Housing and Residence Life Policies

The mission of Housing and Residence Life is to serve as a bridge to interdependent living, global citizenship, and responsible decision-making. We strive to cultivate a safe environment while working to advance personal growth, build independence, foster respect for self and others, and model an inclusive community.  Residents are subject to all rules and regulations of the Student Conduct Code of Furman University and Housing and Residence Life Policies and Procedures.

Housing and Residence Life Policies

Alcohol Containers

1. In the residence halls, students may not possess and/or display empty alcohol containers or paraphernalia; this includes, but is not limited to cans, bottles, cases, and bongs.
2. In the apartments, possession of excessive amounts of alcohol and the display of alcohol containers is prohibited even if residents are 21 years or older.
3. The production of alcohol in campus housing is prohibited.

Animals in Campus Housing

With the exception of approved service or assistance animals and fish in containers under 10 gallons, animals are prohibited in campus housing. For the approval process of service or assistance animals, refer to the University’s policy on Service and Assistance Animal Policy for Students.

A resident determined to be responsible for keeping an animal in or near campus housing in violation of this policy may be subject to a $300 fine and other sanctions.  Other residents within an apartment or room where the animal is found may also each be subject to fines and other sanctions.  Subsequent offenses will result in a doubling of any previous fines and may subject the resident(s) to student conduct action. In addition, the resident responsible for the animal will be responsible for all damage and cleaning costs resulting from the animal.  Any animals discovered in violation of this policy must be removed within 24 hours following the notification of the violation by Housing and Residence Life.

Balconies, Patios, and Porches

Personal outside storage for North Village residents is restricted to the confines of the assigned balcony or patio and may not extend over railings or be suspended from outside walls or columns.  North Village residents may have bicycles or furniture made for the outdoors on their assigned patios or balconies.

1. Storage of any items on the balconies or porches of Clark Murphy Complex and South Housing is prohibited.
2. University-owned furniture is not permitted on the balconies or patios.
3. The hanging of hammocks, flower planters, wind chimes or other items on rails or other outside structures of the building is prohibited.
4. Throwing or lowering any object, including but not limited to furniture, water balloons, trash, food, liquids, or cigarette butts, from balconies, patios, or porches is prohibited.
5. The display of signage/flags on porches, balconies or patios is prohibited.

Bicycles

University Police recommends students register their bicycles by visiting: https://www.furman.edu/university-police/bikes-on-campus/, and encourage students to lock their bicycles to bike racks provided outside each building.  To prevent the risk of damage or larceny, residents should take bicycles home for the summer. Bicycles may be stored in rooms with the permission of a resident’s roommate(s).  Bicycle owners are responsible for any damage or uncleanliness caused by their bicycle. 

1. Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters are not to be ridden inside any part of campus housing.
2. Bicycles left unattended in hallways, stairwells, or other public access or exit areas are in violation of fire safety codes and are subject to being impounded. 

Building Security and Access

Access to the residence halls is controlled by a card system.  Every student is issued a University ID card, which provides access to their residential community.  Students are required to carry their cards with them 24 hours a day and use them for access to campus housing.  Students who lose their cards must report the loss immediately so that the building can be secured.  Each card is the property of Furman University and is for the sole use of the person to whom it was issued.

Each resident is issued one key to their room (and one for the exterior apartment door in North Village) when checking in at the beginning of an academic term.  Keys are for personal use only and not to be given to other residents or guests. 

1. Propping open or otherwise tampering with the access control and alarm system is strictly prohibited.
2. Access to any room other than a resident’s assigned room is strictly prohibited.
3. Students are prohibited from making copies of university keys.
4. The use of a university master key to gain or provide entry into a residence hall room, apartment, storage, maintenance area, office, or roof area is strictly prohibited without the direct permission of Housing and Residence Life staff.

Community Responsibility

Residents are responsible for what occurs within the residence hall rooms and apartments to which they have been officially assigned as well as the larger hall and building community.

1. When a policy violation occurs within a residence hall room or apartment, each resident of the assigned space may be held accountable.
2. Uncleanliness or damage to community property such as restrooms, hallways, kitchens, lobbies, fire equipment, laundry rooms, exterior lighting or exit signs will be the responsibility of all students assigned to that particular area, unless the responsible individual or group can be established.  For continued uncleanliness of common spaces, students may be fined per reported incident.

Construction and Decorations

1. Making architectural changes to a room (such as building shelves, attaching anything to the walls or ceiling, paneling walls, wallpapering walls, installing screen doors, altering lighting or other electrical features, attaching mirrors to walls or doors, etc.), installing personal door or window locks, is prohibited.
2. Students are prohibited from attempting to patch and/or paint walls, doors or other surfaces on their own.
3. Use of duct tape, contact paper, double-sided foam tape, nails, screws, and hooks are prohibited.  Poster putty or removable mount squares are recommended alternatives.
4. The installation and/or use of web cams on the exterior of rooms/apartments is prohibited.

Damage and Vandalism

1. Residents are responsible for damages to university property.
2. The removal of any doors in North Village is prohibited.
3. Residents will be held accountable for damages having occurred as a result of horseplay, malicious intent, neglect and/or failure to report in a timely manner.

Fire Hazards

1. Residence hall and apartment hallways, stairwells and landings are to remain free of any materials at all times. The Housing and Residence Life staff reserves the right to remove and dispose of any articles in these areas at any time.
2. Flammable devices are prohibited in or near campus housing (including but not limited to porches and balconies); this includes, but is not limited to gas cans, charcoal, lighter fluid, and grills of any kind.
3. Extension cords are prohibited in campus housing. The suggested alternative is a power strip with an internal safety circuit breaker.
4. Only sealed-unit appliances such as coffeemakers, popcorn poppers, and George Foreman grills (the small ones) are permitted in student rooms. Additional microwaves and refrigerators are prohibited. The following may not be used in student rooms: open-faced electrical or heating appliances (such as broilers, space heaters, toasters, toaster ovens, and air fryers). Toasters and air fryers with an automatic shutoff are allowed in North Village kitchens only.
5. The following items are prohibited in campus housing: mopeds/scooters, any type of flammable fuel or substance (i.e. gas, butane, propane), candles, oil lamps, incense or lamps with halogen bulbs, non-LED string lights, rope lights, pre-lit garland or trees, fiber optic trees/lights, electric blankets, live cut trees or live garland.
6. No flags or other coverings may be placed under or over electric lights, heat-actuating fire detection devices, smoke detectors, or fire extinguishers in campus housing. Covering or hanging anything on or near sprinkler heads, removing electrical switch/outlet covers and alternating and/or adding electrical fixtures is prohibited.

Fire Safety

Furman University takes fire safety seriously and expects students to take personal responsibility for their own fire safety.

Education and Prevention

Furman conducts a fire drill in each residence hall at least once per semester.  Housing and Residence Life provides fire safety education and training to Resident Assistants (RAs) that includes building fire protection features, fire prevention and emergency evacuation procedures.  Resident students attend orientation training facilitated by RAs and review information on fire evacuation and fire prevention, including but not limited to a list of prohibited items. The Risk Management Office provides fire safety training to maintenance and custodial staff, as well as new employee orientation. Training includes fire extinguisher use, emergency procedures and fire safety inspection protocol.

Evacuation Procedures

• All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds continuously and/or upon notification by emergency personnel or by the University Police Department.
• If necessary or if directed to do so by a designated emergency official, activate the building alarm.
• Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who might require assistance in an emergency evacuation.  Be prepared to render assistance if necessary.  (Note: It is suggested that people with physical disabilities inform co-workers, professors and/or classmates of best methods of assistance during an emergency.)
• Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation.  Emergency response personnel may use an elevator for evacuation after review of the circumstances.
• When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by a designated emergency official, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
• Once outside, move to an Emergency Assembly Point at least 300 feet from the building.
• Remain at the emergency assembly point until a headcount is taken and further instructions are provided by emergency personnel or University Police.
• Do not return to an evacuated building until advised by the Fire Department or University Police.

Campus Housing

Rooms in campus housing are equipped with smoke detectors for fire safety. Residents should be aware that the smoke detectors are extremely sensitive to smoke, heat, and aerosol sprays. Burning popcorn, burning food on the stove, smoking in the room/apartment, steam from extremely hot showers and spraying air fresheners can potentially set off a fire alarm, so residents are encouraged to be careful when engaged in these activities. Refer to the University’s smoking policy for more information.

Fire safety equipment can be easily damaged if those without proper training tamper with it. To avoid fines associated with damaging and/or tampering with such equipment, either accidentally or intentionally, students should call the appropriate officials when problems occur. Smoke detector and sprinkler problems should be immediately reported to University Police at 864.294.2111. 

1. Residents may be held responsible for inadvertently causing a false fire alarm.
2. The tampering, damage, or misuse of fire safety equipment, alarms, extinguishers, exit signs, and smoke detectors is not permitted.  This includes touching, hanging any items from, or covering sprinkle heads and smoke detectors.
3. Residents and guests should evacuate the building immediately and follow all directions of emergency responders, staff, and/or the voice system.

Health and Safety Inspections

Housing and Residence Life staff members will conduct health and safety inspections per the Living Unit Entry, Inspection, Search and Confiscation Policy. Residents are responsible for cleaning their rooms and apartments (including but not limited to suite/apartment bathrooms) to a level considered acceptable by the University in its reasonable discretion.  Failure to maintain a clean room/apartment, contributing to a pest problem, and/or failing to correct an issue may result in referral to student conduct. Residents may be billed for the cost of related damages and/or excessive cleaning.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Units

Student rooms are equipped with thermostats for temperature control.  To avoid fines associated with damaging and/or tampering with such equipment, either accidentally or intentionally, students should call the appropriate officials when problems occur.  Thermostat problems should be immediately reported through the maintenance request form online. 

The Facilities Services staff routinely check and change filters in the HVAC units of all rooms and apartments. Students should not block or cover the units in any way and must maintain a minimum of three feet open space in front of the units so that access can be gained and so that air flow will not be interrupted.

1. Failure to remove items from in front of the HVAC units when notified. 
2. Tampering with HVAC controls and/or thermostats in an effort to alter the campus-wide set range is prohibited.

Living Unit Entry, Inspection, Search and Confiscation

The University respects the principle that students are entitled to privacy in their residence hall rooms, suites, apartments, cabins, or other residence units (for purposes of this policy, “living units”).  At the same time, the University recognizes that from time to time University officials may need to enter and inspect or search a student’s living unit for a variety of purposes.  Therefore, the University reserves the right to regulate the use of living units in accordance with the policies of the University, and the University may, in its discretion, enter and inspect or search students’ living units without prior notice to or consent from students to ensure compliance with those policies.  The University will, however, attempt to provide students with prior notice of such activity when appropriate and reasonably possible.

Inspection and Maintenance

University officials and/or personnel may enter living units during reasonable hours at the request of the student or for purposes of inventory, sanitation, health and/or safety, maintenance and/or repair, and the enforcement of the University’s policies and rules.  University personnel may enter and/or control living units at any time in the event of emergency or routine announced maintenance. Note that after an emergency or routine maintenance the University will lock the residence; the resident is responsible for any lockout fee as a result.

Health and safety inspections will be conducted on a routine basis, and residents will generally be given 48 hours’ prior notice.  Students must correct any issues identified during the inspection within 24 hours of the completion of the inspection.

If, in connection with proper inspection activities, evidence of a violation of University policies or rules should be discovered, such evidence may be photographed and confiscated and/or disposed of, and the student may be subject to disciplinary charges.  Evidence of illegal contraband or activity discovered during an inspection will be turned over to University police for further action in accordance with law. 

Search

In addition, University personnel may search students’ living units when there is reason to suspect that a violation of the University’s policies or rules has occurred, as determined by the Vice President for Student Life or the Dean or Students or the designee of either.

Students must comply with directives of University personnel while a search is conducted.  The University reserves the right to open unsecured containers or areas that are reasonably suspected to contain evidence of the alleged violation that prompted the search, including but not limited to refrigerator(s), cabinet(s), drawer(s), closet(s), luggage, book bags, safes, and ceiling tiles.  Students are expected to unlock secured areas or containers at the request of University personnel.  (If the student is not present during the search, the University may remove a secured container until such time as the student may be contacted.  If the University is unable to contact the student, it may open the container without student permission.  If a student declines to unlock secured areas or containers, the University reserves the right to open the area or container without student permission. The University also reserves the right to open a secured area or container prior to asking for the student’s permission if information available to the University indicates that its contents could endanger the health and safety of the University community.

Evidence of a violation of University Policy collected during a search may be photographed and confiscated and/or disposed of and the student may be subject to University disciplinary charges.  Evidence of illegal contraband or activity collected during a search will be turned over to University Police for further action in accordance with law. Failure to comply with police during an authorized search may result in ticketing or arrest in addition to student conduct action.

Note that inspection and search are distinguished from informal, unstructured activities, such as walking down a hallway within or associated with a living unit, standing in an open doorway, visiting in a living unit, or entering a living unit on invitation, which residents and University personnel are free to do and which are not subject to the same limitations as inspection and search.

Lofts and Furniture

1. University furniture may not be transferred from one room to another or exchanged between rooms, nor removed or stored elsewhere in the building or off-campus.
2. Residents are prohibited from stacking any furniture (i.e. desks, dressers, etc.) on top of each other.
3. Only lofts provided by Housing and Residence Life are permitted in university housing. Lofts can be requested by visiting the Housing and Residence Life website.
4. Only Housing and Residence Life staff or an approved contractor may assemble or disassemble lofts and other university furniture.
5. Waterbeds and forms of alternative bedding other than the lofts mentioned above are prohibited.

Noise

In campus housing, it is imperative that all residents respect the rights of others living near them. Residents need to respect those who live above, beside, and/or below them. Residents who feel that their neighbors are being too loud are encouraged to talk with their neighbors about the disturbance and/or contact the RA On-Duty if the disturbance fails to immediately cease.

1. The following quiet hours have been established:
   • Sunday-Thursday 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
   • Friday and Saturday 11:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.
2. Residents or student groups who use community spaces within the residence halls or apartments (i.e. Judson Hall Lake Level Lounges, North Village J Community Center, NV Shelter) for activities or events also need to respect the residents who live adjacent to those community spaces. There may be occasions where groups are given special permission to have events that extend beyond quiet hours.
3. Any use of sound equipment should be confined to the individual student’s room and should be at a level that does not disturb other residents. Stereo speakers may not be placed in windows or on apartment balconies with the intent of listening to the stereo outdoors.
4. Courtesy hours are in effect at all times. Student staff members and all residents have mutual responsibility for encouraging peers to be courteous about noise levels. Any student has the right to respectfully approach another resident or group who is creating noise via a loud stereo or other means. Anyone approached about noise levels should make an effort to decrease the noise and contain it within their room.
5. The playing of percussion, brass, string, woodwind, or electric instruments is prohibited in campus housing except in practice room areas located in Clark Murphy Complex (all courtesy and quiet hours apply).

North Village Pavilion Alcohol Use

When alcohol is present, the North Village Pavilion may be used by students under the following parameters:

1. The individuals using the pavilion are responsible for trash pickup, fire safety, and compliance with University policies.
2. Pavilion hours are Noon to 11 pm. Please review the Noise policy.
3. Student organization activity/events must follow all applicable Student Organization Policies and Procedures. Student Organization Policies and Procedures supersede anything contained in this policy.
4. Grills may be used at the pavilion. Any charcoal must be disposed of appropriately in the receptacles provided. Please review the Fire Hazards policy.
5. The alcohol that each person may bring and consume is only beer, beer-equivalent (Whiteclaw, Truly, Smirnoff, Ciders, etc.), and wine. Beer and beer equivalent may be no more than six individually packaged, 12-ounce containers. Wine may be no more than six individually packaged, 187 ml containers. Liquor and glass containers are not allowed. The alcohol may only be consumed by the person who brought it. Regardless of allowed amounts, each student is expected to engage in low-risk drinking.
6. No common sources of alcohol are allowed (e.g. kegs, punch bowls, etc.). However, individuals may combine their collective beer or wine into a cooler(s).
7. Consumption of alcohol outside the pavilion area is not allowed.
8. The following behaviors are additionally prohibited:
   1. Consumption of alcohol by underage individuals;
   2. Providing alcohol to an underage person;
   3. Activities/games that encourage binge drinking;
   4. Belligerence toward any other individual;
   5. Public drunkenness;
   6. Public urination;
   7. Littering in or around pavilion;
   8. Throwing beer cans or other items; and
   9. Inappropriate language, aggressive behavior, or other misconduct that is disruptive to the Furman community.

Painting

Painting of any kind is prohibited within all areas of campus housing (such as rooms/apartments, community spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, balconies, patios, porches, etc.). Students or student organizations who wish to paint should paint outside and away from the building on grass or a temporary board or tarp that will not discolor sidewalks or pavement. Students and student organizations will be held accountable for any damages caused by unauthorized painting or failure to clean paint supplies within campus housing.

Roofs

Residents and their guests are not permitted to access the roofs or ledges of any campus housing facility.

Small Outdoor Pools

Students may have small outdoor pools of water (6 inches or less deep), often referred to as kiddie pools. Students may check out a faucet key and hose from Housing and Residence Life office in NV J 100. Pools must be emptied nightly and stored inside a student’s apartment to prevent damage to the grounds or obstacles in the walkways.

Sports in the Halls

Horseplay and playing sports in campus housing may result in damage and/or injury.  Students are reminded to play outside.

Hitting, bouncing, and/or throwing objects such as Frisbees, balls, water, etc. in interior hallways, breezeways, porches or apartments/rooms is prohibited.

Trash

1. All trash and debris must be placed in university dumpsters or recycling bins adjacent to the residential facility.
2. Trash may not be left in hallways or outside of rooms/apartments for any length of time.
3. Disposal of personal room/apartment trash in public area (kitchen, laundry room, hall bathrooms, etc.) trash cans is not permitted.
4. Dumpster diving defined as the act of climbing or jumping into a dumpster for the reason of obtaining any items which have been placed in the dumpster, is strictly prohibited.

Use of Campus Housing for Business Purposes

The use of a residence hall room or apartment as a sales or service office (including but not limited to any Internet sales or business) or storeroom, without approval from the University, is prohibited. Refer to the University’s Student Businesses  policy.

Vacancies

Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to fill all vacancies.  If a space becomes available in a room because a roommate has not been assigned or a roommate moves out, residents must keep the vacant space ready for a new resident by ensuring the following:

• One bed is clear and unobstructed
• One desk is emptied and cleared
• One set of drawers is emptied and available
• One closet or wardrobe is emptied and available
• All university furniture is present and set up correctly in the room
• Space is available in common area cabinets, closets, and bathrooms
• The room and/or apartment will be cleaned to a level considered acceptable by the University in its reasonable discretion.

Residents may not permit another person to live in or utilize the vacant space without being officially assigned by Housing and Residence Life.  All room changes must be approved through Housing and Residence Life.

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

Visitation and Guests

The following policy concerning guest visitation in campus housing has been established to provide balance of freedom, privacy, and safety for on-campus residents. Within these guidelines, roommates should jointly determine when guests will be allowed in individual rooms. Abiding by these policies helps maintain a safer environment while respecting the rights of others in campus housing. Individuals who violate these standards (through propping open entrances and exits, etc.) place at risk everyone who lives in campus housing, and anyone found responsible for such infractions will be subject to student conduct action.

All residents have the right to live in their room/apartment without the interruption of others whom they do not want to be in their living area. A resident must have the support of their roommate/suitemate/apartment mate for all guests brought into the room/suite/apartment.

• Visitation privileges are subordinate to a resident’s right of privacy within their room. The presence of guests should in no way interfere with the rights of the roommate(s) or other residents. Visitation privileges may be revoked if it is determined that individuals are violating the rights of others.
• Card access is granted to and intended to only be used by residents. Visitors may not use a resident’s access card or key to gain entry to a campus residence.
• Student staff members have the authority to request proper identification from individuals visiting campus housing. Those individuals unable to provide ID upon request will be asked to leave and/or be reported to Housing and Residence Life or University Police.

Guests

1. Guests are defined as visitors who are not assigned to the room/apartment. Residents are responsible for their guests’ conduct. This includes hosting prospective students.
2. Guests, including but not limited to parents and other family members, must be accompanied by their student host at all times while in campus housing.
3. No resident may have an overnight guest in campus housing for more than two consecutive evenings.

Residence halls

The following common areas of the residence halls are open 24 hours daily: Daniel Lounge, Earle Lounge, Geer study rooms, Judson Lake Level Lounges, and Judson lobby.

1. Guests are permitted to visit in student’s rooms in residence halls during the following times:  10:00am-2:00am.

Apartments

Housing and Residence Life offers North Village and Greenbelt housing residents a self-regulated visitation program through which the residents mutually agree upon and sign a roommate agreement related to their visitation hours. If residents cannot mutually agree upon visitation hours, the visitation hours set for residence halls by Housing and Residence Life are in effect.

Cohabitation

Cohabitation is prohibited. Cohabitation is defined as sleeping/staying in the room for more than two (2) nights consecutively or more than six (6) nights in a month; using the bathroom or shower facilities as if one lived in that suite/apartment; keeping belongings, such as clothes and books, in the room as if one lived in that room/suite/apartment; or the use of a space which infringes on the rights and privacy of residents in the living area.

Windows and Screens

1. Throwing any object, including but not limited to water balloons, trash, food, liquids, or cigarette butts, from windows is prohibited.
2. Residents may not remove window screens or open riveted windows for any reason. Residents will be fined for damage to the screen or window based on the actual cost of replacement or repair.
3. Sitting in open windowsills is also prohibited.
4. Residents may not display any flag or signage in the windows of campus housing that compromises the integrity of the facility and/or is clearly visible from the outside of the building.

Housing and Residence Life Procedures

Abandoned Items

Items left by students after completing the check-out procedures are considered abandoned and will be disposed of during the cleaning process.  Should a student become aware that they left an item in the room, they should contact Housing and Residence Life immediately.  Return of any left items is not guaranteed.  The University and Housing and Residence Life cannot be held responsible for any items left after checkout.

Check-in Procedures

Residents will receive specific instructions on how to check-in to their room.  At check-in, you will receive your key(s).  Residents will be provided an opportunity to document any pre-existing damages or issues with their room(s) in order to avoid charges at the end of the academic year.

Check-out Procedures

1. Housing and Residence Life expects residents who are no longer enrolled in classes at the University and/or who are taking a leave of absence to check out of campus housing within 24 hours.
2. Housing and Residence Life expects that residents will do their part to check out properly. All residents are required to be out of campus housing within 24 hours after their last exam or the last day that housing is open, whichever is sooner. An extension is provided to graduating seniors until after the completion of commencement exercises. 
3. Students who fail to check out properly may be subject to the following fines:
   • Improper checkout - maximum of $75 - failure to follow communicated check-out procedure
   • Late checkout - maximum of $300 - failure to move out of housing by the designated deadline
   • Lost key(s) - maximum of $50 in the residence halls; maximum of $75 in North Village and Greenbelt - failure to return the room key(s) by the designated deadline
   • Damages - fine depends on the cost of repair/replacement and/or cleaning
4. The Housing and Residence Life office will notify residents of specific closing procedures which must be followed before residents leave for the semester. Residents who fail to follow closing instructions will be fined for any procedures not followed and may be referred for further student conduct action.
5. Residents are prohibited from entering housing facilities while campus housing is officially closed.  Residents should refer to the official university academic calendar for closing dates. Residents are responsible for making travel plans in advance so that they can be out by these times and should contact Housing and Residence Life to discuss any emergency situations.

Community Spaces

Housing and Residence Life provides meeting locations in the residence halls and North Village. In order to reserve one of these locations, residents or student groups should complete the meeting space request form on the Housing and Residence Life website. Requests will be reviewed and must be submitted with a minimum 72-hour notice in order to be considered. A request does not guarantee that the room is available.

Early Arrivals

Because the time allotted to prepare buildings for the opening of school is limited, early arrivals are kept to a minimum. Only groups whose functions are institutionally required and operationally necessary will be permitted to arrive early. The administrators or faculty overseeing the group are responsible for making the necessary arrangements with Housing and Residence Life.

Students approved to move in early are expected to abide by all university policies.  In cases where a student violates a policy, their early arrival permission may be revoked, and they may face immediate departure from campus until the official move-in date.

Individuals who move in prior to their official check-in date without authorization, as well as any student(s) who assisted or knowingly allowed the unauthorized early arrival, are subject to a $50 fine per day and possible immediate removal from campus until the official move-in date.

Housing Assignments

Refer to the Housing and Residence Life website for more detailed information regarding assignments policies and procedures.

Residential requirement

Studies have shown that students who live in campus housing are more likely to become involved in campus activities and graduate in four years. As a result, Furman requires that all undergraduate day students live in campus housing for the first four years after their start year in college.

New student room assignments

All incoming students must submit a housing assignment request form by the deadline set on the New Student web site. 

Upperclassman room assignments

Upperclassman room assignments are made in the spring semester through an online room assignment process. The “housing lottery” is designed to assign students in a fair manner based on the students’ random entry time. Third-year and fourth-year students are not guaranteed assignments in North Village or The Vinings.

Senior Overflow at The Vinings

The Vinings is an apartment complex located on Duncan Chapel Road that accommodates both Furman students and members of the local community.  When additional space is needed to house undergraduate day students, The Vinings will be used to satisfy the residential requirement.  Students may sign a 12-month lease (May to May, to include summer housing) or a 9-month lease (August to May, to exclude summer housing).  Refer to the Housing and Residence Life web site for current housing rates.

Off-campus exemptions

Students may apply for an off-campus exemption if they satisfy one of the criteria listed below:

1. living with a parent/guardian at the primary Greenville-area residence

2. living in the Vista house
3. living with a dependent
4. medical/disability accommodation that cannot be met in on campus housing
5. financial hardship

All off-campus exemptions must be approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life or his/her designee in consultation with Student Life. The University reserves the right to deny an individual’s request at its discretion.

Keys

Upon arrival, students obtain their key(s) from the area office in their respective area of campus housing.  Room keys will only be issued to the resident of the room. South Housing and Clark Murphy Complex residents receive a room key and North Village/Greenbelt residents receive a front door key along with a bedroom key.

Housing and Residence Life expects residents to lock their doors at all times.  Residents who lose their key(s) must go to their area office or the Housing and Residence Life office to order a new key. There is a charge for each lost key and the fee must be paid upon requesting new keys.

• Lost bedroom key in a residence hall = $50
• Lost front door key in North Village/Greenbelt = $50
• Lost bedroom key in North Village/Greenbelt = $25 

Residents are required to return keys when vacating a room at the end of or during a semester if leaving campus housing, when making a room change, or at the end of the academic year. Failure to return keys upon vacating a room will result in a lost key charge.

Residents studying away may have the option to pay for their space and retain their key(s) during their absence (this does not apply to students taking a leave of absence that is not travel-related). Students are strictly prohibited from making copies of university keys.  Students approved for a leave of absence are required to vacate their housing assignment and return their keys to the area office for their respective area of campus.

Lockouts

Residents who are locked out of their rooms can go to their area office during regular office hours or call the RA On-Duty after office hours.  There is a charge of $10 per lockout.  The student’s account will be billed for this service.

Loss of Personal Belongings

Residents and parents are encouraged to evaluate their homeowner’s insurance policies since the university’s policy covers only the property owned by the University. Replacing personal items lost as a result of theft, fire, water damage, power surges or other unfortunate occurrences is not a responsibility of the University. All residents are required to remove all personal belongings when vacating their housing space by the official deadline.

Lost and Found

Any items lost or found should be reported to University Police. Residents who are missing personal property are encouraged to file a report with University Police at 864.294.2111. To prevent theft, it is recommended that residents lock the door(s) to their rooms and apartments at all times. University Police will dispose of any items not claimed based on the item’s value within 30-90 days.

Maintenance and Repairs

Residents must report immediately to their RA any damages noted when moving into a room.  Residents will be provided an opportunity to document any pre-existing damages or issues with their room in order to avoid charges at check-out.

Residents are responsible for reporting damages as they occur by using the Maintenance Request Form.  Only university-employed staff are authorized to make repairs.

Posting of Fliers

All fliers must bear a Housing and Residence Life departmental stamp with an associated end date indicating when the flier is to be taken down after the event promotion has concluded. Housing and Residence Life Staff will remove fliers once the event promotion has concluded. Any fliers which do not have a departmental stamp and end date will be removed immediately.

Furman University students, student organizations, or departments that would like to post informational fliers in the residence halls or apartments must abide by the guidelines outlined in the Posting of Signs and Banners Policy .

1. Departments, students or student organizations must first fill out the “Campus Housing and Digital Flier Request” form which can be found in the MyFurman portal and through this link: https://furman.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/152029
2. The Housing and Residence Life Office will verify the promoted event meets the guidelines for posting of fliers within campus housing and email the person who submitted the flier with either an approval, denial, or questions about the event.  It is highly recommended that all fliers be brought for approval at least 3-5 days in advance of the event to be promoted.  Housing and Residence Life cannot guarantee that fliers which are brought for approval less than 3 days before the event date will be distributed by the event date.
3.  Once a flier has been approved, it will be stamped with the departmental seal and a promotional end date, and the student organization/department can then make copies of the approved flier.
4. Copies should be brought back to the Housing and Residence Life office for distribution by student hall staff.
    

Recycling and Trash

Recycling is a priority of the university and as such, residents are urged to do their part in recycling efforts. Recycling containers are clearly marked and can be found throughout campus housing. Residents are encouraged to recycle using the appropriate containers. Garbage which cannot be recycled must be taken to the designated dumpsters near each hall and North Village apartment building. Residents are responsible for the individual recycling bins provided in their bedroom or apartment.

Residents are responsible for the proper disposal of trash and items that can be recycled by using the dumpsters/trash compactors and recycle containers provided outside each campus housing area. South Housing residents should use the Blackwell compactor/recycle cans, Clark Murphy Complex residents should use the Gambrell compactor/recycle cans or the dumpster found near Health Services, North Village residents should use the dumpsters/recycle cans located in front of most buildings and Vinings residents should use the compactor/recycle cans located near the clubhouse.

Room Change Requests

Housing and Residence Life understands there are a variety of reasons students may be interested in changing their housing assignment.  For administrative reasons, students may not request a room change in the first two weeks of any semester or two weeks prior to the end of the semester.

Students should first discuss their concern and desire for a room change with their RA.  In the case of roommate concerns, speaking with everyone involved and mediating the conflict is always the first step.  For more information about the room change process refer to the Housing and Residence Life website.

Any room changes must be approved by the professional staff member for your area.  Switching rooms in the residence hall or bedrooms within an apartment in North Village or Greenbelt without first obtaining approval from the Assistant Director is considered an unauthorized room change and thus subject to a $75 fine and possible referral to student conduct.