Residence Life

Owned by Laura Lehman (Deactivated)
Last updated: Jul 30, 2024 by Jennifer Bauman
16 min read


Residence Life Philosophy

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is dedicated to the holistic education of its students, recognizing that learning occurs both inside and outside the classroom. Residence halls play a crucial role in this process, providing opportunities for individual development and community building among supportive peers. The residence experience at EMU fosters social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth, helping students understand themselves and others. The EMU Residence Life team aims to create a welcoming campus community where students are supported and challenged appropriately.

Residence Life Mission and Vision

Our mission is to build and enhance a welcoming and supportive campus residential community that respects each member's dignity and well-being. We envision residential spaces where everyone feels valued, interacts with diverse neighbors, learns to live in a community, and is accountable to others. Our goal is for residents to grow, explore, reflect, and feel safe and supported.

Residence Hall Staff Organization

  • Director: A full-time director leads the residence life professional staff.
  • Area Coordinators/Hall Directors: Live in each residential area and are part of the Office for Campus Life and the Student Life division. They are selected for their leadership abilities and experience in community building.
  • Community Advisors (CAs): Student staff members assigned to each floor of the residence halls, trained to serve as community builders and resources.

Housing Information

  • Graduate/Seminary Students: EMU offers a limited number of apartments/suites. Contact your Graduate Admissions Specialist first.  EMU Housing is also available for questions at Housing@emu.edu
  • Undergraduate Housing Policy: Full-time, single undergraduate students must live on campus. Exceptions are granted for those living with parents in specific counties, those over 23 years old, married students, custodial parents, or those who have lived on campus for six semesters. Commuter students must submit an annual housing form via MyEMU. Unauthorized off-campus living may result in housing charges.

Housing Options

  • Cedarwood: 120 students, double/triple rooms.
  • Hillside Suites: 84 students, 2- or 4-person suites, for those entering at least their fifth semester.
  • Maplewood: 84 returning students, double rooms, some single rooms.
  • Elmwood: 84 first-year students, single and double rooms.
  • Northlawn: 180 students, single and double rooms, dining room on the ground level.
  • Parkwoods Apartments: 90 students, two-bedroom furnished apartments, for those entering at least their fifth semester.
  • Group Houses: 3-6 houses available for 5-8 students, for those who have lived on campus for four semesters.
  • Gender Inclusive Housing: Safe space for LGBTQ+ students, for those comfortable living with people of all genders.

Single Rooms and Room Consolidation

Single rooms are limited and guaranteed only for students with approved accommodations. Room consolidation may occur to maximize space utilization.

Residence Life Procedures

  • Room Selection: Begins in the spring for current students, with priority for those in their seventh semester or above. New student assignments are made by July based on preferences.
  • Roommate Assignments: Returning students find their own roommates or can request help from EMU Housing.
  • Check-In/Check-Out: Students must complete a room clearance form at check-in and check-out. Failure to follow procedures may result in fees.
  • Room Changes: Approved by the Area Coordinator and Director for Campus Life, usually after facilitated roommate mediation.
  • Non-Discriminatory Access: Residence Life supports inclusive housing consistent with the LGBTQIA+ Student Support Policy.

Residence Hall Closings

Residence halls (except for Hillside Suites, Parkwoods Apartments, and Group Living Houses) close during winter and spring breaks. International students may request temporary housing assistance.

Facilities/Services/Policies

Bicycles Bicycles are not permitted in students’ rooms, hallways, or stairwells of residence halls. They should not be stored near building entrances. Instead, use the provided bicycle racks and sheds throughout campus. Always lock your bicycle to prevent theft. Bicycles are also not allowed inside academic buildings.

Candles Burning candles is prohibited in all on-campus housing. This rule ensures fire safety and reduces the risk of accidental fires.

Community Damages Residents share responsibility for the condition of their residence halls. If damage occurs in common areas (e.g., hallways, restrooms, lounges), and no one takes responsibility, the community will share the repair costs. Students are encouraged to hold each other accountable to maintain facilities.

Community Responsibility Students are expected to live interdependently, respecting the needs and rights of others. This includes maintaining a clean and orderly living environment and fostering a sense of community.

Electrical Appliances Due to safety and circuit overload concerns, only specific electrical appliances are allowed. Permitted items include lamps (excluding halogen bulb lamps), hair dryers, and curling irons. Microwaves are only allowed in floor lounges, and personal air conditioners or heaters require special permission. Refrigerators up to 2.5 cubic feet are permitted, but only one per room. Full-size refrigerators are provided in Hillside Suites and Parkwoods Apartments.

Fire Safety Fire safety is a top priority. Do not tamper with electrical equipment, use fireworks, or possess flammable materials. Blocking exits or hallways is prohibited. Violators will incur a $500 fine and may face additional disciplinary action. All open flames are banned, and everyone must evacuate during fire drills.

Fireworks Possession or use of fireworks is strictly prohibited and violates both campus and city ordinances. Violators will face disciplinary action according to the Standards of Conduct procedures.

Furnishings University furniture must not be moved between rooms, sections, or lounges without approval. Alterations to university property are prohibited.

Guest Housing Guests are allowed with certain conditions. They must be invited and accompanied by a resident. Overnight guests (aged 18-23) are permitted for up to three nights per semester with prior registration. Guests must follow residence hall regulations, and any disruption can lead to their removal. Roommates must agree on hosting overnight guests.

Inappropriate Material Art and media in rooms should follow community standards. Items that reference alcohol or are sexually provocative or degrading are not allowed. Students may be asked to remove inappropriate items.

Inspection of Rooms The university respects student privacy but reserves the right to enter rooms during emergencies or policy violations. Authorized personnel will announce their presence before entering. If a search is necessary, at least one resident will be present, and there will be two university personnel, usually including a Student Life staff member and Campus Safety employee. Local law enforcement may be involved if required for safety.

Keys Students are responsible for their room and hall keys. Lost keys should be reported immediately, and a $100 fee will be charged for replacements. Refunds are available if lost keys are found and returned by the end of the academic year.

Kitchens Residence halls have kitchenettes for student use. Students must keep these areas clean and respect others' property. The university does not provide kitchenware.

Drink and Snack Machines Coin-operated vending machines are available in residence halls. Report any issues to Pioneer College Caterers.

Laundry Machines Laundry facilities are available in each residence hall and are free for residential students.

Lockouts Students should always carry their ID card and room key. In case of lockout, first contact your roommate or CA. If unavailable, call EMU Campus Security at 540-432-4911.

Lofts/Platforms Student-owned lofts are not allowed. EMU-provided furniture can be lofted, bunked, or set as single beds. Wooden platforms or other structures are not permitted. Lofting beds in Parkwoods Apartments is prohibited, but bunking is allowed.

Lounges Public lounges are for socializing, relaxing, and entertaining guests. They should not be used as bedrooms. Respect and consideration for others are essential, and lounge furniture must remain in the lounge.

Mandatory Residence Meetings Several mandatory meetings are held each semester within each dorm, suite, or apartment building. Attendance is required and will be communicated by CAs or ACs.

Personal Property Students are responsible for their personal belongings. The university does not reimburse for lost or stolen items. Rooms should be kept locked, and students are encouraged to insure their property.

Pets Pets are not allowed in residence halls, except for harmless fish. For information on emotional support animals, refer to the EMU Emotional Support Animal Policy and Procedure.

Quiet Hours Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily to ensure a balance of study, sleep, and socializing. Courtesy hours apply throughout the day, and students must be considerate of others' needs.

Room Decorating Personalizing rooms is encouraged, but use mounting rails or non-damaging adhesives for decorations. Nails, tacks, and painting are not allowed. Consult your AC for special requests.

Room Decorating Fire Safety UL-listed rope LED lights are allowed year-round; traditional string lights are only permitted from Thanksgiving until Christmas break. Live Christmas trees are banned, and decorative materials must not exceed 20% of any wall’s surface.

Security In emergencies, call 911 or Campus Life On Call at 540-476-4578. A Campus Life staff member is available 24/7, and EMU Campus Security can be reached at 540-432-4911.

Selling and Soliciting Sales presentations require permission from the vice president of finance. Off-campus sales personnel and credit card marketing are not allowed.

Skateboards, Scooters, Rollerblades, and Hoverboards Hoverboards are banned on campus. Other non-hand-braked transportation methods should only be used on asphalt surfaces when there is low traffic.

Storage Summer storage spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Items must be boxed and labeled with the owner’s name. The university is not responsible for stored items, and unclaimed items may become university property.

Visitation Visitation hours for resident bedrooms are Sunday-Thursday (noon-11 p.m.) and Friday-Saturday (noon-1 a.m.). Guests must be registered and accompanied by their host. Guests must follow all residence hall regulations and may be asked to leave for violations.