FAQs and Policies

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

Here are the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about Residence Life at the Mount.

FAQ  |  Residence Life Policies 

How are roommates chosen? Can I choose my own roommate?

For first-year students, roommates are generally paired by a brief questionnaire found on the housing application. Our office can ONLY guarantee mutually requested roommates. To guarantee a roommate, both students MUST request each other by listing each other's name on the housing application, which is sent in late May. We cannot accept suitemate requests. Returning students choose their roommates and room during the housing lottery, which takes place each April.

What housing options are available to freshmen?

Freshmen are housed in Sakac Hall.

What does the room/suite include in the freshmen buildings?

Each suite includes one or two bathrooms, cable access, beds, mattresses, dressers, desks, desk chairs, and two closets per bedroom. Two and three person suites also feature a couch, table, and two chairs in the common area.

Does each person have his or her own Internet access?

We provide a wireless network that works with most wireless laptops and desktop computers.

Is there security in the Residence Halls?

Yes. There is a 24-hour staffed security station in the lobby of Sakac Hall. Building residents are required to swipe their ID card to gain access to areas beyond the security station. Likewise, access to the living areas of the College Courts is restricted to individual building residents by swiping their identification card. In addition, ground level windows in all residential rooms are equipped with tamper resistant security screens. 

Can my friends visit me?

Normally, yes. There is a visitation policy that applies under normal circumstances.

For upperclassmen, the visitation policy is Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 1 am and Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 3 am. Overnight visitors of the same gender are permitted.

For first year students, visitation hours are 11 am - 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 am to 1 am Friday and Saturday. Overnight visitors of the same gender are permitted. No overnight visits of the opposite gender are permitted for any student. For the complete visitation policy, please review the student handbook.

Do freshmen have a curfew?

Yes, students must be swiped into their building by 1 am Sunday through Thursday and 3 am Friday and Saturday.

What kind of staffing can be found in the residence halls?

There are Residence Assistants on each floor and/or wing and a Residence Director in each area. 

How do students do laundry?

Laundry rooms are located in College Court 12, 21, 392, and 408, on the ground floor of Sakac Hall, and on the fourth floor of the Dominican Center.

Can beds be lofted?

Yes. During opening day/week, a member of the maintenance staff will be able to raise, bunk, or loft beds. We allow one loft per bedroom.

How many residents live on campus?

Approximately 1,000 students live on campus. 

 Is housing guaranteed for all four years?

We guarantee housing for residents who pay the required housing deposit before the deadline set by the Residence Life Office. This is subject to bed availability.

Will I be assigned to a triple?

Very few of our first-year students are assigned to a triple room. The triple rooms are de-tripled as space becomes available. Students are able to request a triple.

Can freshmen have cars on campus?

Resident freshmen are permitted to have a vehicle on campus for the current academic year. While this policy is subject to change, first year residents who need to maintain employment (within the nine approved counties) may request an exemption to the parking policy through the Residence Life Office. Please contact us directly for further information. 

Residence Life Policies

The primary focus of residential living at the College is the development of an environment conducive to the educational and personal growth of students. This encourages students to live in a community setting and learn from each other’s backgrounds. The college trains residence life staff to help students achieve these goals. 

Residence Life policies include a three-year residency requirement. 

One Year Housing Requirement (from Requirements for Residency)

Students must pay a nonrefundable $300 room deposit to reserve a room on campus. Returning resident students will be asked to pay this each spring before room selections.

New incoming freshmen and transfers will pay this deposit as part of the $250 Admissions fee. June 1 is the deadline for special housing requests related to medical issues for all incoming freshmen and transfers.

When space allows, single occupancy rooms for incoming freshmen students may be available. Requests should be made, in writing, to the Office of Residence Life prior to the housing application deadline.

All traditional full-time first year students will be required to live on campus the first year, unless they live and reside at their permanent home address, which must fall within one of the seven local counties: Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Bergen (NJ), and Fairfield (CT).

With proper documentation, exceptions to the residence requirement will be considered only in highly selective situations, such as those stated in section A-3 of the occupancy agreement, and as College enrollment allows.  

Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing to the Director of Residence Life. Students requesting an exception due to a change in financial circumstances should outline this change in the letter. All requests will be reviewed by the Office of Residence Life, who will confer with the Office of Financial Aid if the request is due to a change in financial circumstances. Appeal hearings are conducted by a three (3) person panel made up of staff from the College designated by the Office of Student Affairs. The chair of the panel is the Director of Residence Life or his/her designee. Decisions of the appeals board are final. Requests can be delivered to the Office of Residence Life located in Hudson Hall, room 117.

You can review the Residence Life Policies, Housing Agreement, Drug & Alcohol Policy, and other information in the Mount Saint Mary College Student Handbook (PDF).  

Sexual Misconduct Policy

All students are required to abide by the Sexual Misconduct and Grievance Policy, which can be found here.