Roommates

Roommates can be the source of enjoyment and fun times, and can also be the cause of anxiety and frustration. Learning to live in close proximity with another person and having to share space and appliances is an exciting and challenging part of the college experience. Because we truly believe this, Residential Life and Housing is committed to providing students with the necessary tools to live successfully with other students. To that end, the Roommate Agreement Program was designed by students to serve as a proactive measure in achieving success.

All new students are introduced to the program via email from their building Hall Director prior to arriving on campus. The program continues when students arrive on campus. To help set forth their expectations regarding a variety of issues including guests, cleanliness, and other communal living issues, students are given a Roommate Agreement Guide. Completion of the agreement takes place during the first week of classes and is referred to whenever a conflict arises.

View the roommate brochure to prepare for the process.

Basic tenets of living with a roommate.
  1. Roommates agree to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
  2. Roommates agree to be conscious of each other’s needs and rights, i.e. the right to study in one’s room, the right to entertain friends in one’s room, etc.
  3. Roommates agree to discuss problems and work through disagreements, as well as to enlist the assistance of the RA or Hall Director if necessary to settle disputes.
  4. Roommates agree to be conscious of the needs and rights of surrounding neighbors and other residents of the community.
  5. Roommates agree to be aware of and to adhere to all Residential Life policies (including the housing license) and the Student Community Standards.
When conflicts arise, it is vital that roommates first make an attempt at working out their difficulties. The following steps have proven successful in resolving a roommate conflict:
  1. Talk honestly with your roommate, clearly stating problems and expectations.
  2. If you are worried about doing this or if problems persists, roommates go to their RA for advice and direction.
  3. If the RA is not able to resolve the conflict, the RA will get the Hall Director involved.