White Course Apartment Terms, Conditions, and Regulations 2021-2022 and 2022-2023

All residents living in White Course Apartments with a lease are bound to follow the lease, lease supplement information, Rules and Regulations, and the Student Code of Conduct. Residents are fully responsible for any and all actions and/or misconduct by household members, guests, and visitors.

All members of the household must be listed on the primary tenant’s lease and are entitled to the same access to most family programs, services, and facilities. Official documentation of an individual's relationship with the primary tenant may be required. The primary tenant is responsible for submitting changes of household members through the term of the lease (such as additions, deletions, or changes) to the White Course Housing Office within ten (10) business days of the change. The primary tenant may check out an apartment key for each individual on the lease over the age of 10, up to the maximum occupancy of the apartment. No keys can be checked out for individuals who not listed on the primary tenant's lease.

All members of the household over the age of ten (10) are eligible to receive Penn State id+ Card or an affiliate ID card from the University's id+ Card Office. The majority of apartments have a card access security system that requires use of the Penn State id+ Card to gain access to the building; eligible tenants on the primary tenant's lease will be given such access.

Children under the age of ten (10) must be supervised at all times. Children over the age of ten (10) who violate policy, cause damage to the facility, or are not following the directions of staff members will be escorted home. Children and their parents will receive one warning and a second incident will result in a loss in the privilege to be unsupervised in the apartment community.

A variance to this policy may be submitted, in writing, to the Housing Assignment Office, for special circumstances.

The University reserves the right to change the rules and regulations. Residents (and their guests and children residing in the apartments) agree to comply with the rules and regulations below:

Advertising

Advertising of merchandise or services for sale or rent is not permitted in apartments unless it is for the sale of personal property of the residents living in the residence apartments. Special bulletin board space is designated for the service. If posted elsewhere, it will be removed. Signs and advertising cannot be placed on any part of the building or on any door or window.

Aerials, Etc.

Aerials, masts, satellite dishes, and short-wave radio transmitting equipment are not allowed in the apartments or in the residential area because of FCC interference regulations and safety precautions.

Alcoholic Beverages

State laws prohibit the purchase, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages by individuals less than 21 years of age. University regulations restrict the use and possession of all alcoholic beverages to the individual apartments of persons 21 years or older. University policy prohibits the possession or use of alcoholic beverages in all first-year residence hall buildings regardless of the individual's age. Alcoholic beverage consumption is restricted to the inside of apartments, not in common areas, lounges, or outside.

Alterations

Residents may not, without prior written consent of the University, paint or make any structural change inside or outside of the apartment. The use of or installation of wallpaper, wood, paneling, and/or tiles is prohibited unless approved by the University. Check with your area Housing manager. Individual apartment doors may be decorated in compliance with the “Residence Hall/Apartment Door Decorating Policy.”

Appliances

The following electrical appliances are authorized in apartments if an Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc., label (UL label) is on the appliance: televisions, answering machines, stereo component systems, coffeemakers (with enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), potpourri burners (with enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), popcorn poppers (with enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff), personal computers, and University-provided microwaves. Toasters and toaster ovens may be used in the apartment kitchens. The following appliances are prohibited in all University apartments: hot plates, Torchere-style (floor-standing) halogen lamps and lights, immersion heaters, heating coils, ovens, and personal refrigerators. If you need to use multiple outlets, use a grounded 15-amp surge-protected plug-in strip with built-in circuit breaker. If unapproved appliances are observed in an apartment, the resident will be asked to remove them from the building. In case of noncompliance, the University reserves the right to have the items removed. The items will be returned to the resident for removal from the complex upon request to housing management. Air conditioners may not be installed without prior approval from the University. Small propane gas grills may be used outside the apartments, off of the patio. Use of charcoal grills (briquettes/lighter fluid) is prohibited in all residence hall and apartment areas.

Bicycles and Skateboards

All bicycles need to be registered with the Parking Office. Keep bicycles in the bicycle racks outside the apartments. Students may also store their bicycles inside their apartment. Bicycles are not permitted to be stored in halls or stairways. Skateboards are prohibited on campus. In-line skates are not permitted to be worn inside residence facilities.

Candles

For fire safety reasons, candles, incense, or other flame-emitting articles are prohibited the apartments. Only potpourri burners with an enclosed heating element and automatic shutoff are permitted.

Card Access

Each student is issued a Penn State id+ Card for entrance to meals, building of residence, use of University services, pickup of mail/packages, and identification. Cards must be shown as identification when requested by a University staff member. A charge may be placed against the resident’s student account for a replacement fee.

Checkout

Keys must be returned to the Community Center desk upon checkout by the end of the lease term, and apartments must be left in a clean condition. The resident must remove all personal items and trash and clean the apartment before checking out; a charge will be assigned for removal of items left behind and for cleaning required to be performed by the University. Residents will be obligated to the full term of the lease regardless of the checkout date unless a White Course Lease Release Request is submitted and approved 30 days before the expected checkout date.

Cleaning

Students are expected to maintain their apartments in an orderly and sanitary condition. Students are responsible for cleaning the bathroom. If the University becomes aware of unsanitary conditions resulting from students failing to maintain their apartment, the University will clean the affected areas, the resident(s) will be charged, and the amount will be applied against their student accounts. If the University and/or other students are affected by the persistence of disorderly and unsanitary conditions in a student's room/apartment, the University reserves the right to cancel the student's lease and to refuse to renew their lease for future academic periods. The student will be charged for any cleaning required to be performed by University staff.

Commercial Enterprises

The use of University facilities and/or property for commercial sales activities by individuals or non-University organizations is prohibited. University organizations, within the limitations established by this policy and other University regulations, and with appropriate approval, may sell materials to support the purposes of their organization. Residents may not post or place any signs, advertisements, or notices on any part of the outside or inside of the building, laundries, apartments, or common areas.

Conduct/Criminal Record

The University reserves the right to deny or cancel a lease for University-provided housing to an individual whose conduct and/or proven criminal record indicates a potential threat or danger to the University community, including students, campus residents, faculty, and staff.

Damages

Residents shall not in any way damage the walls, floors, ceilings, or other parts of the apartment or building. Such damages may result in a charge to the resident for repairs or replacement of damaged items. Since the University is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property of the occupants, each individual is advised to carry personal property insurance.

Data Communication Service

Students can access the Internet using their personal computers. Any student using a personal computer to access the network acknowledges his or her responsibility to act in accordance with relevant policies, including the following:

These policies are agreed to when a University Access Account with the Center for Academic Computing is activated. Violation of policy or law may result in suspension of network access or other information service privileges, disciplinary action, and legal proceedings. Information about your data connection is available through ResCom, Penn State Housing’s Residential Computing Office.

Decorating

Decoration guidelines are outlined in policy statements on file in the University Apartments Office. These include the student room and lounge window decorating and display policy, the student room door decorating and display guidelines, and seasonal and holiday decorating guidelines. Please check these policies before decorating your apartment.

Student Apartments and Rooms

1. Hang pictures, additional bulletin boards, and decorations from picture molding with picture hooks.
2. Do not string anything across the room to hang decorations.
3. Darts and dart boards are not permitted.
4. Because of the costly cumulative deterioration of physical facilities, the use of tape, adhesives, putty, glue, paste, nails, tacks, staples, and screws on walls, furniture, doors, or other woodwork or glass is not permitted. Students may use products such as Command brand.
5. No painting or papering of rooms or furniture is permitted.

Doors
Students may decorate the surface of their room door facing the corridor according to the following guidelines. Adhering to these guidelines will protect doors from unusually harsh wear, eliminate potential fire hazards, and ensure the free movement/access in the corridor. Do not place decorations on the exterior of the building.

1. Decorations may be placed on the upper section of room doors above the lock mechanism. If the door has louvers, no materials may be placed on the louvers.
2. Decorations may not project more than one-half inch from the surface of the door. Greeting cards are to be fastened shut.
3. No decals or stickers are permitted.
4. Bunting and streamers are permitted to celebrate special occasions, but must be removed within 24 hours.
5. All memo boards, pictures, signs, and posters must be unframed.
6. Use nonflammable materials whenever possible.
7. In buildings/rooms where a room sign with white/cork board is provided, decorations are limited to static cling items.
8. Remove all door decorations before checking out of the room. Damages to the doors as well as any extra cleaning required will be the responsibility of the residents and may result in a charge to the student account. Housing staff will determine the nature and extent of all damages. Any materials found to be offensive or outside the boundaries of reasonable community expectations will be referred to the area Residence Life staff.

Student room and apartment window decorating and display policy
Students may decorate the window(s) in their individual room as well as the window(s) in their apartment according to the guidelines that follow. Adhering to these guidelines will prevent windows from being damaged and eliminate potential safety hazards.

1. Decorate only the inside window side.
2. Decorations must be removable (not permanent). Use only water-based poster paint.
3. For emergency reasons, such as in the case of a fire, one-half of the total window space must be transparent.
4. Decorations that present health hazards due to weight, possibility of breakage, degree of cleanliness, etc. must be modified and/or removed if deemed necessary by the Housing and Residence Life staff in consultation with Environmental Health and Safety staff.
5. All decorations must be temporarily removed at the request of the Housing staff for regularly scheduled window cleaning purposes.
6. Remove all room window decorations before checking out of the room. Damages to the windows, drapes, and/or blinds, as well as any extra cleaning required, will be the responsibility of the residents and may result in a charge to the student account. Housing staff will determine the nature and extent of all damages. Any materials found to be offensive or outside the boundaries of reasonable community expectations will be referred to the area Residence Life staff.

Holiday decorations
Please follow these guidelines for seasonal and holiday decorating.

1. Live trees or greens are not permitted due to fire hazard concerns. Artificial trees may be used in approved lounge locations on the upper floors of the building.
2. Decorate only room and hallway bulletin boards, not walls or ceilings.
3. Candles are never permitted. Student who want to use candles for a religious celebration must work directly with the area Housing and Residence Life staff to find an appropriate location for religious observance.
4. No plastic or foam type materials may be used in decorations.
5. All decorating materials must be non-flammable, such as ceramic or glass, decorative 100% aluminum foil wrap, fire-retardant-treated paper, crepe paper, etc.
6. You may use spray-on snow for windows.
7. You may use decorative lights in your room, although the University’s Energy Conservation committee encourages students to conserve energy with other types of decorations.
8. Remove all holiday decorations before the beginning of the semester break.

If you have questions about any of these policies, please contact the Housing and Residence Life staff.

Fire Safety

Fire equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are located in each apartment and common areas of the residential buildings. These are for your safety. Do not tamper with or disconnect them. Tampering with this equipment is a serious matter that could jeopardize the safety of many people and can result in severe disciplinary and/or criminal action. If you experience a problem, contact the White Course Housing staff.

Small gas grills (no charcoal grills) may be used outside on patio areas. Propane tanks may not be stored inside apartments. The maximum tank permitted is 20lbs.

Firearms and Fireworks

The possession, storing, carrying, or use of any weapon, ammunition, or explosive by any person, except authorized law officers and other persons specifically authorized by the University, is prohibited in University apartments, University-owned or -controlled property, and at any University-sponsored or supervised event or activity. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives are defined as any firearm (including but not limited to pistols, rifles, shotguns, BB guns, paintball guns, flare guns, tranquilizer guns, stun guns, zip guns, spear guns, dart guns, sling guns, air guns, or spring guns),that propels a pellet of any kind with a force that can be reasonably expected to cause bodily harm; bows and arrows, handbillies, dirk knives, razors, switchblades, or other dangerous knives; any striking instruments (including but not limited to clubs, truncheons, blackjacks, sandbags, or metal knuckles; any weapon used in martial arts; smoke grenades and explosives (including fireworks); and dangerous chemicals (including but not limited to lighter fluid).

Furnishings

Do not remove University-supplied appliances or furnishings from the apartments or common areas. The use of other University furniture in an apartment is not permitted and can lead to disciplinary action.

Gambling

Gambling in University-owned residence halls apartments, and commons buildings, which is in violation of federal, state, and local laws, is prohibited. Students involved in gambling-related incidents may face legal and/or disciplinary action.

Guests of Residents

Apartment keys and access cards will not be provided for guests. People found in the apartments or common areas that are not residents or guests of residents are considered to be trespassing.

Family Apartments:

Residents are permitted to have overnight guests in their apartments for nine days or less without registering them at the White Course Housing Office. The University reserves the right to revoke this privilege. Apartment keys and access cards will not be provided for guests. People found in the apartments or common areas that are not residents or guests of residents are considered to be trespassing. Guests are included in occupancy assessment and the limit cannot be exceeded. If guests stay longer than nine days, they must be registered at the White Course Housing Office.

Occupancy of apartments is limited to the following numbers, including guests of residents:

Single Apartments:

With approval from apartment mates, residents are permitted to have overnight guests in their apartments for a maximum of three days. The University reserves the right to revoke this privilege.

id+ Cards

Residents are not permitted to give identification cards, issued by the id+ Office, to others for use.

Keys

Each adult resident and children aged 10 years or older will be issued a key after signing a key receipt at the White Course Housing Office. If a key is temporarily misplaced, a two-hour loaner key can be requested at the White Course Housing Office. Keys may not be duplicated. If the original key has not been found by the end of two hours, the apartment door lock will be replaced, a new key will be issued, and the charge for the installation of the new lock will be assessed against the resident’s student account. Residents may not change or add locks.

Laundry Facilities 

The University is not liable for any loss, damage, or injury to residents or resident property relating to or resulting from use of the laundry equipment. A resident may not install washing machines and dryers.

Liquid-filled Furniture

Because of the excessive weight and the potential for liquid damage, liquid-filled beds and other liquid-filled furniture are not permitted.

Maintenance

The University or their representatives have the right to enter the apartment to inspect or make repairs or additions, or provide pest extermination. Entry will be at reasonable times and will be performed when the University believes it is necessary for the safety, maintenance or repair of the building, or for the safety or convenience of the occupants of the building. An apartment inspection is not a search. Student apartments are inspected during each session/semester and at the time of checkout. Routine inspections will be announced in advance, and the student may choose to be present during the inspection. These inspections are conducted: 1) to evaluate the condition of the apartment and furnishings; 2) to identify needed maintenance and repairs; and 3) to check for fire and safety hazards. If damages are noted, the cost for repairs or replacement will be charged to the resident(s) of the room. The University reserves the right to make non-routine, emergency inspections to protect the health and safety of its students.

Should University management observe the presence of unapproved appliances or objects in the room or notice objects attached to the facilities in an unapproved manner, this will be recorded on a Notice of Room Check form. A copy of the form will be left for the student, who will be responsible for correcting the situation. In the case of noncompliance, the University reserves the right to have the items removed at the expense of the resident(s) or to cancel the student’s lease and to refuse to renew their lease for future academic periods. Report all maintenance requests to the University Apartments Office as soon as possible.

Meningococcal Disease Vaccination Law

All student campus residents in the state of Pennsylvania in University-owned housing must comply with the College and University Student Vaccination Act. Passed in June 2002, the law requires that students acknowledge the Meningococcal Vaccination Certification requirement.

To comply with this law, residents of White Course Apartments will indicate their acknowledgement when accepting the lease. This acknowledgement needs to be submitted only once and will remain on file for the student's academic career at Penn State. Only the primary tenant is responsible for complying with this requirement. Non-students listed on the primary tenant's lease are not required to adhere to this certification. Additional information is available at www.hfs.psu.edu/vaccine.

Parking/Vehicle

Residents may not store or park car trailers. One parking permit for the White Course lots is provided for each apartment. The primary lease holder is responsible for registering their vehicle with the Parking Office to obtain the parking permit. Additional parking permits can be purchased from the University Parking Office. Visitors must also purchase a visitor parking permit.

Do not drive vehicles on the grass areas. Motorbikes may not be stored on patios, only in designated parking locations. Making car repairs, or changing motor oil in the apartment areas, particularly the parking lot, is prohibited.

Pets

Pet animals are not permitted in apartments for reasons of sanitation and safety, with the exception of service animals. Residents are permitted to have one fish tank that is not more than five gallons containing tropical fish or goldfish.

Play Areas

There are designated areas on campus for baseball, football, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, etc. For the safety of others and for the preservation of lawns and shrubs, please do not use the lawns and seeded areas adjacent to the apartments. Resident children using the community play areas and equipment must be supervised by parents/adult guardians.

Postal Service/Mail

Mailboxes are located in the White Course Community Center. Do not use “Penn State” or “The Pennsylvania State University” in the address.

Only mail addressed to the occupant of the apartment will be processed: 

Name
Apartment number  and building name
University Park, PA 16802 - (Extended ZIP code)
 

Mailbox combinations are issued at check-in. A U.S. Postal Service office is located next to the HUB-Robeson Center on campus.

Quiet Policy

One of the goals of Residence Life and Housing is to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to study and rest. All residents must understand that the right of residents to study and sleep takes precedence over the right to make noise that disturbs others. The 24-hour quiet courtesy policy stipulates that if another person (fellow resident, staff, etc.) asks you to control the noise level in and around the apartments, you are expected to comply with the request. Some examples of bothersome noise include loud music or instrument playing, children playing loudly, or car or motorcycle engines. The quiet hours are as follows: weekday (Sunday-Thursday) 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., weekend (Friday-Saturday) 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., exam periods (December and May during final exams week) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Safety

Residents should not do or keep anything in the apartment that will affect the insurance on the building or the contents of the building against fire or other hazards or affect the rate for such insurance. Residents should not do or keep anything in the apartment that violates any laws or government regulations, nor permit any guests or visitors to do any act which is prohibited in these regulations. Apartment interiors and exteriors must be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Sidewalks, corridors, walls, stairways, and landings cannot be blocked with trash, furniture, baby carriages, toys, etc. Any items found blocking these areas will be disposed of at the University’s discretion. Children must be supervised at all times. Residents should not bring into or keep any explosive, dangerous, or unreasonably offensive substance in the apartment and/or building. Stove drip pans, stove tops, and oven surfaces should not be covered with aluminum foil. Paper, plastic wrap/adhesive, and foil should not be attached to walls and counters near stoves.

Security

Residents are responsible for helping ensure that adequate security is maintained in the apartments. Residents must refrain from behavior that compromises building and apartment security, such as allowing "piggybacking" at entrance doors (when a resident swipes card for door access, and another unknown person enters along with the resident without swiping), leaving doors unlocked, or propping open building doors. Residents should report unauthorized persons to proper authorities, and be constantly aware of the importance of maintaining security in the residences.

Smoking

Smoking inside apartment buildings is not permitted. Penn State has developed a policy that prohibits smoking in all buildings, thus creating a smoke-free environment. This policy is enforced in all University facilities, including residence halls, apartments, common areas, hallways, and dining commons.

Storage Areas

The University is not liable for any loss, damage, or theft of property in apartments or storage areas. Residents may not use outdoor entrance areas of apartments or common areas for storing personal items. Renter's insurance is highly recommended.

Telephone

Single-student apartments: A courtesy telephone is installed in the kitchen. Local, on-campus, or emergency phone calls to 911 can be made on this phone. A calling card is required for long-distance phone calls.

Family apartments: A telephone connection is available in the apartment and included in the rent. Residents are responsible for bringing a phone and cord. To activate the landline phone service, visit the Weston Community Center to complete a phone activation form.    

Trash Removal

Residents are responsible for disposing of garbage, recyclables, and other refuse or waste matter in the location designated by the University.

University Code of Conduct

Student tenants must abide by the University Code of Conduct. Any breach of this Code of Conduct will breach the lease and precipitate eviction.

Weightlifting Equipment

Weightlifting equipment is not permitted in apartments because of noise and potential damage to the floors.

Window Decorations

Window decoration guidelines are included in a policy statement titled “Residence Hall/Apartment Student Room Window Decorations and Displays,” on file in the White Course Housing Office. Please check this policy before decorating. Removal of window screens is prohibited.