Your safety is our number one priority! 
The Office of Housing and Residence Life has standard procedures for residents to abide by when living in the residence halls. This information will provide residents with emergency procedures such as fire safety, active shooter, natural disasters, and illness outbreaks. 
If a resident is in an emergency situation, it is important that they contact Campus Police at 304-766-3353 or 911. Additionally, the Office of Housing and Residence Life has someone on-call 24/7. Residents can call the Resident Assistant On-Call number posted within the residence halls and provided during their Hall Meetings. 
We do recommend students to always keep an emergency kit in their rooms in case of power outage, ice storm, severe weather, or shelter-in-place situation. Items recommended are:

• Can opener
• Flashlight and batteries 
• Charged cell phone and quick-charge battery for your cell phone
• A list of contact phone numbers (to use on a land-line phone if cell phone service is disrupted)
• Any necessary prescription medication
• Glasses (if needed) 
• A complete change of clothing 
• Cash or traveler’s check and change
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• A first-aid kit

Additionally, students are encouraged to sign-up for Regroup Emergency Alerts to ensure they are prepared and aware of any on-campus emergencies. 

 

 

 

Ashlynne Davis

Dawson Hall, Third Floor

Hometown: Fresno, California
Classification: Sophomore 
Years as an RA: Two
Why you chose to be an RA: I wanted to help students feel more comfortable as well as get to know students.

Eddie Sweeney IV

Dawson Hall, Second Floor

Hometown: Charleston, West Virginia
Classification: Sophomore 
Years as an RA: This is his first year
Why you chose to be an RA: I chose to be a RA because I wanted to connect more with the student body. 





 

West Virginia State University Office of Housing and Residence Life is committed to fostering inclusive, safe, and vibrant living communities for our Residential Yellow Jackets. Our Department’s vision includes not just maintaining our standards of excellence but elevating them, ensuring that our residence halls are more than just places to live—they are places where lifelong memories are made, and meaningful relationships are forged. There are numerous educational and social benefits for first-year students living in the residence halls that may not be realized by those living off campus. With this understanding, WVSU requires all first-year students to live on campus.

WVSU First Year Live-On Policy

The Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall

Features:

• 289 total beds
• 78 suite-style units – two, three and four-bedroom plans
• 9 fully-furnished apartment-style units with rental rates inclusive of electricity, cable and Internet service. With the exception of two of the apartments, each apartment houses two students, in which each student has their own room and bathroom.

Community amenities:

• Pickard Café, which provides an additional option for dining available until 9 p.m. during the week
• Gaming Room
• 24-hour Study Lounge
• Free Centralized laundry facilities on each floor

Dawson Hall

Features:

• 94 total beds 
• Double Occupancy
• Free on-site laundry facility

Dawson Hall residents are welcome to use the gaming room located in Keith Hall.

Fall 2024 Student Move-In

Fall 2024 Student Move-in Schedule:

• Football Team:  Wednesday, August 7, 2024 between 8am-5pm
• Volleyball, Women's Soccer, and Track & Field Teams: Sunday, August 11, 2024 between 8am-5pm
• New Students (Freshmen & Transfers): Wednesday, August 14, 2024 between 8am-5pm
  • A-M: 8am-12pm
  • N-Z: 1pm-5pm
• Returning Students: Friday, August 16, 2024 between 8am-5pm

**Specific Move-in details will be forthcoming**

2024-2025 Housing Contractual Agreement

• Defines the terms and conditions of occupancy 
• Refers to specific sections of the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook 

The following are rules that apply to the residence halls and should be followed. These rules apply to all residence halls. 

HOUSING RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Apartment/Room Inspection: WVSU Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to inspect individual rooms to: a) ensure proper maintenance of health and safety standards; b) take inventory; c) make necessary repairs; d) perform extermination/pest control services; e) add/remove furniture, and f) enforce university policies. Housing and Residence Life staff will make periodic, announced/unannounced checks of all residence hall rooms. These checks are performed to identify health, safety and maintenance problems. Residents do not have to be present during these checks. Residence Life will leave a sheet stating whether your room passed or failed. If the room fails, then you will have 48 hours to make the correction(s). If the correction(s) aren't made within the time period, then the student may be subject to a fine.

2. Room Care: Residents are responsible for: a) cleaning their rooms; b) removing waste material regularly (Both Keith and Dawson residents are responsible for taking their own waste out. Keith Hall students must dispose of their trash in the trash room, which faces the Quad area. Dawson students must dispose of their trash in the large trash bins to either the South or North stairwell located first floor of Dawson Hall); and c) maintaining sanitation and safety conditions acceptable to the university.

3. Decorations: Pictures, posters and other materials may be hung using pushpins and/or tacks. If damage is done to the walls (paint peels, drywall tears, etc.) the room/suite occupant(s) will be charged for labor and materials to repaint the area. The use of nails, screws, glue, masking tape, Command Adhesive, and other adhesives on walls, ceilings, wardrobes, woodwork, appliances, fixtures, doors or furniture is prohibited.  All decorations must be removed when the resident vacates or the student will be charged a cleaning fee. In addition, students may not attach anything to the sprinkler system head.
Students may decorate the outside of the door provided decorations: a) are not lewd; b) do not block exits; and c) do not create a potential fire or safety hazard. 

4. Noise: All WVSU residence hall quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m during the week and start at midnight during the weekends.  While music may be played outside of the quiet hours, noise levels during those hours should be low enough not to disturb others. It is always 24/7 courtesy hours - meaning that any excessive disturbances will not be tolerated. Students will be fined accordingly if they violate this policy. During Finals week, there will be 24/7 quiet hours during that week and weekend to provide residents with an atmosphere conducive to preparing for exams.

5. Safety

• Do not give building/room access codes to anyone. This includes letting anyone in the residence halls who do not reside in them.
• Do not prop open exterior doors or permit people to enter residence halls through Fire/Emergency Exits.

6. Overnight Guests: Every guest is subject to University rules and regulations. Guests must be escorted by their hosts at all times. Overnight guests are limited to two per resident. Guest can visit for up to three (3) consecutive days (72 hours), and up to six (6) days in a given month on a space available basis in the assigned room of the host. Only if there is advance consent by all residents of the room/suite, and in accordance with the specific visitation policies established.

7. Complicity

• Presence during any violation of university policy in such a way as to condone, support, or encourage that violation. (NOTE: As a Residence Hall family, we are responsible for our home away from home. Students who anticipate or observe a violation of university policy are expected to remove themselves from the situation and are encouraged to report the violation.)  

8. Furniture: Students are not permitted to bring additional furniture such as futons, sofas, dressers, etc. into the residence halls without prior approval from the Director of Housing and Residence Life. WVSU does not provide storage space for additional personal items or unversity furnishings, to make room for additional personal items. In addition, WVSU furniture must remain in their respective unit and common area; i.e., beds should remain in the student's room as opposed to within the common space. Removal of furnishings from the unit, common areas and/or buildings is prohibited. The responsible student(s) may be referred to the WVSU judicial system and/or civil process. Common area furniture found in an individual unit will be removed and the resident(s) will be assessed a fine.

9. Housing during Winter/Spring Break
During the academic year, students wishing to stay during the following breaks: Winter Break (Winter Break is not covered in student costs. Student will have to pay extra), and Spring Break will need to contact Residence Life to request to stay over the break. If granted permission to stay during the break, you may be asked to move to another location during the break period.

10. Solicitation: No door-to-door solicitation is permitted in WVSU owned or managed buildings by individuals or groups. The occupant of an individual suite is permitted to invite individuals, groups, organizations, associations, and corporations to conduct group or individual commercial and noncommercial solicitation in the individual suite provided such activity does not: a) create undue noise; b) disturb either the occupant's roommate(s) or occupants of nearby rooms; or extend out into the hallways; d) break any policies and laws.


All residence halls are smoke-free environments.

• Burning candles, incense or other such ‘open flame’ luminaries are not permitted. Wax burners are also prohibited.
• Electronic cigarettes are not permitted in the building(s).
• No marijuana use inside the residence halls and/or outside of the halls.

Prohibited Items. These include, but are not limited to:

• Weapons
  • Firearms
    • Guns and ammunition
    • BB Guns
    • water/toy guns etc...
  • Knives (not including butter knives) larger than 3 inches.
    • switchblades, hunting knives etc...
  • Tasers
  • Fireworks and or any explosives
  • Bow and arrows etc...
• Candles and wax burners/melters
• Pets of any kind (Unless approved by the Office of Counseling and Accessibility Services prior to the pet being on campus)
• Natural trees or evergreens
• Futons
• Hotplates
• Halogen lamps
• George Foreman grills
• Air Fryers
• Crockpots/Rice cookers
• Toaster oven​
• Alcohol, alcohol paraphernalia, shot glasses
• Possession, creation, use, and/or sale of illegal substances and paraphernalia
  • sale or distribution of legal/over the counter medication is also prohibited. 

** This is not an exhaustive list. Residents should contact the Housing and Residence Life Office if they are unsure if something is allowed.
 

HAZING POLICY AND SANCTIONS

Any person or persons who cause(s) hazing is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be: fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars; or confined in a county or regional jail not more than nine months; or both fined and imprisoned.  Provided that if the act would otherwise be deemed a felony as defined in the hazing code, the person committing such acts may be found guilty of such acts and/or may be found guilty of a felony and be subject to penalties provided by law for such felony. 
 
In accordance with the goal of educating and assisting students with conduct problems, the Vice President for Student Affairs may recommend such other forms of disciplinary action as may be appropriate to the individual case.  These may typically involve work or research projects or recommendation for counseling options.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT

West Virginia State University is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION institution and does not discriminate against any person because of race, sex, age, color, religion, disability, national or ethnic origin. This policy extends to all West Virginia State University activities related to the management of its educational, financial and business affairs. It affects all employment practices including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, layoff, and  termination.

 

**Specific Self Selection details will be forthcoming**

"Emotional Support" are:

• animals that work, provide assistance, or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or
• animals that provide emotional support which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person's disability.

Some, but not all, animals that assist persons with disabilities are professionally trained. Other assistance animals are trained by the owners. In some cases, no special training is required. The question is whether or not the animal performs the assistance or provides the benefit needed as a reasonable accomodaon by the person with a disability at all times. Assistance animals my be considered for access to university housing, however, they are not permitted in other areas of the university (e.g. libraries, academic buildings, classrooms. labs, student center, etc.).

Assistance/Emotional Support Animal Policy

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a person may keep an assistance animal in his/her residence hall or campus apartment as a reasonable accommdation if:

• The individual has a disability;
• The animal is necessary to afford the individual with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy campus housing; and 
• There is an identifiable relationship between the disability and the assistance the animal provides.

Assistance animals are primarily allowed in the residence hall(s) or campus apartments for which the individual with a disability is assigned by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. The initial request and disability verification forms must be submitted to Student Accessibility Resources by June 1st for the fall semester, and October 1st for the spring semester.

Students must complete the intake interview and submit any requested additional information by July 1st for fall semester and November 1st for spring semester.

An individual with a disability may be asked to remove an assistance animal from campus housing if the animal:

• is out of control and individual does not take effective action to control it.
• poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others (that cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation),
• causes substantial physical damage to the property of others (including University housing), or
• poses an undue financial and administrative burden to the University.

SAR and Housing and Residence Life may place reasonable conditions or restrictions on approved animals, depennding on the nature and characteristics of the animal. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis using an interactive process involving the student and staff of the aforementioned offices.

Prior to bringing an animal to campus, you must print and return the Assistance Animal Agreement and the List of Owner's Responsibilities to the Housing and Residence LIfe Office. The university has policies and procedures in place that outline what animals are allowed on campus and in residence halls and buildings.

For more information, please visit the Student Accessibility Resources webpage.

What is the cost of housing?

Housing Cost for 2024-2025 (Academic Year)
2024-2025 Housing Rates:

• Sullivan Hall
  • Double Occupancy: $1,500
  • Single Occupancy: $1,750
• Dawson Hall
  • Double Occupancy: $2,479
  • Single Occupancy: $3,621
• Keith Hall
  • 4 Bedroom Suite: $3,881
  • 3 Bedroom Suite: $3,881
  • 2 Bedroom Suite: $3,881
  • 1 Bedroom Apartment: $4,625
  • 2 Bedroom Apartment: $4,465

2024-2025 Meal Plan Rates:

• $2,880 - The Standard 19, Plus $200 – The 19 meal plan allows students greater flexibility. Enjoy up to 19 meals offered in the dining hall, Monday - Sunday. Plus, you will receive $200 flex dollars to be used in our retail locations.
• $2,880 - Any 15, Plus $300 – This plan is designed for students with moderate appetites. You can enjoy up to 15 meals offered in the dining hall, Monday - Sunday. Plus, you will receive $300 flex dollars to be used in the retail locations.
• $2,880 - Swipe 10, Plus $400 - This plan is designed for students who spend more time at our retail locations and may go to the dining hall less than often. You can enjoy up to 10 meals offered in the dining hall, Monday-Sunday. Plus, you will receive $400 flex dollars to be used in our retail locations.

Fees are subject to change.
 
What is a Resident Assistant?
A resident assistant (RA) is a student staff member who also lives within the residence hall.  Resident assistants facilitate the social, academic, and personal adjustment of students to the residence hall(s) and University.

When do the residence halls open?
(Please read info in "Student Move-In" Section). 
 
Do the residence halls remain open during breaks?
Residence halls are closed for Winter Break and Summer Vacation. Students who need to stay for the Winter Break must receive approval prior to the stay. Spring Break is not included in housing costs. Therefore, students who request to stay during this time will be responsible for their own meals. Depending on space available and number of students requesting to stay, students may be moved to a different hall.

Students may leave their belongings in their rooms during the Thanksgiving, Winter and/or Spring Break at their own risk.  WVSU will not assume any responsibility if a student's possessions are damaged and/or stolen. Any belongings left during breaks should be moved to one side of the room along with the mattress, covers, pillows and cases.  The University will not store student possessions over the Summer. 

What if I have a housing request based on medical needs?
Students with special medical needs must submit documentation from a physician before the housing priority deadline of June 1 for the Fall semester or November 15 for the Spring semester. Medical requests will be considered after you have filed documentation with the Office of Disability Services and turned that information in to the Office of Residence Life. 

Are all students required to have personal health insurance?
All students are expected to carry personal health insurance and may be asked to show proof prior to moving in the residence hall(s).

What are the bed sizes in the residence halls?
All beds are standard Twin XL.
  
Are the residence halls carpeted?
Residential rooms in Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall are wood grain/laminate, while Dawson Hall has tile floors. You are welcome to bring a scatter rug for a more personalized approach to your housing space.
  
What type of furniture is provided in each room?
Each room is equipped with a bed, desk, dresser and closet space for each student.  Each suite in Keith Hall has a common area which is equipped with two chairs, while Dawson Hall has a common area in the lobby.  Keith Hall also houses independent apartments that are equipped with a furnished kitchen, living room and bedroom, as well as a study desk. 
 
What happens if I lose an assigned key or slide card?
Please report the loss to the Office of Housing and Residence Life.  There is a charge of $30 to change a door code (Dawson and Keith Hall). The total amount will be billed to your account.  Additionally, you are responsible to return all campus issued keys and/or slide cards when you leave the halls. Replacement costs will be assessed for failure to return these items. Do not give your ID and/or door code to anyone!
 
Are students required to live on campus?
WVSU traditional students are required to live on campus.  All freshmen and sophomore students who do not commute from the permanent legal residence within a 50-mile radius of the campus are required to live in a residence hall.  This requirement is waived if the student has served two or more years in the U.S. Armed Forces or has completed the reserve obligation.  This requirement is also waived for students who have lived in a college residence hall for six semesters or have a disability which makes the University residence halls impractical. A married student, single parent, or a student 21 years of age prior to admission to WVSU can also waive the residency requirement.
  
What appliances should I leave at home?
Routers and candle/wax burners/melters are not permitted at all. Please refer to "Housing Contract Terms and Conditions" and review the different appliances that Apartment Residents and Suite occupants are not permitted to have in the spaces. Air fryers, hot plates and grills (including George Foreman Grills) are also not permitted. 
 
Can I bring a microwave and refrigerator with me?
The following restrictions must be met:

Refrigerators should be no larger than 4.6 cubic feet max, 1.8 amps, 110 volts, UL approved only.  In the interest of fire prevention, electrical outlets must not be overloaded. No devices for the purpose of cooking are allowed in residence hall rooms, with the exception of the following: pop-up toasters (not toaster ovens), blenders, can openers, coffee makers and juicers.  Microwave ovens are permitted in student rooms provided the microwave oven has been UL approved and does not exceed 700 watts.

Are there laundry facilities on campus?
Laundry facilities are located in each residence hall and are currently free to wash and dry for on-campus residents ONLY.
 
What if I don't get along with my roommate?
Residents should complete and sign your suite's Roommate Agreement Form. The Roommate Agreement Form is designed to eliminate roommate conflict as much as possible while also providing students with their basic room rights. Students should notify their RA's first with any issues with roommates via email or through scheduling a meeting. If it is not resolved, the resident should contact the Director of Housing via email that the issue was not resolved. It is our duty to ensure that all residents feel comfortable and safe. 
 
How do I insure my personal belongings?
WVSU is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property from any cause, we strongly encourage students to procure and maintain Renter's insurance or appropriate insurance, covering the student's personal property from loss or damage and covering the student for liability. 
 
Does WVSU have maintenance and custodial services?
Resident students are expected to keep personal areas clean along with the public areas such as bathrooms, lounges, lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, study and TV lounges. Maintenance problems in student rooms should be reported promptly by completing a Maintenance Request on the main Housing and Residence Life page (this can be done on your computer or mobile device) then follow it up with reporting to the Office of Housing and Residence Life via email.

Maintenance personnel respond in the order in which the requests are received.  Maintenance usually tries to complete the work within 24 hours of the request but it is not guaranteed depending on the severity of the issue.  
 
What are quiet hours?
Quiet hours are in effect from:

• 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. on weeknights and 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If other students in your hall are bothering you with noise, you have the right (at anytime of day or night) to ask them to keep the noise to a minimum.  If trouble persists, feel free to notify your RA, who has the option and authority to set disciplinary procedures in motion.  Students are encouraged to keep the volume of their stereos low.  As a rule of thumb, residents are encouraged to have no more than two guests per resident visiting their room at any one time, in order to maintain courtesy quiet hours.
 
Is there a meal plan?
Students residing on campus are required to participate in the University's meal plan.  However, students residing in the apartments, located within the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall, are not required to participate in a campus meal plan.  However those students are encouraged to do so.  For more information, please see Dining Services.

What are the dining hours? 

Goldston Dining Hall Hours
Monday - Friday
Breakfast 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Weekends
Brunch 10:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

William F. Pickard Cafe Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Weekends
Closed

The Nest
Monday - Friday
11:00 - 9:00 pm

Weekends
Closed
 
How are mail and packages received on campus?

During the Academic Year: 
Students living in the halls may pick up mail/packages at the Keith Hall front desk. The mail room is completely operated by work-study students and hours are based on their availablity. The hours are listed below, but are subject to change based on the availability of work-study students.
 

For mail:	For packages:
West Virginia State University	West Virginia State University
Student Name-Hall-Room Number	Student Name-Hall-Room Number
P.O. Box 1001	Fairlawn Ave & Barron Drive
Institute, WV 25112	Institute, WV 25112

Additionally, personal mail boxes are available for rent in the University Union. During Summer, due to the lack of students staying within the residence hall, students will need to pick up their mail from the Post Office. 
 
Should I bring my computer and are the rooms wired for computer connections?
Students are able to enjoy free, unlimited access to e-mail and the Internet from any residence hall room. Students without their own computer can use the conveniently located computer labs in the University Union, Library and several other locations around campus. Personal routers ARE NOT permitted in the residence halls as they interfere with the campus WiFi systems. Students found to be using personal routers will be fined and the routers confiscated. 
 
Am I allowed to have a pet in the residence halls?
No pets are allowed in the residence halls, unless approved through the Office of Counseling and Accessibility Services, prior to the pet being on campus. Students are permitted to have non-meat eating fish in a tank no larger than 10 gallons. 
 
Am I allowed to have guests in my room?
Residents are allowed to have visitors on campus. However, overnight guests are limited to two per resident. Guest can visit for up to three (3) consecutive days (72 hours) and up to six (6) days in a given month on a space available basis in the assigned room of the host. Only if there is advance consent by all residents of the room/suite, and in accordance with the specific visitation policies established.

Can I bring a car to campus?
All students may have the privilege of using a motor vehicle (including motorcycles) on campus provided it is registered with WVSU Public Safety and they pay the fee for a parking sticker.
 
Can I bring a bicycle to campus?
All students bringing bicycles to campus are asked to register their bicycle with Campus Safety. Students cannot ride their bikes in the hall and any damages caused by the item will be billed to the student. 
  
What is the process for Check-In and Check-Out?
In order to expedite the process, students should must make sure they are following proper check-in and check-out procedures. Failure to do so will result in an Improper check-in/check-out fine.

Check-In

• Inspect new room/suite with RA.
• Upon inspection, you will a "Pink" copy from RA for your records.
  • You will have 24 hours to return the "Pink" copy with any additional repairs needed.
• Retrieve new key/code(s).
  • As always, for security reasons do not share codes/keys with anyone 

Check-Out

• Clean room/suite and throw out all trash
• Pack up all belongings before obtaining a cart (Carts are limited. We want to ensure all students have the opportunity to use the carts).
• Have an RA inspect room before moving to new room. 
• Return your key/key card (if applicable) .
• Trash removal, cleanliness, missing/damaged furniture items will result in a bill.

What is Room Change Period?
Students who desire to change rooms must wait until after the first full week of classes. All occupants in the desired location must agree to the students moving. Students who move without approval from the Director of Housing and Residence will be assessed a fine and must return to the original space.

What is the Consolidation Period?
Due to limited space within our residential buildings, at certain times during the academic year, it may become necessary to consolidate residents by reassigning them to new rooms/suites. The purpose of the consolidation period is to ensure spaces for incoming students and rectify the inequitable condition which exists when many students end up without roommates and/or suites are not full. 

Students required to move due to the consolidation policy will be required to move within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt of their e-mail. Generally, students will not be required to move into other buildings. Our office will make efforts to keep students affected by the Consolidation Policy within the same building and floor (if available spaces exist).
 

WVSU Yellow Jacket Sports
Get sports schedules, up-to-date scores and results, ticket information and more from the official athletic site of West Virginia State University.
 
WVSU Bookstore
The Bookstore is where you can purchase books, stock up on school supplies and get your Yellow Jacket gear and apparel.

Financial Aid
The Financial Aid website will help you get financially prepared to attend school and provide give advice and guidance for students and parents is available.
 
Campus Support Services:
University Police Department
Collegiate Support and Counseling
Health Services
 
 
Public Transportation Links for Charleston and surrounding areas
KRT - Kanawha Valley Regional Transport
Greyhound
Amtrak
Yeager Airport