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Housing and Residence Life

Frequently Asked Questions


 

When will I know where I am assigned for the fall/spring semester, and who my roommate is going to be?

For new students: Spring housing assignments begin in December.  Fall housing and roommate assignments are sent via email in July.

For returning students: Spring housing assignments will begin in January. Students will receive their room assignments as they are created.

Fall assignments begin in May, and students are informed of their room and roommate assignments on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

When can I move into my room?

You will be able to set your move-in time! In mid-July, we will send information about your fall housing assignment and move-in. Included in this will be the instructions for how to sign up for your move-in time.

 


First-Year Housing Expectation 

Is it mandatory to live in the residential apartments at SUNO?

The university's First-year Housing Expectation recommends all SUNO first-year, full-time students to live on campus in housing operated by SUNO Department of Residential Life.  The university offers guaranteed to house to every freshman admitted and wanting to attend SUNO, so every student can benefit from the advantages of on-campus housing. Students who live on campus consistently have higher GPAs, have a higher percentage of students that return to SUNO for their second year (retention rate), have higher graduation rates, and have more opportunities to become part of the SUNO community.

 

I submitted my enrollment deposit fee, so do I need to do a housing contract too?

Yes, the on-campus housing contract is separate from the enrollment deposit fee.

 

What is a "full-time, first-year student?"

A first-year student at Southern University at New Orleans is defined as a student who has graduated from high school and has not attempted any college coursework. Full-time is defined as 12 or more credit hours in the fall/spring semesters.

 

If I live on campus, how long must I stay there?

Students sign an academic-year contract. First-year students who begin classes in the summer or fall term must reside on campus for the fall and spring semesters. First-year students who begin classes in the spring are required to reside on campus for the spring semester only.

 

What does my child get from living on-campus vs. off-campus?

Living on campus not only provides incredible academic benefits (increased GPA, retention, and graduation rates), but it also offers an immediate opportunity for your student to make new friends and build a community, which eases the transition between high school and college. Living on campus also provides easy access to faculty members, some of whom actually live-in residence apartments and are available to assist your student. Also, living on campus provides built-in safety features that off-campus apartments often lack – access to buildings, RAs (Resident Assistants, working security cameras, plus our own police department. Finally, with a built-in meal plan, this all-inclusive package takes the stress out of day-to-day living for your Knight, making sure they/them can focus on excelling in their coursework.

 

I would prefer not to have a meal plan. Can I just live on campus?

ALL students living in the residential apartments on campus are required to have a resident meal plan. If you do not choose a meal plan, you are automatically assigned a Housing 10 Plan Plus Plan.

Contact the SUNO Dining Office at 504-286-5317 or visit SUNO Dining for more information about meal plan requirements.

 

General Housing Questions

What are the benefits of living on campus?

Living on campus not only provides incredible academic benefits (increased GPA, retention, and graduation rates), but it also offers an immediate opportunity for KNIGHTS to make new friends and build a community, which eases the transition between high school and college. Living on campus also provides easy access to faculty members, some of whom actually live in residential apartments and are available to assist your student. Also, living on campus provides built-in safety features that off-campus apartments often lack – access buildings, RAs, working security cameras, plus our own police department. Finally, with a built-in meal plan, this all-inclusive package takes the stress out of day-to-day living for your Knight, making sure they/them can focus on excelling in their coursework.

 

What is offered for students with a disability?

If you have special housing needs because of a disability, including assistance or service animals, please notify us and the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible. It is important for us to be aware of your needs as early as possible so we can assist you in obtaining suitable accommodations. Before Res Life can assist students with an American Disabilities Act (ADA) room, they must first have filed the required paperwork with the Office of Disability Services. For additional information, please contact https://www.suno.edu/page/services-for-students-with-disabilities.

 

What is included in the price? What will I have to pay for separately?

Included in your room rate is the cost of your room for one semester, cable television, Internet service (both wired and wireless), and all utilities (electricity, water, gas, trash removal, everything!). You will only have to pay your fee bill for housing, everything is included in this one price.

Meal plans are not included in the rental rates. Meal Plan rates

 

Are microwaves and refrigerators allowed?

Yes. Each student in the residence apartments can have a microwave (up to 1000 watts), and a refrigerator (up to five cubic feet) in their assigned bedroom. It is a good idea to coordinate with your roommate to work out the details. All apartments all have furnished kitchens with refrigerators. Microwave not included.

 

Are pets allowed?

Pets are prohibited in all on-campus residence halls, and apartments. The only exception is for fish in 20-gallon aquariums or smaller, or approved assistance or service animals.

 

Can I get a private room? What will it cost?

Single occupancy rooms are very limited in number and are held for necessary accommodations through the room selection process. If we have any private rooms left after all accommodations are met, we will offer them to the students who indicate a preference for a private room on the waitlist.

 

How safe are the halls?

SUNO and Residential Life work extensively to provide maximum safety for all the apartments. All the residential apartments are equipped with key access entries that are only accessible to that building. SUNO Police Department makes frequent rounds to the residential communities, and Res Life has contracted with N.O. PD to make additional patrols to the residential communities during the evening hours. There are many security cameras throughout the interiors, exteriors, and parking lots of the residential communities and many more throughout the campus. Read more details about safety here.  

 

Parking, Dining & Mail

Where do I get my mail and how do I receive packages/deliveries?

All on-campus residents at the main office front desk, located in the Clubhouse. This charge is incorporated into the residence hall rent charge on the fee bill. The front desk will be able to receive USPS mail, as well as packages from commercial carriers such as Fed Ex and UPS. Students will receive a “pick up” notification via email when a package arrives. Please make sure students bring a picture ID to claim packages.

Resident’s Name (First, Last)
7000 Press Dr
SUNO Apt #_______
New Orleans, LA 70126

 

Can I have a car on campus?

Yes, A parking decal is required for all students to park on-campus parking lots.

A decal can be purchased at the Comptroller’s Office on the first floor of the Bashful Administration Building. Your receipt along with your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration should be brought to SUNO Campus Police located in the Maintenance Building to receive a decal.

you can register for a parking tag.

 

Am I required to have a meal plan if I live on campus?

Yes. Meal plans are required for ALL on-campus residents.


Contract Renewal for Current Students

I currently live on campus, so when can I renew my housing contract for the next academic year?

Renewal takes place each spring (February) and allows current residents to renew their housing contracts.


If I have a scholarship that pays my housing costs, do I still have to pay advance rent at contract renewal?

Yes. Scholarship money cannot be applied prior to the applicable semester. Once the scholarship money is transferred to the student fee account, the entire $200 deposit will be credited back to the student fee account.


As a second-year (or higher) student, am I required to purchase a meal plan if I live in the apartments?

Upperclassmen living in on-campus apartments are required to have a meal plan.


I live on campus, how long must I stay there?

Students sign an academic-year contract.

 

 

Early Move-In

Can I move in early this fall?

Residential Life does not take individual requests for early arrivals.

 

 

Family Housing

Can I have a car at Apartments?

Yes; residents will have to trade their commuter tag in for one stating their respective place of residency. This tag allows the same privileges as a commuter tag, but also allows the student to park in the apartment complex without being ticketed.

 

Do I have to move out during the summer and semester breaks?

The apartments are open year-round, so you do not have to move out during semester break; however, there are separate contracts for the academic year and summer term. If you wish to stay in your apartment for the summer, you must complete the summer application online.

 

Can my parents live with me?

No. Your parents are allowed to visit you for up to two weeks provided they are registered in the apartment office.

 

Do you assign roommates?

No. You may have a roommate who meets all eligibility requirements if you choose one, but you are 100% responsible for the apartment, any housing charge and your guest's conduct.

 

I need to move out before the semester ends, what happens if I break my contract?

You will pay a penalty for breaking your contract. Review the contract for exact details. If you are still affiliated with SUNO your penalty will be 75 percent of the remaining balance of your rent. If you are leaving SUNO you will pay a 25 percent penalty.

 

Can I place my rent on the semester fee bill or do I pay by the month?

Both options are accepted, but changes cannot be made once you choose your option until the following semester.

 

I will be arriving before my assignment date, where can I stay?

If you will be arriving before your scheduled and confirmed move-in date it is your responsibility to find accommodations until your move-in date. Because work is being done in the apartment up until the move-in date, we cannot allow early move-ins. We do not permit “as is” move-ins.

 

I have been offered a job in my department as a research associate or other, can I keep my apartment?

You may keep your apartment only if there are no students on the waiting list. Full-time students take priority.

 

Is SUNO a smoke-free or tobacco-free campus?

The Southern University System (SUS) Board of Supervisors at its October 2011 meeting approved a policy to make all campuses within the System 100 percent tobacco-free.

The use of tobacco products on any Southern University campus is prohibited by students, staff, faculty, or visitors in all campus buildings, facilities, or property owned or leased by Southern University System and outside areas of the campus where non-smokers cannot avoid exposure to smoke; on campus grounds, facilities, or vehicles that are the property of the campus; and at lectures, conferences, meetings, and social and cultural events held on school property or school grounds.

The sale or free distribution of tobacco products, including merchandise on campus or at school events is prohibited.

 

 

Student Conduct

What is the purpose of sanctioning students who have violated the LSU Code of Student Conduct?
Sanctioning within the Department of Residential Life’s Student Conduct Process is meant to provide students with information about SUNO’s policies, living within an on-campus community, and themselves.

 

What are my rights as a student?

A complete list of the student’s rights and responsibilities is outlined within the SUNO Code of Student Conduct.

 

What happens if I refuse to schedule an appointment prior to the deadline given in the charge letter?

Failing to schedule an appointment prior to the given deadline will result in a HOLD being placed on your records and registration and one of the following actions to be taken:
• Decision to be made in your absence.
• Referral to the University Hearing Panel for adjudication.
• Referral to the Student Advocacy & Accountability for adjudication.

 

What will the administrative meeting and/or University Hearing Panel hearing be like?

The purpose of the process is to be educational, therefore, the hearing structure for both venues is as follows:
• Introductions of all parties
• Explanation of Students Rights & Responsibilities
• Sharing of all written Incident Reports
• Question and answers with all involved parties
• Discussion to determine responsibility

 

Can I have an advisor, lawyer, friend, or parent present at the administrative meeting or University Hearing Panel hearing?

All students are allowed to have one advisor present at the time of their administrative meeting or hearing. The advisor is not allowed to participate in the hearing procedures but is allowed to be present for moral support. Students are required to inform the Student Conduct Office of their advisors 24 hours in advance of the administrative meeting or University Hearing Panel hearing.

 

What should I do if I’m being criminally charged for the same incident?

SUNO’s Student Conduct Process is separate from the criminal system; therefore, all students are responsible for completing both processes.

 

Will I be removed from SUNO housing or dismissed from SUNO for this incident?

Incidents that involve potential violations of the SUNO Housing Contract and/or the Residential Life Substance-Free policy may result in you being relocated to a different on-campus assignment or removed from on-campus housing. All incidents that may result in suspension or expulsion from SUNO are adjudicated by the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability.

 

What types of sanctions can be imposed in my case?

The range of educational sanctions utilized within the Student Conduct Process is from a written warning to Deferred Suspension. Sanctions are dependent upon the severity of the incident and the student conduct history of the student. If you fail to complete a sanction by the given deadline, a HOLD will be placed on your records and registration until either completion of the sanction or verification of an extended deadline.

 

Will SUNO notify my parents/guardians about this incident?

SUNO retains the right to notify parents/guardians regarding alcohol and/or controlled substances incidents. If deemed necessary, Residential Life will send a letter to the parents/guardians regarding any such incidents.

 

Will a notation be placed on my transcript regarding this incident?

Only if a student is placed on Deferred Suspension, Suspension, or Expulsion as a sanction.

 

How long are student conduct files kept in the Student Conduct Office?

The Student Conduct Office keeps student conduct files for seven (7) years after the date of the incident. The Student Conduct Office reserves the right to keep student conduct files longer if it is deemed necessary by either the Office of the Dean of Students or the Department of Residential Life.