Residence Life

Residence Life Philosophy

Eastern Mennonite University is committed to the education of the whole person. Residential institutions of higher education are committed to the perspective that learning happens anytime, anywhere. Some of this learning happens in the classroom; an equally important part of the experience occurs in other settings, including residence halls. In residence halls, students are provided the opportunity to develop, learn, and be transformed individually while building community amongst supportive peers.  The residence experience fosters social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth and development as students learn about themselves and others. The EMU residence life team strives to build a campus community in which students are welcomed and supported while also challenged and held accountable when necessary.

Residence Life Mission and Vision

Residence Life prioritizes building and enhancing a campus residential community that is welcoming and supportive of all and enhances each member's dignity and well-being. Residence Life envisions creating residential spaces for everyone to be welcomed and valued for who they are; for residents to interact with neighbors they normally wouldn’t; to learn how to live as an individual in community; to be accountable to others in meaningful and active ways; to learn, to grow, to explore, to reflect; to be safe and supported.

Residence Hall Staff Organization

There is a full-time director who leads the residence life professional staff.

An area coordinator or hall director lives in each residential area (residence hall, suites, apartments). All Area Coordinators and Hall Directors are staff members of the Office for Campus Life and the Student Life division. Area Coordinators and Hall Directors have appropriate educational backgrounds and experience. They are carefully selected based on their ability to provide leadership, facilitate interpersonal relationships, and build community in the residence hall.

Community Advisors (CAs) are student staff members of the residence life staff. There is a CA designated to live on each floor of the residence halls. CA’s are carefully selected and trained to serve as community builders, facilitators, and resources to students.

Housing Information

Housing for Graduate/Seminary Students

EMU owns a limited number of apartments/suites for graduate/seminary students. For information regarding these housing options, to check availability, or to reserve an EMU-owned apartment, contact Auxiliary Services at 540-432-4662.

Housing Policy (Undergraduate)

Residence hall living fosters social, emotional, relational, and academic learning. At EMU, it is required that all full-time, single undergraduate students live on campus. An exemption may be given to students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Have lived on campus or been eligible to live on campus for six semesters AND be 21 years of age by September 1 of the academic year in which off-campus housing is requested.
2. Live with a parent or legal guardian within 50 miles of the EMU campus.
3. Need to reserve an apartment due to marriage plans within the semester.
4. Require specialized care as prescribed by a medical doctor.
5. Are 23 years old by September 1 of the academic year.

*Signing a lease at an off-campus apartment before receiving approval to live off-campus will not constitute a reason for the university to approve an off-campus housing request.

Students who meet the above criteria OR who believe themselves to have a unique circumstance not listed in the above criteria must submit a request for off-campus housing documenting their eligibility during the semester prior to living off campus. Living off-campus without completing the Off-Campus Housing Request Form could result in the student being charged for housing. Housing for the Fall semesters goes live around the end of January each year.  Go to our Housing Tab. You need to be logged into your my.emu account, and you can submit your annual housing form to request off-campus approval.

Housing Options - You can learn more about housing options HERE.

EMU owns a variety of living arrangements that meet students' developmental and social needs. Each residence hall houses men and women separated by floors. Exceptions to this are Northlawn, the 4th floor, and the Gender Inclusive Housing space. Only Fall and Spring semesters are counted for housing eligibility.

The following on-campus housing options are available:

1. Cedarwood - houses up to 120 students; double and triple rooms are in a pod setting.
2. Hillside Suites – houses up to 84 students in twenty-five 2- or 4- person suites. Eligible students must be entering at least their fifth semester (not including Summer semesters). 
3. Maplewood – houses up to 84 returning students (mostly sophomores or juniors); double rooms, four designated single rooms (2 each on 2nd and 3rd floors).
4. Elmwood – houses up to 84 first-year students (4) single and double rooms.
5. Northlawn – houses up to 180 first year students in single and double rooms; dining room on ground level. *NL 4th - pre-professional floor for seniors (and some juniors in special situations), single rooms, and two suites (up to 4 students per suite).
6. Parkwoods Apartments – houses up to 90 students in two-bedroom furnished apartments. Eligible students must be entering at least their fifth semester (not including Summer semesters)
7. Group Houses - 2-3 houses available for 5-8 students upon request/proposal during the spring semester prior year.  Group Houses are open to students who have lived on campus or have been eligible to live on campus for at least four semesters before September 1, 2023.
8. Gender Inclusive Housing - Provides a physically and emotionally safe space for the LGBTQ+ population at EMU. This includes all those exploring gender transition, those living into non-binary genders, and those who embrace the non-cis-hetero-normative identities that some in our student body carry. Gender-inclusive housing allows students to live together, regardless of the gender assigned at birth, in an environment that explicitly affirms their dignity and belonging on our campus. This community will provide a supportive space for students to explore and learn about their identity while building lasting relationships with others.
   Anyone 18 and over may apply as long as they are explicitly comfortable living with people of ALL genders. This space is not intended as shared living for romantic couples, and living in the same space on any hall on campus with a significant other is strongly discouraged.

*EMU reserves the right to consider prior student life and residence life violations when reviewing applications and proposals for Cedarwood Living Communities, Hillside Suites, Parkwoods Apartments, and Group Houses.

Single Rooms and Room Consolidation

A limited number of rooms on campus are designated as single rooms (i.e., not having a roommate). Students are only guaranteed single rooms if they obtain an approved accommodation through the Office for Academic Access. Occasionally, students can live alone in a non-designated single room, including if the person has an approved accommodation but no designated single rooms are available or if a roommate option is unavailable or not needed by EMU Housing.

Room/Apartment consolidation is a procedure that allows the housing office to provide the maximum amount of space to students in the residence halls. The process may affect students with empty beds (s) in their space. EMU Housing staff reserves the right to place students needing beds in spaces appropriate to their age and/or class level. Students living in a space with an empty room should ensure that the space is available and ready to receive a roommate at the beginning of each semester. 

Residence Life Procedures

Selection and Assignment of Room/Room Occupancy

Current Students

For current students who are continuing their enrollment into the following year, room selection procedures begin early in the spring each year when housing applications are available. Students complete a housing application according to their preferences for the following year. Students entering their 7th + semesters will be given priority above all other students for housing selection. When applying for spaces, groups that will fill a space with at least two-thirds occupancy will be given priority for selecting spaces. Those who do not meet the two-thirds threshold will go immediately after those who meet the criteria.  Anyone with an empty bed in their space (whether meeting the two-thirds threshold or not) is subject to receiving a roommate if there is a need for that bed for an EMU student. 

New Students

The Director for Campus Life makes room assignments for new students. This process will be completed by July 1, and after that, students should be able to see their assigned room and roommate on my.emu in the “Housing” tab. Students are given housing assignments in accordance with their preferences whenever possible. Assignments are made by entering information from the “Housing Questionnaire and Request Form,” completed by all new incoming students on the EMU website. Persons with the most similar responses are assigned as roommates. Late applicants may be assigned on a space-available basis. New students may request each other as roommates by indicating who they would like as their roommate on the Housing Questionnaire form. 

The university reserves the right to make housing assignments or to change room assignments when this seems in the best interest of the community or individuals involved.

Roommate Assignments for Returning Students

Returning students are responsible for finding their own roommates.  If they need help finding a roommate, they must notify EMU Housing at Housing@emu.edu.  If there are other students needing roommates, this information can be shared.

Check-In

When checking in to a residence hall at the beginning of the year, each student must report to their community advisor or Area Coordinator who issues the room key. The student also completes a room clearance form, indicating the condition of the room and its furnishings and acknowledging receipt of the key.

Check-Out

Each resident must check out in person with the CA in the event of a room change or withdrawal, as well as at the end of the year. The room is inspected according to the check-in form, and damages are assessed. Any charges are placed on the student’s account. The resident must sign the room clearance form and turn in the key. Failure to follow the checkout procedure may result in an improper checkout fee. Students are requested to make an appointment with the CA in advance of checkout.  Students must be checked out by 12:00 pm on the day after the last day of final exams or within 24 hours of their final exam, whichever comes first.

Changing Rooms

Student-initiated room changes are not generally made during the first two weeks of any semester except for cases of emergency or safety.  The Area Coordinator, in consultation with the Director for Campus Life, must approve room changes before any move is made. Facilitated roommate dialogue and/or conflict mediation is usually the first step in working with any roommate or suitemate conflict. Dialogue and/or mediation may result in a renewed commitment to live together. However, in some cases, irreconcilable differences necessitate a room change. If, after dialogue/mediation, a room change is necessary, the room change may occur.

Non-discriminatory Access to University Housing:

Consistent with the university’s commitment to create and sustain an inclusive, supportive, safe, and nondiscriminatory community, Residence Life supports and follows the guidelines and procedures described in the LGBTQIA+ Student Support Policy. When Residence Life Staff is notified of a student who desires to be treated consistent with a gender identity that differs from previous representations or records, the staff will work with the student and the administrative support team to provide reasonable accommodations and access to housing that meets the needs of all parties involved. Residence Life staff will work to protect the privacy and confidentiality of students to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the commitment to care and support of all students. Requests for accommodations will be processed and addressed as quickly as possible, considering the needs of various parties and other logistical considerations.

Residence Hall Closings

Residence halls (except for Hillside Suites, Parkwoods Apartments, and Group Living Houses) are closed during winter break and spring break. Students are responsible for making their own off-campus housing arrangements during these times. International students may request assistance from the director of international student services during those times should temporary housing be needed. 

Facilities/Services/Policies

Bicycles  

Bicycles are not permitted in students’ rooms, hallways, or stairwells of residence halls. They are not to be stored in or near building entrances. Bicycles are not allowed inside academic buildings at any time. Bicycle racks and sheds are provided throughout campus. All stored bicycles should be locked. Never leave bicycles unlocked. (For more information on scooters, mopeds, hoverboards, and other personal and/or electric vehicles, see the Electronic Vehicle Policy in the University Policies and Expectations section of the student handbook)

Candles

Candles are not permitted to be burned at any time, in any resident housing on campus.

Community Damages

The resident student community shares responsibility for the condition of each residence hall. Individuals are expected to take responsibility for their actions and behavior when damages occur to common areas such as hallways, restrooms, and lounges. In situations where this does not occur, the residential community (hall, floor, pod, apartment, etc.) will share expenses for damages at the end of each semester. EMU encourages its residents to hold one another accountable to be good stewards of our facilities and resources.

Community Responsibility

Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to live interdependently as community members. This includes respecting the needs and rights of others. 

Electrical Appliances

The use of electrical appliances is limited because of safety and circuit-overload factors. Appliances such as lamps (except halogen bulb lamps), hair dryers, curling irons, etc. are permitted in all buildings. Personal air conditioners or heaters are prohibited in any residence hall unless the Housing Office grants special permission for health concerns. Microwaves are permitted only in the floor lounges. The use of electrical extension cords is prohibited in residential housing units. Fused power strips are permitted, but because they are designed for small amp draw items, they should not be used for multiple larger appliances. Refrigerators that do not exceed 2.5 cubic feet in size or 1 kWh per day in energy consumption and are UL-approved may be used in all residence halls (not more than one per room). Full-size refrigerators are supplied in Hillside and Parkwoods, so additional refrigerators in these spaces are not necessary.

Fire Safety

Fire safety in a residence hall is always a concern. Students should not tamper with electrical equipment such as lighting, wiring, or switches. Prohibited:  possession and/or use of fireworks, tampering with fire safety equipment including ViaRadio/HEARO devices, possession of flammable materials in any quantity, blocking or in any way preventing the use of the fire exit doors or residence hallroom doors or building hallways. Violators will incur a fine of $500, which may result in additional disciplinary outcomes. All open flames are prohibited in all on-campus housing. All persons are required to leave the building during a fire drill. 

Fireworks

The possession or use of fireworks violates campus and city ordinances. According to the Standards of Conduct procedures, students who possess or use fireworks may be held accountable. 

Furnishings

University furniture may not be moved from one room, section, or lounge to another without the approval of the Area Coordinator. Residence hall room furniture may not be moved without approval from the AC. Alterations of any kind to university-owned property are prohibited.

Guest Housing

Any person who does not reside on a specific floor, whether they are an EMU student or not, is considered a guest and must be invited and accompanied by a resident of the floor they are on.  No one who is not a registered guest or member of a specific hall community may be present in a hall without their host being present on the floor as well. Adult guests (aged 18 - 23) may stay overnight in the residence hall when space is available. All guests need to register with the appropriate community advisor and/or Area Coordinator. Registration is applicable for up to three nights of free lodging. Visitors may only stay three nights per semester. Guests will abide by the same residence hall regulations as residents. A guest failing to comply with regulations and/or otherwise disrupting the life of the residence hall community will be asked to leave. 

Inappropriate Material

The standards of conduct should be followed in the choice of various art and media forms, including music, videos, and posters hung in rooms. No items pertaining to alcoholic beverages or which are sexually provocative or degrading should be displayed in the residence halls, including cans, bottles, or posters. A student may be asked to remove items not following community standards.

Inspection of Rooms

The university respects the rights and privacy of students to the greatest extent possible. However, the university reserves the right to have authorized personnel (Student Life Staff or Campus Safety and Security Staff) enter a student’s room in cases of emergencies where the danger to life, safety, health, or property is reasonably feared or there is reasonable cause to believe that EMU policies are being violated. In these cases, student permission to enter the room is not needed; however, student permission and awareness are always sought (ex., by knocking on the door and announcing presence and intent to enter) before entering the student living space. If a student is not present, follow-up via email communication and in-person connections will happen when necessary or desired.  If a student is not present, University Personnel will not conduct any kind of room search once it is confirmed the resident is not present. 

In the event that authorized university personnel enter a student’s room/suite/apartment for reasonable cause, there will be two university personnel (most often a Student Life staff member and a Campus Safety and Security employee) present. If a room search/inspection is deemed necessary, at least one resident of that room will be present for any room inspection that may take place. 

EMU does not call local law enforcement as an automatic first response for campus policy violations. However, suppose the situation and context are such that local law enforcement will best serve the safety and protection of the students and the university community. In that case, the Harrisonburg Police Department may be called upon to assist in room inspection if a violation of local law/ordinance is known to have been committed.

Keys

Students are responsible for the keys to their rooms and the hall floors. If a key is lost during the year, the student should report it to the CA or AC so that a replacement key can be made. There will be a fee of $100 for a replacement key. If the key is found after a replacement key has already been issued, the $100 fee is refunded to the student as long as the replacement key has been returned to the EMU key inventory. 

Kitchens

Residence halls are equipped with kitchenettes for the use of students within that hall. Residents are responsible for keeping the kitchen clean and respecting the property of others (food, in particular). The university does not provide kitchenware.

Drink and Snack Machines

Coin-operated vending machines are available in the residence halls. Any mechanical problem should be reported to the Area Coordinator or Pioneer College Caterers.

Laundry Machines

Each residence hall is equipped with laundry machines. Residential EMU students have complimentary (free) use of these facilities.

Lockouts

Students are expected to have their ID card and room key with them at all times. If a student resident is locked out of their room, they should 1) Contact their roommate to see if the roommate can unlock for them, 2) Contact their CA to see if their CA can unlock for them, or 3) Call EMU Campus Security at 540-432-4911. 

Lofts/Platforms

Student-owned lofts are not permitted in any on-campus residence. For your convenience, furniture provided by EMU in each room can be lofted, bunked, or set on the floor as a single bed. Wood platforms or any other structures are not permitted.  Lofting beds in Parkwoods Apartments is not permitted, however, beds can be bunked.

Lounges

The public lounges in the residence halls are to be used for relaxing, socializing, and entertaining visitors and friends. Lounges are not bedrooms, nor are they to be used as bedrooms. Lounges are considered public areas and therefore respect and consideration of others is necessary. Lounge furniture must remain in the lounge.

Mandatory Residence Meetings

There a few meetings each semester within each dorm, suite or apartment building that are mandatory for all residents to attend. CAs and/or ACs will inform you of when and where these meetings will happen. Attendance is expected.

Personal Property

Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their property, and no reimbursement from the university can be expected from the loss of such property. Rooms should be kept locked at all times. Students are encouraged to insure their personal property.

Pets

Students are not permitted to have pets in the residence hall at any time - including pets that come for a short term visit. The only exception is harmless fish. For further information and university policy on emotional support animals, please see EMU Emotional Support Animal Policy and Procedure.

Quiet Hours

The residence halls are used for studying, sleeping and socializing. A balance of these activities must be maintained so that the needs of individuals on the hall can be met. All residents are expected to refrain from causing any noise or disruption that would infringe on the needs of fellow students to study or sleep during the hours from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. both inside and outside the building areas. Courtesy hours are in effect throughout the day. Students are asked to be responsive to the needs of others. 

Room Decorating

Room decoration and personalization are encouraged. Several guidelines should be followed, however. Students should not use nails or tacks anywhere in their rooms. Mounting rails are available in some residence halls and should be used for hanging posters and other items. Be aware that tape or other kinds of adhesives may cause wall damage that will need to be repaired. Talk with your AC should you have any special decorating requests. Painting is not permitted.

Room Decorating Fire Safety

Traditional String Christmas lights may only be used from Thanksgiving break until students leave campus for Christmas Break. UL listed rope LED lights are the only type of rope lights permitted all year long. String lights are not permitted. Extension cords may not be used in conjunction with lights, appliances or any electronic device. Live Christmas trees are not allowed in any resident housing on campus. Any other decorative material (i.e. posters, cloth material, artificial foliage, etc.) shall not exceed 20% of the total aggregate of any one wall within a room or housing unit, 10% for any common hallway wall.

Security

In the case of emergency, call the police (911) or the Campus Life On Call (540-476-4578) to determine what appropriate action should be taken. 

A Campus Life staff member can be reached 24-hours-a-day by calling the CL on Call Phone at 540-476-4578. EMU campus security can be reached at 540-432-4911.

Selling and Soliciting

Students wishing to make sales presentations to individuals or groups on campus need to secure permission from the vice president of finance. Off-campus sales personnel are not permitted to sell to students on campus.  Marketing of credit cards is prohibited.

Skateboards, Scooters, Rollerblades, and Hoverboards

Hoverboards are not permitted on campus at any time. Other alternative modes of transportation that are NOT hand braked, should only be used on asphalt surfaces (i.e. parking lots) at times when there is not high vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Storage

Each residence hall has a limited amount of storage space. Articles stored must be boxed and clearly marked with a university label indicating the name of the owner. Articles remaining after the removal deadline and after attempted contact with owners may become the property of EMU. The university assumes no responsibility and does not provide insurance or any other financial protection for the personal property stored by students.

A storage fee per item is charged to student accounts for storing items over the summer in the designated storage areas. 

Students should store items in the residence hall where they will reside the following school year. Students should check with their CA and AC regarding specific storage policies, as they vary according to each residence hall. Storage space is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitation

“Open Hours” provide resident students the opportunity for informal interaction and interpersonal growth within the context of the residence hall atmosphere. Open hours directly affect floors and areas where residents have their bedrooms.  Open lounges are spaces that are not directly connected to spaces with resident bedrooms, and are not a part of the Open or Closed hours. Additionally, there are social events that can provide students the opportunity to meet other students within a group context. It is expected that students conduct themselves with discretion and respect for the rights of others.

Students are responsible for the conduct of their visitors and guests (both EMU students and non-students) and should insure that behavior occurring in their room is not in violation of the standards of conduct or other EMU policies. Guests who violate policies will be asked to leave campus immediately. Student residents should be with their guests at all times during the guest’s visit. Guests must register with the appropriate building staff (CA or AC) - see above “Guest Housing.”

EMU undergraduate residential students’ ID cards will provide access to the main entry areas of residential buildings on campus, and to the particular hall where the student resides. Any person who does not live on a hall is considered a visitor or guest. See above for visitor/guest guidelines. 

The following hours have been designated as open for visitation and affect any floor or area directly connected to resident bedrooms: Sunday-Thursday (noon -11 p.m.) and Friday and Saturday (noon - 1 a.m.) See “Guest Housing” above for more information.