Services in the Residence Halls

OneCards

The OneCard is the official identification card of Fitchburg State University. OneCards are issued to every student and employee. You will find that the OneCard is an essential key to campus life. Apart from being your official form of identification, it can be used for many other University services. The OneCard is your Library Card, Recreation Center Pass, Meal Card, Door Key, Campus Event Access, and much more. It also has a stored value account called Fitchburg Gold. This card eliminates the need to carry cash. Once you have loaded money onto your OneCard, it can be used to pay for various things around campus.

If your OneCard should be lost or stolen, you will be charged a $25 replacement fee. Lost or stolen cards are not subject to the one free replacement card per academic year policy. If you find your card after the card has been replaced, destroy the card and throw it away. Refunds will not be issued after the fact.

For questions regarding your OneCard, please email onecard@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3039.

Technology Services

Wireless Network

The entire campus is equipped with a wireless network. Follow the instructions on the Connect to Wi-Fi page to connect your computer or device to the campus wireless network.

For questions about Wi-Fi, please contact the 24/7 Help Desk Call Center at 978.665.4500 or submit a Help Desk ticket online.

Dining Services

Students living in the residence halls must be on a meal plan. The only exceptions are for residents living in the Apartments (Cedar Street House, North Street Apartments, and Townhouses). These students are eligible for either the 5-meal plan or no meal plan at all. The meal plan options are for 19 meals per week, 15 meals per week, 10 meals per week, 5 meals per week, or the Commuter meal plan with a declining balance for Commuter students who wish to utilize the dining hall.

Changes to a campus meal plan involving decreasing or canceling a meal plan (if in an eligible location such as an apartment or Cedar Street) must be completed during the first three weeks of the fall semester or spring semester. Students can complete a meal plan change request through Web4>THD or by emailing housing@fitchburgstate.edu.  After this time period, only increases to a student meal plan or adding a meal plan can occur. Students can complete a request to increase or add a meal plan by emailing housing@fitchburgstate.edu. All email requests must come from the students official Fitchburg State email address.

Mail Services

Mail Boxes

Service Window Monday - Thursday 3 - 7 p.m.

Students may send and receive packages at the University via the United States Post Office, including first-class mail, Certified Return Receipt, Express (overnight), and International mail. The Student Mail Center will weigh the item and determine the correct postage. Students can use their OneCard for postage from the meter machine if Fitchburg Gold has been added to their account. 

Please use this address for receiving mail/packages:

Student’s Name
Fitchburg State University
167 Klondike Avenue
Fitchburg, MA 01420

For more information, email the studentmail@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3204.

Mailboxes are available to resident students upon request. Send your request to studentmail@fitchburgstate.edu. Located in the Mara Commons building, this is where students will receive mail from the United States Post Office, as well as University notes and events. Please check your box frequently. A photo ID is needed for the combinations to get into your box. Mailbox combinations will not be given to anyone other than the student who is assigned to that box.

Parcel Lockers

Package lockers are located next to the Mara Commons Building. Once packages are placed in a locker the recipient will receive an email or a text message with two codes that will be needed to pick-up the item. Locker access will be available 24/7! This eliminates the wait, so you can pick up your packages, on your time. Simply follow the directions from the notification and use the screen/keypad associated with the designated locker section color (green, white or gold) to collect the package.

Security

For safety and security purposes, all exterior doors on campus are locked 24 hours a day. Any entrance into any residence halls must be made through the building's main entrance. Your OneCard will provide you with access to the building where you live but not into any other residence hall. Make sure that you carry your OneCard with you at all times.

The department operates a 24 hour Community Desk in Russell Towers which includes a virtual component. All residents have access to this support by calling this number 978.375.2054. Front entrance of the building is monitored by checking OneCards and registering guests into the building.

Operation I.D.

Operation I.D. is a program that engraves residents' valuable possessions to deter theft. This program is sponsored by University Police and Housing and Residential Services. University Police will engrave your items at your request and provide you with the means to record the serial numbers of your valuable equipment.

Student Security Officers

University Police also sponsors a student volunteer escort program that is available on most weeknights to provide assistance for students wanting to travel across campus in the evening. If you are looking to get an escort by a Student Security Officer or by University Police when the campus shuttle service is not running, please call 978.665.3111.

Parking

A parking permit is required to park in any of the parking lots on the main campus. Visit the Parking Services page for parking information and regulations.

Vendor Services

Linens

All bedrooms within the residence halls are equipped with extra-long twin sized beds, which require extra-long linens to comfortably fit the mattress. 

  • The mattress dimensions are 79 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 6 inches high.

Dormify

Everything you need for college, in one place. From dorm bedding and decor to bath bundles and storage solutions they have everything students need to navigate college life, that can conveniently be delivered straight to campus.

Insurance

Fitchburg State University and Housing and Residential Services do not assume responsibility for the loss of or damage to personal items through fire, water, theft, or any other cause. Residents and their families are encouraged to secure property insurance coverage through a homeowner policy or to purchase a separate plan, such as the type that is available from a personal property insurance program.

For more information about personal property insurance, contact an insurance agent, or view the nationally available programs listed on our MicroFridge and Insurance page.

MicroFridge

Housing and Residential Services partnered with MicroFridge rental to increase the overall service opportunities provided by the on campus experience. It also gives back to Fitchburg State University by generating revenue for the Residence Hall Association. For more information, visit our MicroFridge and Insurance page.

Facility Procedures

Below are Housing and Residential Services departmental procedures.

Housing and Residential Services takes wellness, facilities, and safety very seriously and expects all students and professional staff to do the same. Fire drills and room inspections are conducted each semester in order to ensure that residents and professional staff within our halls are living in a safe, conducive, and wholesome environment that promotes positive academic and personal growth.

Fire Building Evacuations (Drills and Alarms)

When a fire alarm sounds in a building. You should always respond as though it is real. Follow these steps:

  1. Immediately depart the building. If possible, leave with your name/face identification, coat (inclement weather) and shoes.
  2. Utilize the closest building exit (do not use elevators) if it is safe to do so. If the closest exit is not then transition to the next closest exit.
  3. Once you have exited the building report to your Assembly Point designated for your building. Do not leave the assembly point until you are given permission from a university official as there may be a roll call taken.
  4. Report to a university official and/or emergency personnel any information that may be critical at that time. For example: someone was unable to remove themselves from the building.
  5. Do not reenter the building until provided the clearance from a university official. Emergency personnel may signal the building is clear, but university officials may need to take additional administrative steps before allowing the building to be re-entered.
Residence Hall Assembly Point Inclement Weather Location
Aubuchon Hall Primary: In front of Russell Towers
Secondary: In front of Hammond Student Center - students pushed to the front of RT crosswalk.
Hammond Student Center
Cedar Street House Primary: In the South Cedar Parking Lot - Cross the parking lot to the back Mara Commons
Herlihy Hall

Primary: Upper Weston Parking Lot
Secondary: In front of the Antonucci Science Building

Antonucci Science Building
Mara 1-7 Primary: Ross Parking Lot/Gazebo Mara Commons
Mara 8 Primary: Ross Parking Lot/Gazebo Mara Commons
North Street Apartments Primary: North 2 Parking Lot Aubuchon Hall
Simonds Hall Primary: Simonds - South Side of the Parking Lot
Secondary: Sidewalk on North Street
Aubuchon Hall
Russell Towers Primary: Outside/Inside Holmes Dining Hall
Secondary: In front of the Hammond Student Center 
Holmes Dining Hall
Townhouse Apartments

Primary:  Lower Cedar Parking Lots
Secondary:  Highland Ave to the Quad (between Anthony and Percival)
Mara Commons

Mara Commons

Health and Safety: Room Inspections

You received an email to your university email address about the Health and Safety Inspection 
providing the following details:

  • Residents are provided notification of Health and Safety with a minimum of 5 business days via their student email account
  • A pair of Housing and Residential Services staff members will visit your assigned space
  • Inspections may be conducted physically or virtually.  This decision is based on the discretion of the building supervisor.

We perform these inspections to ensure a healthy and safe living environment for all in our community. If no violations are found, an electronic notification will be provided to you indicating that you have passed.  Any policy violations found will be documented and electronic notification will provide:

  • Outline of the violations(s)
  • Lower level violations (i.e. items on ceiling, trash build up, clutter build up) will receive a re-inspection date
  • Higher level violations (i.e. candles, alcohol bottles, drugs) will be addressed immediately and documented through student conduct
  • An incident report will be created for any violations not corrected.

Also, a room inspection as outlined in the Housing Occupancy Agreements may occur at any time without notice if department professional staff believes a violation is occurring, has occurred, or someone is in danger.  When this occurs, the incident is document

Expectations for Residents Related to Substance Growth

Substances can grow if a room is not properly maintained or ventilated. If moisture is allowed to accumulate in a room, substances can grow. It is important that residents regularly allow air to circulate in a room. It is also important that residents keep the interior of the room clean. If issues such as leaks, moisture problems and/or substance growth is found, reach out until you talk directly to a housing staff member:

  • Contact a staff member in your respective building.
  • Russell Front Desk: 978.665.4022
  • Housing a Residential Services: 978.665.3219

After making contact with a housing staff member, enter a work request through Capital Planning.

Residents must maintain rooms in a manner that prevents the occurrence of substance growth. To do so, residents should follow the procedures below.

  1. Keep the room free of dirt and debris that can harbor substance growth.
  2. Notify a housing staff member of any water intrusion, including but not limited to plumbing leaks, drips, “sweating” pipes, and overflows (e.g., sinks, toilets, etc.).
  3. Report to a housing staff member of any significant substance growth on surfaces inside the room.
  4. Allow university staff or its contractors to enter the room to inspect and make necessary repairs.
  5. Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, cleaning,  showering or bathing cleaning, and enter a work order for any non-working fans.
  6. Use all reasonable care to close all windows and other openings in the room to prevent outdoor water from penetrating into the interior of the room.
  7. Clean and dry any visible moisture on windows, walls and other surfaces including personal property as soon as reasonably possible.
  8. Enter a work order for any problems with the air-conditioning or heating systems.

Document your verbal communication on an issue by submitting a work request.

Indoor Air Quality and Promoting Healthy Living Conditions in Residence Halls

Maintaining a satisfactory and healthy indoor environment and good indoor air quality in our highly-variable Massachusetts climate requires a joint effort by Fitchburg State staff and residence hall residents. No heating or air conditioning system is able to eliminate all pollen, dust and allergens; therefore, certain maintenance and housekeeping practices must be utilized to reduce humid conditions and prevent substance/microbial growth, such as mold and mildew within university buildings. Maintaining cleanliness in the residence hall living environment is essential for healthy air quality because substances grow and thrive in wet or humid conditions, including those created by food or other organic materials containing moisture, wet towels, wet clothing, water intrusion, or spills which are not cleaned up immediately. Substance growth can occur within 24-48 hours of a spill of any liquid or water intrusion, so clean-up of spills or reporting of water intrusion must be done promptly.

Fitchburg State University will take reasonable steps to:

  • See that HVAC systems are operating properly and capable of maintaining temperatures at 73 degrees.
  • Check and perform filter changes in fan coil units at least every 6 months.
  • Investigate and monitor the mechanical rooms, basements and sub-basements, as well as the underground tunnel system for any moisture concerns bi-weekly.
  • Respond to reports of water leaks and intrusion when notified.

Capital Planning and Maintenance and Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) will work with Housing and Residential Services as needed to perform resident and staff interviews and indoor air quality investigations to develop a plan to assist in locating and re mediating the sources of residents’ IAQ concerns.

Campus Residents' Responsibilities

Follow the 3 Cs: Cleaning, Climate and Communication

Cleaning

Because substances thrive in wet or humid conditions, cleanliness in the residence hall living environment can assist in improving air quality and promoting a healthy and comfortable living environment free of pests and insects. Items such as wet towels or clothing and oils or residue in leftover food containers and spilled drinks can be a medium for substance growth.  For these reasons, the following responsibilities have been established for all residence hall residents:

  1. You are responsible for cleaning your residence hall room or apartment. Maintain your residence in a responsible fashion that does not promote unhealthy conditions for you or your neighbors. Health and safety inspections will be performed randomly by Housing.
    • Empty your trash regularly.
    • Hang damp or wet towels, bath mats, clothing, or other items immediately and allow items to dry completely to prevent microbial growth and musty odors.
    • Clean any spills immediately and thoroughly.
    • Vacuum carpet or rugs, sweep floors and dust your room regularly.
  2. Pets are not allowed in residence halls, with the exception of service or emotional support animals and one fish tank that is less than 10 gallons per residence hall room.
  3. Food preparation and consumption can attract pests and insects. Avoid leaving open food containers out, seal all containers after use and refrigerate perishable foods. Dispose of used food containers and food scraps regularly to prevent attracting pests and insects and promoting the growth of mold. Keep refrigerators tightly closed.
  4. Do not allow mildew to accumulate in your baths and shower stalls. Report any substances in baths and kitchens immediately.
  5. Cleaning of community bathrooms is the responsibility of Housing Custodial Services unless you are otherwise notified. Report any substances immediately through the maintenance system, the front desk staff, your RA or your Hall Director.

Climate

Controlling room climate is essential to the success of managing indoor air quality and comfort. Residents of Mara 8 and Simonds Hall have cooling within their respective halls and are expected to assist with the efforts to maintain climate control by following the guidelines below:

  1. If the windows are operable, then it is important to KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED when the air conditioning is running. Some buildings have the resident room windows secured to better control the environmental conditions; do not open secured windows. Tampering with the secured windows and opening them may result in a damages charge. The condensation created during the cooling season by open windows (hot air) mixing with conditioned HVAC air (cool air) indoors is capable of creating significant mold and moisture problems within the HVAC system and the residence hall room or apartment.
  2. Close blinds early in the day to prevent the sun from heating the room. Turn off all lights when leaving the room.
  3. Do not tamper with the HVAC unit. Contact the Housing Office or a staff member in your hall for assistance with temperature or humidity issues or water intrusion.
  4. Do not block the HVAC air supply or return air vents or doors where the units are located. Reduced air flow to the HVAC system can result in excess moisture and promote substance growth within the system and residence hall rooms.
  5. Bathroom exhaust fans should be kept running during and after showering to help remove moisture from the air.
  6. Use bath mats to help absorb water after showering or bathing.
  7. Hang damp or wet towels, bath mats and any wet clothing articles to allow for thorough drying after use to prevent substance growth or musty odors. Do not hang damp or wet items over the furniture in the room or closet doors.
  8. Follow these refrigerator tips:
    1. Keep refrigerator doors tightly closed. Failure to secure refrigerator doors may result in defrosting of the freezer and may cause leaking onto the floor.
    2. When defrosting refrigerators, take steps to prevent water from getting onto carpeting, rugs or floors. Clean up spills immediately to prevent water damage or substance growth. Residents may place small refrigerators in the shower areas where there are drains to defrost the freezer as needed as long as it doesn't prevent other students from using the facilities.
    3. Refrigerators must be emptied of contents and defrosted before leaving for winter break. Please note that you will be responsible for correcting conditions within your room or apartments that are designated as your responsibility, and as deemed reasonably necessary. Tampering with units or secured windows or failure to report problems with moisture may result in a residence hall policy violation.

Communication

  1. Communication of any leaks or water intrusion to a housing staff member is required immediately, as it only takes 24-48 hours for substances to grow.
  2. A housing staff member should always be the initial contact for indoor air quality or substance growth.
  3. Utilize these format of outreach:
    • Contact a staff member in your respective building.
    • Russell Front Desk: 978.665.4022
    • Housing and Residential Services: 978.665.4145

After making contact with a housing staff member, enter work request.
 

The university takes the health and safety of our students very seriously. All suspected bed bug 
cases are taken very seriously and given a high priority.  Bed bugs are a common issue all across 
the United States as well as worldwide and can be found in high-end hotels, apartment complexes, 
hospitals and even college residence halls.

If you suspect bed bugs:

  1. You repeatedly wake up with unexplained bug bites on your body.
  2. You see dark brownish black stains appearing on your linens or mattress.
  3. Contact and speak directly with a housing staff member:
    • Contact a staff member in your respective building.
    • Russell Front Desk: 978.665.4022
    • Housing & Residential Services: 978.665.3219
    • After making contact with a housing staff member, enter a work request.
  4. Capital Planning and Maintenance (CPM) will coordinate with the pest control provider and HRS for an onsite inspection as soon as possible. It is important that a trained professional confirms the existence of bed bugs.

What not to do before inspection:

  1. Do not remove items from your room including throwing them away. If not done in the correct manner, you risk infecting other residents' rooms and potentially re-infecting your room.
  2. Do not try to control the problem on your own. Bed bugs can go a long time without food and most over the counter treatments are ineffective.
  3. Do not relocate to another room. We understand the desire to not want to stay in your room, but in doing so you risk taking bugs with you in any belongings you take. This would spread the bugs and could quite easily lead to your room being re-infected after treatment.

After the inspection:  Upon receiving inspection findings, CPM will work closely with the Housing and Residential Services office who will provide residents with additional information and next steps if bed bugs have been detected including a proper treatment plan.
 

There are two types of Fan Coil/Unit Ventilator systems, two-pipe and four-pipe. The two or four-pipe designations refers to the water distribution system serving the climate control equipment in a building. 

The HVAC systems differ across the residence halls on Fitchburg State’s campus. The major points of the systems are to understand they either provide heating only or heating/cooling. For the residential buildings that do not provide cooling, residents may find box fans/oscillating fans to provide some levels of comfort during seasonal changes.

The majority of the residential buildings are heating HVAC systems only. The changeover to transitioning into out of heating is a manual process. The manual switchover requires a couple of days for hot water transition. A review of the residential buildings and their system is below. The residence halls will note heating only (cooling is not part of the system) and heating/cooling (for buildings that have both).

Residence Hall Heating or Heating/Cooling 
Aubuchon Hall Heating Only
Cedar Street House Heating Only
Herlihy Hall Heating Only 
Mara 1-7 Heating Only
Mara 8 Heating/Cooling
North Street Apartments Heating Only
Simonds Hall Heating/Cooling
Russell Towers Heating Only
Townhouse Apartments Heating/Cooling