Category Archives: Announcements

Room Selection Smackdown! UPDATE!

Can you smell what Room Selection is cooking!? Well if you can, that means that is time to apply and secure your Housing for Fall 2018-Spring 2019! Of course around this time you get frantic not knowing where to live, but rest assured that when you’re done reading, all of your worries will go away!

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If you already “Rock Bottomed” your Housing Deposit, then you are on the right track. If you haven’t already, put a “Smackdown” on that (non-refundable) $200. You still have time to do so! Housing Deposits have opened again effectively immediately! After that, you still want to be sure that you Apply Online and Sign the Housing Agreement: MAX Account->Student Services->Housing and Dining->My Housing->Apply Online 

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Now you’re onto Matching Roommates! Since the time frame for the Housing Deposit has been changed, being able to select a roommate will considerably be more flexible for all of you! 25s7bf

You are almost done! You have Batista Bombed, Five Knuckle Shuffled, and RKO’d your way to successfully selecting your room! There is just one thing left to do…The dates of the Residence Hall openings either for a new dorm, same room, or open room are listed below:

Shenks Hall Only: March 23rd (Shenks fills up fast! You have been warned) 

Same Room selection: March 26th-March 29th 

New Residence Hall: March 29th-April 13th

Well would you look at that…you are the champion of Room selection. Be sure to talk with your friends about what you have read, so when the time comes rooming together will not be an issue! Also let parents know what your plans are so they can help too! Happy Room Selection. Be sure to adhere to the dates in bold and underlined they will help you!

Welcome to Lombardo! Come on In!

Hey,  I heard this was going to be the new building for Admissions? Is that a solar panel? These might be the first few questions you ask yourself when you walk past the new Lombardo Welcome Center. You might be leaving McComsey peering over at the glass windows or looking at the walkways so inviting you have to take a trip. All the while, you bite your nails, grind your teeth, and wonder—should I go inside?

IMG_3781Yes! You should go inside, whether you are looking for Admissions  or having some persisting Housing trouble, this is the place to be. But other than that—what makes the Lombardo Welcome Center live up to its name? It is known most currently for its efforts to maintain a safe and sustainable environment. But what you can also look forward to is the interactive touch screen display that compiles information about Lombardo. From “Millersville & YOU,” “Why Millersville,” to “Social Media Feeds,” and “University Fast Facts.” The display has it all! Even if you’re thirsty, there are stations to fill up your water bottle on the go. You might want a place to sit and talk, there’s a space for that—you can kick back and soak up the ambiance of it all! IMG_3790

“I enjoy being able to have a lot of room to move around. I also like the fact that we can work together with other departments without going too far.” —Kevin Maldonado, Resident Assistant & Housing Intern

“The building is modern and constructed openly for better collaboration with coworkers. The environment’s atmosphere is lively and fun.”—Gabrielle Reed, Resident Assistant & Student Worker

Even though Lombardo is brand new the reviews have been positive. Whether the feedback is from interns, staff themselves,  or residents—they all exclaim “WOW!” Everyone who I have seen come through those glass doors have all smiled, had wide eyes, or stood around just to socialize. Lombardo makes people want to come inside, ask questions, and interact. So if you are wondering what is on the other side of the glass doors, feel free to come in! Be willing to not only visit Housing and Admissions, but the people just like you standing around amazed.  You may learn something new and find out more how Millersville is improving one day at a time.

Photos Courtesy of Eugene Thomas 

For The Journal You’ve Never Heard Of…

For those who know or may not know, Millersville University showcases achievement beyond the realms of a classroom with the Made In Millersville Conference. You might be aware of the signs that say “Apply Now” or emails that premiere how you can put yourself out there to represent your findings, content analyses, or begging questions about a topic of your interest. You find yourself applying, getting a T-shirt for your commitment to the success of presenting, shaking hands with folks, or sitting on a panel while you grab the attention of everyone in the room—either from your peers, professors, friends, or persons from another university.

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What you may find however is not many know about the Made In Millersville Journal. These five Millersville students are the voice behind the Made in Millersville Journal. Shaakirah, Daniel, Allie, Sara, and Mikayla are the interns for The Made In Millersville Journal. The journal itself is an online interactive database where anyone can look at both current and previous years of student and faculty findings in areas of multiple disciplines that composite scholarly work, creativity, and collaborative learning. The team feverishly works on the journal for others to see—through their meetings they find new and innovative ways to inform the masses on social media platforms via Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter to spread the word about the journal.

Check out the Website here: https://www.mimjournal.com

They will  be presenting with the title: “For The Journal You’ve Never Heard Of.” Their goal with this title, from the team themselves was to establish a voice many may not have heard of—ultimately they want to widen their outreach to not only the  Millersville area, but to the Lancaster area and beyond. They hope to have other like-minded communities observe and commend Millersville University for their admiration, dedication, and approach to learning.

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“I’m learning a lot about subjects I’ve not been around since I declared my major. It’s been really nice to be in a different kind of learning environment  all while being appreciated for my own skills.”—Mikayla

“Working on the journal has been a great learning experience for me so far. Between learning how to run social media accounts and promoting the journal, I’ve already picked up on  a lot of new skills. It’s also been nice to work in a collaborative setting where every team member brings a different  skill to the table. We’re all really excited about the journal!” —Sara

For the journal you’ve never heard of, now you know what you have to look forward to. Be on the lookout for these interns and the work of students, faculty, and your peers! Also be active on Instagram and follow the Made In Millersville Journal for updates, activities, pictures, and most importantly the Conference itself located in McNairy Library. You can follow: mim_journal on Instagram, madeinmujournal on Snapchat,  mimjournal on Twitter, and Made in Millersville Journal on Facebook. See you all there on April 17th, 2018! 

Photos courtesy of Eugene Thomas

Spring Break Bulletin 2018

Spring Break will start at 7:00 p.m. on Friday March 9, 2018. The residence halls will be available for occupancy during Spring Break, but resident students must register their intention to stay on campus during the Spring Break through the following link no later than 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LHJYMS

Helpful Hint:  If you have trouble connecting to this link, copy and paste it into a browser.  For best results use Goggle Chrome or Firefox – not Internet Explorer.

The Residence Hall Staff may conduct Health and Safety Inspections in each residence hall suite in preparation for the start of the Spring Break. Please review the following instructions and information carefully to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct for improper maintenance of your residence hall suite/room.

Spring Break Housing Information:

  • The residence halls will be operational during Spring Break for residents who register for break housing.
  • All University Administrative Offices will be open during regular business hours for Spring Break.
  • Meal plans are not active during Spring Break.  See the Dining Services website and postings for hours of operation. Cash, Flex, and Marauder Gold may be used during hours of operation.
  • Health Services will be open during normal hours of operation over Spring Break. Use local hospitals or urgent care centers as needed after hours.
  • Students are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break.
  • Visitation is not allowed during Spring Break.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staffs may be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during portions of the break that require entrance to resident rooms. The Housing Staff will post a courtesy sign on your door indicating that the room is occupied. This sign will ensure that workers will not enter your room without knocking. Please leave it in place for the duration of the break.

Spring Break Preparation Procedures:

Prior to the start of the break, all resident students MUST:

  • Dispose of all trash by removing it to the dumpster in the parking lots outside your residence hall.
  • Clean the room/suite including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, showers to the residence hall staff.
  • Remove stale food from your refrigerator and properly dispose of it through proper trash removal
  • If you are leaving for the break, turn off the lights
  • If you are leaving for the break, set the thermostat to 70degrees
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock the window
  • If you are leaving for the break, lower the blinds halfway but leave them open
  • If you are leaving for the break, lock your bedroom door and your suite door
  • If you are leaving for the break please move all items from your residence hall floor, especially computer equipment and any items that can be damaged by flooding.
  • If you are leaving for the break and you have a Learning Services approved animal in your room, you must take the animal with you.  You may not leave animals in the residence hall in the care of another student or staff member.

Residence Hall Spring Break will end and Residence Halls will resume normal operations:  Sunday March 18, 2018 at Noon.

Secure Your Campus Housing for Fall 2018 – Spring 2019

Follow these simple steps to pick your room for Fall 2018.

  1. SECURE YOUR HOUSING FOR FALL 2018 – SPRING 2019: Pay the $200.00 non-refundable housing deposit through your MAX account through March 19, 2018.
  2. APPLY ONLINE AND SIGN YOUR HOUSING AGREEMENT: The housing agreement is for the duration of Fall 2018 – Spring 2019. You must fill out the application prior to being able to select a room. You can do this by going to: MAX Account >> Student Services >> Housing & Dining >> MyHousing >> Apply Online.
  3. MATCHING ROOMMATES: Students must have paid their housing deposit to match. If you plan on selecting the same room as you currently have, DO NOT match roommates. Simply select your own room. Your roommate(s) will do the same if they plan on staying in that same room with you. You can do this between March 1st and March 19th.
  4. SELECT YOUR ROOM: You can select your room through your MAX account based upon the following schedule:
    • Shenks Hall Only: March 21st (Note: Shenks fills up very fast)
    • Same Room: March 22nd – March 26th
    • Open Room: March 29th – April 13th

Millersville 2018 Room Selection

Remember the University’s occupancy requirement:

All full-time undergraduate students with less than 60-credit hours attempted are required to live on campus.  On campus is defined as residing in one of the following residence halls: East Village, Reighard Hall, Shenks Hall, South Village, or West Village.  Students interested in living off-campus must have completed at least 60 credits before they can move off campus.

Students, who have not yet completed 60-credit hours but have completed at least 30-credit hours, can live in our affiliate housing.  Affiliate housing is defined as any housing managed by Student Lodging, Inc. (SLI)  http://www.studentlodginginc.com/

Questions? Please see your Residential Area Director or call the Housing and Residential Programs office at (717) 871-4200.

What Does It Mean To Be An Ally?

What does it mean to be an ally? What does it take to become an ally? Does the word ally mean just wearing a pin to show solidarity? Does an ally mean being a good citizen as well?

What would it take to think an ally is more than that—to think it is more active work and not passive work? An ally can be as simple as calling someone out on their oppressive behavior, stopping someone from making hasty generalizations about someone who is trans, disabled, racially different, affected by stereotypes, or being a victim of any form of abuse and mistreatment. An ally can simply just mean being able to not be a bystander—to be engaging and informed about what’s going on.

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“If we tell ourselves that the only problem here is hate, we avoid facing the reality that it is mostly nice non-hating people who perpetuate racial inequality.” —Ellis Cose, 1997

“As racism has become less visibly obvious since the 1960s, it has become easier for those not directly victimized by it to ignore it.” —Clarence Page, 1996

“To those who believe the battle against discrimination has been won, I  say, look at the realities of paychecks and power.” —Linda Chavez-Thompson, 1997

How can we come to the conclusion of what an ally is? Maybe we can start a conversation about what is really going on in the world. We can start listening to others and their perspectives—we can remain open-hearted and open-minded. If we see how useful working together is, we can find a way to accomplish more goals. The goal itself is to be active; to make sure that we call out injustice, unfair treatment, and the barriers we seem to think are invisible. Once we realize the bridging the gap will not work—we fill the gap. If we are conscientious and committed to the work we do as a society, as individuals, on the local level, on the regional level, on the institutional level,  and beyond, we can define and even reify the essence of what an ally is, can be, or should be.

Valentine’s Day: What Is Love Contest

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Valentine’s Day is a special time for us to celebrate love—Whether it be the love we give ourselves or the love we give others. Love is something we all need to feel like there is still good in the world!

Housing and Residential Programs would like you to be a part of those who spread love, either in the interest of self-love or loving that special person in your life. There will be a contest for our students living in the residence halls to see who can come up with the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

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Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. With 25-50 words tell us how you make Valentine’s Day special—for yourself, with your significant other, or with a friend or family member.
  2. Take a photo showing how you spent this Valentine’s Day—keep the photos clean and friendly!
  3. Tweet both the photo and how you spend your Valentine’s Day with a mention to @VilleHousing using the #VilleHousingValentine hashtag.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter at @VilleHousing.

The winners will be announced on Monday, February 19, 2018. There will be $50, $25, and $15 gift cards for the University Store for first place, second place, and third place! Show us here at Housing what love is all about and how we Marauders celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Black History Month: Awareness, Allies, and Dialogue

The beginning of February is a time of history, celebration, and appreciation for those invested and a part of black culture. Black History Month encompasses the milestones made, the organizations formed, the fights for liberation, and the supportive systems of allies. It is also a month of overcoming struggle, realizing that progress cannot be made if one is not passive, but active. As a University, our job is to familiarize ourselves with our demographic of students and make it a safe living learning community. It also our job to be both inclusive and diverse and be mindful of our actions. Black History Month is a time to educate and be aware, it is a time most importantly to create a dialogue with others.

The question now is how can we educate ourselves, be aware, and create dialogue? One way is to read—it is a fundamental tool to immerse yourself in a life that is not your own, while also wondering what other works are out there to inspire and change the way you think.

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James Baldwin—a poet, social critic, writer, and essayist created works associated with the racial disparities in America. He also focused on the life of the American Negro.

His novels, essays, and poems can be a great resource to learn about Black History. He can also point you in the direction of other great  novelists like: Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Ralph Ellison, and Ta-Nehisi Coates to name a few. Let this February be a time of not only education, but of love, compassion, openness, understanding, creativity, and progress.

Let these three things help you this February:

  1. Be aware of your peers who may be insensitive to the meaning behind Black History Month. – Do the right thing and educate.
  2. Spread love and read more. – There is life in the pages of a book.
  3. Create dialogue. – Be open minded and talk to those who may not be aware. Dialogue can create a space for important issues to be solved.

We can all be servant leaders this February, not only for others but for ourselves! We all contribute to the way we live and learn each day! Be a friend, be an ally, and be involved!

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If you want to peek into the life of James Baldwin,  check out “I Am Not Your Negro” on February 13th, 2018 in the South Village Great  Room from 7:00pm-9:30pm led by RA Eugene Thomas!

*There will be a giveaway of 10 copies of “I Am Not Your Negro” the novel. Five books will be given in the beginning of the program followed by the remaining five books at the end. 

Photos courtesy of Google 

 

What To Do At Your RA Interview

What To Do At Your RA Interview?

Are you thinking of becoming an RA? Do you believe in Student Leadership, helping others, decorating a hallway, or showcasing great programs that everyone will enjoy? You should apply to be an RA!

“How do I apply? Where can I get the application?”

https://getinvolved.millersville.edu/submitter/form/start/142540

This link above, will take you to the page where you will put in your Millersville email and password, like you would use signing in to any portal the university uses. Also it helps to know the deadline for the application to become an RA is Monday, February 5th, 2018.

“What if I don’t know what to say?”

Student Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, mindsets, backgrounds, etc. You want to have an open-mind about what kind of leader you will be—you want to be someone that will get others involved! Don’t say anything that would jeopardize your chances of leading others into success.

“There’s an interview, what should I wear?!?” 

You can breathe a little easier because help is on the way! Your style of dress is only a small component of your potential to become a greater leader. Your interview attire should be well-thought out—enough where the interviewer knows you are serious about the position. The most important component is your attitude about the interview. Your passion and purpose go a long way and will surely show when you venture into the life of an RA.

“Wait! I didn’t know there were two interviews!!”

Saturday, February 10th, 2018 is the Group Interview where you will be among fellow student leaders who just like you, want to make a difference! This process will challenge both your analytical skills and your ability to work with others to reach a common goal. You will also attend individual interviews during the last two weeks of February.

That being said to prepare for both the group and individual interviews, these tricks and tips can be a great asset to what you will need to make a different in Housing and Residential Programs:

  1. Be on time for the interview—The earlier the better. Give yourself time to shake the nerves and talk with peers and even do mock interviews.
  2. Be yourself—It goes without saying, originality sets you apart from others, but that confidence that you have in yourself will surely stand out.
  3. The Group interview is not competition— Working with others is a huge integral part of the RA lifestyle. Your cooperation is key and understanding how others work is first step of many you will take for the transferable skills gained as an RA.
  4. Look around the room—Take a look at those fresh faces. Make conversation and make new friends! The people you see in the room may be the people you see on your staff as a new RA.
  5. Get to know the Housing and Residential GA’s, RA’s, and RAD’s—Learning from experience is the best tool anyone can have for getting prepared. Learning the insides and outs of a new job before it starts can be highly beneficial.
  6. Prepare some questions for the interview after its over—You want to make sure the interviewer has an interviewee that is interested and actively listening; asking questions is great way to inspire conversation and commitment to the job.
  7. Don’t just take the job for its benefits—Being an RA is more than just a room that’s paid for. As an RA, you have the opportunity to initiate leadership that is transactional, emulative, and beneficial to where you can take it with you to a job in the future.
  8. Be judgement free—As an RA you will encounter a lot of different viewpoints, people, personalities, and work attitudes. Understand that being understanding is a trait every RA should learn to carry with them.
  9. Smile—Have fun with the interview, make the most of it, your first impression is your best impression!
  10. Don’t take it personal—All interviews are a chance to learn about yourself, whether you become an RA or not. It is best to understand opportunities are always around the corner.

As a last reminder, here are the info sessions where you can get all the info you need and more about RA life through Housing and Residential Programs:

Wednesday, January 24th                                Thursday, January 25th

7pm – 8 pm                                                                 12:15pm – 1:15pm

South Village Great Room                                South Village Great Room

Monday, January 29th                                         Tuesday, January 30th

6:30pm – 7:30pm                                                     2:30pm – 3:30pm

South Village Great Room                                 South Village Great Room

Take these tips and tricks with you to the RA interview and beyond and be ready and willing to make a difference!

Winter Break Housing Registration Due by Monday, December 11, 2017 – All Winter Break Housing in Bard / Lehigh Halls

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Millersville University Residence Hall Winter Break
2017-2018 Bulletin

 

The Winter Break will start at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017.  The residence halls will be closed during the Winter Break. Resident Students who are continuing in the residence halls to spring 2018, and who have an approved reason for requesting Winter Break Housing may request break housing for all or portions of the Winter Break by completing the following  Survey Monkey registration no later than 8:00 p.m. on Monday December 11, 2017.  This includes requests for both the December and January portions of the Winter Break. ALL WINTER BREAK HOUSING WILL BE ASSIGNED IN LEHIGH AND BARD HALLS.

 

 
Millersville University Housing and Residential Programs Winter Break 2017-2018 Registration


Please review the following instructions and information carefully to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct for improper maintenance and or check out of your residence hall suite/room.


Winter Break 2017-2018 Housing Information:
  • The residence halls close for Winter Break at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017, for students participating in graduation-related activities.  All other resident students are requested to vacate the residence halls after their last final exam and/or no later than 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2017.  Resident Students approved to reside in Lehigh/Bard Halls for Winter Break must relocate to Lehigh/Bard as assigned by Noon on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
  • Resident students continuing in the residence halls for spring 2018, and who have an approved reason (see below) may request Winter Break Housing in Lehigh and Bard Halls through survey monkey registration at the link listed above.
    • Athlete with mandatory participation requirements
    • Campus activity with mandatory participation requirement (documentation verification required)
    • International Student on F-1 or J-1 visa through Global Education
    • Long Distance student (greater than 100-mile distance to home)
    • Winter Session class enrollment (documentations verification required)
    • Working on campus (documentation verification required)
    • Working off-campus (documentation verification required)
    • Other (request will be considered and denied or approved by Housing on a case-by-case basis)
  • All Winter Break Housing will be assigned in Lehigh and Bard Halls.  Assignments will be made according to survey monkey registration by the Housing and Residential Programs Office.  Roommate assignment requests are not offered.  All resident students must move to Lehigh or Bard Halls as assigned for break housing.  Card access to all other residence halls will end at closing for Winter Break.
  • Meal plans are not active during Winter Break.  See Dining Services website for hours of operation. Cash, Flex, Marauder Gold, or credit card may be used during hours of operation.
  • Health Services will have limited hours of operation during Winter Break.  Use local hospitals or urgent care centers as needed.
  • Students are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break.
  • Visitation is not allowed during Winter Break.
  • All University Administrative Offices will be closed on Friday, December 22, 2017, 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 8:00 a.m.

The Information Desk will close as follows:

  • 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 2017, until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2017.
  • 6:00 p.m.  Saturday, December 30, 2017, until 8:00 a.m.  Tuesday, January 2, 2018
  • University Police Non-Emergency Line (717) 871-4357 will be answered by Lancaster County-Wide Communications when the Information Desk is closed.
Winter Break Closing Preparation Procedures:
Prior to the start of the break, all resident students MUST:
  • Dispose of all trash by removing it to the dumpster in the parking lots outside your residence hall.
  • Clean the room/suite including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, showers to the residence hall staff.
  • Clear, clean, defrost and unplug your refrigerator
  • Turn off the lights
  • Set the thermostat to 68 degrees
  • Close and lock the window
  • Lower the blinds halfway but leave them open
  • Lock your bedroom door and your suite door
  • Move all items from your residence hall floor, especially computer equipment and any items that can be damaged by flooding.
  • If you have a Learning Services approved animal in your room, you must take the animal with you.  You may not leave animals in the residence hall during the break.