Residential Policies
Early Arrival Process
Students who are unable to arrive on campus in the fall on their designated arrival date have the opportunity to apply for consideration to be allowed to move back into their assigned residences at an earlier date.
The application process will entail students completing an early arrival application via our website or requesting a paper copy by contacting our office if internet access is not available to you. The application will be available towards the end of May; all students who wish to be considered for early arrival must complete this application. Please note that emails or phone calls to the office will not be accepted in place of this application. If you are a registered student with a disability and would also like consideration for your disability status, you will concurrently need to apply with the DSS Office for a housing accommodation based upon your specific needs. The Office of Disability and Support Services will then make recommendations to the Residential Life office should any exceptions need to be made.
Smoking in the Residence Halls
Smoking is prohibited in all resident rooms, common areas and residence hall buildings; if a student chooses to smoke, they must do so outside the building and at least 25 feet away, disposing of their trash in approved receptacles. Guests of Vassar students must also adhere to the smoking policy at all times.
Noise Complaints
Reasonable quiet is maintained in the houses and on the campus at all times. Quiet conditions are vital for study and sleep in an academic and residential community and can only be maintained through the cooperation of every individual.
An all-campus noise code has been established by the VSA (Vassar Student Association). Each house has the option of modifying the code. A copy of such changes must be submitted to the Office of Residential Life.
Quiet must be maintained between the hours of 11:00 pm and 10:00 am, Sunday to Thursday, and 2:00 am to noon, Friday and Saturday. If this policy is violated, a system of warnings will be initiated. If warnings produce no results, complaints can be brought to the Residential Life Judicial Board.
Noise complaints can be filed with the Residential Operations Center or with the House President.
Common Area Damage
Damage to residence halls that is beyond normal wear and tear is billed out to the individual (if known), the corridor, or shared by the entire building depending on the specific location of the damage.
House Secretaries work closely with their House Advisors to investigate residence hall damage and make sure the charge is fair and just. If a charge is not accurate, the Secretary will appeal it to the Office of Residential Life.
Damages are tallied on a monthly basis and billed out at the end of each semester to student accounts. Monthly damages are posted in every residence hall for all residents to view.