).
21. Other Hazardous Conditions
Hazardous conditions not anticipated by specific reference in the Fire Safety Policy are prohibited. Such conditions are specifically identified, and an opportunity is provided to correct them before any fine is assessed, unless they present a clear and present danger, in which case immediate appropriate action will be taken and a fine imposed accordingly.
FINES
Fire safety violations listed above result in the following fines:
Electrical appliances, space heaters, and halogen lamps: $50 fine per appliance/heater/lamp for the first violation. $100 fine per appliance/heater/lamp for the second violation. No warning is issued before fines are levied.
Misuse of authorized appliances (irons, electric blankets, hair dryers, hair curlers, clothes steamers, and designated models of kettles, popcorn poppers and coffee makers): A warning is issued on the first offense. Subsequent violations result in confiscation and a fine.
Regulation 4
$100 fine. No warning is issued before fine.
Regulation 5
$100 fine per extinguisher or per student, whichever is greater.
Regulations 7, 8, 9, 12, 13
$25 fine. No warning is issued before fine. Subsequent violations result in increased fines and possible disciplinary action by the dean's office.
A warning is issued to all occupants of the room or suite when the violation is first identified. If the violation is not corrected, or if a second violation of the same regulation occurs anywhere in the same suite, a fine of $25 is assessed. If it is still not corrected, or if a third violation occurs anywhere in the same suite, an additional fine of $50 is assessed. If it is still not corrected, and a fourth vilationoccurs anywhere in the same suite, an additional fine of $100 is assessed.
INSPECTION PROCEDURES
In order to ensure that students are complying with the University’s fire code, the Housing Department conducts periodic inspections of dormitory rooms. These are necessary to guarantee safe living conditions for the many students that the University houses. The procedures that the inspectors follow when doing inspections are listed below.
This set of procedures is intended to cause the least amount of inconvenience to students, while still giving the inspectors a chance to do their jobs effectively. In the same way that students may expect the inspectors to be courteous and reasonable, so are the students expected to treat the inspectors in the same professional manner. The inspectors are open to discussion about why a certain situation is unsafe and in conflict with the Fire Code, but are not the proper authorities with whom to dispute a fine. If students have additional questions about the Fire Code or a particular fine, they should contact the Inspection Manager, Kenneth Paulaski (8-3495).
Inspections shall be conducted no earlier than 10 a.m.
Inspectors will follow this procedure:
- Announce their presence by knocking loudly on the entrance door and saying: “Fire Safety Inspection. May I come in?”
- If there is no response, insert the key in the door. Knock again after opening the door just enough to identify themselves again. If there is no response, they will enter the room.
- If there are closed bedroom doors, they will knock and ask to come in before inspecting them. They may enter if there is no response.
- If in any instance there is an answer and the occupant asks them to wait, they will wait for the occupant to open the door. They may suggest to the occupant that he/she stay covered up in bed, and enter if the occupant clearly agrees to this.
- If the occupant refuses them entrance completely, they will inform the occupant thusly: “I must report your refusal to the dean’s office.”
- If the student is not home, inspectors will take care to leave the room as they found it; however, if the door is unlocked, it will be locked by the inspectors as they exit and the situation noted in the appropriate box on the inspection form.
- While inspecting the students’ rooms, inspectors will be courteous to the students and respectful of their belongings.
- If there are any infractions, inspectors may explain to the student how and why the situation is in violation of policy, and suggest possible remedies. Explanation must be given if requested.
- If the student believes that the situation is not in violation of the code, the inspector will listen and consider the student’s explanation. The student will then be invited to call the number on the form if they have additional questions. Inspectors are neither obliged nor encouraged to engage the student in debate over the violation.
- The inspector shall leave the student a notice of confiscation or notice of inspection.
Appeals Process
The Housing Department recognizes that difficulties with the fire inspection process may occur. Below is the description of the appeals process that should be followed if students feel they have a serious concern to address.
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Students who wish to submit a procedures-related appeal or dispute a fine over a particular interpretation of policy must go to the Housing Department in the Macmillan Building to submit an appeals form. Students have five business days, from the inspection date and/or after receiving a fine notification letter, to submit an appeal. Forms may be obtained from the Housing Department in person or from the department's home page at http://facilities.princeton.edu/housing/. Fines of a purely factual nature cannot be appealed. (Factual fines are those given to students for such infractions as possession of an unauthorized appliance, storing fireworks or combustible liquids, candles, or covering/blocking smoke detectors and/or sprinkler system).
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Appealable fines will not be charged to a student’s account until five business days have passed and no appeal has been made, or the appeal has been processed by the Appeals Committee.
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The inspection manager will respond in writing to each appeal made in the appropriate space on the appeals form, and attempt to resolve the issue if possible. The student will receive two copies of the appeal decision in campus mail, and if the student is still not satisfied with the action of the inspection manager, the student may resubmit the appropriate copy to the Housing Department for review by the committee. Students will have a period of two weeks to respond if not satisfied with the inspection manager’s decision.
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The Appeals Committee shall consist of the following members, each of whom have one vote: the associate director of housing, the assistant dean of undergraduate students responsible for housing, two members elected by and of the Undergraduate Residence Committee, and one of the graduate housing representatives elected from the Graduate Student Union. The committee shall meet twice a month to review appeals. The committee shall require a simple majority vote in reaching its decisions.
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The committee may request individual interviews with the student and fire inspectors involved with a particular case to facilitate its decision. Failure to appear before the committee if so requested will entail forfeiture of the appeal.
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Within a month of receiving the appeal, the committee will make its decision to uphold, reduce, or waive the fine. The Housing Department director reserves the right to review and give final approval of the decision.
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The student will subsequently be apprised of the outcome of his/her appeal. The decision letter sent to the student will be considered final and binding.
A number of rooms on the upper floors of several dormitory buildings have been provided with a second means of egress that is designed to be used as an emergency exit.
This second means of egress takes two forms:
- emergency doors between suites on the same floor leading to a fire door in the adjoining suite and
- an emergency door connecting a suite on the same floor that has a fire escape.
Other regulations governing emergency exit doors are:
- No furniture or impediments may be placed on either side of any emergency doors at any time.
- The protective glass doorknob cover is a security device and may be broken or removed by students only in a true emergency situation.
- Residents are charged $100 for the replacement or reinstallation of knob covers that are broken or removed unless the University Department of Public Safety verifies that an emergency situation existed that justified such breakage. Tampering with or removing any University installed seals or breaking glass enclosures is prohibited.
- The glass doorknob cover that protects the second means of egress can be removed if all students affected by its removal approve. To have the cover removed, students must call the Housing Inspection Office. The charge for this service is $50, which absorbs the cost of the cover’s removal and its reinstallation when the current occupants vacate the premises.
- No locks, slide bolts, hooks and eyes, chains, or other devices may be installed on any emergency door (including individual bedroom doors and those from which the glass cover has been removed) within suites that give access to any emergency door or fire escape serving that suite. The occupants of the suite are charged for the removal of any illegally installed impediments.
EVACUATION PROCEDURESBefore a fire:
Whether you sense a fire or the building fire alarm system is activated, follow the evacuation plan. Never ignore a fire alarm! If a student suspects a fire or if the alarm sounds:
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EMERGENCIESFor any fire, police, or medical emergency, students should call the Department of Public Safety at 911 immediately. The communications officer who answers the call is trained in handling emergencies. Students should give their location, describe the nature of the emergency, and be prepared to respond to the communications officer’s questions or instructions. In response to the call, the communications officer dispatches Department of Public Safety personnel and the appropriate local police, fire, or emergency medical teams to the location immediately. For routine information and assistance, students should call Public Safety at 8-3134. FIRE EVACUATION DRILLSState law requires regular, unannounced fire drills. Whether drills are conducted during the day or night, full cooperation in quickly and safely evacuating the buildings is expected. Since everyone’s ultimate concern is safety, noncompliance or failure to cooperate in any way will lead to disciplinary action. Any student who fails to leave the building when a fire alarm sounds is fined $50 and is referred to the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School for University disciplinary action. Any student who again fails to leave the building during a subsequent drill may be required to vacate his or her dormitory accommodations permanently, with no financial credit given for the unelapsed term of the housing contract, or may have other appropriate disciplinary action taken against him or her. NUISANCE ALARMSThe primary goal of any fire alarm system is to ensure that occupants are alerted to a fire early enough to evacuate safely from the building. To ensure that occupants will respond to an alarm, the fire alarm system must be reliable and free of nuisance alarms. Nuisance alarms create complacency amongst occupants and can hinder evacuation. Princeton University has adopted a policy to assist in reducing nuisance alarms. When a nuisance alarm occurs (such as cooking), the occupants of the room in which the alarm originated from will receive a warning on first offense. If there is a second violation, a $50 fine per occupant will be issued to all of the originating room occupants. Upon third offense, a $100 fine per occupant will be issued to all of the originating room occupants. A $200 fine per occupant will be assessed to all of the originating room occupants for a fourth offense. A fifth offense is subject to disciplinary action which could include the confiscation of the appliance and/or loss of housing. PUBLIC AREA SIGNSThe University is responsible for the installation and placement of interior signs in the dormitories. Interior signs are determined by code requirements, fire safety, and interior or exterior directional needs. Interior signs installed by the University are affixed on a permanent or long-term basis. At times, the University may affix temporary or short-term signs in a dormitory. This must be approved by the Housing Department and must be removed within a specified time period. Students posting signs must only use the available bulletin boards in the dormitories. See “Bulletin Boards,” in this guide. |
GENERAL SAFETY
LOSS, THEFT OR DAMAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
The University cannot assume responsibility for articles that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Students should consult with their parents regarding their homeowner’s policies and the type of coverage they provide or they may wish to contact:
Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
231 Salina Meadows
P.O. Box 4743
Syracuse, New York 13221-4743
This is a nationwide company devoted exclusively to insuring at minimal cost the property of students residing in dormitories.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR BELONGINGS AND PERSONAL SAFETY
- Students should lock their room door and ground floor windows when they leave.
- Students should be aware of thieves who use the excuse that they’re “looking for a friend” in order to enter a dormitory room. They should get a good description of the person or persons and call the Department of Public Safety immediately.
- Students should not leave personal property unattended in libraries, dining halls, gyms, and eating clubs.
- Students should lock their bicycles to an immovable object with a good lock. U-shaped locks are available for a rental fee at Public Safety (8-3134).
- Students should take advantage of high-security storage during breaks.
- If a student has been entrusted with keys to an academic building, he or she should not loan them out or prop doors open.
- Students should engrave their personal property and record serial numbers of their valuables. It is important that students have serial numbers when filing insurance claims and security reports.
- Students should always use common sense in matters of personal safety. They should:
- walk in well-traveled and well-lit areas;
- refrain from using shortcuts, since they are usually in isolated, poorly lit, or lightly traveled areas;
- have someone accompany them during late-night or early morning travel on campus, or call the Department of Public Safety for assistance, whose personnel are on duty around the clock;
- park their automobile in a well-lit, highly visible area;
- check for loiterers before entering or leaving their car or dorm;
- not allow strangers into their dorm room; they should always ask for identification. University personnel and all outside service employees who might need to enter a room carry identification;
- be alert and observant; report incidents or suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety immediately at 911;
- promptly report any malfunctions of lighting or security systems to the Maintenance Department at 8-3423. Many lights around campus have been numbered to provide accurate identification; if a student can provide this number to the Maintenance Department, it would help assure that the proper light is repaired.
CARD ACCESS SYSTEM
Princeton University’s Card Access System combines the finest available mechanical and electronic technology with a sophisticated computerized database to automatically lock and unlock entryway doors. This system, now in place in the New Graduate College, undergraduate residential colleges, all upperclass dormitories, and some administrative buildings.
Dormitory doors will be locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Programming provides consideration for special events and religious holidays. All dormitory entries are also locked at all times over breaks, unless instructions to the contrary are received in advance from authorized persons representing the departments, colleges, or cardholders directly concerned. During the move-in period, the outside doors in the dormitories remain unlocked. Once classes begin, the exterior doors of the New Graduate College are locked, and students will need a TigerCard (ID/proximity card) to enter the building. Students’ room keys do not open the exterior doors. TigerCards are available during registration for first-year and readmitted students. Students who have lost their TigerCard need to obtain new ones at the TigerCard office on the A-level New South Building, Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.
The TigerCard card unlocks the doors when it comes close to a reader mounted on the wall near the exterior doors. When a student brings the card close to the reader, a flashing green and red light appears, indicating that the door is unlocked. A student then has 30 seconds to open the door before it automatically relocks. When the door closes, it relocks and remains locked until the mechanism is activated again.
Students should not prop the doors open. If the door is propped open or does not close and lock within 30-90 seconds, an alarm will sound. The alarm continues until the door is properly closed.
The TigerCard is to be kept for all the years a student remains registered. It is incumbent upon card-holders to treat the cards and the system with respect and care.
Replacement cards may be obtained from The TigerCard Office for a $15 replacement fee. Non-working cards will be replaced at not fee if they have not been damaged
PANIC ALARMS
Panic alarms have been installed on campus. They are to be used for emergency life-threatening situations only and will bring an emergency response from Public Safety.
WEAPONS
New Jersey state law prohibits the possession, storage, or use of knives, firearms, ammunition, dry explosives, incendiary devices, or other dangerous weapons that might threaten human life. This includes BB guns, CO2 guns, or anything that can be perceived as a firearm. In addition, the law states that any item that could be perceived as a firearm on a university campus is also against the law.
ROLLERBLADES
Rollerblading is not permitted inside the dormitories at any time.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced when fuels (such as wood, gasoline, heating oil, etc.) burn incompletely. Fireplaces, gas furnaces, gas stoves, charcoal grills and other devices that use combustion are potential sources of CO.
What is the effect of exposure to CO?
CO replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. Individuals suffering from CO poisoning effectively suffocate, since even though their breathing is unhindered, they cannot get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. Mild CO poisoning (e.g., exposure to a concentration higher than 400 parts per million for 2-3 hours) feels like the flu, with symptoms including fatigue, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Higher exposure can result in disorientation, severe headaches, difficulty breathing and ultimately death.
How do CO detectors work?
The CO detector installed in your living area measures how much CO has accumulated and displays a digital readout of the concentration, in parts per million (ppm). It takes measurements every 2.5 minutes and sounds an alarm before the concentration of CO becomes high enough for adults to begin to experience symptoms. The alarm sounds when CO levels reach 100 ppm over 90 minutes, 200 ppm over 35 minutes or 400 ppm over 15 minutes.
What do I do if the alarm sounds?
- Evacuate immediately.
- From another area, call Public Safety at 911 and report the problem.
- Do not re-enter the room until instructed to do so by Public Safety, Alarm Shop personnel or Environmental Health and Safety.
Public Safety will contact either the Alarm Shop or Environmental Health and Safety to measure CO levels and determine the necessary course of action. This monitor is designed to minimize the possibility of false alarms, so treat all alarms as a real problem.
What do I do if the monitor is chirping?
This unit is equipped with a 9-volt backup battery. When the battery needs to be replaced, the monitor will chirp intermittently. Housing personnel replace the battery annually. If the battery needs to be replaced before then, contact the Housing Office.
YOU MAY NOT REMOVE/RELOCATE THE MONITOR
What happens if we lose power?
The unit is equipped with a backup battery that will provide power to the monitor for about 6 hours. If the monitor completely loses power, it will go through a self-test mode once power is restored. During the self-test mode, the unit will alarm briefly.
Can I put furniture in front of the monitor?
The monitor will not function properly if it is covered up. Ensure that there is at least a few inches of clearance around the monitor to allow air to flow through it. Do not place large pieces of furniture or bedding in front of it.
How could the monitor be damaged?
The CO monitor is sensitive to extreme temperature, high humidity, and liquids. It should not be placed in very hot or very cold areas. Water and cleaning solvents spilled or sprayed onto the monitor can cause damage.
Am I responsible for a damaged or lost monitor?
The Housing inspectors will include the CO monitors in their routine inspection. If the monitor is missing or damaged by the tenant, the tenant will be responsible for the replacement cost of the monitor. If the monitor is left unplugged, the tenant may be fined.
For more information
If you have any other questions about the CO monitor, contact the Housing Office. For inquiries about the health effects of carbon monoxide, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 8-5294.
YOU MAY NOT REMOVE/RELOCATE THE MONITOR

