Montclair State University

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Frequently Asked Questions For Parents

Is campus housing available for freshmen?
The demand for on campus housing exceeds the University's current bed capacity. Nevertheless, we are committed to giving as many first-year students as possible the opportunity to have a residential experience. Students will increase their chances of obtaining housing if they are among the first 1,000 to meet all of the following requirements:

  • Submit a completed application before March 1, 2008 and be accepted for admission to the University.
  • Submit to the University an admissions deposit of $180, a housing application fee of $125 and complete the on-line RMS housing preference form before May 1, 2008

For students who do not meet the above requirements, placement in on-campus housing will be based on a number of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, date of admissions deposit, date of the housing application fee, and distance to the University from the student's home address.

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How does my student apply to live on campus?
Students must first apply to the University. Students will receive housing application instructions with the University acceptance packet and a student can apply for housing on the Residential Education and Services website.

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Is my student required to live on campus?
Residency on campus is voluntary and there is no requirement for freshmen or other students to live on campus. All newly enrolled students who live on campus in the residence halls, however, must participate in a University dining plan.

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How do you assign rooms to new incoming students?
The first 1000 applications received are guaranteed and then assignments are considered by the date that the housing application and the non-refundable $125 housing application fee are received and the student's permanent home address. We suggest that new students apply as early as possible.

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When will my student know their room assignment?
Assignments for new students are processed in June and are mailed to you before you arrive on campus (usually by beginning of July).You can also check your room assignment by accessing the RMS system at http://rms.montclair.edu/. It is your student's responsibility to keep us informed of your correct mailing address.

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Can my student request a roommate?
Students who wish to room together in residence halls should submit their housing applications form together and request each other in the roommate request field. Residential Education will do it's best to accommodate the request but cannot guarantee them. If a student does not request a specific roommate, one will be assigned to him/her. Requests must be mutual, if not, the roommate request may not be accommodated.

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What does the room have?
All rooms have single beds, desks, bookshelves, and closet space. The University does not assume any responsibility for any of your personal property which is stolen, lost, or damaged. An optional personal effects insurance policy is available and is highly recommended. Residential Education recommends that students insure their belongings with National Student Services, INC or another insurance company of choice. If you would like to purchase an insurance policy, or get more information regarding different plans they offer, visit their website at: www.NSSINC.com, or contact them at 1-800-256-6774. Students should also check with their parents to see if their belongings are covered by the parent's existing home owner's policy.

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Does my student need a meal plan?
All students residing in the residence halls must participate in a meal plan. All students residing in Blanton, Bohn, Freemen, Russ, Webster, and Stone Halls are required to have one of the six traditional meal plans.

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What extra-curricular activities are available for my student?
Montclair State University has over 100 clubs and organizations to join, over 11 intramurals sports, and free concerts, movies, comedians, etc., are available all year long.

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What do we do if our students are homesick?
The best thing you can do is give them time to adjust. They are encouraged to speak with their CA, CD, professors, academic advisors, clergy, and/or the counseling center are also available.

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Are the halls air conditioned?
Blanton, The Village, Clove Road Apartments and Russ are air conditioned facilities.

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Can we see the room before they move in?
Admissions offer tours of the residence halls to aid in your decision making and planning. During the tours, you may view hall rooms and common areas, and ask your tour guide any questions you might have. Please note that it will not be possible to show you a specific room; instead you will be shown a model room within the hall. Please visit their web page for tours dates, times and appointment information.

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Can my freshman student live in Clove Road Apartments or The Village?
Clove Road Apartments and the Village are available ONLY to upperclassman students.

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What if my student needs to cancel their housing?
To cancel your housing please contact the Office of Residential Education and Services. All requests must be received in writing and they will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

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What should my student do if he/she is ill?
The MSU Health Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. In the case of emergencies, students are instructed to go to Health Center located in Blanton Hall or call (973) 655-4361 to schedule an appointment.

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What is offered if my student has a disability?
If you have special housing needs because of a disability, please notify us with your application; you must also contact the Disability Resource Center and provide them with appropriate documentation. It is important for us to be aware of your needs as early as possible so we can assist you in obtaining suitable accommodations.

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What are Residential Learning Communities?
Residential Learning Communities provide an environment that can enhance motivation to learn, stimulate learning in specific areas of interest and offer opportunities to work closely with staff and faculty members. Current Residential Learning Communities include Arts and Science, Education, Leadership, International, and Honors. Each semester, each LC creates and plans events that provide focus that could include creating study groups, sharing their own work(s) or attending or participating in events in the campus and local community.

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What type of security is provided in the halls?
The Residence Halls are equipped with several safety features.
CARD ACCESS SYSTEM: Your student ID card will be used to gain access to a residence hall, but a key will still be required to enter your room. The Village has a separate card for access to the main doors.
FRONT DESK: All residence hall have 24-hour information desks located at the front entrances. These desks can be used to assist in identifying university staff that should be on your floor and to connect with other University safety measures (police, and RAs on duty)
EMERGENCY TELEPHONES: Emergency call boxes are located in some parking areas and at the entrance of many residence halls. To operate the emergency phone, simply press one of the two emergency buttons. One will connect you directly to MSU police. Speak into the speaker.
SECURITY PATROLS: Residential Education and Services staff performs security rounds of the buildings twice each evening and staffs are on call to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day.

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Is there a curfew?
No. All guests of the residence halls are required to be escorted by their resident host/hostess at all times while in the residence halls. Furthermore, students' guests may not be left in the building or any residence hall room when the host is not present. In all residential areas, students are responsible for the conduct of their guests.

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What does the room rate cover on campus?
The room rate includes heat, electricity, water, sewer, A/C, 24 hour security desk coverage, high-speed data connections, and basic cable TV service.

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