Housing

Policy

Recognizing the educational advantages of both classroom instruction and co-curricular experiences, and the great extent to which residence hall living can contribute, the Board of Trustees of the University has adopted a policy which requires that entering students and soph-omores be housed in University residence halls. Refer to the Code of Student Conduct for specific expectations, and for specific residency information.

Housing Assignments

The Housing Assignment Office, 235 Whitmore Administration Building, is responsible for all assignments for undergraduate and graduate students to on-campus housing. It also facilitates processes for assignment changes both during and between academic semesters and manages the rent refund process.

To reside on campus, each student must sign a housing contract that remains active for as long as the student lives in the residence halls. Upperclass resident students have the opportunity to select rooms in the spring of the preceding year. Notification of assignment for entering students is made in late August (or late January for the spring semester).

Students interested in living on campus should contact the Housing Assignment Office, tel. 545-2100, or visitwww.housing.umass.edu

Exemptions

Exempt from this policy are married students; veterans of the U.S. Armed Services; members of fraternities and sororities who have been authorized to reside in their respective houses (within approved maximum capacities); juniors and seniors; and students who live in and commute from the home of their parent(s) or court-appointed guardian(s) within a 40-mile radius of the campus.

All non-exempt students requesting permission to live off campus are to submit requests to the Housing Assignment Office, 235 Whitmore, tel. 545-2100.

First-Year Residential Program: Epoch

Epoch is a residential program designed for first-year students. Located in the Southwest Residential Area of campus, Epoch facilitates and supports a smooth transition to the University and enhances student success and satisfaction. Through participation in programs and events, Epoch helps first-year students connect to the campus.

Faculty Connections
Professors, staff and upper-class students share their insights for making the most out of the university experience. Faculty and staff associates are assigned to each residential floor and become active members of the floor community.

Epoch Trips
Twice a year, Epoch students have the opportunity to go on an overnight trip, and they also participate in numerous day trips.

Epoch Edge Program
Epoch Edge brings together 10-12 students with two upper-class leaders. The entire group meets every other week during the fall semester. Topics included in group discussions are roommate relationships, getting involved in campus activities, and getting the most from classes. Groups also explore the local area.

Leadership Class
A section of EDUC 393A Student Leadership Development is open only to Epoch residents. Students have the opportunity to earn course credit and learn with other Epoch residents about leadership skill development and building community connections.

Epoch Leadership Retreat
The Residential Leadership Association hosts an overnight retreat focusing on building leadership skills. Scheduled in late September, the retreat provides students with an opportunity to connect with other Epoch residents.

Living Options

The University provides a variety of living arrangements. The four basic systems are “traditional” residence halls, suite-style residence halls, nine-month, and family housing. All plans offer opportunities for intellectual, cultural, and social activities and include coeducational, single-sex, and alcohol-free units.

Residential Areas

The Central Residential Area is located at the very center of campus and consists of nine residence halls housing approximately 2,000 students. Central is home to special housing options such as the Nuance Multicultural Student Program, the Wellness Program, the Alcohol-Free Hall, and Kanonhsesne, the Native American Student Program. First-year Residential Academic Programs and offerings from Commonwealth College are also available.

The Orchard Hill Residential Area accommodates approximately 1,300 students in four coeducational residence halls. Orchard Hill features many special housing options such as the Wellness Program, and first-year Residential Academic Programs including several floors of Talent Advancement Programs. Offerings from Commmonwealth College are also available.

The Southwest Residential Area houses 5,300 students in five 22-story high-rise towers and eleven low-rise residence halls with a decidedly urban feel. Southwest features special housing options such as Remarkable Beginnings (first year student program); The WELL: Wellness Education through Living-Learning; and Epoch, a residential program designed specifically for first year students to facilitate and support a smooth transition to the University. Students participate in a wide range of programs and activities designed to foster a sense of connection and pride within the campus community. Harambee, the African Heritage Student Program, and first-year Residential Academic Programs, including several floors of Talent Advancement Programs.

The Northeast Residential Area consists of nine traditional red brick buildings housing approximately 1,300 students. Northeast features special housing options such as the Thatcher Language Program, the Lewis International House Program, the Asian/Asian American Students Program, and several floors of Talent Advancement Programs in Engineering.

The Sylvan Residential Area is located in the quiet woods on the perimeter of campus and accommodates 1,350 students with suite-style living. Each suite is single-sex, houses six to eight students, and includes both double and single bedrooms, a common bathroom, and a common lounge. Sylvan also offers the Wellness Program, a special housing option.

Maintenance and Operations

Staff are responsible for the management of buildings in specified residential areas. Opera-tions Managers coordinate facilities work in each residential area. Maintenance and Opera-tions staff work collaboratively with Residence Life staff in the coordination of maintenance and custodial activities, and on such matters as interior design, residence hall openings and closings, furniture replacement and inventory, key control, recycling, and project planning.

Furnishings

Students are assigned furnishings for use during the period of occupancy. These furnishings may vary from hall to hall, but include at least a bed frame and mattress, desk unit and chair, and wardrobe or closet.

All residence halls are served by a University telecommunications system that includes local calling service, access to long distance telephone service, voice mail, and high-speed data. Residents are required to provide their own telephones. Information regarding telephone service may be obtained by calling the Telecommunication Services Office, tel. (413) 545-2171.

Insurance

It is not possible for the University to carry insurance to compensate students or their families for losses suffered on the campus due to such hazards as fire, theft, or water damage. For most families, insurance covering potential loss is highly desirable, either as a rider to their current home insurance policy or as an independent contract.

Room Rent

The halls are managed by the Housing Services Office, which provides for the daily maintenance and cleaning of all facilities. Rents are set so as to provide a fund sufficient to pay operating costs and capital repair costs. In order to ensure the minimum possible room rent, the University endeavors to maximize hall occupancy. This requires that a student be held financially responsible for room rent once registering for and occupying a room in a residence hall.

Family Housing

The University owns and manages two apartment complexes for eligible students. Apartments in North Village are unfurnished. Lincoln Apartments feature a small number of furnished studio and one-bedroom units. These units would typically include a table/desk unit, several chairs, a couch, a dresser, a bed and mattress. The additional monthly charge for a furnished studio is $25 and $30 for a one-bedroom apartment. All Family Housing apartments are equipped with a stove and a refrigerator. Utilities are included in the rent. Assignment of apartments is made through application (earliest application date given first consideration). A tenant is expected upon commencement of the lease (one year) to pay the first month’s rent in advance, and a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. Applications and specific information may be obtained from Family Housing, Wysocki House, 911 North Pleasant Street, tel. 545-3115.

Off-Campus Housing

A card file of off-campus house, apartment and room rentals is maintained by the Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center. Also provided is information about local realtors, garden apartment developments, classified newspaper rentals, and persons seeking roommates. Specific information may be obtained from the Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center, 428 Student Union, tel. 545-0865.