Residential Standards & Roommate/Suitemate Expectations

Objective
Residents are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes a safe, secure, courteous, and respectful residential environment that supports academic success, personal growth, and community well-being.

Community Living Philosophy
Living on campus at Morgan State University is a privilege that carries shared rights and responsibilities. Residents are expected to engage in open communication, mutual respect, and personal accountability in order to maintain a positive living and learning environment for all.

General Resident Expectations
Residents are expected to:

• Use their assigned space in a manner that allows for equitable and reasonable use by roommates and suitemates.
• Respect the rights, property, and personal belongings of others.
• Be considerate of noise levels, shared spaces, and differing schedules
• Communicate concerns directly and respectfully with roommates or suitemates when appropriate.
• Contact Residence Life staff for support when issues cannot be resolved independently

Residential Rules & Regulations
Residents must comply with all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures established by the Office of Residence Life & Housing (ORL&H), Dining Services, and other official University publications.

Violation of these standards may result in housing-related action and/or referral through the University conduct process. In cases involving violations of local, state, or federal law, or behavior that poses a risk to health or safety, administrative action up to and including termination of the housing agreement may occur.

Key Residential Policies

Dry Campus Policy

Morgan State University is a dry campus. The possession, use, distribution, or presence of alcohol, cannabis, controlled dangerous substances, or illegal drugs is prohibited in all residence halls and residential spaces, regardless of age.

Weapons-Free Campus

Morgan State University is a weapons-free campus. Weapons of any kind are prohibited in residence halls and university-associated premises, including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, knives, and other dangerous items.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Only approved Emotional Support Animals are permitted in campus housing. ESAs must be registered and approved through the appropriate University process prior to arrival. Unauthorized animals are not permitted in residence halls.

Guests, Visitation & Overnight Policy

• Residents must adhere to established visiting hours for their residence hall
• Overnight guests are not permitted unless explicitly approved in writing by ORL&H
• Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests at all times
• Unauthorized large gatherings or events are prohibited

Cleanliness & Hygiene

Residents are responsible for maintaining acceptable standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene in assigned spaces and shared areas. Failure to do so may result in administrative action.

BearCard Usage

Residents must carry and properly use their BearCard at all times.

BearCard Do’s:

• Use only your assigned BearCard
• Report lost or stolen cards immediately

BearCard Don’ts:

• Do not lend or share your BearCard
• Do not allow others to use your card to access residence halls

Fire Safety & Facilities

• Tampering with fire safety equipment is strictly prohibited under any circumstances. This includes smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers
• Residents must never disable, cover, remove, or alter fire safety equipment.
• Maintenance issues (e.g., broken locks, malfunctioning AC, fire-detection concerns) must be reported promptly through the University’s maintenance reporting system or in writing to Residence Life staff.

Property Care & Damage

Residents are expected to:

• Protect University property from damage, whether willful, reckless, or negligent
• Refrain from participating in or encouraging behavior that causes damage
• Promptly report any damage to facilities or common areas to ORL&H staff in writing
• Assist the University, when appropriate, in identifying individuals responsible for damage

Residents are financially responsible for damages to their assigned space beyond normal wear and tear and must return their space and furnishings in acceptable condition at check-out.

Safety, Security & Accountability
Residents are responsible for:

• The proper use of safety and security devices within their residence hall.
• Immediately reporting lost or stolen keys, key fobs, or BearCards
• Reporting safety concerns or hazards to Residence Life staff without delay

Respect for Staff & Community Members
Residents are expected to treat Residence Life staff and fellow community members with respect. Harassment, insubordination, or disruptive behavior toward staff or residents will not be tolerated.

Communication & Support
Residents are encouraged to address concerns early and appropriately. Depending on the nature of the issue, residents should contact:

• Resident Assistant (RA) – first point of contact for roommate concerns, policy questions, and general support
• Residence Director (RD) – for ongoing issues or serious concerns
• Office of Residence Life & Housing – for housing-related matters, policy clarification, or emergencies

All complaints regarding conduct, safety concerns, or disruptions to the residential environment should be reported promptly to ORL&H staff for appropriate action.