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Hall Safety

Elevators

Elevators are provided in Oakwood, Maplewood, Mullaney, Hesse and Redwood Halls. Proper operation of the elevator is imperative to the safety and convenience of all residents. Tampering with the elevator may lead to automatic loss of University housing. In addition, any student found vandalizing the elevator will be responsible for the cost of repairing the unit. If the elevator should malfunction while you are in it, Do not attempt to exit the elevator car. Wait for assistance.

Flammable Items, Fire Safety

Items that are flammable, such as hazardous fuels, liquids, or objects (i.e. gasoline, kerosene, fireworks, propane tanks, turpentine or other art supplies, etc.), are prohibited.

Fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and exit signs are required by the state, are for the protection of all residents, and are to be used only in case of fire. Tampering with fire equipment or setting off a false fire alarm is a misdemeanor under state law. Deliberately causing a fire is a felony. A student will be subject to disciplinary action and/or arrest if found tampering with fire equipment, falsely setting off the alarm system, or causing a fire. The above noted violations will be handled through the University judicial process.

In addition, each resident is responsible for being familiar with the location of exits, fire extinguishers, and alarm pull stations. Residential life staff will be happy to provide additional information or assistance in this area.

Furniture and Equipment: University-Owned, Personal

All lounge, hall, suite, and public area furniture and University-owned equipment is for the use of all residents and must remain in its designated area. This furniture/equipment may not be used or stored in student rooms. If found in a student room, a $10 per day per item fine will be assessed to the room occupants for each day the furniture is missing from the designated area. Judicial action may also be taken.

Students may not make any changes or alterations to their assigned rooms; remove or dismantle any piece of furniture or equipment; or place, affix, or attach any articles to the floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, or fixtures not in accordance with the established regulations and guidelines of the University and/or New Jersey State Fire and Safety Statutes. This includes shelving, waterbeds, any form of water furniture, bars, paneling, netting and tapestries on walls and ceilings, electrical fixtures, cinder blocks, bricks, nailing or stacking furniture together or to walls, etc.

All personal furniture must be approved by the Area Coordinator for that residence hall and/or his designee prior to bringing it into a residence hall, and the following conditions must be adhered to:

  • All personal furniture must comply with all fire codes pertaining to the design of furniture intended for institutional use. All upholstered furniture must have a label attached by the manufacturer that certifies the article’s compliance with NFPA code number or California Health and Safety Code Section 13115.
  • The total of all personal furniture in a bedroom may not occupy more than a total of 12 square feet in its largest configuration. The total of all personal furniture in a lounge/suite may not occupy more than a total of 21 square feet in its largest configuration.

Failure adhere these conditions will result in removal of personal furniture, at owner’s expense, and subject the student to additional disciplinary action.

Holiday Decorating

In order to minimize the potential fire hazards associated with some holiday seasons, the following decoration guidelines should be followed for the protection of those students living in the residence halls and apartments:

  • Students are allowed to have artificial trees in their rooms or apartments.
  • Strings of electric miniature lights are permitted on trees except those that are metallic.
  • All electrical decorations should bear the UL label and should only be used as rated for indoor applications.
  • All cords and lighting strings should be checked for fraying, bare wires, loose connections, and cracked plugs.
  • Cut or live trees are not allowed in student rooms or apartments. Lighted candles or any other sources of open flame are not allowed for any decorations or ceremonies.
  • Doors shall not be gift-wrapped. Excessive decorations or decorations made of highly flammable materials (crepe paper, leaves, etc.) are not permitted.
  • Decorations will not be attached to or suspended from heat pipes, electrical systems, or ceilings.

Identification Cards

All students are issued a University identification card that entitles them to certain privileges on campus. Students are required to have their ID card in their possession while on campus and must present that card to appropriate University and dining services staff when asked to do so.

Medical Forms

Prior to residing on campus, all students must have health forms and immunization records on file with the director of health services. Students who do not comply with this requirement will be prohibited from entering their assigned room.

Open Flames

Items that require an open flame to operate or that produce heat (i.e. Bunsen burners, lighted candles, incense, etc.) are not allowed in residents’ rooms.

Personal Belongings

Monmouth University assumes no responsibility for any and all losses to persons or property while in the residence halls by reason of any utility failure, accident, injury, loss, or damage, except for negligence on the part of employees of the University. The burden of proof in any claim of loss or damage due to negligence on the part of employees of the University rests solely and entirely with the complainant. You are strongly encouraged to obtain renter’s insurance or check with your family’s homeowners policy.

In addition, students that fail to remove personal belongings at the completion of the residence hall contract will forfeit ownership to the University within 24 hours and will be billed the cost of the removal of the items.

Refrigerators and Appliances

Owned or rented refrigerators must be of a compact size, UL-approved, and not in excess of 3.2 cubic feet. Only one refrigerator per resident is allowed. In triple rooms, a maximum of two refrigerators is permitted. Any exceptions must be approved by the area coordinator (AC). Refrigerators may not be stored in closets or other areas not providing adequate ventilation. Extension cords are prohibited for use with refrigerators.

All appliances used for food preparation (i.e. hot plates, hot pots, toaster ovens, microwaves, microwave ovens, popcorn poppers, etc.) are prohibited in the residence halls. In addition, halogen lamps (floor or desk) are not permitted. Possession or use of these appliances in the residence halls will result in an administrative fine and confiscation of the appliance. These appliances are considered a serious fire hazard since they draw more electricity than the buildings can deliver.

Room Cleanliness

Residents are expected to maintain basic sanitation standards in their rooms, bathrooms, and public areas. Trash must be disposed of properly and food items stored appropriately. Residents assigned to apartments, Oakwood and Redwood Halls are responsible for cleaning the bathroom and shower areas. In addition, apartment residents are responsible for cleaning both the kitchen area and appliances. Room inspections will be conducted by the residential life staff to ensure compliance. Any violations will be subject to judicial action and billing for cleaning services.

Room Personalization

It is the hope of the residential life staff that you will be able to personalize your room and/or apartment and make it a “home away from home” during your stay on campus. However, to protect the condition of your surroundings from damage and in consideration for future residents, the following stipulations will apply:

  • Residents may use non-permanent, non-staining adhesive materials to hang decorations where wall moldings do not exist.
  • Under no circumstances should holes be drilled or placed in any walls or ceilings.
  • No heavy-duty adhesives (duct tape, etc.) should be used in any housing facility. Damage caused by use of these materials will be charged to all responsible residents.
  • All room decoration materials must comply with fire safety and residence hall regulations.
  • Total wall decoration may not cover more than 10 percent of the wall surface area.
  • Any questions concerning room decorations should be directed to the residential life administrator (RLA).

Weapons

Possession of weapons (firearms, BB guns, explosives, knives, etc.) in the residence halls or apartments is prohibited and may result in suspension or expulsion from the University and possible arrest.