Housing Guidebook
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Housing Procedures

ABANDONED PROPERTY
The Department of Housing and Residential Education does not have storage facilities. All furniture and personal items belonging to residents must be removed from campus prior to check out. Furniture and personal items left in University Housing areas (including trash areas) will be subject to removal by the Department of Housing and Residential Education staff at the owner’s expense. Housing staff will remove any items remaining in the resident’s room after the assigned check out date and time. The resident will be assessed a fee for this service. Property which remains more than five days after a resident checks out, leaves University Housing without formally checking out, or following the semester’s end, will be considered abandoned property and will be kept for 30 days, the student will be charged a packing and storage fee for the process associated with removing these items. If items are not claimed within 30 days they will be discarded. The FAU Department of Housing and Residential Education shall not be liable for any loss of or damage done to abandoned property during the removal or storage process.

ASSISTANCE: RA ON DUTY
Resident Assistants from each of the residence hall staff, will be on duty Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 a.m. the following day. On Friday and Saturday, there is a RA on duty from 5 p.m. to 5 p.m. the following day. The name, room/apartment number and duty telephone number of the RA on Duty is posted at Area Office locations. The RA on duty conducts nightly rounds in university housing and completes a nightly duty log.

BREAK HOUSING
Students are permitted to remain during Thanksgiving, Semester (fall – spring, spring - summer) and Spring Break. However, staff coverage will be reduced during these periods. All residents who desire to stay between during semester break must complete a Break Housing Agreement available at the Central Housing Office.

CHECK-IN
Residents are required to check in to their assigned room assignment on designated dates at designated times. Assignments may be provided to some students in advance. Some room assignments will not be available until the time of check in. During check in, a resident will receive key(s)/ key fob, a Room Condition Report (RCR), and other pertinent information from University Housing. Residents are expected to read all documents received at check in from University Housing personnel or in their student mailbox. Residents are responsible for knowing the contents of these documents.

CHECK-OUT
Checking out of University Housing occurs when a resident leaves University Housing and is not returning. If checking out due to withdrawal or dismissal of the University, checkout must be completed within 48 hours. At the end of the each academic semester, students must leave 24 hours after their last final or by noon on the last day of the semester, whichever comes first. Residents should sign up for a check out time with their RA or take the option to complete a non-traditional check out. By participating in a non-traditional check-out, the student accepts the staff’s assessment of the living space and waives any right to appeal any cleaning/damage charges assessed to your student account.

Residents need to leave their rooms clean and orderly, must discard all trash, clean all rooms and appliances, lock doors and windows (University Village only), and close all blinds. In the Apartment Communities residents must turn the thermostat to 75 degrees. In Heritage Park Towers, Glades Park Towers, and Indian River Towers, residents must place the thermostat on the middle setting and leave the fan on. It is important for the resident to read all check out information posted and received in their mailbox carefully and completely.  There will be a per day charge for any resident who does not officially check out of his or her University Housing assigned space by the designated time. Look for brochures and ask your RA for more details on checking out of your assigned space. In the case of contract termination, the University will not be held responsible for the belongings of the resident and reserves the right to take possession and/or discard the belongings, change locks, and charge the resident accordingly. For immediate check-out due to situations deemed an emergency pursuant to Regulation 4.007, the process will follow the Non-Traditional check out.

CLEANLINESS
Residents are expected to maintain their assigned spaces in a clean and sanitary manner. Trash is to be placed, by the resident, in designated bins, trash chutes or dumpsters. Garbage may not be left in hallways, entrance-ways, stairwells, trash rooms, apartment/room, or on balconies and patios, or the resident will be charged a removal fee.

Responsibility for cleanliness of the assigned spaces is shared by all residents assigned to the unit. If trash is left outside a unit, the residents of that unit will be billed a removal fee. In the apartment areas, the kitchen, bathroom and hallways are the responsibility of each resident residing in the apartment.  Individuals will not be allowed to check out or will be charged an improper check out fee in instances where the common areas are not cleaned.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Residents who contract a communicable disease and are ordered quarantined by the Student Health Services staff will be required to immediately find other lodging at their own expense until clearance to return is given by a University physician. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action. In accordance with the FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007. There may be need for the Department of Housing and Residential Education staff to enter the unit in order to provide cleaning and charges may be assessed.

CONSOLIDATION OF SPACE/VACANT SPACE
A resident who is living in a double space, but for some reason does not have an assigned roommate may be given the following three choices:

  • Be assigned a roommate at any time during the academic year
  • Move into another double space with a roommate
  • Pay the difference between a double and single to convert the space to a single for the semester.

COOKING, COOKING APPLIANCES, COOKING SPACES AND RESERVATIONS

  • Indoor cooking is possible in the community kitchens in the residence halls.   Kitchens in the residence halls are not designed to be primary cooking areas. These kitchens are intended for reheating food or making snacks. It is the primary responsibility of the residents in a community to keep these kitchens clean.
  • Kitchens within the University Village and Innovation Village Student Apartments individual apartment units are intended for primary cooking.
  • Improper use of any kitchen facility will result in a health and safety violation and disciplinary action in accordance with the FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007.
  • Only low wattage appliances which do not produce grease, smoke laden vapors or that have no open elements are permitted in University Housing.
  • Personal microwaves and refrigerators are not permitted in Algonquin Hall as they are equipped with a Microfridge unit. Residents in all other Housing Areas may bring their own refrigerator as long as it does not exceed 3.6 cubic feet or 400 watts. Microwaves can also be brought by these residents as long as they do not exceed 1100 watts in power.
  • Items permitted include: hot air popcorn popper, small electric grill (i.e. George Foreman grill), toaster oven, small convection oven, food processor, crock pot, blender, electric mixer and coffee maker.
  • Items not permitted include: toasters, deep fryers, hot plates, appliances with open heating elements. (Toasters are permitted in the University Village and Innovation Village Student Apartment kitchens as these are intended as primary cooking facilities).
  • Items not mentioned as permitted are prohibited. Residential Education staff will request the resident remove any unauthorized appliance or may remove the appliance until the resident finds arrangements for the items outside of University Housing, (Removal of Unapproved Items).
  • To avoid setting off your local smoke detector, follow these basic steps for cooking in the University Village kitchens: turn on exhaust fan, open the kitchen window, turn on the air handler, and clean your oven regularly. In Innovation Village Apartments, be sure to turn on the exhaust fan when the stove is in use.
  • Should a local alarm sound, contact the RA on Duty or the Area Office staff for assistance. The University Police and a Residential Education staff member will respond when necessary. Should a pattern form in a specific apartment unit indicating misuse of local alarms, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007.
  • Residents are responsible for proper use of cooking appliances.
  • In University Village and Innovation Village Student Apartments, residents are permitted to use personal charcoal barbeque grills at a safe distance (at least 20 feet or more) from buildings and entrances. Personal Grills are not permitted at all in the Residence Halls or on the grounds of the Residence Hall area. The use of grills is not permitted under any covered walkways, landings, entrances, balconies or stairwells.
  • Possession of alcohol stoves or propane grills, hibachis and gas grills is not permitted.

EMERGENCY ACCESS
The University reserves the right to have authorized University staff or state designees enter a resident’s space at reasonable times to inspect, maintain, and repair the premises and furnishings. Students are expected to promptly report damages and necessary repairs, in accordance with established and published procedures. In the event of an emergency, notice may be given immediately before entering. A University official can enter a student’s room without notice if belief of a violation of a University or Housing regulation, local ordinance, state or federal statute is in progress and/or for emergency purposes.

EMERGENCY EXITS
Students are expected to enter and exit through main entrance doors. Entering or exiting through emergency exit doors will result in disciplinary action in accordance with FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007.

EXTENSION CORDS
For the protection of the University Housing community, the Department of Housing and Residential Education, the Environmental Health and Safety Department and the Florida Fire Marshal have established some extension cord guidelines. Residents are permitted to use only extension cords with the following restrictions:

  • UL approved three pronged extension cords that are 14 gauge or heavier (NOTE: The lower the gauge number the heavier/thicker the cord).
  • Cords cannot exceed 10 feet in length.
  • Cords cannot impede safe traffic in the unit.
  • Cords must not be pinched in doors.
  • Only ONE appliance may be plugged into a multi plug adapter.
  • Only UL approved multi plug adapters with circuit breakers are permitted.
  • Under no circumstances are residents permitted to overload the electrical system.

OCCUPANCY CHECKS (ASSIGNMENT VERIFICATION)
RAs contact each resident to verify the occupancy within the resident units. Occupancy Checks are completed approximately the first or second day of classes each semester. This process requires each occupant of a unit to sign the RA’s roster sheet verifying he or she has checked into his or her assigned space. When completed, the Residential Education staff forwards the roster information to the Central Housing staff. Any resident not signing the roster is considered a No Show if, by the time Occupancy Checks are conducted, the resident assigned to the unit (No Show) has not notified the Central Housing Office regarding his or her arrival delay and the unit is considered available for reassignment to another student.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS
The University reserves the right to enter any suite or apartment at reasonable times to inspect, maintain, and repair the premises and furnishings. State Institution guidelines also require that University Housing staff inspect units on a regular basis for necessary repairs, cleanliness, policy compliance and safety guidelines. These Health and Safety Inspections will take place at least twice a semester. Each resident is expected to have read the Guidebook for information regarding items which are permitted in each unit.

All electrical appliances and cords in use in a unit must not overload the circuits. During an inspection any items found which violate a University Housing policy or otherwise pose a safety violation or risk, will be removed by University Housing or other University officials. Examples of policy violations may include, but are not limited to: candles and other open flame violations, halogen lamps, cable television splicing, unauthorized electrical appliances and pets. Items which violate a policy may be returned after the owner of the items checks out of University Housing. See Removal (Confiscation) of Unapproved Items policy in this Guidebook for further details.

REMOVAL (CONFISCATION) OF UNAPPROVED ITEMS POLICY

  • Items that are prohibited, illegal to possess or pose danger to the safety of the individual or University Housing community, or which violate state or federal laws, University policy or Department of Housing and Residential Education policy, are subject to removal. The possession of illegal items may result in criminal prosecution, disciplinary action in accordance with the FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007, or both. Illegal items will be turned over to the University Police.
  • Residents will be asked to immediately dispose of any item(s) that are illegal or pose a threat
  • Housing personnel will remove the item(s). If an item is removed, the resident will be issued documentation indicating the removal and labeling of the item.
  • At the discretion of the Housing Staff, confiscated items will be returned after the resident checks out of University Housing.
  • Requests for removed items to be returned prior to the resident checking out of University will be evaluated on a case by-case basis by the Area/ Resident Coordinator.
  • All removed property will be considered abandoned property if the resident does not request it’s return in writing to the Resident Coordinator within 5 business days following the end of the semester or the resident’s check out of the space, (See also Abandoned Property). Abandoned property will be discarded.

INFECTIOUS PESTS
Residents may not bring any animals other than fish into University Housing.  Should there be a need for the Department of Housing and Residential Education staff to enter the unit in order to provide pest control or cleaning, and it is determined to be due to the action of a resident, charges may be assessed.

KEYS/KEY FOBS
Keys and Key Fobs are issued to each resident at check in. Residents should report a lost or stolen key and/or Key Fob immediately to their Area Office so the lock can be changed and a new key / key fob issued. A charge of between $30 and $100 for key and lock changes is assessed depending on the type of suite the student resides in. A $15 fee is assessed for the replacement of a mailbox key. Keys may not be duplicated or transferred. Students are expected to carry their keys and Owl Card at all times.

LIABILITY INSURANCE / LIMITATION OF UNIVERSITY LIABILITY
The University is not liable for damage to or loss of personal property or failure or interruption of utilities. The University is insured under the State of Florida’s self-insurance trust fund.  For more information regarding FAU Liability, please view FAU Policy Number CA-0201. Students are encouraged to review family homeowner’s insurance policy or to carry personal renter’s insurance.  There are several insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage for college students who live away from home.

LOCKS/DOORS
Locks may not be tampered with or damaged. Locks may not be added on any doors in the student’s unit, nor may they be changed or replaced except by authorized University Housing personnel. University Housing suite doors may not be propped open for security reasons.

LOCK OUTS
If a resident temporarily misplaces a key, the student can come down to the area office to check out a tag (spare) key, for 30 minutes to allow the resident to retrieve their own keys. A tag key can be checked out at any time day or night, while the desk is open. The first use of a tag key is complimentary for the student to be let back into their room, and subsequently will be charged $15.00 to their student account each additional tag key check out after that.

A lock change will result if a resident has lost key(s) or has not returned the tag key within the 30 minute limit.

ROOM ENTRY
The University reserves the right to have authorized University staff or state designees enter the student’s rooms/apartments/suites at reasonable times to inspect, maintain, and repair the premises and furnishings. Students are expected to promptly report damages and necessary repairs, in accordance with established and published procedures. In the event of an emergency repair, notice may be given immediately before entering.

MISSING PERSONS PROCEDURES
When completing Key Cards/RCRs upon checking-in to an assigned space, all students will have the option to identify an individual to be contacted no later than 24 hours after the time they have been determined to be missing. This person will be the emergency contact designated.

If a student is thought to be missing, Florida Atlantic University Police Department will be contacted. The FAU Police Department will make the determination of whether the student should be considered missing and for how long.  Should the student be determined to have been missing for 24 hours or more, the designated emergency contact will be notified. If the student is under the age of 18 and is not emancipated; the Department of Housing and Residential Education is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours following the de- termination that the student is missing. This contact will be the parent/guardian listed on the student information release on the University Housing Contract or listed in the FAU Student Information System. Finally, the Executive Director of Housing and Associate Vice-President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will be contacted.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AT FAU
The most current set of regulations can be found on the Parking and Transportation Services website at www.fau.edu/parking. The following is a summary of the parking and transportation policies:

  • Permits are color coded and issued based on the individual’s relationship with the University. Permit holders are only able to park in lots that correspond to the color of their permits (blue permits in blue lots, green permits in green lots, etc).
  • The hours of enforcement for the restricted lots are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, unless other- wise posted. This does not change the hours of enforcement for the parking regulations. All parking rules and regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Vehicles with FAU parking permits are not permitted to park at and pay parking meters, they are reserved for visitors only.
  • Vehicles are required to park “nose-in” in parking spaces. Backing in or pulling through spaces is no longer permitted when parking a vehicle. State and emergency vehicles are exempt from this regulation.

A few other things to remember:

  • Temporary Permits: Upon request, a permit holder will be issued a temporary parking permit without a fee for a maximum of five (5) consecutive days. A permit holder whose vehicle is being repaired will be issued a temporary parking permit for a maximum of 28 consecutive days with documentation of the repair work. You may obtain a temporary permit at the Cashier’s Office on the Jupiter Campuses, the Owl Card Center on the Davie Campus or at Parking and Transportation Services on the Boca Raton Campus.
  • Take advantage of the Owl Express Shuttle Service. This FREE service to the FAU community provides a shuttle service on the Boca Raton Campus from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Monday thru Friday (Holiday and Summer hours may vary). There are several stops on campus in key locations to help you move around campus quickly. More information about the Student Shuttle Service, including a map of the route, can be found on our website at www.fau.edu/parking.
  • Visitors to campus are required to display a valid parking permit or park at and pay the parking meters.
  • Parking permits are required when parking in the designated visitor parking spaces by the University Village Apartments.Temporary permits are available at the Glades Road Information Booth as well as the Parking and Transportation Services Office.
  • Loading Zones are to be used for the active loading and unloading only.
  • If your vehicle becomes disabled on campus and you are unable to move it, contact Parking and Transportation

Services immediately at 561-297-2771 or the FAU PD after hours at 561-297-3500 for assistance.

Parking and Transportation Services is here to answer any questions that you may have. Please visit our website at www.fau.edu/parking for up to date information about parking at FAU. We can be reached at faupark@fau.edu or 561-297-2771 with any questions or concerns.

PEST CONTROL
If you notice ants or other pests in your living area, please come to your Area Office to submit a work order. Pest Control is present on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays to complete work orders. In addition, Pest Control conducts spraying in student rooms on a monthly basis (generally on the 3rd Thursday of the month) and will enter all living areas without notice.

SWINGS
The swings are located on the south side of Jupiter Residence Hall 1 and also at the BBQ/Volleyball area of the University Village Apartments. Students may use the swings for their intended purpose of recreation and relaxation. Alterations of any kind may not be made to the swings or the posts. In addition, jumping off the swings is prohibited as it is a safety hazard.

ROOM CHANGE
A resident who wants to change to a different residence hall or room within the same residence hall must request a Room Change. The resident must complete the online form through the Housing portal. Room Changes will not be granted until completion of the Freeze period. Request for fall room changes may be submitted starting September 10. Requests for Spring may be submitted starting on January 21. Room changes into empty spaces may or may not be approved. The process for completing a Room Change request includes getting approval from your Residential Education Coordinator. Should a room swap be requested, both students involved in the swap must complete a Room Change request form online. Submission of a Room Change request does not guarantee the request will be approved. Housing charges are pro-rated for the students time in each room. Students who have an outstanding balance on their account will not be approved for a room change. Should a Room Change request be approved, you will be notified by email with the deadline for your move. If you move before your approval you will be required to move back to your original assignment. Also you will be charged a fee for improper room change, and you will not be granted the room change. You must pick up your new room keys at the assigned area office within 48 hours of your assignment notification. Failure to complete a room change within this time may result in the revocation of change approval. All forms must be completed online.

Residents may be asked to complete roommate mediation with their roommate(s)/suitemate(s) as an alternative to Room Change.

STORAGE
The Department does not have space for storing resident items, excess room furniture, boxes or other items. The furniture in your room upon check-in must remain in the room. The resident will be charged for any furniture missing upon checkout.  Residents will be charged a removal fee for any items left in the room upon check-out. 

WORK ORDERS
Work requests should be reported to the Area Office of your housing area or you can place them on your own (and so can the students) by taking the following steps:

  • Go to “MyFAU” and log in with your username and password.
  • On the next screen on top with all the Icons, select “Students”.
  • The next screen go down to the third box on left and select “Work orders”.
  • It will then ask you for your email, then your first and last name and telephone number.
  • You will be shown a work order request screen that you fill in with your building, room number, description of what needs to be corrected or fixed and contact information.

This will automatically be registered in SchoolDude work order requests and assigned to a Maintenance Tech. Please just state the facts, no need for harsh words or a long story. Short but with all necessary descriptions is best. If it is an emergency, please contact the Area Office.