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Residence Life and Housing

Ely Center 132

(202) 250-2988

(202) 651-5255

Email Us

Overview

Residence Life and Housing, a unit of Student Affairs, has the primary responsibility of managing the facilities and programs in our five residence halls, Faculty Row Houses, and the Kendall Apartment Complex.

We provide quality programs and services to assist with the challenging transition to college living. Our office provides monthly dorm events that ease the many issues faced by students. These programs are designed to:

Provide opportunities for students to learn skills that contribute to living successfully in a pluralistic environment
Cultivate the development of character, civility, and community
Develop an understanding of the interrelationships that support a productive and meaningful life
Ensure the safety and security of the residents
Offer proper referrals to available services on- and off-campus
Maintain discipline in the residence halls, Faculty Row Houses, and Kendall Apartment Complex
Runs several paraprofessional programs in and out of the residence halls

Our office is made up of three major components: Housing Operations, Residence Hall Management and Supervision, and Marketing and Assessment.

Housing Operations

The Housing Operations component of our office covers everything related to daily living in the residence hall rooms and on-campus apartments, including the room lottery, roommate changes, and housing assignments.

We have six University residence halls and three Faculty Row Houses. We also offer housing at the Kendall Apartments where units are available for use by families with children. Housing for married couples without children is available in our University residence halls. For both Married Housing and Kendall Apartments, at least one spouse or parent must be a matriculated student at Gallaudet University. For information please visit here.

Residence Hall Management and Supervision

Residence Hall Management and Supervision covers the daily educational programming aspects of residence hall living and policy enforcement. Our staff work closely with the Department of Public Safety to ensure that our residents have a safe and positive living experience. Please visit Residence Hall Policies to view the Student Handbook online. We also have a Frequently Asked Questions page where you will find answers to the most commonly-asked questions.

Marketing and Assessment

The Marketing and Assessment component of our office covers the efforts of getting the message out to the community about Residence Life and Housing.

Have more questions or want more information? Contact us or visit us at Ely Center 132.

Meet the Team

Andrew Schewe

Director, Residence Life and Housing

Adrienne Campbell

Administrative Assistant

Paul Kozak

Residence Education Coordinator

Roderick Stickley

Residence Education Coordinator

Nikki Surber

Residence Life Manager

Marlena Demmon

Residence Education Coordinator

ReNelle Baker

Residence Education Coordinator

Jacob Magallan

Residence Education Coordinator

Support

Housing Operations Services

Our Housing Operations services covers everything related to the daily living in the residence hall rooms and on-campus apartments. This includes room lotteries, roommate changes, and housing assignments. We believe that a housing assignment entitles the resident the opportunity to be a part of a...

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Marketing and Assessment

Our office provides marketing and assessment services and is responsible for getting the message out to the community about Residence Life and Housing as well as gathering data on the residence hall living experience. Some of the assessment work we do include surveys, 1:1 interviews,...

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Apply for Housing

We offer a large selection of housing options at Gallaudet University. These include traditional and non-traditional single to multiple occupancy housing in the residence halls and apartments. We also offer housing options for students with their families including children and for students who are married...

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Summer Housing

We invite students taking summer sessions courses, internships, or working to stay in our summer housing on campus. Students receive a twin-XL sized bed, mattress, dresser, desk and chair. Laundry and vending services are located within each residence hall. To apply for summer housing, complete...

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A Guide to the Appeal Process

A decision was made in your case and you were informed of your rights to appeal the decision(s) shared with you. If you decide to appeal the decision, please click on this link, Residence Life and Housing Appeal Form. To assist you with understanding the...

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On-Campus Apartments

We have a number of on-campus apartments available for our students who are either married or have their families with them. Apartments are available in all residence halls for married housing, depending on availability. The apartments are unfurnished and include one bedroom, bathroom, living room,...

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Housing Application

All students who reside on campus are required to have a completed and signed Housing Application on file. NEW STUDENTS: You will need to get your Gallaudet e-mail username and password before you are able to view your Self-Service account in bison.gallaudet.edu. To complete your...

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Housing Cancellation Requests

If you want to cancel your housing assignment, you must submit a Housing Cancellation Request Form Please note, Cancellation Requests do not take effect until approved by the Housing Operations Manager During fall semesters (for the upcoming spring semesters), Request Forms must be completed by...

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Terms of Occupancy

(Updated as of March 19, 2018)

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Residency Requirement Policy

All first-year and second-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus First-year undergraduate students are defined as: Incoming new students (including former English Language Institute students) Incoming new transfers students Second-year undergraduate students are defined as: Students who are in their third and fourth...

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First-Year and Second-Year Residency Requirement

All first-year and second-year students are required to live in University residence halls. Gallaudet University believes that students who stay in our residence halls will benefit from the residential living experience as an integral elements of student engagement and educational success. Studies have shown that...

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The Exemption Process

We realize that some students circumstances may mean you wish to live off-campus. Our Housing Operations Manager will consider any exemptions to this policy based on the below criteria: If your parents, or legal guardians, live within 50 miles from Gallaudet University’s main campus, you...

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Completing the Exemption Form

If you feel you qualify for an exemption to this policy, please complete this Exemption Form. The Housing Operations Manager will consider each request on a case-by-case basis, and may need supporting documentation to help them reach a decision. Please email any supporting documents you...

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Online On-Campus Residency Exemption Form

Complete your reservation request using the form below. We’ll send you a confirmation email when complete.

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Residence Hall Policies

It is often said that approximately 80% of the learning by students during their college years takes place outside of the classroom. Much of this happens during interactions that take place between students in a residence hall. This handbook provides guidelines to make your stay...

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Service Animals

Gallaudet University allows qualified, individually-trained service animals that strictly meet the requirements set forth in Section 1.08 of the Administration and Operations (A&O) Manual. At Gallaudet, we refer "Service Animal" as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the...

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Care Packages

As a parent of, a relative of, or someone who cares about one of our residents, you can send care packages during special days such as birthdays, final exams, or one of those "just because" moments. Please visit Bon Appetit Treats From Home. If you...

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Campus and Student Resources to Resolve Student Issues

The following links below will take you to the appropriate University resource that may be a starting point to respond to your issue. Academic Advising Athletics Campus Activities Office for Career Education & Professional Development (Office for Career Success) Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Health...

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University Residence Halls

A panoramic view of Benson Hall, Clerc Hall, and Carlin Hall. Our University residence halls are named after prominent figures in the histories of Gallaudet, the deaf community, and the deaf education field. We have five residence halls, the newest one being the Living and...

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Welcome to Housing Operations

We are responsible for anything related to housing, housing, and housing! We assign housing based on the following: A completed Housing Application online via bison.gallaudet.edu; Full-time enrollment status at the University but part-time enrollment status will be considered based on availability; and First-come and first-serve....

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Marketing and Assessment

Welcome to the Marketing and Assessment Portal! We are charged with the exclusive responsibility of tracking data to make residence hall living a better experience at Gallaudet. Some of the assessment work we do include surveys, 1:1 interviews, focus groups, and among others. We also...

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FAQs

Room Lottery

What are the Room Lottery application requirements?

Students who participate in the Room Lottery process must complete their Course Registration online prior to completing the Housing Application Form via their BISON account. Once the Housing Application has been submitted, students also must complete the Lottery Application Form via their BISON account. Failure to complete this process by Sunday, June 20, 2021 will result in your inability to participate in the Room Lottery process. If you wish to live on campus next year, you will be placed on the Waiting List.

If you are signing up as an individual with no room/suitemates, then you need to complete one (1) Housing Application for yourself and one (1) Lottery Application Form online via your BISON account.
If you are signing up as a Group of 4 or Group of 2, then your group will need to complete four (4) Housing Applications and one (1) Lottery Application Form online via your BISON account.

I have a disability or medical issue for which I need special housing accommodations. How do I apply?

If you do not currently have housing accommodations on file with Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD), you must register with OSWD for special housing accommodations and receive approval by the Housing Accommodation Committee (HAC) prior to participating in the Room Lottery. If you currently have housing accommodations on file with OSWD, then you can proceed and complete the Housing Application and Lottery Application online via BISON. Residence Life and Housing will set up an appointment with you to select a room/suite that best accommodates your housing needs.

Who do I contact to request for a meal waiver?

To request a meal waiver, you can contact Sherri Necessary at Contact here. You will be provided with information on what is required to provide proof of medical reasons for the request. If you have been approved for a meal waiver, Ms. Necessary will contact Residence Life and Housing, who will then contact you with further instructions on how to retrieve a kitchen key for Carlin Hall. Please note that you are not required to live in Carlin Hall when you have a meal waiver.

Are meal plans required for residents who live on campus?

Yes, students who live on campus are required to have meal plans.

Can I live with someone of the opposite gender?

You cannot share a room or a suite with someone of the opposite gender. When completing the Lottery Application, everyone must be of same gender.

When do I sign my housing contract and terms of occupancy?

When you complete your Housing Application online via BISON, you will be asked to read the Housing Contract and Terms of Occupancy, as well as the Student Handbook before you can save your Housing Application. By saving your Housing Application, you are electronically signing your Housing Contract. An e-mail will be sent to you with links to the Housing Contract and Terms of Occupancy and the Student Handbook so you can view them online anytime you need to. Please note that all signed Housing Applications are legally binding.

How long do I have to select a room?

You may sign into the Room Lottery online via BISON as soon as your 1-hour time slot begins, or any time afterwards until Room Lottery ends on Thursday, June 24, at 5:00pm. There is no time limit; you may take as long as you need to choose your room. Keep in mind that after every hour, a new group of students will have access to the Room Lottery online to select their rooms/suites, so it is to your advantage to choose your room/suite and sign your contract as early as you can.

What happens during online room lottery?

When it is your turn to choose a room/suite, there will also be four (4) other students or groups choosing a room/suite at the same time. You may be the first person or group to choose a room/suite or you may be the second, third, fourth, or fifth. When you log in via BISON to choose a room/suite, you will see a list of rooms/suites that are available to you or your group. If the room/suite is not listed, then it has been taken.

When will my online room lottery time slot be?

Residence Life and Housing will email you your assigned Online Room Lottery date and time slot. It is your responsibility to check your email and retrieve the date and time slot information.

Am I guaranteed on-campus housing for next year?

Yes, you are guaranteed housing on campus as long as you participate in the Room Lottery.

Does it matter when I sign up for the Room Lottery?

You may sign up anytime between Monday, May 24, 2021 to Sunday, June 20, 2021. There is no first come, first serve basis. However, if you decide to sign up after June 20, contact Residence Life and Housing at Contact here to be placed on the Waiting List.

What is Room Lottery?

Room Lottery is an online process that will give you the ability to choose a room/suite for the upcoming academic year. If you want to live on campus next year, then you should sign up for the Room Lottery between Monday, May 24, 2021 to Sunday, June 20, 2021.

Safety

What Other Security Features are Available in University Residence Halls?

All entrances and exit doors are monitored 24 hours a day/7 days a week via cameras connected to the front desk offices and the Department of Public Safety. In addition, panic buttons have been installed in each room of the Ballard Residential Complex and the Living and Learning Residence Hall 6, as well as every residence hall office. These buttons are for the use of emergency summons only. When a panic button is pushed, a signal goes directly to the Department of Public Safety, facilitating an immediate response.

How are Residents Informed About Safety and Security?

All Gallaudet University students, whether they live on-campus or off-campus, receive information through the following:

Orientation Programs meetings and videos
Sessions by Residence Life and Housing Staff
Department of Public Safety brochures, safety programs and workshops, and crime alert bulletins
Residence Life and Housing Staff receive training sessions for preparation in aiding and advising students in non-academic issues, including safety and security
Peer Health Advocates and Resident Assistants conduct workshops on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and the problems of acquaintance rape;
DPS and the Office of Residence Life and Housing also share tips with residents about off-campus safety.

What is the Guest Policy?

Gallaudet University permits guests in the residence halls as long as they are escorted by residents. Guests are defined as off-campus students and visitors who are not members of the University community. All guests of residents must sign in, state who they are visiting, and provide a valid picture identification card to residence hall staff upon entry:

The visitor’s information will be logged in by the staff on duty;
Upon registration as an overnight guest, an overnight pass will be issued to the guest;
The overnight pass is required to be carried at all times and must be surrendered at departure.

Off-campus visitors are defined as anyone who is not a registered student at Gallaudet, Gallaudet students who reside off-campus, or students who are attending the Clerc Center, regardless of their age, except when the student is registered to stay with a parent or legal guardian in Visitor Housing.

How Do Residents Gain Access to their Rooms in University Residence Halls?

Keys are issued to residents for entrance into their rooms/suites. In residence halls with public restrooms in their wings, the room key is able to gain access to the restroom in the wing.

How are the entrances to university Residence Halls Secured?

University residence halls are locked 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Residents gain access through one main entrance for each residence hall via their access card which also serves as their Gallaudet University identification card. These cards are issued by the Department of Public Safety. Residents may enter their own residence hall with their access card 24 hours a day, and their access to other residence halls is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily.

Residency Requirements

What if I am a non-traditional undergraduate?

If you have never been enrolled in a higher education institution, you will be required to live on-campus as a first-year undergraduate. If you have been enrolled in a higher education institution, you may be required to live on-campus depending on your undergraduate status. Contact the Housing Operations Office if you have questions.

What if I am starting school in the spring semester?

Spring will be counted as the first semester living on campus for undergraduates enrolled in college for the first time in the spring. Residency through the summer will not count as a semester under this policy. Residency must be through the fall and spring academic semesters.

What about Safety and security issues on campus?

The Office of Residence Life and Housing often hears concerns from parents about campus safety. While safety can’t be guaranteed for any individual, our staff works closely with Gallaudet University’s Department of Public Safety and the Office of Student Conduct to see to that a number of policies, programs, and services are in place to optimize the safety and security of our on-campus residents. Examples of these initiatives include:

Restricted visiting hours
Sign-ins of guests and required escorts
Exterior doors are locked 24/7 and are alarmed
Residence hall staff and Department of Public Safety personnel are trained on safety and security issues
Residence hall staff are trained on mediation tactics
Educational programming safety training in residence halls
The Department of Public Safety provides escort services, monitors a large bank of security cameras, and conducts campus patrols to ensure the continued safety and security of residents.

What about First and second-year programming?

The Office of Student Success and the Office of Residence Life have developed a year-long comprehensive programming model that will allow both first and second-year undergraduates to adjust to on-campus living while ensuring academic success. Participation in on-campus programs and activities around these focus areas is encouraged: celebrating differences, academic support, campus resources, drug and alcohol awareness, and community service.

Do other schools ask first and second-year undergraduates to stay on campus during their first year?

Yes, many schools across the country require first-year and second-year undergraduates to live on-campus because data has overwhelmingly shown that on-campus living helps students to succeed academically. In fact, this has become common practice for most four year institutions. A study in 1997 by Gary Pike, Charles Schroeder, and Thomas Berry discovered that students living in residence halls are more likely to persist to graduation and those who live in residence halls structured around academic themes had higher levels of achievement and persistence than other students (Enhancing the Educational Impact of Residence Halls: The Relationship Between Residential Learning Communities and First-Year College Experience and Persistence, Journal of College Student Development, November/December 1997, Vol. 38, No. 6, p. 611).

Why was the policy that some students must live on campus implemented?

We have known for some time that students who live on campus are retained and achieve success in academics and social development.

Meal Plans

What if I’m on a special diet?

Gallaudet University is very conscious of our students with special dietary needs. The University Dining Services manager is available to anyone who has concerns about dining on campus. If you need special meals or are requesting a waiver from the University Meal Plan, please reference the Food Services webpage for further instructions.

Are residents required to have meal plans?

Yes. All on-campus residents are required to participate in a meal plan. You have a choice of three different meal plans (21, 15, or 10 meals per week). Residents who reside in the Faculty Row houses, married apartments, and family apartments are exempt from this requirement. However, these residents can sign-up for a meal plan if they choose. Reference the Food Services webpage for more information.

May I cook in my room?

Yes, but only with the authorized and pre-approved cooking appliances such as a microwave. For a full list of approved appliances and other questions, please contact us.

Items I Can or Cannot Bring

Can I bring my pet?

No. For health and safety reasons, pets other than service animals are not permitted in the residence halls or on the Gallaudet campus. Those who plan to bring a service animal must contact the Assistance Animal Accommodation Coordinator for policy information and registration via e-mail. For more information, please review the Gallaudet University Service Animal Policy. You may also contact us for more information.

Can I have an overnight guest in my room?

Guests residing on campus, who are not students, are only permitted upon invitation. It is the responsibility of the host or hostess to ensure the guest is properly registered and that the guest’s presence or behavior does not infringe on the rights of roommates or other residents.

Am I allowed to bring my car?

Yes. Cars are allowed on campus as long as they are registered with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), where you will be issued a parking permit. You must provide proof of insurance. Please contact us or visit Campus Parking for more information.

What do you suggest that I bring with me?

You will need your own small wastebasket, study lamp, 80″ long mattress pad, extra long twin sheets, hangers, alarm clock, iron, small ironing board, laundry basket, and other personal items. Be aware of your room size and space limitations. There are no storage rooms in the residence halls.

Does my room have a telephone?

Landline telephone services are not provided by the University and if a telephone is desired, Voice-Over Internet Phones (VOIPs) can be used. You can buy a VOIP and install it in your room, however, you will be responsible for covering any VOIP service fees.

Can I bring my computer?

Yes. Gallaudet University has been superb in keeping pace with computer technology advances. Each room is equipped with an ethernet hookup to allow for networking. You will be required to purchase an Ethernet card if one does not exist in your hardware (information will be provided by the Gallaudet Technology Services during business registration). You are encouraged to buy insurance for your computer and to register it with the Department of Public Safety when you arrive. Please reference the Gallaudet University Technology Policy governing the use of University network resources.

What kind of appliance am I allowed to bring?

Any appliance that does not contain an open heating element, is approved by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), or has a Factory Mutual (FM) label is allowed. For example, microwaves, electric clocks, blankets, electric razors, irons, radios, stereos, and hair dryers are allowed, but they must be in safe operating condition. The following items are NOT permitted: toasters, toaster ovens, sandwich makers, cooking burners. Some items that are not on this list may still be forbidden. When in doubt, lease contact us.

Alcohol and Other Drug Policies

Can someone be arrested for possessing, using, or distributing drugs on campus?

Yes. Federal law and the Student Code of Conduct prohibits these activities on and off campus.

Are there any restrictions on the size of containers of alcoholic beverages in the residence halls?

Possession or use of kegs, beer balls, large punch bowls, or other common containers of alcoholic beverages of a similar nature is prohibited in the residence halls. Consult Gallaudet University’s alcohol and other drug policies for more information.

Am I allowed to consume alcohol in the hallways?

No opened bottles or cans of alcoholic beverages are allowed in public areas. This includes the hallways and lobbies in the residence halls. Consult Gallaudet University’s alcohol and other drug policies for more information.

What will happen if my guest possesses, transports, or consumes any type of alcoholic beverages within the residence halls?

Guests are allowed to possess, transport, or consume alcoholic beverages in the residence halls if the guest is of legal drinking age and they are not in a dry residence hall. If your guest is underage or violates the Alcohol and Other Drug Policies such as giving alcoholic beverages to an underage individual, your guest will be removed from campus by the Department of Public Safety, and you will be charged for a policy violation for your guest’s conduct.

What are the consequences of violating the alcohol policy?

Depending on the severity of the alcohol policy violations, there is a range of sanctions that may be assigned. Please review the Alcohol and Other Drug Policies and the Alcohol and Other Drugs Point System Policy section in the online Student Handbook.

May I drink alcoholic beverages in the residence hall?

Gallaudet University is committed to providing a campus environment that is free from illegal or abusive use of drugs and alcohol. All students are subject to state and local laws pertaining to alcohol. Students must be 21 years of age to consume or possess any form of alcoholic beverage. There are residence halls designated as alcohol-free and, regardless of students’ or guests’ ages, no alcoholic beverages are permitted. In other residence halls that are not designated as alcohol-free, people of legal drinking age, either resident students or guests, may consume or possess alcohol.

Roommate Questions

How can I be assigned a single room?

Limited single rooms are available for those who have medical or disability needs. Once distributed, any remaining available single rooms will be open to individuals who have applied for a single room through the Room Lottery process.

Do I have a choice of roommate(s)?

For new students, rooms and roommate(s) are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Office of Residence Life and Housing matches roommates by sex and age similarities. If you have a preferred roommate, you and your roommate of choice must both fill out the application with the name of your roommate preference. After your first year on campus, you will participate in the regular room lottery process based on the university point system (GPA and credits accumulated).

What if I don’t like my roommate?

We encourage you to work on developing quality communication with your roommate to resolve any challenges. If you are unable to find a solution, contact your residence hall staff for alternatives. A room change can only be made if space is available or a switch can be arranged. A Roommate Change period will last through the second week of each academic semester (Fall and Spring) when students may be shuffled and rooms may be consolidated.

Housing Contracts, Eligibility, and Holiday Breaks

Can I stay on campus over the summer?

You may stay on campus over the summer only if you are attending the summer session or are working in the metropolitan area. Students should expect to move to a designated summer residence hall. You will be paying for the room should you decide to stay during the summer.

Can I stay on campus during vacations or breaks?

Yes. Students may remain on campus during the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks. However, meal plans do not extend through Spring Break. During the Winter Break, students must physically vacate the building, but they may leave their belongings in the room. Refer to the academic calendar for the dates of the Winter Break.

Can my contract be terminated?

Yes. The residence contract will be terminated for students who violate their contract or are academically dismissed.

Who is eligible to live on campus?

All first-year and second-year students are required to reside on campus. Other full-time students are eligible to reside on campus, however, part-time students may reside on campus, pending availability.

Contact Us

Residence Life and Housing

Andrew Schewe

Ely Center 132

(202) 250-2988

(202) 651-5255

(202) 651-5757

Monday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

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