Seton Hall University

Health and Safety Inspections

Purpose

To ensure the safety of the entire residential hall community, all residence halls rooms will be inspected regularly for Health and Safety compliance.

Scope

University Policy

Definitions

This is a University policy, enforced by Housing and Residence Life staff and applies to all students residing in University-owned residence halls/apartments.

Policy

  • University code strictly prohibits items which increase of fire or harm, including, but not limited to: halogen lamps, upholstered furniture, multi-plug adapters, extension cords, incense, candles, open-coil heating/cooking devices (coffee pots, coffee warmers, hot plates, heaters, etc.) and hanging ornamental or holiday lights.
  • Students are prohibited from tampering, removing, or placing items on fire-safety equipment.
    • At no time may students place furniture or other items that would impede any means of egress from their room/suite. A path of egress of at least 36 inches must be maintained in student rooms and suites to ensure a clear path of entry and exit.
    • An 18-inch clearance from the ceiling must be maintained on top of furnishings.
    • Student’s living facilities must be in a neat, clean and orderly condition to promote a healthy living and learning environment.

The procedures related to the policy are as follows:

  • At the start of each semester, HRL staff conduct courtesy checks of each residence hall room during the amnesty period. Students found with prohibited items during those courtesy checks will be instructed to permanently remove such items from the residence hall so as to avoid future disciplinary action.
  • Formal unannounced health and safety inspections are conducted year not only to inspect for safety-related concerns but to connect with students and inquire as to their overall residential experience.
  • In the course of health and safety inspections, Housing and Residence Life professional staff members confiscate any prohibited items found. Such items are labeled and put in storage. Students will have an opportunity to take the prohibited item(s) home at the next school break and must make arrangements with RHD to do so. All unclaimed items are discarded in June each year.
  •  A HRL professional staff member, along with a Resident Assistant, will key into each room and inspect for health and safety compliance. The resident(s) does/do not need to be present during this time. If violations are found, items may be confiscated and the resident(s) will receive a violation form alerting them of what has been removed from their room.
  • Any residents found in non-compliance will receive the violation form alerting them of the violations and how to arrange to recover items to be removed from the hall. Students will be required to meet with the HRL Professional Staff member to discuss the violation(s) cited in their room.
  • Students who fail to meet with the HRL Professional Staff member will be sanctioned without the benefit of their input, in accordance with our student judicial process. 

Related Policies

Responsible Offices

  • Department of Housing and Residence Life

Approval

Approved

Dr. Tracy Gottlieb, Vice President of Student Services

Effective Date

March 31st, 2017