Residential Programs Procedures

Check-In

On move-in day, you will be given the key to your room and an emergency contact card to complete. As you start to move in, be sure that you meet with a Resident Assistant (RA). Together you will check your room or suite and record its condition on the Room Condition Report (RCR). Please complete this form accurately as you will be billed for any changes in the condition of your room when you leave.

Fall 2009

The R.A. office of each building will be open the following times for fall 2009 check-in:

• Thursday, August 27, 2009 (For new residents attending Welcome Week 2009)
• Saturday, August 29, 2009 9:00am- 9:00pm (For returning residents enrolled in the Fall '09 semester)
• Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:00am- 9:00pm (For returning residents enrolled in the Fall '09 semester)
• Monday, August 31, 2009 & Tuesday, September 1, 2009 6:00pm- 9:00pm (For returning residents enrolled in the Fall '09 semester)

Checkout

Please ensure while checking out that you follow all the proper procedures:

1. Remove all personal belongings from the room. There is a minimum charge of $35 for items that are not removed. Items not removed will be discarded. The University assumes no responsibility for lost, damaged or discarded items.
2. Restore your room to its original condition. There is a minimum $50 charge for cleaning a dirty room.
3. Have an RA check your room in your presence to note any damages or repair needs on the Room Condition Report (RCR).
4. Return your key and receive a key receipt.
5. There is a $25 fee for improper check-out and a $25 per hour charge for anyone who checks out beyond their approved departure date.
6. A minimum charge of $25 per key and $35 per core change will be assessed for failure to turn in key at the time of check-out.

Residential Programs Staff

If you have any concerns while living at Hofstra University, we have a fully trained staff available to assist you. The various staff positions are as follows:

• Resident Assistant
• Senior Resident Assistant
• Administrative Graduate Assistant
• Assistant Resident Director
• Resident Director 
• Assistant Director of Residential Programs 
• Associate Director of Residential Programs 
• Residential Programs Central Office Staff 
• Director of Residential Living Learning Communities 
• Director of Staff Training & Development 

You are encouraged to become acquainted with your Resident Assistant and Resident Director who will be able to answer your questions and make living on campus a positive experience for you.

Living With A Roommate

The key to getting to know your roommate is communication. You cannot discover who he/she is unless you talk to each other. While we hope all roommates have a positive experience together, it is not guaranteed that you will become best friends, nor is that necessarily expected. When roommates don't get along, it can make for a challenging year. How do you work through problems with your roommate? Here are some tips:

1. Communication is the key. Talk to each other and tell your roommate when you are upset about something he/she did.
2. Be tactful when sharing your feelings with your roommate.
3. Be a good listener. Try to see each other's viewpoint.
4. Remain pleasant and control your emotions.
5. Discuss little problems as they arise to prevent them from escalating into bigger conflicts.
6. Be assertive in asking for what you want or need.
7. If you need a mediator, contact your RA.

After you begin to get to know each other, you may be able to prevent problems by making an agreement about what will and will not occur in your room. Many people have great success with informal conversations, while others like to write an actual contract. If you and your roommate think that negotiating a formal contract is a good idea, you will want to consider the following issues:

1. Study time in the room/apartment.
2. Visitation and guest policy.
3. Bathroom use schedule for suite living.
4. Cleaning the room, suite, bathroom and/or apartment.
5. How you will handle any problems or conflicts.
6. Sharing of food and cost of groceries.
7. Use of one another's property, including use of stereo, TV, computer, etc.
8. Space for clothes, luggage and storage.
9. Use of phone and relaying messages.

The Residential Programs staff is available and interested in helping you to negotiate a roommate contract. Seek their assistance when needed! Failure to negotiate or abide by an agreed upon roommate contract may result in a fine and/or in judicial action. Full time professional staff member are always available in the Office of Residential Programs to assist you with your concerns as well.