Residence Life and Housing

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.

Programs

Commuter Programs

Welcome to the hub of connection for our off-campus students! At Commuter Programs, we're dedicated to creating a strong bridge between commuter students and the heartbeat of campus life. We offer an array of engaging programs, advocacy initiatives, and lively social events. But we're more...

Meet the Team

Andy Schewe

Director, Residence Life and Housing

Stephanie Sforza

Housing Operations Manager

Michael Slane

Associate Housing Operations Coordinator

Roderick Stickley

Residence Education Coordinator

Nikki Surber

Residence Life Manager

Marlena Demmon

Residence Education Coordinator

ReNelle Baker

Residence Education Coordinator

Carol Lynn

Residence Education Coordinator

Information

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...

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...

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. Before applying for summer housing, you...

Winter Break Housing

All residence halls will be closed from December 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. to January 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Only students who reside in apartments on campus will be allowed to stay on campus during the winter break. No campus services will be...

Requesting Reconsideration of an Exemption Decision

Explore the process for requesting reconsideration of an exemption decision at Gallaudet University. Learn how to navigate housing policies effectively.

Visitor Housing

Discover Gallaudet University's visitor housing options, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities for guests. Explore your stay today!

Internet Access for Visitors

Discover essential information about internet access for visitors at Gallaudet University, ensuring a smooth and connected stay on campus.

Room Rates for On-Campus Housing

Explore Gallaudet University's on-campus housing room rates. Find comprehensive information on costs, amenities, and options to make your stay comfortable.

Student Room Linens

Discover essential information about student room linens at Gallaudet University. Find details on purchasing, care, and options to enhance your living space!

Service Animals

Explore Gallaudet University's guidelines on service animals, ensuring a supportive environment for students with disabilities in residence life and housing.

Residence Hall Policies

Explore Gallaudet University's residence hall policies to ensure a safe and supportive living environment. Discover guidelines for a positive campus experience.

Online On-Campus Residency Exemption Form

Explore Gallaudet University's online on-campus residency exemption form. Submit your request easily and find detailed information about housing policies and options.

Completing the Exemption Form

Discover the process for completing the exemption form for Gallaudet University's residence life. Ensure your housing needs are met with our helpful guide!

The Exemption Process

Discover Gallaudet University's exemption process for residence life and housing. Find essential information and guidelines to navigate your housing options effectively.

First-Year and Second-Year Residency Requirement

Discover Gallaudet University's residency requirements for first and second-year students. Learn about housing options and campus life for new students.

Residency Requirement Policy

Explore Gallaudet University's residency requirement policy to understand housing expectations and guidelines for students. Find essential information for your campus life!

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....

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...

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...

Room Lottery

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.

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.

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.

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Areas of Study

Overview

Housing Operations

Residence Hall Management and Supervision

Marketing and Assessment

Programs

Meet the Team

Andy Schewe

Stephanie Sforza

Michael Slane

Roderick Stickley

Nikki Surber

Marlena Demmon

ReNelle Baker

Carol Lynn

Information

FAQs

Room Lottery

Safety

Residency Requirements

Meal Plans

Items I Can or Cannot Bring

Alcohol and Other Drug Policies

Roommate Questions

Housing Contracts, Eligibility, and Holiday Breaks

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