The Office of Residence Life strives to provide a welcoming and nurturing presence for each resident student and all members of the community who are served by their efforts. The philosophy of this work is to continuously maintain, improve and maximize the necessary conditions for the complete spiritual, intellectual and moral enhancement of each individual who shares in this community. Most importantly, this outreach remains rooted in the University Mission Statement, and respectfully honors the unique talents, gifts, abilities and backgrounds that each person brings to this wonderful enterprise.

Learning takes place beyond the traditional setting of the academic hall. With this understanding in mind, the Office of Residence Life dedicates itself to the creation of a healthy, safe and secure atmosphere where intellectual, personal and professional growth and development are fostered.

A variety of social, psychological, medical and practical concerns arise in the residence areas. In order to respond as quickly and personally as possible, staff members live right in the communities they serve. A full-time, professional resident director lives in each of the six Living Learning Centers and he/she maintains regular office hours. Additionally, each floor/wing houses a resident assistant who acts as an immediate contact person. Members of the Residence Life staff are available 24 hours a day to handle more serious concerns and often act as liaisons to other sources of assistance, such as the university police, the counseling center, the local fire department and nearby medical centers.

Room selection for upper class students takes place in the spring semester for the following academic year. Group housing and special interest wings are available in Duquesne Towers for groups of a dozen or more students who desire to live together. Apartment style living is available in Brottier Hall. All room and board rates, as well as monthly rent fees (Brottier Hall only) are determined on an annual basis and may be subject to change. Please contact the Office of Residence Life for the most current information available.

Housing Policy for Students Studying Abroad
Students studying abroad will pay the university room and board fees to cover expenses for room and board while the student is abroad. These arrangements will be made in conjunction with the Office of International Programs.

The fees do not cover room or board on campus before or after the trip during the semester in which they are abroad.

Students Abroad During the Fall Semester

1. Students may apply for housing for the Spring Semester during room selection.
2. No specific room can be reserved at this time.
3. Students will be given a choice when they return from their travels from the available space in the Living Learning Centers or assigned to a space if there is no preference.
4. Students may contact us via e-mail while abroad to inquire about their housing. (orl@duq.edu)
5. Students may move in at the beginning of the Spring Semester.
6. Students may not move in prior to their trip and/or return from their trip during the Fall Semester. At no time may a student move their belongings into the Living Learning Centers during the Fall Semester.

Students Abroad During the Spring Semester

1. Students may apply for housing for Fall Semester during room selection.
2. Students may apply for a specific room.
3. Students’ residency will end at the completion of the Fall Semester.
4. Residence Life will be able to assign that space for the Spring Semester.
5. The $500 contract breakage fee will not be applied when the student moves out at the end of the Fall Semester.
6. Students may not reside on campus prior to their trip and/or return during the Spring Semester.

Students Abroad During the Spring Term Who Wish to Reserve Housing for the Following Academic Year

1. Students may apply for housing via a proxy, i.e.; friend, roommate or relative OR, if a student prefers, a Residence Life staff may select a room on their behalf by informing Residence via mail or e-mail.
2. Students must meet all residency requirements and provide the required deposit.
3. For more information the student should contact the Office of Residence Life at orl@duq.edu

Residence Policies
No community could function without a set of recognized and approved rules and regulations. In this regard, the resident community at Duquesne University is no different than others. Some of the guidelines, which regulate prescribed conduct and behavior, are imposed through federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. However, a great many of these regulations grow out of the shared needs and interests of this community. The policies and procedures outlined in The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct and The Residence Life Handbook strive to judiciously and compassionately respond to the wide variety of concerns that must be addressed in this diverse population. It is important for all students to familiarize themselves with both their rights and responsibilities as presented in these guidelines. Copies of these manuals are available through the Office of Residence Life and the various Living Learning Centers or can be found online at http://www.residencelife.duq.edu.

University Residency Policy
Freshman and sophomores attending Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit are required to live on campus or with their parents or guardians. As such, compliance is a condition of a student's enrollment to Duquesne University.

The University Residency Waiver Form must be completed and approved by the Director of Residence Life for any student who is requesting to be exempt from this policy. This form is available in the Office of Residence Life, Assumption Hall.

Refer to specific information and requirements of the University Residency Policy in this Handbook.

Departure from the Living Learning Centers
It is the responsibility of each resident to notify the Office of Residence Life of their intent to depart from the Living Learning Centers. This includes, but is not limited to the surrendering of all keys, updating identification with the DU Card Center, completing a room condition report with their Resident Assistant, and completing a Spring Release Form (if necessary).

Procedures for Appealing Housing Agreement Policies

1. Read and understand the housing agreement, the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, and the Residence Life Guidebook.
2. Schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director of Residence Life to discuss options and reasons for appeal.
3. Submit, in writing, a detailed rationale for appeal, this must be written by the student whose name appears on the agreement. You must state the policy that you are appealing within the narrative.
4. If the students appeal is rejected, the student has the right to request in writing his/her appeal to be reviewed by the Director of Residence Life and/or the Executive Vice President for Student Life. This will be considered the terminal stage of the appeal process and the matter will be closed.

Duquesne CARES
The Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Services
Located in Assumption Hall, Duquesne CARES offers a variety of services to the entire University community, including prevention and education programming, evaluations, referrals, and resource materials such as books, videos, and pamphlets. All services are free of charge, and all conversations are confidential. Anyone concerned about their own drinking or other drug use or that of another person, is encouraged to contact CARES. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but evening programs are available.
Phone 412-396-5834.