Assignments/Occupancy

Your housing agreement generally covers the fall and spring semesters. Housing during winter break, spring break, and summer is not automatically included. 

Students are expected to leave campus housing after their last final exam each semester and before the residence halls close for spring break. Residence Life & Housing will communicate specific closing and reopening dates and times before each break.

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-In

When a resident is assigned a space, Residence Life & Housing will provide information regarding when and where they should complete the check-in process.

Residents are required to check in with a Residence Life & Housing staff member before occupying their assigned space. As part of the check-in process:

• The resident will receive Connect Card access to their assigned residential space.
• The resident will review and sign a Room Condition Report (RCR) documenting the condition of the space at the time of move-in.
• Residents should identify any existing damage or concerns with the condition of the room as part of the RCR process.

Residents are expected to complete the required check-in process before occupying their assigned space.

Check-Out

Residents are required to complete the check-out process with a Residence Life & Housing staff member when moving out of an assigned space. Check-out is typically available with the RA on duty between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, unless other arrangements have been communicated or approved.

Prior to checking out, residents must: 

• Remove all personal belongings and trash from the room.
• Clean their assigned space.
• Meet with a Residence Life & Housing staff member in the space to complete the check-out.
• Review and sign the Room Condition Report (RCR) at the time of departure.

Residents may not complete the check-out process independently or leave the space without completing the required check-out process with a staff member.

Any damage, missing University property, excessive cleaning needs, or belongings left in the space may result in charges or other follow-up consistent with Residence Life & Housing procedures.

Residents remain responsible for their assigned space until the required check-out process has been completed.

Winter and Spring Break Housing

Students who need to remain on campus during winter or spring break must apply and be approved for Break Stay Housing. An additional fee may apply.

During break periods, students who are approved to remain on campus may be required to temporarily move to a designated break housing location. In some circumstances, students may also be required to remove their belongings from their regular room so the space can be used for break housing. Students will receive advance notice if this is required.

Information about winter and spring Break Stay Housing, including the application process and deadlines, is available on the Office of Residence Life & Housing's BridgeNet website under Early Arrival and Break Stay Housing. 

Summer Housing

Summer housing is available for students who need to remain on campus during the summer. Summer housing requires a separate application and approval and is not included in the academic-year housing agreement. Additional fees apply. Students approved for summer housing may be assigned to a different residence hall or room than their academic-year assignment.

Applications, eligibility information, dates, and additional details about summer housing are available on the Office of Residence Life and Housing’s BridgeNet website under Housing Info.

Housing Deposits

A $250 housing deposit and a completed Residence Hall License Agreement are required to be considered for a room assignment. Completing these steps does not guarantee a specific room, building, room type, or roommate. 

The housing deposit is nonrefundable, unless the university is unable to provide a room after accepting the deposit. The housing deposit will be credited to the student's account for the semester in which they begin living on campus. Students who withdraw from housing will forfeit their housing deposit.

Students who need assistance with paying their housing deposit may contact Residence Life & Housing at ResLife@bridgew.edu. 

Housing Eligibility

To be eligible for campus housing, a student must be actively enrolled in at least one course at Bridgewater State University or participating in a BSU-sanctioned program throughout their residency. 

If a student withdraws from all classes or withdraws from Bridgewater State University, they must contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing to formally check out of their room and vacate the residence halls within 24 hours.

Room Change Request and Procedure

All room changes must be approved by the Office of Residence Life & Housing. Students may not move to another room, suite, or apartment without approval. An unapproved room change will result in a $35 improper room change fee and may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

When Can I Request a Room Change?

There is generally a two-week room freeze at the beginning of each semester. This allows Residence Life & Housing time to confirm occupancy and determine what spaces are available. Room changes generally begin after the room freeze ends.

At various times throughout the academic year, a Room Change Request form will be available in the Housing portal. When the form is available, students interested in changing rooms should complete the form to submit their request.

Submitting a Room Change Request does not guarantee that you will be able to change rooms. Room changes depend on available space and are reviewed based on when requests are received and whether appropriate space is available.

If your request is related to a roommate or suite-mate conflict, you will generally be asked to complete a co-living agreement and work with Residence Life & Housing staff to address the concern before a room change is considered.

How Will I Know If My Room Change Is Approved?

If Residence Life & Housing is able to approve your room change, you will receive a Room Change Pass through your BSU email. The Room Change Pass will include your approved move date and time and instructions for completing your room change. 

Do not move to another room until you have received a Room Change Pass with an approved move date and time.

Students completing an approved room change must complete the check-out process for their previous assignment and the check-in process for their new assignment.

Vacancies and Roommate-Ready Spaces

If there is a vacancy in your room, suite, or apartment, the available space must remain ready for a new resident at all times. Residence Life & Housing will make reasonable efforts to provide notice when a new resident is assigned; however, notice cannot be guaranteed. Students may be assigned to available vacancies at any time. 

A roommate-ready space means:

• The vacant bed is completely clear of personal belongings.
• The vacant desk, dresser, and closet are empty and available for use.
• Personal belongings do not prevent access or use of the vacant resident's furniture or portion of the room.
• The room and shared areas are reasonably clean and ready to welcome a new resident.

Residents may not use a vacant bed space or furniture in a way that prevents another student from moving into the space. The space must remain roommate-ready for as long as vacancy exists.

Withdrawal from Housing

Your Residence Hall License Agreement is for the full academic year (fall and spring semesters). If you decide that you no longer want or are unable to live on campus, moving out does not automatically release you from your housing agreement or financial responsibility.

Students experiencing an extenuating circumstance that prevents them from fulfilling their housing agreement may submit a petition requesting to be released from the Residence Hall License Agreement. Submitting a petition does not guarantee that the request will be approved. The online petition form is available on the Office of Residence Life & Housing’s website under the Petition Process.

If your petition is approved, you will forfeit your housing deposit, pay the applicable housing cancellation fee, and remain responsible for housing charges based on the University's refund schedule.

Housing refunds for students approved for release are:

• Before the first scheduled day of occupancy: 100% housing refund.
• From the first day of occupancy through the Monday after the last day of the add/drop period: Prorated housing refund.
• After the Monday following the add/drop period. No housing refund.

Students should wait until they receive information from Residence Life & Housing about their petition and check-out process before moving out of their residence hall.

Facilities

Cleaning/Care of Rooms & Trash Removal

Residents are responsible for keeping their room, suite, or apartment reasonably clean, sanitary, and safe. Students should provide their own basic cleaning supplies, such as a broom, vacuum, dustpan, and cleaning products.

• Remove trash and recycling from your room regularly and dispose of it in the designated locations in your residence hall. Personal trash may not be left in or disposed of in community bathrooms.
• Place trash in a bag before disposing of it in designated trash areas.
• Keep floors and walkways clean, clear, and accessible.
• When moving out, residents are responsible for leaving their room in approximately the same condition it was in at move-in, except for normal wear and tear.
• If a room, suite, or apartment requires additional cleaning beyond normal use, the responsible resident(s) may be charged for cleaning.

Bathroom Cleaning

Facilities Management staff clean community, suite, and apartment bathrooms on a regular schedule. Cleaning schedules vary by building and bathroom type, and your building's schedule will be available in your residence hall.

Students are responsible for keeping bathrooms reasonably clean between scheduled cleanings, disposing of personal trash, and keeping personal belongings out of the way so Facilities Management staff can clean the space.

Individual Damage Billing

Residents are responsible for the condition and cleanliness of their assigned room, suite, or apartment. Students may be charged for damage, vandalism, excessive cleaning, or missing University property that occurs during their residency.

Room Condition Report

When you move in, you will receive a Room Condition Report (RCR) documenting the condition of your assigned space. Review your RCR carefully and make sure any existing damage is documented before signing it. If existing damage is not documented, you may be charged for it when you move out.

If you discover additional pre-existing damage after completing your RCR, you have up to two weeks after moving in to report it to Residence Life & Housing.

Damage Charges

Students may be charged for damage, vandalism, excessive cleaning, or missing University property in their assigned space. Damage charges will generally be assessed within 30 days after the Residence Hall License Agreement ends.

Questions about individual damage charges or the appeal process should be directed to the Office of Residence Life & Housing.

Community Damage Billing

Shared Responsibility

Your residence hall is your home while you are at Bridgewater State. Everyone plays a role in keeping shared spaces clean, safe, and in good condition. Shared spaces include hallways, lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, stairwells, elevators, lobbies, and other common areas.

What is Community Damage?

Community damage is damage that occurs in a shared space when the person responsible cannot be identified. Residence Life &  Housing will make reasonable efforts to determine who caused the damage before charging the community.

If an individual or group is identified as responsible, they may be responsible for the cost of the damage instead of the community. Residents with information for the cost of the damage instead of the community. Residents with information about damage should contact their Resident Assistant (RA), Resident Director (RD), Area Coordinator (AC), or Residence Life & Housing.

Damage within an assigned student room is not considered community damage. Residents are responsible for damage within their assigned room unless another responsible person is identified.

Community Damage Charges

When significant or repeated damage occurs in a shared space, and the responsible person cannot be identified, Residence Life & Housing may divide the cost of the repair among the residents of the affected floor, wing, stairwell, or building. These charges will be placed on students' accounts and are not subject to appeal.

Most community damage charges are assessed at the end of each semester. In some circumstances, charges may be assessed sooner when damage is significant, costly, or creates an ongoing safety concern.

Reporting Damage

If you notice something that is broken, damaged, unsafe, or not working properly, submit a Facilities Management Work Order as soon as possible. Reporting concerns early helps prevent additional damage and allows the University to address maintenance and safety concerns quickly.

If you see someone cause damage or know who is responsible, tell your RA, RD, AC, or Residence Life & Housing. When the responsible person can be identified, that individual may be held financially responsible rather than the community.

Alteration of Premises

Residents may not make changes, alterations, or improvements to their room, suite, apartment, or other University spaces without approval. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Adding, removing, or changing locks
• Removing window screens
• Altering heating or lighting fixtures
• Removing University-provided shower curtain lines or hooks
• If you are unsure whether a change to your space is permitted, contact Residence Life & Housing before making the change.

Personal Property & Item Retrieval

Residents are responsible for removing all personal belongings when vacating or changing an assigned residential space. Property left behind may be removed and temporarily stored by Residence Life & Housing. Residents may be responsible for costs associated with the removal, packing, storage, or disposal of belongings. Property that is not retrieved within the timeframe communicated by Residence Life & Housing may be considered abandoned and will be disposed of, donated, or recycled.

Residents who are unable to retrieve their belongings may request to authorize another individual to do so on their behalf. All such access must be approved and coordinated through Residence Life & Housing.

In extraordinary circumstances when a resident is unable to provide authorization, Residence Life & Housing may, at its discretion, permit an emergency contact or other individual to retrieve specific belongings. Being listed as an emergency contact does not automatically provide authorization to retrieve a resident's belongings.

Furniture

Students who want to bring additional furniture into their room, suite, or apartment must receive approval from full-time Residence Life & Housing before bringing the furniture to campus. Students should complete the Furniture Approval Form and wait for approval from a full-time Residence Life & Housing staff member.

Furniture requiring approval includes, but is not limited to:

• Couches, loveseats, and additional chairs
• Bean bags and ottomans larger than 1 ft. by 1 ft.
• Headboards, bed extenders, and mattresses
• Gaming or desk chairs
• Nightstands and bureaus
• IKEA-style or other commercially manufactured furniture

Approved furniture must meet applicable fire-safety requirements and have a Cal 117 or Cal 133 tag. Residence Life & Housing staff may verify this tag during Health & Safety Inspections. Residence Life & Housing may also limit the amount or size of additional furniture based on the room or space.

All personal furniture must be removed when you move ou.

University Furniture

University-provided furniture may not be removed from your room without prior approval from Residence Life & Housing.

Furniture located in lounges, games rooms, laundry rooms, and other community spaces must remain in those spaces and may not be moved into student rooms, suites, or apartments. 

Unauthorized personal furniture or possession of University furniture from another space may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Room Decorations

Students are encouraged to decorate their rooms and make them feel like home. Decorations must be placed in a way that does not damage University property or create a safety concern.

Where You Can Decorate

Decorations may be placed on room walls and doors only. No more than 40% of any individual wall or door may be covered.

Windows must remain completely clear. Decorations, signs, flags, curtains, lights, or other items may not be placed on, attached to, or displayed in front of windows or University-provided window coverings.

Do not attach decorations to heaters, ceilings, sprinkler pipes, emergency or safety equipment, or University furniture. Decorations may not block or interfere with emergency exists or access.

Hanging Decorations

Use an adhesive that will not damage the wall, such as blue painter's tape. The following are not permitted because they may damage walls or other surfaces:

• Nails, tacks, pins, or screws
• Command Strips or similar products 
• Scotch, mounting, double-sided, or duct tape
• Students may be responsible for damage charges resulting from decorations or adhesives.

Additional Decoration Requirements

• Live trees and wreaths are not permitted. Potted house plants are allowed.
• String lights must be UL approved.
• Candles are not permitted.

Residence Life

Entry to Resident Rooms

Authorized university personnel may enter a student's room, suite, or apartment without prior notice when necessary for:

• Maintenance or housekeeping 
• Health and safety inspections
• Inspection of damage
• Break closing inspections
• Emergency situations

The University may also enter a residential space when there is a reasonable cause to believe a University policy or procedure is being violated.

If there is reason to believe that a criminal offense has occurred or that evidence of a criminal offense may be in a student's room, University officials will enter only with the resident's permission or pursuant to a warrant.

If illegal or restricted items are found in plain view during an authorized entry, the items may be removed. The affected resident(s) will be notified and may be referred to the Office of Community Standards.

Fundraising Guidelines

BSU-affiliated student organizations interested in holding a fundraiser in residence hall must request approval from Residence Life & Housing at least one week in advance. Requests should be emailed to ResLife@bridgew.edu. All fundraising activities must receive approval before they begin.

Once approved, organizations must follow these guidelines:

• Only BSU-affiliated groups may fundraise in residence halls.
• Raffles are not permitted.
• Door-to-door solicitation is prohibited.
• The sponsoring organization is responsible for all costs and for properly accounting for and depositing funds.
• Food or baked goods must be prepared before being brought into the residence hall. Food may not be prepared in the residence hall as part of the fundraiser.
• Fundraisers collecting donated items must use designated tables and drop-off times. Collection boxes may not be left unattended.

Prohibited and Approved Items

For the safety of the residential community, some items and appliances are not permitted in the residence halls. Possession or use of a prohibited item may result in removal of the item and/or a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Items Not Allowed in Residence Halls

The following items are prohibited:

• Cooking or food preparation appliances unless specifically listed as approved below
• Grills, air fryers, rice cookers, and toasters
• Air conditioners unless they are an approved accommodation
• Candles, incense, and incense burners
• Space heaters
• Dartboards
• Pets, except animals approved in accordance with applicable accommodations
• Fish tanks larger than 10 gallons
• Homemade loft or bunk beds, bed extenders, cinder blocks, or other bed-lofting equipment
• Upholstered or other furniture that has not been approved by Residence Life & Housing
• Motorized personal transportation devices 
• Flammable liquids or fuels, including lighter fluid, propane, butane, jellied fuel, and similar materials. Personal-sized lighters are permitted.
• Items prohibited under the University's Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy
• Ottomans larger than one square foot unless approved
• Fireworks
• Waterbeds
• Electric blankets
• Halogen lamps
• Adhesive LED light strips

Prohibited Actions

Students may not:

• Use extension cords or plug extenders without surge protection
• Connect extension cords or power strips together
• Adhere wallpaper to walls
• Attach or mount a television to a wall or door

These actions may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Items Allowed in Student Rooms

The following are permitted, with a limit of one of each per room:

• Microwave under 1,000 watts
• Blender 
• Single-cup coffee maker without a hot plate
• Countertop ice maker
• Refrigerator up to 1.4 total amps or 3.2 cubic feet

Students assigned to Weygand Hall and Great Hill Student Apartments already have University-provided full-size refrigerators. Additional refrigerators are not permitted in these spaces unless approved as a medical accommodation. 

Students assigned to Miles, DiNardo, Stonehouse, and Crimson may not place a personal refrigerator in the common area of their suite.

Great Hill Student Apartment Kitchens

The following additional appliances are permitted only in the kitchen area of Great Hill Student Apartments, with a limit of one of each:

• Toaster
• Toaster oven
• Air fryer
• George Foreman-style grill
• Rice cooker

Motorized Personal Transportation Devices

Recreational motorized transportation devices are not permitted inside University residence halls. These devices may not be used, stored, parked, or charged inside the building.

Examples include:

• Electric scooters and electric bikes
• Electric skateboards and long boards
• Hoverboards and Onewheels
• Mopeds and Segways
• Other similar motorized devices

This policy does not apply to mobility devices or other equipment approved as part of a documented accommodation through Student Accessibility Services.

Motorized personal transportation devices found inside a residence hall may be confiscated by University officials, and students may be referred to the Office of Community Standards.

Parking Your Device

Motorized personal transportation devices should be parked outside at designated bike racks. Devices may not be parked in residence hall lobbies or other indoor areas.

When parking outside, devices may not block:

• Accessible pathways
• Building entrances or exits
• Emergency exit routes
• Safety equipment

Students are responsible for securing their devices and are encouraged to use a lock. The University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. Residence halls do not have exterior charging stations. Motorized personal transportation devices may not be brought inside a residence hall to charge.

Quiet Hours and Courtesy Hours

Residents are expected to be considerate of their neighbors and manage their noise at all times. You are responsible for your own noise level and the noise of your guests.

Courtesy Hours

Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means residents should keep noise at a reasonable level at all times. If another resident or staff member asks you to lower your noise, you are expected to do so.

Do not assume that your noise level is acceptable simply because no one has asked you to lower it.

Quiet Hours

During Quiet Hours, residents are expected to keep noise to a minimum so that it does not disrupt others in the community.

Quiet hours are:

• Sunday Night- Thursday Night: 9:00 PM - 8:00 AM
• Friday Night and Saturday Night: 12:00 AM- 10:00 AM

Residents and their guests are expected to follow both Quiet Hours and Courtesy Hours. Excessive or disruptive noise may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Health and Safety Inspection Procedures

Residence Life & Housing staff periodically inspect student rooms, suites, and apartments to help maintain safe, clean, and well-maintained residential spaces. Inspections may occur before University break periods or at other times during the year and may take place with or without advance notice or the resident being present.

During an inspection, staff may check the condition of the space, University furniture, cleanliness, and compliance with University policies. Residents may be asked to remove prohibited items, clean their space, correct a concern, or make other necessary changes.

Prohibited items may be confiscated and may be subject to disposal. Policy violations may also result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Rooms, suites, or apartments that require cleaning or repairs beyond reasonable use may result in charges to the resident(s). Excessive damage or loss may also result in additional action, including termination of the Residence Hall License Agreement.

If staff observe circumstances that suggest illegal activity or other serious concerns during an inspection, the situation may be referred to the appropriate University office, including BSU Policy and/or the Office of Community Standards.

Solicitations

Non-University commercial activities, solicitation, fundraising, and advertising are not permitted inside residence halls or on residence hall grounds. Door-to-door solicitation and sales are not permitted in the residence halls.

BSU-affiliated organizations interested in fundraising in the residence halls should follow the Fundraising in the Residence Halls policy.

Safety & Security

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

When a building alarm sounds, all residents and guests must leave the building immediately, whether it is a drill, false alarm, or actual emergency.

When evacuating:

• Use the closest safe exit, including emergency exits.
• Do not use elevators. 
• Go directly to your building's designated meeting location.
• Follow directions from Residence Life & Housing staff, University Police, or other emergency personnel.

Residents should become familiar with the different exits in their building in case their usual exit cannot be safely used during an emergency.

Designated Meeting Locations

After leaving the building, go directly to your designated meeting location and remain there. This keeps entrances and roadways clear for emergency personnel and allows Residence Life & Housing staff to account for residents when necessary.

If needed, Residence Life & Housing staff will provide information about temporary shelter or other next steps.

Accessibility and Evacuation Assistance:

Residents who may need assistance during an emergency evacuation should contact Student Accessibility Services to develop an appropriate evacuation plan.

Re-entering the Building:

Do not re-enter the residence hall until University officials or emergency personnel tell you it is safe to do so. Even if the alarm stops sounding, you must remain outside until you are given permission to re-enter.

Visitor Policy

A visitor is anyone who does not live in your assigned room, suite, or apartment, including another BSU residential student. 

Residents may host visitors as long as all roommates or suite-mates agree to the visitor. Any resident who is uncomfortable with a visitor may ask that the visitor leave. If residents are unable to resolve a concern, Residence Life & Housing staff can assist.

Hosting Visitors

Residents may host up to three visitors at one time per occupant. Hosts are responsible for ensuring that their visitors are promptly signed in upon their arrival. Any visitors present in the residence halls before 5:00 PM must sign them in at that time. Residence Life staff are available at the desk beginning at 5:00 PM each night to assist with the sign-in process.

Hosts are responsible for their visitors while they are in the residence hall. Visitors must follow all University and residence hall policies, and hosts may be held responsible for their visitors' behavior, policy violations, or damage to University property. Visitors, regardless of age, may not bring alcohol into the residence halls, including Great Hill Student Apartments.

Residence Life & Housing may limit or suspend visitor privileges because of policy violations, safety concerns, emergencies, or large-scale campus events. 

Violations of the Visitor Policy may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Identification Requirements

Visitors must have an acceptable physical form of identification with them while visiting a residence hall. Resident students must use their BSU Connect Card. Commuter students and non-BSU visitors must present a current, valid photo ID, such as:

• BSU Connect Card 
• Driver's license or state ID
• Passport
• Military ID 
• Liquor ID
• Non-expired learner's permit with an additional photo ID

Photos, screenshots, or photocopies of identification are not accepted. A learner's permit by itself is not an acceptable form of identification.

Overnight Visitors

A visitor who stays in the residence hall after 11:00 PM is considered an overnight visitor.

Overnight visitors may stay for no more than three consecutive nights within a seven-day period. Visitors may not stay in a pattern that suggests they are living in the residence hall or are an additional occupant of the room, suite, or apartment.

All roommate and suitemate expectations and other Visitor Policy requirements continue to apply to overnight visitors.

Hosts are responsible for their visitors’ conduct and are liable for any damage done to university property or violation of university policy committed by the visitor.

Visitor Policy – Minors

Non-student visitors under the age of 16 are not required but are recommended to present a photo identification when signing into a residence hall. 

Residents wishing to host a visitor under the age of 16 overnight must receive prior approval from the Office of Residence Life & Housing and complete the required Minor Visitor Release Agreement. The resident host must be at least 18 years old and assume responsibility for the minor while they are visiting the residence halls.

Additional documentation from the minor's parent or guardian may be required by the Office of Residence Life & Housing.

Health and Safety

• Residents are expected to maintain a safe residential environment and follow all University health, safety, and fire safety requirements.
• Hallways, stairwells, doorways, elevators, emergency exits and entryways must remain clear of personal belongings and other obstructions at all times.
• Residents may not access or use residence hall roofs or other restricted areas.
• Window screens may not be removed or tampered with. Residents may not sit on windowsills, lean or climb out of windows, or use windows to move items into or out of a building.
• Objects or liquids may not be thrown, dropped, or otherwise released from residence hall windows.
• Fire and life-safety equipment may not be covered, obstructed, disabled, removed, damaged, or otherwise tampered with.

Residence Hall Access and Lockouts

Residents are responsible for carrying their BSU Connect Card and maintaining access to their assigned residence hall and room. Residents who are locked out should contact an available Residence Life & Housing staff member for assistance. Depending on staff availability, residents may need to wait for assistance. Repeated lockouts may result in additional follow-up from Residence Life & Housing.

For lockout assistance, residents may:

• Visit their Resident Director or Area Coordinator's office during Monday- Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM regular
• Visit or call the Office of Residence Life & Housing in DiNardo Hall, Room 100, during Monday- Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM regular
• Visit their residence hall front desk after 5:00 PM
• Resident Assistants are available for lockout assistance:
  • Monday- Friday: 7:00 PM- 7:00 AM
  • Saturday- Sunday: 24-hour coverage

Information for contacting the RA on duty is posted in each residence hall.

Residents who lose their Connect Card should obtain a replacement from Parking and Connect Card Services during regular business hours. A replacement fee may apply.

When Parking and Connect Card Services is closed, Residence Life & Housing may issue a temporary access card. Temporary cards must be returned by 5:00 PM on the next business day. Residents may be charged for temporary cards that are lost or not returned.

Malicious Fire Alarm Policy

Intentionally causing a false alarm or tampering with emergency equipment is strictly prohibited. These actions put residents, staff, and emergency responders at risk and may result in immediate suspension from the residence halls and/or referral to the Office of Community Standards.

This includes damaging, disabling, disconnecting, obstructing, removing, or tampering with smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, pull stations, alarm covers, horns, strobe lights, or other emergency equipment.

Repeated malicious false alarms may result in additional safety measures, including a fire watch. When a fire watch is required because of repeated false alarms, the cost may be charged to residents of the building.

Intentionally causing a false alarm or tampering with emergency equipment may also violate Massachusetts law.

Residence Hall Security 

Residence hall entrance doors are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Front entrances are monitored by Residence Life & Housing staff during designated times, including for visitor registration.

Building Access

Residents should use designated residence hall entrances. Secondary exit doors are for emergency use only and may not be used as regular entrances or exits. Misusing or tampering with these doors may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Your Connect Card is for your use only and may not be shared with another person.

Tampering with locks or stealing, duplicating, or improperly using a Connect Card is prohibited and may result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards.

Your Room and Belongings

Residents should lock their room doors and windows when leaving their space to help protect themselves and their belongings.

The University is not responsible for personal belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged by fire, water, or other causes. Students are encouraged to carry personal property or renters insurance.

Access During Breaks

Students who are not approved for Break Stay Housing are not permitted to enter the residence halls during designated break periods. If emergency access is needed, contact University Policy for permission and to arrange an escort.

Community Safety

Residents are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful residential community. Behavior that threatens the safety of others, causes harm to individuals or property, or significantly disrupts the residential community is prohibited.

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Bullying, harassment, threatening, or intimidating behavior.
• Reckless behavior that places individuals or property at risk.
• Behavior that significantly disrupts the residential community or the operation of the residence halls.
• Encouraging or participating in harmful, destructive, or unsafe behavior.

Community Living

Residents are expected to contribute to a respectful and collaborative living environment with roommates, suitemates, and other members of the residential community. Residents are expected to complete a co-living agreement at the beginning of the year and when changes occur within a room or suite.

Residents are expected to make reasonable efforts to address concerns within their shared living environment and to participate in conflict-resolution processes facilitated by Residence Life & Housing when deemed necessary. This may include facilitated conversations, mediation, review or revision of a Co-Living Agreement, or other appropriate interventions.

Co-Living Agreements

Residents who share a room, suite, or apartment are encouraged to complete a Co-Living Agreement to establish shared expectations for their living space. Co-Living Agreements are required for all first-year students and recommended for all residents.

The agreement provides residents an opportunity to discuss topics that may impact their shared living experience, including cleanliness, guests, studying and sleeping habits, use of shared belongings and spaces, communication, and other individual preferences.

When conflict occurs between residents who share space, the Co-Living Agreement may be used as a tool to help address concerns and identify mutually agreed-upon expectations. If residents have not yet completed an agreement, completing one will generally be the first step in the conflict-resolution process. Residents may also be required to participate in a facilitated conversation or mediation with Residence Life & Housing staff when determined appropriate to address ongoing concerns.

Being an Engaged Member of Your Community

Living on campus is about more than your room. It is an opportunity to connect with others, get involved, and build relationships. Residents are encouraged to attend programs and community activities offered by their RA and Residence Life & Housing throughout the year.

Residents are also expected to complete at least two Connections with their RA each semester. Connections are individual conversations designed to check in on how things are going, help you get connected to campus, and make sure you have the resources and support you need to be successful.

Your RA and Residence Life & Housing are here as resources. Get to know them, ask questions, share concerns, and reach out when you need support.

Violation of Residence Hall Policies

Residence Hall policies are designed to promote a safe, respectful, and supportive living environment. Any potential violation will be documented by Residence Life & Housing staff and may be addressed in conjunction with the Office of Community Standards. The conduct process is intended to be educational, while promoting accountability and community safety. Outcomes may include, but are not limited to, University Warning, Residence Hall Probation, Residence Hall Suspension, and educational requirements.

Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and following these policies as part of their Residence Life & Housing Agreement.

Public Health Policy

Members of the university community are expected to comply with all mandates of the CDC, MDPH, and associated policies mandated by the university should any requirements come to surface. Please note that Bridgewater State University will conform to all policies as required by federal, state, and local public health officials. Bridgewater State University reserves the right to change policies and procedures at any time in the interests of safeguarding public health

Reviewed and Revised 8/2026 by Lauren Mountain, Director, Office of Residence Life & Housing