Duquesne University | Office of Residence Life

Welcome to Duquesne's Living/Learning Centers! For those of you who are having your first experience living in the residence halls, be prepared for a thrilling ride. Chances are that you may be moving in with someone you've never had the opportunity to meet. Since we know this can be a rough transition (whether you are a freshman or a senior!), we thought we'd give you a few tips to help with the challenge. Keep in mind that attitude is everything-learning to live with others in the residence halls can give you just the as much of an education as your classroom experiences.

As roommates, you will be sharing a small space for 10 months. Yes, you can fit everything that you need into that space without having an engineering degree. Even you and your roommate(s) will fit in there, we promise. However, for things to works smoothly, it's important that you discuss some issues right away. First rule is to always keep the lines of communication open-if you are having a problem, you need to be able to talk to your roommate(s), and they need to be able to talk to you. Playing open and fair is always the best approach. We encourage all students to complete a roommate contract or living agreement, which is a great tool to begin the dialogue on living together.

Do you mind lending personal items, such as money, food, clothes, class notes, etc?
What items are okay to share-TV, VCR, computer, microwave, and refrigerator?
What are things you/I would rather not share?
Do you want to buy stuff together? Like a carpet (how will you settle the costs if you decide to split up later?) Or food (do you keep a common stash or separate stashes)

Of course this is just the beginning. Even if you and your roommate happen to be the best of friends, we're willing to bet that each of you will have other acquaintances that you will want to spend time with. Having guests in your room is also important to talk about. Some people thrive by having others around, and some people thrive on their own. With advanced planning and respect, you and your roommate can come up with a compromise. Issues you may want to talk about are:

How do you feel about guests of the same sex? Opposite sex?
Do you prefer to have time alone, or do you prefer to having people around?

Another transition to residence life is that you go from living in a home of a few people, perhaps having your own room, to living in a building with hundreds of people and sharing a room, bathroom and common areas. It's probably going to be a much louder environment then you were accustomed to at home. Noise and study habits are something that you should talk about with both room- and floormates.

What time of day or night do you like to study?
How much noise can you tolerate while studying? Do you need complete silence, or is the TV or Radio or Nintendo/Playstation/computer okay?
Will you study in the room, or will you be going to the lounge or library to study?
What kind of hours do you keep? Are you a night owl or early bird?

Some other areas you may wish to explore with your roommate are the following: cleanliness of the room, family and educational backgrounds, and attitudes about drug/alcohol use.

Finally, if you do have some problems in your roommate relationship, we've provided some guidelines to help you out, remember to be open and play fair.

Rules for Good Discussion

Focus on the behavior that concerns you-not on your roommate.
"Own" your feelings. No one can make you feel something - you choose to feel that way.
Try to listen to your roommate's. Let him/her speak without interruption.
Make sure you understand what is being said. As for clarification-never assume anything.
Remember this is not a win-lose situation. The goal is to find some kind of compromise you can all live with. Try to be as objective and rational as possible.
If emotions are running too high, take a break and talk again later.
Try to get to the heart of the problem right away. Don't waste time on little details of the concern.
Try to remain calm.

If you haven't been able to work out your conflicts using this model, have no fear. The Residence Life staff is here to help you address these issues. Your RA, as well as the RD/GA are available to assist you. Sometimes having a neutral third party be there helps you and your roommate(s) be able to communicate in a more productive manner. Good Luck!

*adapted from Michigan State University, Department of Residence Life

Campus Safety

Duquesne University is a small, friendly community located in a relatively sizeable city. Life on the Bluff may be fairly safe, but you should always remember that safety is a continuing act of responsibility which students and staff must share together. Neither the University nor the community can be crime-free, but we can definitely take measures to reduce the crime and safety problems.

Some Suggestions that you should keep in mind, both on - and off - campus, are the following:

Walk in groups of 2 or more after dark.
Use DUPD (Duquesne University Police Department's)escort service when traveling around campus or into the parking garage. It can be reached at 412-396-6002.
Walk in well-lighted, well traveled areas.
Make sure that someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
Dress for freedom of movement-no confining or uncomfortable clothing.
After dark, have your keys ready before you get to your room or car.
Park in a well-lighted area.
Always look into the back seat of your car and under your car before getting in. Also, lock your doors while driving.
If you receive annoying or obscene phone calls, hang up and report the call to your RD and to the DUPD.
Always find out who is on the other side of the door before you open it.
Take note of where the outdoor campus phone (blue lights) are located.

The university maintains a professional police force, which patrols the campus on a regular basis. The police are also available to do outreach programs on personal safety for organizations, residence hall communities or departments. They can be reached at 412-396-6002 (general information), or 412-396-4747 (emergencies).

*adapted from Clemson University Campus Housing Guide

Tips on Protecting Your Personal Possessions

Before coming to campus, have identification numbers engraved on your valuable belongings such as bikes, stereos, etc. and register them with the DUPD. Also, the DUPD has an engraver, which you can borrow for this purpose.
Always close and lock your door and windows whenever you leave your room, even if you'll be gone a few minutes or even down the hall. Thefts can happen that fast.
Don't keep a lot of cash in your room.
Adhere to visitation and escort policies. These policies are in place to assure that we have the safest campus possible.
Exit through main entrances only. Propping other doors, which lead into the building, compromises security, because anyone could wander into the Living/Learning Centers. An added security measure is that exit doors are equipped with alarms.
Report all suspicious activities or persons to the Residence Life staff or the DUPD.

*adapted from Clemson University Campus Housing Guide

Suggestions for Fire Safety

Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.
Turn off electric blankets, irons, lamps and curling irons immediately after use.
Never cover lamps with any material for any reason.
Combustible items should not be attached to doors or in doorways.
Room decorations should be non-flammable items only.
Candles, incense and open flame electrical appliances (toasters, hot plates) are not permitted in residence halls.
Check the smoke detector in your room monthly. If needed, your RA can provide you with replacement batteries. Check any fire extinguishers near your room as well.
Keep hallways and exit paths clear at all times.
Do not overload circuit by plugging too many appliances into one outlet. We strongly suggest that you use and Underwriter's Laboratory approved power strip with a build in circuit breaker when plugging more then one appliance in an outlet. This protects both your and the university's property..
If your clothing catches fire - stop, drop and roll.
ALWAYS take fire alarms seriously. Fire spreads very, very quickly, and smoke inhalation can be just as dangerous as fire.
Discourage people that are tampering with the fire safety equipment or alarms. It is your safety that they are playing with. Playing with such devices can leave you defenseless if a fire starts.

*adapted from the Michigan State Universit, Department of University Housing handbook.

Guideline for Students Concerning Sexual Assault

The following is excerpted from the University's Sexual Assault Policy:

A profound concern for moral and spiritual values is emphasized in the Mission Statement of Duquesne University. This concern is underscored on the Sexual Assault Policy, which serves to protect the right of each member of the university community from unacceptable and unconscionable sexual assault. All students are responsible for their own actions and are expected to maintain high moral and ethical standards as well as comply with the provisions of state, local, and federal law.

Sexual Assault is a violation of the University Code of Conduct involving physical contact of sexual nature which is against one's will or without one's consent. Regrettably, sexual assault happens and perpetrators can be relatives, friends, dates, acquaintances, or strangers. Violated victims may experience feelings of confusion, disbelief, shock, guilt, shame, self-blame, resentment, anger and fear. These are natural reactions which need to be addressed in the best possible way.

The following strategies have been found to help avert sexual assaults

Be on alert; perceive danger early.
Yell. flee, talk.
display outrage rather then fear.
If you life is in danger, use passive resistance (vomit, urinate, tell the attacker you are diseased).

*taken from the Clemson University Campus Housing Guide

If you are a victim or know a victim of sexual assault, follow these guidelines:

Attempt to get to a safe place as quickly as possible.
For assistance, victims can contact the University Counseling Center, 412-396-6204; a Residence Life Staff Member, 412-396-5888; Health Service, 412-396-1650; Campus Ministry; or University Police, 412-396-4747.
It is important to preserve all physical evidence. DO NOT bathe, shower or douche. If oral sex was involved do not brush your teeth, drink or smoke. These activities will destroy evidence. Also, the victim should not try to change clothes before seeking medical treatment. If possible bring another set of clothing to the hospital as original will be preserved as possible evidence. If the victim changes clothes prior to going to the hospital s/he should take the soiled clothes in a paper bag as evidence.
Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment to assess for sexual transmitted diseases, injury or pregnancy. Hospital personnel will also collect evidence in case the victim might wish to file criminal charges later. It is important to know that although hospitals are required to report any injuries, which are a result of a crime, this does not mean that the victim must file charges.
Any victim may pursue legal action. However, it is difficult to collect physical evidence more then 72 hours after and assault to support such charges.
Victims who wish to take legal action against the assailant may seek assistance through the campus judicial board, university police, or Pittsburgh police.
Victims have the right to refuse to take legal action even if they file a police report.
Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to obtain counseling through the University Counseling Center (412-396-6204), Pittsburgh Action Against Rap (PAAR) (412-765-2731), or the center for Victims of Violent Crime (412-392-8582).
Victims are encouraged to contact someone they trust such as a close friend, family member or campus ministry staff member to offer support throughout the process.

Roommate Bill of Rights

Basic rights of a Roommate
You have a responsibility to your roommate! Try to use the following values as guidelines:

The right to study in one's room free from undue interference. You room (and Residence Hall) should provide you with an environment that allows you to succeed academically. Your purpose at Duquesne is primarily academic - your right to study in your room is protected.
The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, your roommate's guest(s), etc. Regular sleep is essential to your general health and peace of mind. It take precedence over any activity that might interfere with this right.
The right to expect that a roommate will respect your personal belongs. Your personal object are just that - PERSONAL; what , when, and with whom you choose to share is your decision.
The right to be free from fear of intimidation, physical or emotional harm.
The right to live in a clean, safe, healthy environment.
The right to privacy.
The right to entertain guests (with the understanding that your guests are your responsibility). They are to respect the rights of your roommate and the member so your floor. Your roommate needs your consent to have a guest stay overnight (in accordance with university policy) and you need theirs.
The right to the settlement of conflicts. Duquesne's Living/Learning Center staff is here to help you with this matter.
The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of shared services.

Communication is the KEY to establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with your roommate. Take nothing for granted and remember that openness, honesty and respect will help you over come the majority of conflicts you find yourself in.

Need Help?

What do I do about maintenance concerns - electric outlets that don't work, burnt out light bulbs, a faucet that won't stop running, etc.?

During office hours, contact the office of your particular building. The RD or the secretary can submit your concerns to Facilities Management. If it is after hours or on the weekend, tell your RA or the RA on duty. S/he can get in touch with the maintenance department if necessary. Please note that Facilities Management needs to prioritize maintenance concerns; they are responsible for addressing the needs of the entire campus, not just the living/learning centers. Situations that are possible health or safety issues will be addressed, followed by those of a less pressing need.

What do I do if I am sick, and it's not during a time that health services is open?

See your RA or RA on duty. S/he will summon the Resident Director that is on call, who can help you asses the severity of an injury. The RD can assist in reaching the university physician who is on call, or can provide you with transportation via university police or ambulance to Mercy Hospital for emergencies. It is a good idea to take any insurance information that you have when going to the hospital for treatment.
PLEASE DO NOT USE 911. THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE DUQUESNE CAMPUS IS 412-396-4747. The reason for this is that our police dispatchers can communicate directly with City of Pittsburgh EMS services, thereby getting them to the scene of the emergency quicker than anyone else on campus.
If you have basic cold or flu symptoms (something you feel can wait until Health Service is open to address), you may want to check some local places for help. Some resources you may want to explore are:

Telephone - Adio Health Library - 1-800-294-9139

Internet
www.healthfinder.gov
www.drkoop.com
www.trfn.clpgh.org/health/

I'm sick/have an injury and can't get to the dining hall for meals. What can I do?

Either you or a friend can pick up a sick tray slip from Health Service. You friend can then make up a try for and take it back to the residence hall. Remember, you are responsible to return the serving ware to the dining all when you are finished.

EEEEKKK!!! I just saw a (small furry creature) or a (small black creature)!!!

The University does provide pest control services. Common areas are addressed weekly and student rooms can be addressed when necessary. If you have a problem to report, each resident director office maintains a service request log. Some ways that you can avoid having to deal with these pests at all though is to do the following: keep all opened food items sealed in plastic containers; keeps all makeup and toiletry items closed; keep your room clean; empty your trash daily; work to reduce pest entryways; wipe up spills they occur; clean refrigerators and desk/dresser tops regularly.

The washer/dryer ate my underwear!

The university also has a contract with the laundry service. The logs requesting maintenance for laundry facilities is also in the RD's office. Please note that we really appreciate when you report that something is not working correctly…the sooner you tell us, the sooner we can get it fixed.

I lost my key.

This is a job for the RA and/or the RD. If you simply locked you of you room, and you know where the key/ID is, the RAs can assist you (for a small fee of $2 or $5). If you really lost one or both o these items, you will need to visit the RD's office during office hours or have an RA reach the RD that is on call for after hours emergencies. You will be taken through the lock change process. We strongly suggest that you be very careful with your key…a lock change costs $46.00, for which you will be responsible.

I lost my ID

All university students are required to have an ID on their persons at all times. If you have "temporarily" displaced yours (temporarily being 2-3 days) , or have lost it during evening or weekend hours, campus police can issue you a temporary ID. You will need to follow up within 3 business days, however to have a new ID card issued to you. Once again loosing ID s can be an expensive habit ($20), so we suggest you be extra careful with this item as well