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Events / Programs, RA Spotlight, Staff Spotlight

2024-2025 University Housing & Conference Services Resident Assistant Awards

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On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Department of University Housing & Conference Services celebrated student staff success during the annual department awards ceremony. We are very proud to announce the winners of the various accolades our department awards to outstanding service to the department, the University, and our students.

Dr. Clyde S. and Pauline F. Stine Award

Yash Kothari

Associate Director Steven Knepp, RA Yash Kothari, & West Village RAD Philip Graham

The Dr. Clyde S. and Pauline F. Stine Endowed Scholarship was seeded in 1988, by Drs. George and Helen Stine as a tribute to the memory of Dr. George Stine’s parents. Dr. Clyde Stine was a member of the Millersville University Administrative Faculty for many years. He provided administrative oversight for the residence hall program as the Dean of Men.

Dr. George Stine, Professor of Sociology, and a founding member of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, retired in 2003, after a distinguished 37 years at Millersville University.  Dr. Helen Stine retired in 2003, after many years as a Reading Specialist serving the School District of Lancaster.

It is our honor to be one of very few Student Affairs Departments recognized with an endowed scholarship. Drs. George and Helen Stine chose to recognize a Resident Assistant because Dr. Clyde Stine viewed the residence halls as an important experience in the life of a scholar and realized that Resident Assistants provide a fundamental role in the transition from student to new professional.

The Stine Award is given annually to a continuing Resident Assistant member of the junior class. The successful applicant must have a record of demonstrated outstanding service and positive contributions to the Department of University Housing & Conference Services and the general campus community. Applications are reviewed and the recipient selected by members of the University Housing and Conference Services department administrators. The recipient will receive a monetary scholarship applicable to the expenses of their senior year.

The 2024-25 award recipient is Yash Kothari, an accounting major from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Yash has just completed his fourth semester as an RA in West Village. Yash’s supervisor, Residential Area Director Mr. Philip Graham, stated the following on Yash’s behalf:

Yash is an incredibly hardworking young man who consistently goes above and beyond in his role as a Residential Assistant. Time and time again, I have witnessed his dedication and strong work ethic in action.

One of the strongest qualities Yash demonstrates is his willingness to grow. He communicates clearly from beginning to end in various situations and will regularly seek out feedback—asking what went well and where he can improve. This shows a genuine desire to excel in the role and support those around him.

Yash also carries himself with a high level of professionalism, both with residents and fellow RAs. His reliability and the timely manner in which he completes tasks have left a lasting impression on me as well as other staff.

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to Yash and recognize the great work he has been doing. Keep it up—your efforts truly make a difference!

Congrats, Yash! 

EPPIIC Staff Member of the Year

The EPPIIC Staff Member awards recognize one new and one returning RA staff member that best exemplifies what it means to be EPPIIC.

Exploration:  

The resident assistant creates programs that engage residents.  The programs promote community and allow residents to expand their interests.   

Professionalism:  

The resident assistant is in good academic standing.  They are responsible and trustworthy.  They act as a role model to residents.  

Public Mission:  

The resident assistant is a general resource for their residential community and is prepared to respond to issues in the halls.      

Inclusion:  

The resident assistant promotes inclusion and equality.  They stand up for what is right and strive to create a welcoming community on their floor. They use their position to voice the concerns of residents to ensure the residents’ needs are met.    

Integrity:  

The resident assistant tries their best in the role.  They don’t complete tasks that are expected of them for the recognition.  They do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.  

Compassion:  

The resident assistant is available for their residents.  They make an effort in getting to know the interests of their residents and tries to implement said interests into programs and interactions with the residents.  When conversing with residents, the RA is empathetic and engaged in conversations.  They get to know their residents as individuals, not as another name on a door. 

New RA EPPIIC Award: Inoke Taufa (West Village)
West Village RAD Philip Watson & RA Inoke Taufa
Returning RA EPPIIC Award: Yash Kothari (West Village)
West Village RAD Philip Watson & RA Yash Kothari

Program of the Year Awards

Bard Hall Program Winner – “Taco Tuesday “by Leo Faust and Alexa DiMaggio

Assistant Director / RAD Matthew Rutkoski and RA Leo Faust

East Village Program Winner – “Pot a Plant” by Sebastian Steen & Ernesto Palmese Carias 

RA Sebastian Steen, Graduate Assistant Olivia Flaharty, and RA Ernesto Palmese Carias.
Shenks Hall Program Winner – “Thrift Flip” by Bridget Lau & Rachel Bonner
Graduate Assistant Makayla Calamita, RA Rachel Bonner, and RA Bridget Lau
South Village Program Winner – “Paint & Dip” by Maeve Haines, Alli Wysocki, Kristen Ajala, Sam Johnson, and Brian O’Neill.

RAD Kei-shon Graham, RA Maeve Haines, RA Alli Wysocki, RA Kristen Ajala, RA Sam Johnson, RA Brian O'Neill, and Graduate Assistant Madison Carr.

West Village Program Winner – “Totes & T-Shirts” by Ariana Marshall and Kayla Chin
Graduate Assistant Caroline Seay, Ariana Marshall, Kayla Chin, and RAD Philip Watson

Spring 2025 RA Graduates

Bard Hall

  • Leo Faust
  • McKenna Murphy

East Village

  • Zeph Lonie
  • Grace Dauch
  • Sebastian Steen
  • Cameron Little
  • Camdyn Brunner
  • Sanyaa Graves

South Village

  • Lily Owens-Patterson
  • Milan Harley
  • Alexander Sullivan
  • Jack Reilly

West Village

  • Kayla Chin

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the following Resident Assistants (RAs) who will not be returning for the Fall 2025 semester. Their dedication, hard work, and exceptional service have greatly contributed to the success of our department and the positive experience of our students. We are truly appreciative of their commitment and the impact they’ve made on our University community!

South Village

  • Maeve Haines
  • Allison Wysocki

West Village

  • Caroline Bogle
  • Kat Dorsheimer
  • Kellie McKnight
Congratulations to all of our award winners. Thank you for your sacrifice, compassion, and amazing dedication to our department and Millersville University. We are all very proud of you!
Announcements

Millersville University Residence Halls Spring 2025 Semester Closing and Check Out

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Please review all the information below

The residence halls will close at 10 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025.  Residents are expected to move out of the residence halls and turn in their keys within 24 hours after their last exam or by this time.  Resident students who are graduating, are involved in graduation, or have an extenuating circumstance must speak with their Residential Area Director by 5 PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to obtain permission to remain in the halls until Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Bard/Shenks – A.D. Matthew Rutkoski matthew.rutkoski@millersville.edu

East Village – RAD Yvonne DeBlois – yvonne.deblois@millersville.edu

South Village – RAD Kei-shon Graham – kei-shon.graham@millersville.edu

West Village – RAD Philip Watson – philip.watson@millersville.edu

For students graduating on Saturday, May 10, 2025, it is recommended that you check-out of the residence halls prior to your graduation ceremony.   All students will need to be checked out of the residence halls by 8pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Students may move out prior to finals. Please make sure to follow the procedures listed below.

Students who have applied for summer housing: Please read the summer housing section below.

Review the following information carefully to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct and additional charges for improperly checking out of your residence hall room.

QUIET HOURS FOR FINAL EXAMS

Please keep your fellow students in mind as they prepare for exams.  Quiet hours will be maintained, 24 hours a day, beginning at 9PM Friday, May 2, 2025, and continuing through the end of the semester.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

Prior to leaving for the summer break, all resident students MUST properly check out of their room.  All residents must do the following prior to the actual check-out:

  • Remove all belongings from your area of the room (open desk/dresser drawers).
  • Dispose of trash by removing it to the dumpster area outside of your residence hall.
  • Clean the room by sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture to remove dust and sticky residue.
  • Clean the bathroom/s. This would include cleaning the toilet, shower, sink, and floor area. This should not be left for the last resident to clean.
  • Return furniture to its original position. See the schematics posted on the bulletin board of your hallway.
  • Un-bunk beds and make sure that the bed frame is at the proper height.

The LAST resident to check-out of a room should also do the following:

  • Turn off the lights.
  • Set the thermostat to 70 degrees.
  • Close and lock the window.
  • Lower the blinds halfway but leave them open.
  • Lock your bedroom and suite door.

 EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

 To use the Express Check-out Procedure:

  • Proceed to the main desk of each residence hall and you will find express check-out envelopes next to a locked drop box.
  • Complete all the information required on the front of the envelope.
  • Sign your name as indicated.
  • Place your room key inside the envelope. Shenks students must include your parking pass and seal the envelope.
  • If you have lost your key, complete the envelope, and write on the front: “No key enclosed, lost key.”
  • Drop the envelope into the lock box.

BICYCLES

Remember to take your bicycle with you before you leave campus.  As of Sunday, May 11, 2025, all bicycles left in the residential areas will be treated as abandoned property and disposed of accordingly.

MAIL

The last day for mail delivery will be Friday, May 9, 2025.  All first-class mail will be sent to your home address over the summer, except packages which must be returned to sender. Newspapers and magazines cannot be forwarded.

DONATIONS

Help local families and students by donating items you may no longer need before leaving for break. There will be a designated area in each residence hall lobby for you to leave donation items. Items to donate can include clean clothes (dirty clothing cannot be accepted), hygiene products, cleaning supplies, bedding (mattress pads cannot be accepted), non-perishable foods (cannot be opened), educational supplies, and other usable items. We cannot accept rugs from your suite.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Registered summer session residents will be assigned to live in South Village A wing.  Students staying for the entire summer term or for the first part of the term may request to stay in their room until Sunday, May 11, 2025, at which time you will need to move to your summer room and be checked out of your spring assignment before 9pm that day. All personal items must be moved over to your summer assignment. There is no storage available, so you will need to remove all your belongings at spring closing and checkout using the instructions above.

For information regarding summer housing, please review our webpage: https://www.millersville.edu/housing/summer-housing.php

MOVE-IN FOR FALL 2025 REMINDER

Returning students can check into the halls starting on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Fall 2025 move-in details will be posted in August.

If you have specific questions, please speak with your residence hall staff.  Have a nice summer!

Announcements

2025 Annual Benchworks Residential Student Survey

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Beginning Monday, April 7, 2025, the Department of University Housing & Conference Services will launch its annual Benchworks by Elentra survey. All non-staff residential students (i.e., those living in Bard Hall, Reighard Hall, Shenks Hall, and the Villages) will be invited to participate. The survey will remain open through Friday, April 18, 2025.

Students will receive an email invitation with detailed instructions on how to complete the survey. Two reminder emails will be sent to those who have not yet responded.

This assessment is vital to the Department of University Housing & Conference Services and the university as a whole. The data collected allows us to better understand the strengths and areas for improvement within our program, as well as the services provided by campus partners, in comparison to peer institutions nationwide.

The survey assesses 21 different factors, which include the following:

Satisfaction

  • Hall Student Staff
  • Hall Programming
  • Hall Environment
  • Facilities*
  • Services Provided
  • Room Assignment
  • Room Change
  • Safety & Security
  • Roommates
  • Dining Services*
  • Community Environment

Learning

  • Personal Interactions
  • Sense of Community
  • Diverse Interactions
  • Self-Management
  • Alcohol and Drug Use
  • Sustainability
  • Living-Learning Community (LLC) Connections & Support

Overall

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Overall Learning
  • Overall Program Effectiveness

*University Housing & Conference Services does not supervise these areas, but works as a partner with the departments responsible for these services.

Your responses will be kept anonymous and will assist us in evaluating and planning for future programs and services. Your responses are important! Students are the best source of information to help shape the educational and co-curricular experience at Millersville University.

Thank you in advance for completing the survey.

Announcements

Millersville University Residence Hall Spring Break 2025 Bulletin

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Spring Break for the residence halls will begin at 10:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, after night classes. All students planning to stay for Spring Break must register by completing the “Spring Break Application” that is in your MyHousing Account. There is no additional cost to stay over the break, but you must apply to be approved. All students that apply to stay are approved and you will receive an email confirmation once you have completed the application. The application will close at 5pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Students not staying for Spring Break can return to the halls starting at 12 pm (noon) on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

To complete the application, follow these instructions:

  1. Log into your MAX Account.
  2. Select Student Services.
  3. Select Housing & Dining.
  4. Select MyHousing.
  5. In your MyHousing Account, go to the Applications tab on the left side and complete the “Spring Break Application.”
  6. Once you complete the application, you will receive an email stating that your application was completed.

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

Spring Break Housing Information:

  • Guests and Visitation is not permitted during the break. Guest visitation will end at 5pm on Friday, March 7 will start back up at 12noon on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
  • All University Administrative Offices will be open during the break
  • Residence Hall Offices will have limited hours of operation during the break – see front desk for contact information.
  • See Dining Services , Health Services, The Hub websites for hours of operation
  • Students are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staffs may be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during the break that require entrance to resident rooms.

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 your room/suite, including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, and 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 70 degrees.
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock your room window (Villages).
  • 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.

 Have a wonderful and safe Spring Break!

Announcements

Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Housing Application / Room Selection Process (*Reminder*)

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The on-campus room selection process is now open for the Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 academic period. Below is a reminder of the four (4) different selection opportunities.

February 4 – February 5, 2025

 Shenks Hall Room Selection only

February 7 – February 10, 2025

 Same Room Selection

February 12 – February 14, 2025

 Single-Suite in Villages Room  Selection

February 17 – March 7, 2025

 Open Room Selection

To be eligible to participate in any of these room selection periods, you must complete the Returning Student Housing Application (including the deposit) at least 24 hours prior to each room selection period.

Eligible students will receive information the day before each room selection period.  Click HERE to download a PDF for step-by-step instructions on completing the online room selection process.

  • Shenks Hall Room Selection: You will only see open spaces in Shenks Hall.
  • Same Room Selection: You will only be able to select your space (please note, not all spaces can be reelected. If you can’t pick your room, that means its not eligible for same room selection.
    • Can’t be matched with a roommate to pick your same room, you will need to un-match your selected roommate/s.
  • Single-Suite: You will only see open single suite spaces in East, South or West Village
  • Open Room Selection: You will see all open spaces that are eligible to be selected

Reminder, all students not approved to live off-campus for the Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 term should participate in the room selection process.

If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Director of Occupancy Management Matthew Rutkoski directly. You may also review the full list of information regarding on and off-campus housing processs by reading the email below or vising the following website:

https://www.millersville.edu/housing/student-info/standard-level.php

Announcements

Residence Hall Winter Break 2024-2025 Bulletin

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1. Winter break housing will start at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The residence halls will be closed during winter break. Resident students who will continue residing in the residence halls during the spring 2025 semester may request break housing for all or portions of the winter break by completing the “Break_Winter_2024-25 Application”. There is no additional cost to stay over the break, but you must apply to be approved. All students that apply to stay are approved and you will receive and email confirmation once you have completed the application. The application will close at 10pm on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The residence halls will reopen for the spring semester at 12 noon on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

2. Students that are graduating or working graduation on Saturday, December 14, 2024, are permitted to stay but must be checked out of the residence hall before 6pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024. You must email your Residential Area Director (RAD) to receive permission to stay until 6pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024. University Housing and Conference Services will verify with the Registrar’s Office the students who have requested to stay for graduation. Once confirmed, you will receive additional check-out instructions from your RAD. You do not need to complete the Break Housing Application.

3. If you are requesting winter break housing and you have scheduled a room change for the spring semester, you must complete the room change before the start of the break. If the room change cannot be completed prior to leaving for the break, you may be asked to take all personal belongings home. This is to help the housekeeping staff clean and prepare for the spring semester. Please see your Residential Area Director (RAD) to make that arrangement. Students assigned to continue housing in the residence halls for spring 2025 are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break nor need to move out all your belongings.

4. Students who are not returning to Millersville University for the spring semester, or who are considering not returning, must contact their Residential Area Director (RAD) to receive instructions for checking out of the residence halls. You will need to follow the instructions given to you by your hall director. Failure to do so will result in additional charges.

East Village –Yvonne DeBlois – yvonne.deblois@millersville.edu

Bard/Shenks – Matthew Rutkoski – matthew.rutkoski@millersville.edu

South Village – Kei-shon Graham – kei-shon.graham@millersville.edu

West Village – Philip Watson – philip.watson@millersville.edu

TO COMPLETE THE WINTER BREAK APPLICATION:

  1. Log into your MAX Account
  2. Select Student Services
  3. Select Housing and Dining
  4. Select MyHousing
  5. In your MyHousing Account, go to the Applications tab on the left side and complete the “Break_Winter_2024-25Application”.
  6. Once you complete the application, you will receive an email stating that your application was completed.

GENERAL WINTER BREAK INFORMATION

  • 24-hour quiet hours go into effect at 9:00 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024, and continue through the end of the semester.
  • The residence halls will be closed during winter break except for returning residents who have requested and been approved for winter break housing by University Housing & Conference Services.
  • Card access for all resident students will be discontinued during the winter break. Only returning residents who have requested winter break housing will have card access privileges.
  • Guests and visitation are not permitted during the break due to safety and security reasons.
  • See Dining Services, Health Services, SMC, and The Hub websites for hours of operation.
  • For non-urgent police and campus calls during holiday closing times dial (717) 871-4357. For fire, police, and EMS emergencies, always dial 911.
  • Students assigned to continue housing in the residence halls for spring 2025 are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break nor need to move out all your belongings.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staff will be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during the break that may require entrance to resident rooms. The University Housing & Conference Services staff may post a courtesy sign on your door indicating that the room is occupied during the winter break. This sign will ensure that workers will not enter your room without knocking. Please leave it in place for the duration of the winter break.
  • All students assigned to the residence halls for Fall 2024 are automatically assigned to continue residing in the residence halls for Spring 2025, unless you have officially withdrawn from the University, been approved for a leave of absence for Spring 2025, been approved for study abroad for Spring 2025, or are an international student on a current study abroad visa who will not be returning for the Spring 2025 semester. In all these cases, you must not be registered for classes at Millersville University for Spring 2025.

WINTER BREAK PREPARATION PROCEDURES

The residence hall staff will conduct health and safety inspections in each residence hall suite at the start of the winter break. Please carefully review the following instructions and information to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct for improper maintenance of your residence hall suite/room.

Prior to the start of the break, all resident students returning for the spring and not registered for the winter break period 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 food from your refrigerator and properly dispose of it through proper trash removal.
  • Defrost your refrigerator.
  • If you are leaving for the break, turn off the lights.
  • If you are leaving for the break, set the thermostat to 70 degrees.
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock your room window in the Villages.
  • 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 take any valuables home with you.
  • 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 an approved animal through Learning Services 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.

Congratulations to our December 2024 graduates!

Happy Holidays and stay safe!

Announcements

Residence Hall Thanksgiving Break 2024 Bulletin

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Thanksgiving Break will begin at 10 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, after night classes. All students planning to stay for Thanksgiving Break must register by completing the “Break_Thanksgiving_2024 Application” that is in your MyHousing Account. There is no additional cost to stay over the break, but you must apply to be approved. All students that apply to stay are approved and you will receive an email confirmation once you have completed the application. The application will close at 10 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024. Students not staying for Thanksgiving Break can return to the halls starting at 12 pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

To complete the application, follow these instructions:

  1. Log into your MAX Account
  2. Select Student Services
  3. Select Housing & Dining
  4. Select MyHousing
  5. In your MyHousing Account, go to the Applications tab on the left side and complete the “Break_Thanksgiving_2024 Application.”
  6. Once you complete the application, you will receive an email stating that your application was completed.

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

Thanksgiving Break Housing Information:

  • All University Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, and Friday, November 29, 2024.
  • Guests visitation is not permitted during the break. Guest visitation will end at 4 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Students will be permitted to sign in guests again starting at 12 pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
  • Residence Hall Offices will have limited hours of operation during the break – see front desk for contact information.
  • See the Dining Services , Health Services, The Hub websites for hours of operation.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staffs may be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during the break that require entrance to resident rooms.

Thanksgiving 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 your room/suite, including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, and 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 72 degrees.
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock your room window (Villages).
  • 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.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Break!

Academics, Advice, Lifestyle / Hall Life

How to Stay Focused on Your Goals Mid-Semester at Millersville University

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It is official: we have now reached the halfway point in the semester. Unfortunately, this is when students tend to feel overwhelmed or lose focus. However, staying motivated is key to finishing strong. Below are several strategies to help you stay on track and maintain your momentum through the second half of the semester:

1. Reevaluate and Set New Goals

  • Assess Your Progress: Take time to reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of the semester. What have you accomplished so far, and what needs more attention?
  • Break Down Large Goals: If your original goals seem daunting, break them into smaller, manageable tasks. Achieving these smaller milestones will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue.
  • Set SMART Goals: Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This ensures clarity and provides a clear roadmap to success.

2. Create or Refresh Your Study Plan

  • Time Block Your Schedule: Organize your remaining weeks by assigning dedicated time for studying, assignments, and personal activities. Sticking to a schedule helps reduce procrastination.
  • Prioritize Tasks by Deadline and Importance: Focus first on upcoming deadlines or major projects, but also make sure to carve out time for ongoing study and review sessions.
  • Use a Planner or Digital Tools: Apps like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion can help you track your progress and maintain accountability. Regularly check your planner and adjust it as needed to stay organized.

3. Utilize University Housing Resources

  • Access Study Spaces: Take advantage of quiet areas or common study rooms in the residence halls’ common areas. A change of scenery from your room can boost productivity.
  • Attend Stress-Relief Activities: Mid-semester stress is common, and MU offers offers many wellness programs and other events designed to help students unwind. Balance between study and relaxation is essential for maintaining motivation.

4. Build a Support System

  • Form Study Partnerships: Reach out to roommates or classmates to form study groups. Discussing material with others can improve understanding and keep you engaged.
  • Stay Connected with Mentors or Advisors: If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, schedule a check-in with a professor, academic advisor, or your resident assistant (RA). They can offer guidance, help refocus your efforts, and provide useful resources.
  • Communicate with Roommates: Set clear boundaries with roommates when it comes to study time, and try to minimize distractions in shared living spaces.

5. Practice Self-Care

  • Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: A well-rested and nourished body is more focused and productive. Avoid all-night cramming sessions by planning study blocks that allow for adequate sleep.
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and reset your mind. Use on-campus facilities or get outdoors for a quick walk or workout.
  • Incorporate Breaks: Use the Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) to keep yourself refreshed and prevent burnout.

6. Focus on the Big Picture

  • Visualize Success: Remind yourself of the long-term benefits of your hard work, such as passing your exams, achieving high grades, or preparing for future career opportunities.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for completing tasks, whether it’s a small treat, taking time for a favorite hobby, or enjoying a night off after a productive day.

7. Stay Positive and Flexible

  • Accept Setbacks: It’s normal to face challenges, but don’t let them derail your progress. Adjust your goals or plans as needed without losing sight of the end goal.
  • Practice a Growth Mindset: Embrace the idea that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow, rather than obstacles to success. A positive attitude will keep you motivated during tough times.
You can finish all of your classes strong! You’ve already put in so much effort. With just a bit more focus and determination, you can end this semester on a high note. The second half of the semester is your opportunity to build on your progress, improve where needed, and achieve the goals you set out to accomplish. Keep up the good work, stay focused, and remember that every step forward brings you closer to success. You’ve got this!
Announcements

Fall 2024 Returning Student “Movers & Shakers” Volunteers Needed for Move-In

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The Department of University Housing & Conference Services (UHCS) is looking for returning Millersville University students to serve as volunteer “Movers & Shakers” for move-in help on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Movers & Shakers are responsible for meeting and greeting students, their families, and helping to move students’ belongings into their rooms in the residence halls.

Student Movers & Shakers will be required to attend a short instructional meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. in the Anderson Presentation Room of the Lombardo Welcome Center.

Benefits of being a volunteer “Mover & Shaker” includes the following responsibilities and benefits:

1. Volunteers who live in the residence halls can move in early on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, between 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
2. A free limited edition t-shirt to identify yourself as a “Mover & Shaker” (*the t-shirt logo is illustrated above)
3. Free continental breakfast served on Thursday.
4. Free lunch served on Thursday afternoon.
5. Students who help on both Thursday and Saturday will receive a special gift.
6. The opportunity to be a servant leader
7. To actively demonstrate our EPPIIC Values as we welcome new students and their families to Millersville University

* Students: Please note that if you sign up, move into the residence halls early as a Mover & Shaker, and do not participate as promised, you will be billed accordingly for the early move-in period as well as the cost of the shirt. Non-residents will also be billed accordingly for the shirt. 
**Returning Honors LLC students looking to volunteer only for Wednesday’s LLC move-in should contact Kereah in the Honors College and not fill out the form below. 
Sign up will end promptly at 4:30 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024.

This is an exciting opportunity as it brings our University community together to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year. We hope you’ll be a part of this great tradition!

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Millersville University Housing Move-In Packing Checklist

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As you prepare to embark on your exciting journey to college, packing can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. Ensuring you have everything you need for your new home away from home is crucial for a successful year. From residence hall essentials to personal items, being well-prepared will help you settle in comfortably and confidently. To help you get started, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist of suggested and recommended items to pack for your stay here at Millersville University.

Bedroom
  • Alarm clock
  • Trash can
  • Storage bins
  • Hangers
  • Posters
  • Fan
  • Food
Bathroom
  • Shower curtain & liner
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Robe & shower shoes
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Body wash & face wash
  • Razors & shaving cream
  • Toilet brush & plunger
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Small trash can
  • Toilet paper
Eating
  • Plates & bowls
  • Mugs & glasses
  • Silverware
  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Microwave
  • Mini fridge
Electronics
  • Laptop & charger
  • Phone charger
  • Power strips
  • Television
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Batteries
Laundry
  • Laundry basket or bag
  • Detergent or pods
  • Fabric softener
  • Dryer sheets
  • Quarters
Self-Care
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Contact lens products
  • Skin care products
  • Hair style products
  • Deodorant
  • Body spray
Linens
  • Bed sheets
  • Pillow cases
  • Mattress pad
  • Comforter
  • Pillows
  • Blankets
Desk
  • Folders & notebooks
  • Sticky notes & index cards
  • Highlighters & markers
  • Pens & pencils
  • Scissors & stapler
  • Tape & tacks
  • Paper clips
  • Calculator
  • Planner
Miscellaneous Items
  • Key ring/ID holder
  • First aid care
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Hand soap
  • Trash bags
  • Flashlight

Please take notice that toilet paper and cleaning products are not included or supplied by the university. These items are strictly the resident’s responsibility to provide. 

Click here to download this as a PDF. If you have not already, please check out the two most recent blog posts, Housing Move-In Checklist and Fall 2024 On-Campus Housing Move-In Information, as well. 

If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the information above, please reach out to our office through email at housing@millersville.edu.