Do you have a question for the Division of Student Development?

Odds are good that you're question has been asked before. So, make sure you check here for the answer first. If there is a question that is not explained to your satisfaction, or if you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us.

Questions about Housing Rates and Housing Contracts

1. When will the fall housing charges be billed and how long does a student have to pay?
   
   The Accounting and Finance Office handles all billing and payment matters for the College. The Accounting and Finance Office may be contacted at (301) 447-5353.
   
   
2. Can I cancel my housing contract?
   
   The Mount Saint Mary's College Housing Contract indicates that the contract term is for One Academic Year. Students may cancel their housing contract during the year but may not be eligible for a refund. Students should refer the College's refund policy found in the College Catalogue.
   
   
3. My residence life staff member did not fill out the RCR (room condition report) form - what should I do?
   
   It is in the student's best interest to have an RCR completed for their room or apartment. If a residence life staff member has not completed an RCR, the student should contact the assistant director in their area to have an RCR completed and signed.
   
   
4. If I don't sign my RCR (room condition report form), can I be held accountable for the room condition at the end of my occupancy?
   
   Yes, it is a student's responsibility to sign their RCR. By signing the RCR, a student reserves the right to appeal any room damage charges placed on their student account. By not signing the RCR, a student forfeits the right to appeal room damage charges.

Questions about Room Assignments, Room Changes, and Room Selection

1. When do students have to move out for the summer?
   
   Students must be moved out of their rooms within 24 hours of their last final exam
   
   
2. How are first year housing assignments made and are students guaranteed housing?
   
   All students are guaranteed housing. For first-year students, you will fill out a housing preference form during summer orientation. This form will ask questions such as "Are you a neat or messy person?" and "Are you quiet and reserved or loud and outgoing?" This information will be used to match you with a roommate. Also, if you have someone you would like to room with, you may both indicate this on your housing preference form.
   
   
3. Where are most first-year students assigned?
   
   The majority of the first-year students are assigned to Pangborn Hall and Sheridan Hall. Because of class size, we do typically place a small number of first-year students in the Terrace Complex
   
   
4. Am I required to live on campus?
   
   First year students are required to live on campus. After this year, any student may move off campus.
   
   
5. If I like my room, can I keep it for the following year?
   
   It depends on where you live.  Certain rooms are held for incoming first-year students, students with special housing needs, etc.  The Housing lottery typically takes place in the middle of the spring semester.  You will receive more information before the process begins.

Questions about Housing Facilities

1. Can I paint my room? My Door?
   
   Any permanent alterations to the College facilities or furnishings such as painting, wallpapering, contact paper, are prohibited. Residents may decorate their rooms within these guidelines: map and thumb tacks and similar pins are recommended for hanging articles; no nails, screws, or other devices which leave large holes are permitted. Double-sided tape, wall gum, stickers, or other adhesives are prohibited. Poster putty may be used if it is completely removed at checkout.
   
   
2. Can I make repairs to my room/college property?
   
   Because of liability concerns, student repair of any damages is prohibited
   
   
3. How is my room furnished?
   
   All residents should have a desk, chair, bed, closet, and dresser drawers. For the Apartments, all of the above plus living room and dining room furniture.
   
   
4. What is the size of my mattress?
   
   All mattresses are extra-long twin (80").
   
   
5. How can I get some information about off-campus housing? 
   
   If you are interested in off-campus housing, you would need to go to the Division of Student Affairs office to obtain information on off-campus/theme housing. The office is located in the Student Union Building.

Questions about Residence Life and Rental Programs

1. What can I do if supplies have run out on my floor and I need a few things?
   
   If the toilet paper or soap has run out on your floor, please let your Resident Assistant or you can call Physical Plant to request a work order be put in to refill the bathroom needs.
   
   
2. Does the College supply drapes for the window?
   
   No, the college does not supply drapes, but there are often drape rods in the room and there are always standard issue blinds for each window
   
   
3. Can I get extra furniture for my room (beds, desks, tables, sofas?
   
   The furniture currently in your room is all that is and will be supplied by the college. Everyone should have a bed, a desk and a desk chair, as well as some type of closet and dresser drawers unit.
   
   
4. Is there storage space available for my personal belongings?
   
   There is no on campus storage for any of your belongings that do not fit in your assigned residence. All belongings must be removed at the end of the year
   
   
5. Can I put college furniture in storage?
   
   College furniture must remain in the room, and you are responsible for its condition at the end of the year.
   
   
6. How can I rent a refrigerator/microwave combination appliance?
   
   Each room now comes with a microfridge, meaning you do not need to provide a microwave or refridgerator.
   
   

Questions about the College Computer Network 

1. I was wondering which buildings (dorms, apartments, houses) have direct Ethernet connections to the network (versus dialing in with a modem)?
   
   The entire campus is networked. All rooms are connected via high speed Ethernet connections. The only exception is for Terrace which utilizes satellite connections. You will receive information about connecting to either system upon your arrival
   
   
2. Does every resident have his/her own network connection?
   
   Yes.
   
   

Questions about the College Phone System 

1. Should I bring a telephone? How does the phone system work?
   
   Students need to provide their own telephones. Any kind of phone will work with the system.  Since many of our students have calling cards or cellular phones, the university has discontinued our long distance contract.  We recommend getting a calling card for use.  All local calls are free. The college provides a voice mail system. This is free and fairly simple to use. If student wish to use their own phone message machine they may.
   
   
   
2. Can you fix my phone - it doesn't work?
   
   Any problems with the phone or voice mail system need to be reported to IT.

Questions about the Residence Life Key Service 

Questions about Mailing Addresses 

1. What is my mailing address?
   
   Students Full Name
   Box ___________
   Mount St. Mary’s University
   Emmitsburg, MD 21727-7799
   
   
2. What address do I use for packages being sent to me that require a street address?
   
   The street address of the college is 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
   
   
3. When can I ship packages to my campus address?
   
   If you are moving to Mount Saint Mary's from a long distance away, you can ship packages to the University and have them arrive within the week of your arrival. The Receiving Department will store the packages for you prior to your arrival to the campus.
   
   Students can have packages shipped to them anytime during the regular school year