Residential Living Policies

PAYMENT OF FEES, CHARGES, AND FINES

Students are required to pay fees, charges, and fines within a specified time by the specified due date. Piedmont University students whose student accounts do not have an acceptable payment arrangement in place by the published due date will be charged a $100 late fee. This fee will be billed to the student’s account and must be paid along with any other unpaid fees.

Students whose accounts are delinquent may forfeit their right to attend classes, live in residence halls, take final examinations or otherwise participate in the academic program until satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Student Accounts Office to meet financial obligations. Diplomas, certificates, and transcripts are issued only when the students’ accounts have been paid in full.

Students whose accounts are delinquent as of the payment due dates for each semester may not be permitted to register for the following semester. In addition, transcripts (official and non-official) and transient letters are not issued to students with outstanding financial obligations to Piedmont University.

Satisfactory payment is (1) submitting payment in full or (2) making the first payment on the payment plan. This payment must be paid by 2:00 pm on the following business day after the scheduled check-in. If a residential student is unable to pay their account balance in full by the due date, a 4-month installment payment plan is available. There is a $50 enrollment fee for the payment plan. Payments will be divided into four equal monthly installments

Housing Assignments and Space Availability

ASSIGNMENTS
Residence Hall space for new students is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. By requesting on-campus housing, submitting a non-refundable deposit, and turning in the housing paperwork (listed above), students may be assured campus housing based on available space.

Returning residents are offered an opportunity to reserve a residence hall space for the next academic year by submitting a deposit during the spring semester and participating in the housing selection process. Housing selection will generally take place within the week after Fall class registration closes during the Spring semester in accordance with the University’s academic calendar.

*Returning students are required to pay a $50 housing deposit to hold their space for housing selection. If the returning student deposit is not paid within two weeks of the application opening, the deposit increases to $250. Students will not be able to select or be assigned to a residence hall without a paid deposit.

Returning residents who do not submit a deposit during the spring registration will be assigned housing based on availability after all new and transfer student requests have been met. Residence Hall and roommate assignments are determined by students' preferences through the eRezLife housing portal. Students who desire to live together will be able to form roommate groups through eRezLife. Whoever is in the roommate group with the earliest allotted selection time will be eligible to select roommates/suitemates during that period.

Every attempt is taken to accommodate residence hall and roommate requests, but this is not guaranteed. Students who are not assigned rooms (due to a lack of available space) will be added to a waiting list and assigned as soon as space is available.

SPACE AVAILABILITY

The University guarantees housing for undergraduate applicants who have paid a housing deposit and have signed a housing contract by the posted deadlines. There is no guarantee of single or double occupancy for any residence hall room on campus. Assignments are made based on space available. The University reserves the right to assign students to another space, room, or hall, when it appears to be in the best interest of individuals or groups of students. Specific policies concerning campus housing are described in the Residence Life Housing Contract and the “Residence Life Policies” portion of this handbook..

The University may revoke housing privileges of students when it is determined that a student is not actually residing in their assigned space.

Failure to attend classes or lack satisfactory academic performance, could result in loss of housing privileges.

The University reserves the right to determine that past behavior and/or criminal activity is such that the interests of the University, the resident(s), and/or other resident(s) would best be served by cancellation of the contract.

If the University becomes aware that the resident has a record of criminal conviction or other actions indicating behavior that could pose a risk to person or property and/or could be injurious or disruptive to the residence hall community, the University may not accept or may cancel the Housing Contract.

All residents are encouraged and supported to maintain healthy physical, mental, and emotional health while residing in the residence halls. Any resident whose behavior indicates otherwise may be required to have an examination by a health care provider or consultation with a University official. Furthermore, should it be determined that a health or safety concern exists, the University reserves the right to suspend or revoke the resident’s Housing Contract.

It is the policy of Piedmont University to offer full, equal, and non-discriminatory assistance to all students without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, disability, or gender in both placement in University housing and in the furnishing of facilities and services relating to that housing.

*Piedmont University offers limited Summer Housing for students enrolled in summer courses, employed by the University or students who may be housing insecure. Summer housing locations will change each year, and all residential students who take part in summer housing will be required to relocate to the designated facility. For students to live on campus during the Summer, a Summer Residence Life Housing Contract will need to be completed. Summer Housing is charged based on a weekly rate, and there will not be on-campus dining options available for students

ACCOMODATIONS

Residence Life and Piedmont University seek to accommodate all students within University-owned housing. While spaces can be limited, staff will work with students who need or seeking applicable accommodations in the residential setting. Should a student need or be seeking special accommodations an email should be sent to residencelife@piedmont.edu and oars@piedmont.edu.

To request accommodations (academic, dietary, housing, or emotional support animals) please click the link below and use your Piedmont email and password:
https://piedmont-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/.

If you are already receiving accommodations and need to update your memo or information, please click the link below and use your Piedmont email and password:
https://piedmont-accommodate.symplicity.com/students

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESAs)

Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) must be approved through the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services and Director of Residence Life. ESA’s are not permitted on campus until final approval has been granted. Students found with an unapproved ESA will receive charges to their student account at a rate if $150 per violation per day and meet with a student conduct case manager. The process for receiving approval for an ESA can be found by emailing the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, oars@piedmont.edu. ESA’s must be registered annually with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.

In addition to registering the ESA and agreeing to all policies and procedures for having an ESA, the student is also required to sign an ESA roommate agreement so that each individual residing within a shared space understands and agrees to live with an ESA. This agreement must be signed and submitted before the animal is brought to campus. Visit the OARS website for additional information. OARS (Office of Accessibility, Resources, and Services) | Piedmont University. Students with a disability-related need for an ESA should follow the procedure provided by the OARS office to begin the request.

SERVICE ANIMALS

For information on registering a Service Animal contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at; oars@piedmont.edu. Service Animals must be registered annually with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.

*This includes Service Animals in Training. Documented service animals in training receive the same rights and permissions as fully trained Service Animals.

THERAPY ANIMALS

For information on registering a Therapy Animal contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at; oars@piedmont.edu. Therapy Animals must be registered annually with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. For questions, please email residencelife@piedmont.edu.

Policies and procedures

Room Change

Room change requests will only be considered 3 weeks after the first day of classes and will be available for approximately 2 weeks. Approved room changes may be accompanied by adjustment in the resident’s charges based on the published room rates. All room changes must be approved by Residence Life. At no time does Residence Life guarantee that space will be available to accommodate any request. Students may also be relocated and/or consolidated should the University need to adjust based on occupancy.

Room change requests will be assessed based on a student’s cohort, or year of enrollment to Piedmont University. To which, room changes will only be considered should the request be for a building, section of a building, or community that is designated for the student. First Year students will be able to request room changes within designated first year communities. All other students will be able to request for upperclassmen communities, pending any additional requirements are met for living in the community.

Students who occupy a space which is not designated as a ‘single’ by Residence Life and do not have a roommate, may be required to accept other housing or a new roommate should occupancy require, or if consolidation occurs. Any exceptions will be approved by request to the Director of Residence Life. Any consolidation decisions will be communicated by Residence Life at the discretion of the Residence Life professional staff.

Room Consolidation

Room consolidation helps to keep room and board costs low by lowering the utility burden on each building. Room consolidation requirements will be made at the discretion of Residence Life and dates will be posted in advance if consolidation is necessary. If during the consolidation process a student does not have a roommate preference, they will be assigned with another assignment requiring consolidation. Room Entry and Inspection*

The University reserves the right for University-authorized representatives to enter a student room and/or suite during any academic or break periods. The University reserves the right for authorized representatives to enter rooms and suites for reasons such as, but not limited to; housekeeping, maintenance and repair, health and safety, wellness checks, potential policy violations and to determine occupancy and vacancies on campus. All other entries will be limited to those approved by the Director of Residence Life where there is reason to believe that the University policies and regulations are being violated or have been violated. This includes but is not limited to safety drills conducted by authorized University representatives.

*Campus Police reserves the right to enter any room and search for possible violations of the law without a warrant, based on probable cause, or due to reasonable suspicion.

Check-In Responsibilities

Prior to Arrival:

Students must pay in full or make payment arrangements with Student Accounts before completing registration and officially enrolling in classes. Any student who has not satisfied their financial obligation either by payment in full or satisfactory payment arrangement before the beginning of the term may have their registration voided. Students with past-due account balances may not be able to attend class or live in residence halls. Outstanding account balances will also prohibit future course registrations, transcript processing, and the release of diplomas. Students whose accounts remain unpaid may be sent to a third party for collection. Upon registration, students agree to reimburse Piedmont University the fees assessed by any agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the debt, and all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in such collection efforts. More information can be found on the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement, which is displayed during online registration.Residential students will be notified of their move-in / check-in date and time by Residence Life prior to the beginning of each semester. These times are set to ensure that students have adequate time to get settled prior to the start of the semester, as well as take part in mandatory meetings with representatives of Residence Life. Students should check their Lions email regularly for updates, changes and expectations for move-in.
Students checking in after the first day of class must notify the Office of Residence Life at residencelife@piedmont.edu to maintain room assignment.
Residence Life Staff (Director, AD. RCA, and RAs) will complete a Room Condition Report (RCR) for each room and common space before students check in. It is the duty of each student to ensure that the form for their assigned room is completed correctly before signing it. More information on this process can be found under the “Room Condition Report” section of these policies.
Early or late check-in/move-in needs must be coordinated and approved with Residence Life in advance.
Students who do not appropriately check-in with Residence Life staff will be held responsible for an improper check-in fine of $50.00.

MOVE-OUT/CHECK-OUT RESPONSIBILITIES

At the end of each semester residential students will be required to complete a check-out/move-out process with Residence Life. All residential students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements off campus. Any concerns or issues with vacating the residential facility will need to be communicated to the professional staff member of the community as soon as the concern or issue is known. All residential students, except for graduating Seniors and those approved through the extended/late stay request process, will be required to vacate their housing assignment within 24 hours of their last final .

FALL CHECK-OUT/MOVE-OUT

Students who are checking out / moving out at the end of the Fall semester will need to complete a checkout process with a member of the Residence Life staff. Some students, who are approved by a committee, will be allowed to remain on campus over Winter Break. Those checking out should expect to complete the requirements listed below prior to departing campus. *This is not an all-inclusive list of requirements to check-out.
All residential students, apart from graduating Seniors, are required to vacate their housing assignment within 24 hours of their last final.
All residential students will be required to sign up with a member of the Residence Life staff to complete a check-out. Any improper check-outs will result in a fine being assessed to the students’ account. These arrangements should be made no less than 24 hours prior to the time in which the student is designated to depart campus.
All residential students will be required to return the University issued room key and student ID prior to departing campus. These will be returned to the student during Spring move-in.
All residential students will need to ensure that upon checking out of their unit, as each student is responsible for the condition and cleanliness of their unit:

All electronics are turned off and unplugged, except for University provided refrigerators
All trash is to be removed from the unit.
All food or perishable items are to be disposed of or taken off campus.
Floors are to be swept and vacuumed.
Any damages, or cleaning requirements found during closing assessment will be noted on the RCR, photos taken, and reviewed with the resident prior to their signing of the RCR.
Any damage or cleaning charges will be billed to the students’ account after this review.
Residential students not returning to Piedmont University for the Spring semester will need to complete all applicable documents and follow the Spring Check-out / Move-out process below.

Note: Any student that completely moves out of their assignment without properly notifying and checking out with Residence Life staff will automatically assume responsibility for charges resulting from any damages not noted on the RCR, key loss, student ID loss, and forfeit the right to appeal any relevant charges.

SPRING CHECK-OUT/MOVE-OUT

Students who are checking out / moving out at the end of the Spring semester will need to complete a checkout process with a member of the Residence Life staff. Some students, who submit a Summer Housing contract and are approved by a committee, will be allowed to remain on campus over Summer Break. Those checking out should expect to complete the requirements listed below prior to departing campus. *This is not an all-inclusive list of requirements to checking out.

All residential students, except for graduating Seniors will be required to vacate their housing assignment within 24 hours of their last final.
All residential students will be required to sign up with a member of the Residence Life staff to complete a check-out. Any improper check-outs will result in a fine being assessed to the students’ account. These arrangements should be made no less than 24 hours prior to the time in which the student departs campus.
All residential students will be required to return the University issued room key and student ID prior to departing campus.
All residential students will be required to have all personal belongings removed from the unit prior to their check-out time.
All residential students will be required to ensure all University furniture has been returned to the appropriate room, and in the same condition as when they moved in.
All residential students will need to ensure that upon checking out of their unit, as each student is responsible for the condition and cleanliness of their unit:
- All electronics are turned off and unplugged, except for University provided refrigerators.
- All trash is to be removed from the unit. o All food or perishable items are to be disposed of or taken off campus.
- Floors are to be swept and vacuumed.
- Common areas are cleaned
- Bathrooms are cleaned
Any damages, or cleaning requirements found during closing assessment will be noted on the RCR, photos taken, and reviewed with the resident prior to the signing of their RCR.
Any damage or cleaning charges will be billed to the students’ account after this review.

HOUSING WITHDRAWAL

Students may be removed from housing based on the following circumstances:

• University Withdrawal: This process can begin with either the student or the University. A student who completes a total withdrawal will have 24 hours from submission of the form to schedule a checkout time and vacate their residential unit.

• Change of Residential Status: Students who change their residential status will have 24 hours from the time the form is submitted to schedule a checkout and vacate their residential unit. The change in residential status form can be found on the Residence Life website or by emailing residencelife@piedmont.edu.

• Medical Withdrawal: The University has the option for a medical withdrawal that students can utilize after the last date to withdraw without academic penalty should there be any medical condition or concern that would interfere with the ability to attend classes. Medical Withdrawals are reviewed by the registrar in consultation with the academic vice president on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval. Should a medical withdrawal be denied students have the option to complete a Total Withdrawal from the university. Students who medically withdrawal will have to schedule and complete a checkout with Residence Life.

• Conduct / Judicial: The University reserves the right to cancel a student’s housing should it be determined that the students’ actions pose a risk to self, person or property and/or disruptive to the residence hall community. Should such cancellation of housing occur the University will arrange for the student to vacate the residential facility with reasonable time.

• Special Circumstances: Such things as global pandemics, loss of facilities, damage due to inclement weather and more may result in the University or Residence Life to close some or all residential facilities on campus.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Residence Life will conduct at least one Health and Safety inspection per semester. These inspections will be made known to all residential students prior with the assigned date(s) that the inspections will occur. Health and Safety inspections can also occur based on the direction of the Offices of Student Life and Leadership and be completed by a designated University official. Health and Safety Inspections are intended to ensure that the residence halls and/or rooms/suites do not require maintenance repairs that have gone unreported, cleanliness of the space to ensure a healthy and safe living environment and check that University-owned property is undamaged and working. Students who fail a health and safety inspection due to cleanliness, policy violation, etc. may receive a fine of $50.00 or more, and potentially be required to meet with a conduct hearing officer. Students who fail a health and safety inspection will have up to five business days to appeal to the Director of Residence Life. During the Health and Safety Process, if any policy violations are found, students may appeal being held responsible for such violation. Students need to email the Director of Residence Life at residencelife@piedmont.edu, with appropriate justification as to why the violation/charge should be appealed from their account.

ROOM CONDITION REPORTS (RCRs)

Prior to the residence halls opening for students, members of the Residence Life staff will conduct Room Assessments (Room Condition Reports, RCRs) of all residential spaces. While these reports are deemed accurate, it is highly encouraged that residential students upon arriving to a newly assigned room assignment, review and edit their Room Condition Report through the Housing Portal/eRezLife software. This will allow for any previous damages, that may have been missed, to be documented and not charged to the student moving into the space. RCRs will open for students to review when they check-in to their assigned space with a member of the Residence Life staff and the deadline for completing any updates will be one week from the start of classes each semester. All residents will receive communication reminding them how to complete the Room Condition Report review process each semester. At the end of the semester, when a student completes their check-out a member of the Residence Life staff will review the RCR with them prior to their departure, noting any damages that they may be responsible for. The student will then sign their name to the document confirming it has been reviewed and that they student agrees to the condition of the room as documented.

DAMAGES AND ASSESSMENTS

It is the responsibility of the student to report any damages within the space when they check-in and complete the Room Condition Report (RCR) available through the Housing Portal/eRezLife software. The RCR will be made available to students upon check-in and must be completed within the timeframe communicated by Residence Life each semester, generally one week after the start of classes. Each student claims responsibility for the condition and cleanliness of their unit during their time of occupancy. Upon vacating a unit, Residence Life will conduct a follow-up RCR, and any damages, cleaning charges, etc. will be billed to the students’ account. It is important for each student to remember that failure to complete the RCR review at the beginning of their assignment, including any room changes during a semester forfeit the right to appeal for any damages not documented on the RCR at the time of check-in. At the end of the semester, when a student completes their check-out a member of the Residence Life staff will review the RCR with them prior to their departure, noting any damages that they may be responsible for. The student will then sign their name to the document confirming it has been reviewed and that they student agrees to the condition of the room as documented. These charges will include the cost of repair and/or replacement, as well as the cost of labor. Items that could result in charges include, but are not limited to:

Paint missing from walls / ceilings
Wall / ceiling damage
Floor repairs or cleaning
Broken, missing or damaged University provided furniture
Broken, missing or damaged University facilities (i.e., doors, mirrors, windows, light fixtures, etc.)
Replacement of University provided furniture
Lost key and/or Student ID
Improper checkout
Trash
Cleaning (minor or major)
Odor removal
Pest Control
Abandoned property
Residential facilities being physically altered.

Residence Life staff provide a description of damages and photos to University Facilities and Student Accounts following each check-out period. Any student assessed and charged for damages, repairs, cleaning, or any other charge associated with checking out will be able to complete an appeal process. Appeals must be completed within 10 business days of the charge being placed on the student's account. To submit an appeal the student must email University Student Accounts, biz@piedmont.edu explaining the rationale behind the appeal and providing any evidence that contradicts the stated charge. Residence Life is not responsible for the facilitation of damage fee collection and defer to the rates provided by University Facilities in coordination with Student Accounts with assigning and assessing the validity of each charge.

STORAGE

Piedmont University does not store or maintain storage for students’ personal belongings. Residential students who leave abandoned property within their unit will be communicated with regarding retrieval of their belongings.

LOST ROOM KEY/ID

Students should always lock their room/apartment doors and always carry their University-issued ID card and room key with them. Each student assigned a room key and/or University-issued ID has responsibility for any code of conduct or housing contract violations, whether they are physically present during the violation or not. If a residential student loses room key, fob, or ID card report it immediately to an RA or the AD of the residence hall that the student resides in. The replacement charge for a room key is $75. The replacement charge for an ID card is $25. For non-residential students, lost ID cards should be reported to Campus Police as soon as possible.

LOCKOUTS

Students who are locked out of their assignment or residence hall should contact a member of the Residence Life staff for assistance using the phone numbers provided at the beginning of each semester and posted throughout each residence hall. Residents are strongly encouraged to save these phone numbers. On the first lockout, a student will not be charged for entering their space, all subsequent lockouts will result in a charge of $25 per lockout*.

A student who is locked out and let into their assignment must show the responding Residence Life staff member their student ID and/or key once access is granted. A student who cannot show proof of their student ID and/or key being in the room will be charged $25 for ID replacement and/or $75 for a key replacement. Students who continuously utilize the lock-out procedures, there may be a required meeting scheduled with a member of the Residence Life professional staff.

*Starting Fall 2025, A student may be granted remission from a lockout charge in exchange for items donated to the campus pantry. More information on specific items accepted and the donation process can be found on the Residence Life and Student Services webpages. If a student donates the items before the upcoming Friday after a lockout, the charge will be forgiven.

PROPPING DOORS

The propping of exterior doors is strictly prohibited unless explicit permission has been obtained by Residence Life or Campus Police. Such actions cause for safety and security concerns as individuals can access the buildings without the escort of residential student to that facility. Exterior doors found to be propped will result in a conduct meeting and potential fine for the individual responsible. All residence halls are equipped with card readers and/or standard key locks for the safety of students of the facility. Access to a residence hall is based on their housing assignment.

Emergency/Fire Doors:

Depending on the layout of the Residence Hall, the building has a series of doors for fire safety and containment. These doors are marked with either “DO NOT PROP” or “DO NOT OPEN. EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY.” Any tampering or unauthorized use of these doors is a violation of the code of conduct and Federal safety codes. Any student found committing either act will be subject to meeting with a University conduct hearing officer as well as possible face civil fines/penalties. Room Doors

Students should ensure that their room doors are locked and closed when not in the space. Students can, should they choose, leave their room doors unlocked while present in the space. It is highly recommended that students should ensure doors are locked when leaving their space, going to bed, and any other time in which they will not be present in their room

Windows

Residence halls have windows to allow for natural light and a point of egress in case of emergency and exit through the room door is not possible. Windows should not be used for entrance and exit to the room or building outside of emergency exit use. Students are not permitted to hang items in their window that face outward from any assigned room/suite. Students found climbing through windows will be subject to a conduct meeting and potential fines.

PETS

Non-venomous fish are the only accepted pet allowed in any residence hall at Piedmont University. The policy regarding fish is listed below. Approved service animals and emotional support animals are not pets and require advance registration and documentation before they can arrive on campus, more information regarding service animals and ESAs on campus are referenced under the accommodations section above.

Non-venomous fish are permitted within residence halls. Fish must remain in a tank that cannot be larger than 20 gallons.

Students can utilize up to 2 tanks, that do not exceed 20 gallons.

1, 20-gallon tank

2, 10-gallon tanks

Students are responsible for cleanliness and care of fish and their tanks.

VISITORS. GUESTS/GUEST HOURS/CO-HABITATION

Students are responsible for the actions of any guests and visitors they allow access to the residential facility. At no time should the number of guests or visitors exceed three times the rooms occupancy at any time.

Visitors

Visitors are defined as non-Piedmont University students. Visitors to campus who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and are not permitted to remain overnight in the residential facilities. Any visitor should seek to have a temporary parking permit issued by Campus Police, or park in Guest / Visitor parking only. A student who hosts a visitor in the residential facility is ultimately responsible for their guest actions

Visitation/Guest Hours

Students may entertain guests of the opposite gender in their rooms and suites from 10AM to 2AM daily. For Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors these visitation hours are extended on Friday and Saturday nights. The University reserves the right to alter visitation for any residential facility, section of a residential facility, or individual in the interest of health, safety, security discipline, improvement of the educational environment, or general welfare of the residential community. A student who hosts a guest in the residential facility is ultimately responsible for their guest actions. Hours are as follows:

First Year Students (Mystic Hall): 10am to 2am daily

Upperclass Students: 10pm to 2am Monday-Thursday, open visitation Friday and Saturday

Piedmont Village: 24/7 (as long as co-habitation policy is not being violated)

Summer Semester: 12am to 12am daily

Guests

A guest is defined as Piedmont University student who is currently enrolled at the institution or a non-student visitor that is 18 years of age or older. Guests are permitted in the residence halls so long as their presence is within the approved guest hours, are always accompanied by their student host(s), they are not causing a disruption to the residential community, and are 18 years of age and older, unless accompanied by a legal guardian. Guests are not permitted to stay overnight for more than 3 consecutive nights. Any overnight guests must be over the age of 18.

Co-Habitation

Co-Habitation is defined as any individual not assigned to the residential assignment living in that space with the current occupant(s) for longer than the guest policy permits. Co-Habitation can lead to conduct concerns and disruption to the residential community. Students are not permitted to cohabitate or have another individual cohabitate with them that would exceed the guest/visitor policy

ROOM DECORATIONS

Bed Lofting

Main Campus (Ipswich, New Bedford, Plymouth, Swanson, Johnson, Mayflower, Wallace, Purcell)

Bed lofting is limited based on the style of bed within the Residence Hall. Students are not permitted to utilize cinder blocks, bed risers, or other apparatuses that can be built or purchased to raise the height of the bed.

Mystic

Beds in Mystic Hall can be raised or lowered based on their design. Students are not permitted to utilize cinder blocks, bed risers, or other apparatuses that can be purchased to raise the height of the bed. Students seeking to have their bed raised or lowered should contact Residence Life staff for the submission of a work order. This request should include the desired height the bed is to be set at, so facilities staff can complete the work order.

Mystic Hall beds are adjustable to a height in which students are provided with a guard rail to assist with the safety of not falling out of the bed while asleep. Each bed is provided with this guard rail free of charge and attached to the bedframe upon arrival to campus. Students in Mystic Hall will need to digitally sign a waiver stating that the guard rail was provided upon arrival to campus, and that the student has the option to use, or not use the provided guard rail.

Students who have their beds raised and want a ladder can submit a request to residencelife@piedmont.edu with the room number and location of the bed in the room for a work order to be submitted. Ladders are limited and therefore not guaranteed for all students. Should a ladder be present in the room at the time of arrival and the student would like it removed, the student can use the same process for a work order to be submitted and the ladder removed.

Piedmont Village

Beds in the Village can be raised or lowered based on their design. Students are not permitted to utilize cinder blocks, bed risers, or other apparatuses that can be purchased to raise the height of the bed. Students seeking to have their bed raised or lowered should contact Residence Life staff for the submission of a work order. This request should include the desired height the bed is to be set at, so facilities staff can complete the work order.

Walls

Students are encouraged to decorate their spaces that is healthy, safe and allows for the student to feel at home while living on campus. The walls of a residential space must be maintained. Students who wish to hang things from the walls should use care and not use nails, screws or other objects that will put holes in the wall. Adhesive strips, hooks, etc. are permitted within the residential facilities, however students are responsible for any damages that occur when these items are removed from the wall. Damages can result in charges being assessed to the students’ account. For more information email residencelife@piedmont.edu.

Floors

Throughout the residential facilities there are different styles of flooring. Damage to the flooring, stains, or removal of the flooring will result in charges to the students’ account. Students are permitted to utilize rugs brought from home or purchased from a store however these items will need to be removed upon the student vacating the unit.

Ceilings

Students should avoid hanging items from the ceilings, specifically from the lights, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, etc. Items found hanging from or covering lights and safety equipment will result in charges being applied to the students’ account.

Windows

Students are not permitted to hang items in their window that face outward from any assigned room/suite. Items hung in rooms that are visible through the window deemed inappropriate, offensive, illegal (stolen signs), inflammatory are prohibited and must be removed immediately when directed by a member of the Residence Life or Student Life and Leadership staff. Windows, unless in the case of emergency, are not to be used to enter or exit a room.

LED Lights

LED light strips are permitted within the residence halls however it is important to note that applying the light strips to the walls often leads to damages and peeling of paint from the walls. Such damages will result in charges being assessed to the students’ account.

POSTING WITHIN RESIDENCE HALLS

Students or registered student organizations must receive prior approval from a member of the Residence Life professional staff prior to posting any signage or advertisements. Promotion of any personal business is strictly prohibited.

Banners

Residence Life recognizes that throughout the year there may be occasions students wish to celebrate. Residents in Johnson, Mayflower, Mystic, New Bedford, Plymouth, Swanson, and Piedmont Village can request permission to hang a banner no larger than a twin XL sheet (66’’ x 96’’ or 5.5ft x 8ft).

Banners may only be hung from exterior railings on the designated resident’s apartment/room/suite. Banners can be hung using zip ties, bungee cord, or another rope/string-like material that is tied and cannot be secured to railing using nails, push pins, or any other item that involves puncturing the railing.

The design of the banner must be respectful of Piedmont University’s mission and values. Banner requests can be submitted using the form on the Residence Life website.

Banner designs must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the date they wish to be displayed. A finalized sketch of the design should be included with the proposal. Students will be informed of their request’s status and, if approved, provided the instructions for displaying their banner.

Banners are allowed to remain on display for 72 hours from the date specified in the request. It is the responsibility of the resident/room to take down the banner. Failure to do so will result in loss of banner privileges for the remainder of the semester. Violating University policy by displaying a banner that is inappropriate and/or vulgar will result in meeting with a student conduct hearing officer and loss of banner privileges for the remainder of the academic year.

ALCOHOL POLICY

Alcohol and alcohol paraphernalia are prohibited on Main Campus, regardless of age. Alcohol is only permitted at Piedmont Village once the apartment receives an Alcohol Permit signed by the Residence Life professional staff.

Alcohol Permits for Piedmont Village are allowed only for apartments in which all occupants are at least 21 years of age or older, there have not been violations related to alcohol within the semester before requesting the permit, and all occupants of the apartment meet with Residence Life professional staff to read, review, and sign the Alcohol Policy and Alcohol Permit. For more information regarding the Alcohol Policy for Piedmont Village, please see the “Piedmont Village Alcohol Policy” section of these policies.

Alcohol is not permitted in apartments at Piedmont Village where any occupant is under the age of 21.

Apartments with Alcohol Permits found to be engaging in underage drinking, providing to minors, etc. will lose their Alcohol Permit for the remainder of the academic year and meet with a student conduct case manager.

Alcohol paraphernalia can be but not limited to: any item that explicitly promotes the act of drinking or contains advertisement/labels pertaining to alcohol-related products.

PIEDMONT VILLAGE ALCOHOL POLICY

Recognizing the capacity of students to make sound choices, alcoholic beverages for private consumption by those residents and their guests who are 21 and over is permitted in the Village. The vitality of the academic community relies on everyone taking personal responsibility for their actions regarding alcohol use and for safeguarding the well-being of others. The abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs place the health and safety of individuals at risk and directly contradicts the mission of our University and the success of our community of learners. Students whose drinking creates a risk of danger to the health and safety of themselves or others are subject to sanctions, loss of other University privileges, including residency in the Village and/or suspension.

Village Alcohol Permit eligibility is only available for apartments in which all residents assigned to that apartment are at least 21 years of age.
1. Should all individuals in the unit turn 21 years of age during the semester, alcohol may then be present in the common spaces of the unit once an alcohol permit is obtained. A meeting must be scheduled with the Assistant Director of the Village to obtain a permit which must also be signed by the Director of Residence Life.
Alcohol consumption is permitted only in the Village in apartments occupied completely by residents of legal drinking ages.
Alcohol may be visible in the unit, however consumption of alcohol in the presence of minors is prohibited.
Serving or providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited.
Any student, regardless of age, found to be intoxicated, will be evaluated by campus staff for medical treatment, Campus Police and/or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Any student, regardless of age, requiring medical treatment, will be required to participate in alcohol evaluation and education.
Beer kegs in any condition, beer balls, any similar type of common source and their equivalents in volume of beer and/or alcohol content are prohibited.
Possession of alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited. Paraphernalia can be but is not limited to; any item that explicitly promotes the act of drinking or contains advertisement/labels pertaining to alcohol-related products. Such items and/or paraphernalia found in the unit will need to be removed, and a meeting will be scheduled with Residence Life professional staff.
Open containers and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all public spaces outside of the individual unit in which the alcohol permit is designated for. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in any public area (outside the Village Suites) is strictly prohibited (common areas, parking lots, etc.).
The maximum occupancy of a Village Apartment should not exceed 12 people at any given time, as would be in any Village Apartment without an alcohol permit.
Students who are 21 or over and choose to consume alcohol must not exhibit loud, disruptive or indecent behavior, vandalize property, or interfere with the cleanliness of the residence halls.
Students are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times.
The signed alcohol permit must remain posted and visible within the common area of the unit. Permits should be adhered to either; the front of the University provided fridge, or back of the main door to the unit.

All Piedmont Village residents will comply with the laws of Habersham County and the State of Georgia regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcohol. Violations of these guidelines may result in criminal charges, conduct sanctions and/or loss of campus housing privileges. This policy will be reviewed annually by Piedmont University Residence Life in collaboration with University Administration.

MAINTENANCE, CLEANING, and WORK ORDERS

Piedmont University employs skilled individuals in their facilities department. Within this department are those who perform maintenance and repairs across campus, as well as those who assist in maintaining a clean campus through ongoing cleaning processes. This department works closely with Residence Life to assist in responding to any concerns or issues within the residential facilities.

Maintenance:

The maintenance personnel are trained to respond to concerns and issues on campus ranging from a light needing replaced to replacement and repair of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Should a student have a concern or issue within their space or notice something on campus that needs repair they can submit a Work Order by contacting a member of Residence Life for assistance. Response to work orders vary depending on the nature of the concern, other issues taking place on campus, time, and day of the week. The University does have maintenance personnel on call for emergency situations and can respond when contacted by Campus Police or Residence Life staff. Students are requested to communicate with members of Residence Life about their Work Orders and inform staff if their request has been completed or not

Cleaning:

The University partners with a third-party company, BUDD Group, to assist in the cleanliness and sanitation of campus and the buildings. This group works in cleaning common areas across campus and in the residential facilities. These individuals will not clean a students’ personal room, living room etc. during the academic year, and while the space is occupied. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their spaces during their time of occupancy. Cleaning during breaks may take place in residential spaces, but only for those rooms that have been completely vacated, and bathrooms within a unit.

Work Orders:

University Facilities operates the work order system and ensures the timely completion of requests. Residents are encouraged to notify Residence Life of any concerns in a proactive manner so that they can be addressed as soon as possible. Once a resident notifies a member of Residence Life, whether it be their RA or a member of the professional staff, the Residence Life team member submits a work order and University Facilities will assign a member of their team to inspect and address the concern.

Residents can contact a member of the Residence Life staff to have a work order be submitted. Work Orders submitted between 8AM and 3PM (Monday – Thursday), 8AM – 1PM (Friday) may allow for the work order to be addressed same day. Work Orders submitted after 3PM (Monday – Thursday), after 1PM (Friday) or on weekends may not be addressed until the next business day. If a student is encountering an emergency maintenance issue, i.e., flooding, fire, structural damage, the student should contact Residence Life staff or Campus Police immediately

It is imperative that students who face an emergency maintenance issue contact Residence Life staff. Residence Life and maintenance have 24/7 on-call personnel to assist in emergency response.

Up one level

Living on Campus