UMass Amherst Residential Life policies and procedures have been universally designed to accommodate most students as well as to allow students the autonomy to make the housing choices which best meet their needs. Some options include alcohol free residence halls, 24-hour quiet floors, break housing, and Residential Academic programs. Floors, suites, and apartments are available in single-gender, mixed gender, and gender inclusive options. Most bathrooms are community bathrooms designated M of F, in accordance with state building code. Students use the bathroom which aligns with their gender identity, in accordance with University Bathroom and Restroom Policies and Practices. Some residence halls have single user, gender inclusive restrooms with showers.
Not all our housing options are available in all combinations. Students are encouraged to contact Residential Life Assignments as early as possible ahead of any housing deadlines or selection processes to discuss specific housing features the student is seeking based on their religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Residential Life will assist a student to determine the housing assignment that most closely meets their religious request.
Shabbat Observance
Common considerations for Shabbat Observance are:
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Shabbat Keys: Residence halls are normally accessed electronically with a student’s UMass ID. A Shabbat key is available upon request. Please request a Shabbat key at least 10 business days prior to move-in; requests take at least three business days to process.
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Motion Sensors: For students who reside in apartments or suites in CHCRC or North, there are various light switches that may be motion controlled. Students may request that these motion detectors to be temporarily disabled. This request should happen when the initial request for the Shabbat key is made. All requests should happen at least ten (10) business days prior to taking residence.
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Requests: Requests for Shabbat keys or deactivation of motion sensors should be sent to residentialservices@umass.edu. Requests must contain your name, Spire ID, residence hall name and room number.
Burning Candles/Materials
Burning of Candles and/or Ceremonial Cultural Materials for religious/traditional/cultural observances.
Residential Students may request to engage in the ceremonial burning of cultural materials for traditional/cultural observances by submitting a signed copy of the "Residence Hall Request to Burn Candles and/or Ceremonial Cultural Materials" form to the Residence Director, Residence Hall Coordinator or Family Housing Community Coordinator. Written approval from a Residential Life staff member is required prior to engaging in burning candles or cultural materials. Individuals must then follow the requirements to burn ceremonial cultural materials as outlined by University Burning of Ceremonial Material Offerings Procedure.
Contact
For other types of housing based religious consideration, contact:
Residential Life Assignments
235 Whitmore Administration Building
Email: living@umass.edu
Phone: 413-545-2100
Office hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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