It is a privilege to live on campus as a member of the St. Mary’s residential community and, as such, you have individual rights that your roommate and those living around you should respect. You have the responsibility to ensure these same rights for your roommate and other residents. Those living around you may have additional standards of community living that they may ask you to adhere to as well. It is important that these rights and responsibilities be discussed among your peers and pursued during the year.
As a resident, you have a right to the following:
- Sleep and relax in your room
- Learn and study in your room, free of interference
- Have control over your personal possessions
- Have free access to your residential space
- Live in a a clean, safe and secured environment
- Host guests without infringing upon the rights of your roommate or the community
- Appropriately challenge another’s behavior if it infringes on your rights
- Seek the aid of staff in resolving conflicts after your own unsuccessful attempts at resolution
The Office of Residence Life does not, nor can it, guarantee that you will attain each of these rights at all times. You can help ensure that these rights will be honored through thoughtful discussion and communication with those living around you. Remember, you are living in a community that is collectively responsible for the environment in which you live. At the same time, you can only be fully responsible for your own behavior. Begin by behaving and interacting with others the way you would want others to behave and interact with you. Residence Life staff members are available to provide assistance and support.