Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Families
Office of Residential Life

  • Can you give me a student’s room number/phone number?

    For privacy reasons, we will not give out a student’s information, however, we would be happy to contact your student and leave your student a message to contact you.

  • My student is not getting along with their roommate? What should I do?

    Your student should contact their Resident Assistant (RA). The RA, in conjunction with the Resident Director (RD)/Coordinator, will help your student to navigate the conflict and mediate if necessary. Our ultimate goal is to assist students in resolving their conflicts. If necessary, our staff can also assist with a room move based upon the vacancies available on campus.

  • My student has a problem with their room. How do they communicate the need for a repair, etc.?

    Your student should log into myCharger and click the Facilities icon to submit a work ticket to request a repair.

  • What the roles of an RA, APM, and RD/Coordinator?

    Resident Assistants (RAs) are student staff specially trained to assist students who live in each residence hall. RAs plan programs and activities to help you get to know each other and build a sense of community and a positive feeling within your hall. RAs are on duty in the evenings and available to assist their community members should a concern or urgent situation arise as well as to address incidents involving University policies. RAs are a great resource if you have are question, concern, or are just looking to get more involved on campus.

    Academic Peer Mentors (APMs) are student staff assigned to each first-year residence hall to provide academic support and guidance to the residential community. APMs provide programs on study skills, time management, and academic exploration to name a few and receive training through the Center for Student Success and Office of Residential Life.

    Coordinators and Resident Directors are live-in professional staff members who directly supervise the Resident Assistant staff. They provide leadership and guidance for their residence hall community. Their offices are typically located within the residence halls.

  • What can my student bring to campus? What items are prohibited?

    Your student can find the list of what to bring on myCharger on the Residential Life page. Any specific questions can be directed to the Office of Residential Life.

  • Can my student’s younger sibling come up to visit?

    Siblings are welcome to visit for the day; however, siblings under the age of 18 are not permitted to spend the night in the residence halls. More information regarding the Guest Policy can be found in the Student Handbook in the Office of Residential Life section.

  • What are Enhanced Learning Communities (ELCs)?

    Enhanced Learning Communities, commonly known as ELCs, are communities within our first-year residence areas. Students are grouped together based upon their intended major or common interest. Each ELC works directly with a faculty advisor and a RA who plan programs, field trips, and other activities based upon the theme of each ELC. For more information about ELCs, click here.

  • When do students move into the residence halls?

    Click here for the academic calendar that will provide this information.

  • What does it mean to sign a housing license agreement?

    All students are required to complete a housing license agreement which is binding for the academic year. For more information please click here.

  • Can you give me an overview of the University’s philosophy regarding Residential Life? What do they do?

    Community Has All Residents Growing, Engaging, & Discovering

    The mission of the Office of Residential Life is to create a safe, supportive, inclusive, and engaged learning environment that enhances student's holistic development. We provide opportunities for students to create community and implement a vision for their future.

    COMMUNITY STARTS HERE

    Our vision is for the residential community to create spirited life-long Chargers.

    #LivingChargedORL

    In partnership with members of the University of New Haven, we will:

    • Build collaborative relationships that connect students with university partners to support academic success and personal development.
    • Co-create a residential environment that intentionally seeks student input and feedback by practicing open and honest dialogue.
    • Immerse students in a community engagement model that prepares them to be active members of the university community and emerge as responsible global citizens.
    • Foster an environment of mutual respect that promotes discovery and appreciation of self and one another.

    To serve our missions, we commit to co-creating a student-centered environment that values:

    • Curiosity and Discovery
    • Thoughtful and creative Expression
    • Authentic and equitable Relationships
    • A sense of Belonging and Pride
    • Advocacy for self and others

    Recognize the effort, appreciate the contributions, celebrate the journey.

  • For more information:

    Click here for more information on Residential Life.