Residence Halls and Suburbs Policies
Living on campus is an integral part of the Linfield University experience and provides opportunities for learning and growth that extend beyond the classroom. Residential communities are designed to support students' academic success, personal development, and sense of belonging by fostering meaningful connections with peers, faculty, staff, and campus resources. Through daily interactions and involvement in campus life, students become active members of a supportive community that encourages engagement, learning, and personal responsibility.
All residents are encouraged to participate in various activities and opportunities within Residence Life. Students will have the opportunity to plan programs, participate in annual events, and to join student organizations on the McMinnville Campus.
All residents are responsible for the safety and security of themselves, their neighbors and the property. Residents will be issued keys to their room and their Student ID card will open the outside doors of the buildings. Students are encouraged to carry their key and Student ID at all time. Lost keys should be reported to the Resident Advisor immediately so that the lock can be changed.
All residents and visitors are responsible for knowing the policies of the University and for complying with them.
Residential Policy and REquirements
Linfield University’s McMinnville Campus is a residential campus and requires all students to live in university housing, unless the student meets one of the following criteria to live off campus:
- 4th year college attendance (minimum)
- 21 years of age prior to the start of the academic year
- Living with parent(s) or guardian(s) in primary residence within Yamhill County
- Student is legally married
- Student has qualifying dependent(s) living with them in primary home of residence
Portland Campus students do not have housing requirements. Portland students who wish to live on the McMinnville Campus should contact housing@linfield.edu.
Fraternity Housing
Linfield University offers fraternity housing opportunities for students who are members of a recognized fraternity organization. To be eligible to reside in a fraternity house, students must first complete at least one full semester in university-operated housing. In accordance with Linfield's deferred joining policy, first-year, non-transfer students are not eligible to participate in formal fraternity recruitment or move into fraternity housing until the spring semester of their first year, typically beginning in February.
Linfield is home to three fraternity houses: Theta Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Delta Psi Delta, Linfield's local fraternity. While fraternity members may reside in fraternity housing, sorority organizations do not maintain chapter houses on campus.
Fraternity houses are recognized residential communities within the Linfield housing system and are expected to uphold all university housing policies, community standards, and Student Code of Conduct expectations. Residents of fraternity housing are responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive living environment that supports both the mission of their organization and the values of the Linfield community.
Vacancies
Residents who are assigned to a room with a vacant bed space should be aware that vacancies may be filled at any time during the academic year. Students who arrive without an assigned roommate, or whose roommate withdraws, transfers, studies abroad, or otherwise leaves university housing, should expect that a new roommate may be assigned to the vacant space based on housing availability and needs.
Students with a vacancy may identify a preferred roommate and request a room change during designated room selection or open room move periods, subject to space availability and Housing approval. In select circumstances, Housing may offer students the opportunity to buy out a vacant bed space; however, buyout opportunities are limited and are not guaranteed.
Residents may not reserve vacant spaces for friends, future roommates, or other students, nor may they represent a vacant space as unavailable for assignment. All room assignments and room changes must be approved by Housing. Unauthorized room changes or occupancy adjustments may result in a meeting with Residence Life staff and may require students to return to their assigned space.
Open Room Move Period
To support a smooth transition at the beginning of each semester, Housing implements a temporary housing freeze period during the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. During this time, room changes are not typically approved except in emergency or extenuating circumstances. This period allows Housing to finalize assignments, address occupancy needs, and ensure students have the opportunity to settle into their residential communities.
Beginning during the third and fourth weeks of the fall and spring semesters, Housing offers an Open Room Move Process. During this period, students may request a room change for a variety of reasons based on available spaces and individual housing needs.
Students interested in participating in the Open Room Move Process must complete the required application and schedule a meeting with Housing staff. During this meeting, available housing options will be reviewed with the student and assist in identifying a space that best aligns with the student's needs and eligibility.
Detailed information regarding the Open Room Move Process, including timelines, application instructions, and available housing options, will be communicated to students during the second week of the fall and spring semesters through university email.
Due to the shortened timeframe of January Term, Residence Life and Housing does not offer room changes during the month of January except in emergency or extenuating circumstances. Students with questions or concerns regarding their housing assignment should contact Residence Life and Housing for assistance.
Campus Break Procedures
Before departing for any university break, residents are expected to prepare their rooms and apartments by removing trash, disposing of perishable items, cleaning their personal spaces, and securing all doors and windows. Students are responsible for ensuring their assigned spaces are safe, secure, and ready for the duration of the break period.
For shorter breaks, including Fall Break and Spring Break, students are not required to notify Residence Life and Housing if they plan to remain on campus. Residence halls and apartment communities will remain accessible during these breaks; however, students are expected to continue following all university housing policies and community expectations.
Due to the extended nature of Thanksgiving Break, students who plan to remain on campus are required to complete a Break Housing Form prior to the start of the break. This process allows Residence Life and Housing to maintain accurate occupancy records, support campus safety efforts, and ensure appropriate access to residential spaces during the break period.
Winter Break is a separate break housing period due to the extended closure of the academic year. Students who need to remain on campus during Winter Break are required to complete the appropriate Break Housing Request Form and may be responsible for an assigned daily housing fee. Exceptions to the Winter Break housing fee may be considered for students with previously identified housing insecurity or financial circumstances that have been communicated and approved through the appropriate university process.
Students with questions regarding break housing, eligibility, or required procedures should contact Housing prior to the start of the break period.
Closing and Move Out Policy
When checking out of university housing, residents are responsible for leaving their assigned room, apartment, and shared living spaces in the same condition as they were at the beginning of their occupancy. Residents are expected to remove all personal belongings and trash, clean and vacuum their assigned spaces, dust and wipe down furniture, and ensure the space is left ready for the next resident. Failure to properly clean a space or remove personal items may result in cleaning, removal, or damage charges.
Any damages identified during the check-out process that were not documented on the original Room Condition Report or check-in inventory will be considered new damage and may result in financial responsibility for the assigned resident(s). Residents are encouraged to report concerns or damages throughout the year to ensure accurate documentation and appropriate follow-up.
Detailed end-of-year check-out instructions, including timelines, expectations, and procedures, will be communicated to residents in advance of the conclusion of the academic year. Residents are responsible for reviewing and completing all required steps prior to leaving campus.
Students who withdraw, move off campus, or otherwise leave university housing during the academic year must complete an official housing check-out process. A Housing Check-Out Form is available through the Residence Life & Housing Office in Mahaffey Hall, Room 127. Failure to complete all required check-out procedures, return assigned keys, or properly vacate the space may result in a $50 improper check-out fee and/or additional applicable charges.
Summer Housing
Linfield University offers summer housing opportunities for eligible students who need to remain on campus during the duration of summer while they participate in university-related activities, employment, internships, research, academic opportunities, or other approved needs. Summer housing availability, locations, eligibility requirements, and costs are determined annually based on university operations and available spaces.
Students interested in summer housing must complete the required Summer Housing Application by the published deadline. Approval for summer housing is not automatic and is dependent upon eligibility, available space, and the operational needs of Housing. Students approved for summer housing will receive additional information regarding their assigned location, move-in procedures, expectations, and applicable fees prior to the start of the summer term.
Summer housing residents are expected to follow all university housing policies, procedures, and community expectations throughout their stay. Students are responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, and clean living environment and must complete all required check-in and check-out procedures associated with their summer assignment.
Students who have questions regarding summer housing eligibility, applications, or procedures should contact Residence Life and Housing at housing@linfield.edu or visit the Residence Life & Housing Office in Mahaffey Hall, Room 127.
Summer Storage
Linfield University recognizes that transitioning between academic years can create challenges for students who may need temporary storage for personal belongings. Limited summer storage opportunities may be available for eligible students who meet established requirements, such as out of state residents. Summer storage availability is based on available space, university resources, and operational needs, and is not guaranteed for all residents.
Students interested in utilizing summer storage must complete the required storage request process by the published deadline. Approved students will receive additional information regarding eligible items, storage locations, timelines, and expectations prior to the end of the academic year.
Students approved for summer storage are responsible for properly preparing and securing their belongings according to Residence Life and Housing guidelines. Items must be stored only in designated areas and within the approved timeframe. Residence Life and Housing is not responsible for personal belongings that are lost, damaged, or left outside of approved storage procedures.
Students who do not qualify for university-provided summer storage are responsible for making their own arrangements for storing personal belongings off campus. Students should plan ahead to ensure all personal items are removed from their assigned housing space by the required check-out deadline unless they have received approval for summer housing or approved storage. Questions regarding summer storage eligibility and procedures should be directed to Residence Life and Housing at housing@linfield.edu or by visiting the Residence Life & Housing Office in Mahaffey Hall, Room 127.
Prohibited Items
Students are encouraged to bring personal items to their residential spaces to make it their own; however, there are certain items prohibited from campus residential spaces including:
- Personal bedframes and/or mattresses
- Window Air Conditioning Units
- Candles, incense or any other item that may create an open flame
- Animals and/or pets
- Wall mounts that are not renter friendly
- Wallpaper, wall paint etc.
Any student in need of bringing any prohibited items should contact Residential Life to learn about the application and/or approval process.
Roommates
Roommate relationships are an important part of the residential experience and provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. While some roommates become close friends and others simply coexist successfully, all roommate relationships offer opportunities to learn communication, compromise, accountability, and respect for different perspectives and lifestyles. Learning to live with another person helps students develop skills that contribute to their success both in college and beyond.
Successful roommate relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to navigate differences constructively. Students are encouraged to discuss expectations early, address concerns directly and respectfully, and work together to create a living environment that supports the needs of everyone in the room. Residence Life staff are available to assist roommates in navigating challenges, resolving conflicts, and connecting with campus resources when additional support is needed.
Roommate Contracts
To support a successful transition to community living and encourage open communication between roommates, Residence Life and Housing utilizes a Roommate Contract process. The Roommate Contract is designed to help roommates discuss expectations, preferences, and shared responsibilities within their living space before concerns arise.
During the first several weeks of the semester, or as otherwise directed by Residence Life staff, Resident Assistants (RAs) will facilitate a conversation with roommates to review and complete the Roommate Contract. All roommates are expected to participate in the process and complete the contract in its entirety. The completed document serves as a mutual understanding between roommates and provides a foundation for communication, accountability, and conflict resolution throughout the academic year. A copy of the completed Roommate Contract will be maintained by Residence Life and Housing, the assigned RA, and each roommate. The agreement may be referenced throughout the academic year to support ongoing communication, address concerns, revisit expectations, or make mutually agreed-upon updates as living circumstances change.
Roommate Moving Process
Residence Life and Housing recognizes that roommate challenges may arise during the course of the academic year. As learning to communicate, navigate differences, and resolve conflict are important components of the residential experience, students are encouraged to work through concerns with the support of Residence Life staff whenever possible. The goal of the roommate resolution process is to help students develop effective communication and conflict resolution skills while fostering a positive living environment.
Students experiencing roommate concerns should first attempt to address the issue directly and respectfully with their roommate. If concerns persist, the assigned Resident Assistant (RA) can assist by facilitating conversations, reviewing the Roommate Contract, and helping roommates identify potential solutions. If additional support is needed, the matter may be referred to a professional Residence Life staff member for further assistance.
Students seeking a room change due to roommate concerns are encouraged to participate in the Open Room Move Process, which occurs during the third and fourth weeks of the fall and spring semesters. During this period, students may explore available housing options through the established room change process. Outside of the Open Room Move Process, room changes related to roommate conflicts are generally considered only after students have participated in the roommate resolution process and Residence Life staff have determined that additional intervention or a room change may be appropriate.
If a room change is approved, students will meet with Housing staff to review available housing options and receive instructions regarding the move process. All room changes must be approved by Residence Life and Housing. Students may not change rooms, exchange rooms, or occupy another space without prior authorization. Unauthorized room changes may result in administrative action, including being required to return to the assigned space and the assessment of applicable fees.
As part of Residence Life and Housing's commitment to student learning and development, students involved in significant roommate conflicts or room changes may be required to complete a reflection or educational process related to communication, conflict resolution, and community living expectations.
Hall Meetings
Hall meetings are an important component of the residential experience and provide residents with opportunities to stay informed, build connections with fellow community members, and engage with Residence Life staff. These meetings help foster a strong sense of community while ensuring residents receive important information related to university housing and campus life.
Hall meetings are typically brief and may include topics such as community updates, housing and registration information, policy reminders, upcoming programs and events, safety information, and other resources relevant to residential living. Residents are expected to actively participate in hall meetings and utilize these opportunities to remain informed about their community.
Attendance at scheduled hall meetings is required for all residents. Students who are unable to attend must notify their Resident Assistant (RA) at least 24 hours in advance and may be required to complete an alternative assignment or receive the information through another approved method. Failure to attend a required hall meeting without prior notification may result in a $25 administrative charge. Residents who miss three required hall meetings during an academic year will be required to meet with a Residence Life professional staff member to discuss their participation in the residential community and review community expectations. Continued failure to attend required hall meetings may result in referral through the student conduct process for failure to comply with Residence Life and Housing expectations.
Communal Locations Expectations
Living in a residential community requires shared responsibility and respect for the spaces and resources available to all residents. Community spaces, including bathrooms, lounges, kitchens, laundry rooms, hallways, and other common areas, are intended for the use and enjoyment of all residents. Students are expected to contribute to a clean, safe, and welcoming environment by cleaning up after themselves, treating shared resources with care, and reporting concerns when they arise.
Residents are responsible for properly disposing of trash, returning community items to their designated locations, and reporting damaged, broken, or missing equipment to their Resident Assistant (RA) or Residence Life and Housing. Community property, including televisions, remotes, decorations, recreational equipment, gaming systems, and other shared resources, may not be removed from designated common areas. Residents who observe maintenance concerns, overflowing trash, vandalism, or cleanliness issues should notify their RA or Residence Life staff as soon as possible.
Trash and Waste Disposal
Personal room trash may not be disposed of in community trash receptacles located in bathrooms, kitchens, lounges, laundry rooms, or hallways. Community trash receptacles are intended only for waste generated within those shared spaces. Residents are responsible for disposing of personal trash, large quantities of food waste, boxes, and other personal items in the designated outdoor dumpsters serving their residential community.
Residents may not leave trash, recycling, furniture, or personal belongings in hallways, outside room doors, or in other common areas. When excessive trash accumulates in a community space and the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified, Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to assess charges to the responsible floor, wing, or residential community.
Community Kitchens
Community kitchens are shared resources and must be cleaned by residents immediately following use. Residents are responsible for washing dishes, wiping down counters and appliances, cleaning spills, and properly disposing of food waste. Personal items should not be left in kitchen sinks or common areas.
Students utilizing community refrigerators are responsible for monitoring and removing expired or spoiled food. Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to discard abandoned food items, dishes, and kitchen supplies. When university staff must complete extensive cleaning due to resident negligence, cleaning charges may be assessed to the responsible individual(s) or community.
Community Bathrooms
University custodial staff provide routine cleaning, trash removal, and restocking of supplies within community bathrooms. Residents are expected to contribute to the cleanliness of these spaces by properly disposing of waste, cleaning up after themselves, and treating facilities with respect.
Residents should promptly report maintenance concerns such as clogged drains, leaks, or damaged fixtures. Repeated misuse, vandalism, or failure to maintain reasonable community standards may result in community meetings, educational interventions, or the assessment of applicable charges.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities are provided as a shared resource for residential students. Residents are expected to use laundry facilities responsibly and remain considerate of others who may be waiting to use equipment.
Laundry room expectations include:
- Bring a laundry identification card or other method of contact when using laundry facilities.
- Set a timer or alarm to monitor laundry cycles.
- Remove clothing promptly at the conclusion of each wash or dry cycle.
- Do not leave laundry unattended for more than 15 minutes after a cycle has ended.
- If clothing remains in a machine beyond the designated waiting period and reasonable attempts to contact the owner have been made, residents may carefully remove the items and place them on top of the machine.
- Clothing and personal items left unattended in laundry rooms for extended periods may be considered abandoned and subject to removal.
- Residents are responsible for removing lint and cleaning up any mess created while using laundry facilities.
In support of the university's sustainability efforts, residents are encouraged to wash full loads whenever possible and follow all posted instructions for the proper use of energy-efficient laundry equipment.
Custodial Services and Shared Responsibility
Residence halls receive routine custodial services throughout the week; however, custodial staff are not responsible for cleaning up daily messes created by residents. Shared community spaces remain the responsibility of the residents who use them. Maintaining a clean and respectful community environment requires the cooperation of all residents and contributes to a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable residential experience for everyone.
Negligence Fee
Maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming residential environment is a shared responsibility among all residents. When repeated cleanliness concerns, misuse of community spaces, or failure to follow community standards negatively impact a residential community, Residence Life and Housing may implement a Negligence Fee. This fee is designed to encourage accountability, reinforce shared responsibility, and support the continued care of university housing spaces.
A Negligence Fee may be issued when a residential community demonstrates ongoing cleanliness concerns and the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified. The fee is a charge assessed to residents within the impacted community, which may include a floor, apartment community, or entire residential building depending on the scope of the concern.
Prior to issuing a Negligence Fee, Residence Life and Housing will provide opportunities for the community to correct the behavior through a progressive notification process.
If cleanliness concerns continue after these interventions, the Negligence Fee may be issued to all residents within the impacted community. If violations continue after the fee has been assessed, additional charges per incident may be issued to each resident.
All violations after the Negligence Fee has been issued will be referred to Student Conduct.
Furniture Removal
All furniture assigned to a residence hall room, apartment, or common area must remain in its designated location for the entire duration of the academic year. Removing, relocating, exchanging, or storing university furniture in unauthorized locations creates challenges for future residents, impacts safety expectations, and may result in additional charges for repair, replacement, or removal.
Residents are responsible for all furniture assigned to their residential space. Furniture may not be removed from rooms or apartments, placed in hallways, balconies, stairwells, or outdoor areas, or exchanged with furniture from another residential space. Furniture removal is strictly prohibited unless a resident receives prior written approval from the Residence Life & Housing Office.
Residents should not remove unwanted furniture from their assigned space. The university does not provide storage for unwanted furniture, and residents should work with Residence Life and Housing if they have concerns about their assigned furnishings. If furniture is damaged, broken, or needs repair, residents should contact their Resident Assistant (RA) to submit a maintenance request rather than attempting to repair, remove, or dispose of the item themselves.
The following expectations apply to all residential communities:
- All university furniture must remain in its assigned room, apartment, or designated community space.
- Lounge furniture and other shared community furnishings may not be removed or placed inside resident rooms or apartments.
- Residents found with lounge or community furniture in their assigned space may be required to return the item and may be assessed a fee.
- Furniture from other residence halls, apartments, or campus spaces may not be brought into or exchanged with another residential assignment.
- Residents may not dismantle bed frames or remove beds from their assigned space.
- Beds may not be lofted. Students wishing to bunk or un-bunk beds should contact their RA, who can submit the appropriate request through workorder.
- Residents may not bring personal beds or large furniture items into university housing without approved accommodations and written authorization from Residence Life and Housing.
- Any missing furniture, damaged furniture beyond normal wear and tear, or furniture requiring repair at checkout may result in financial responsibility for the assigned resident(s).
Hewlett-Packard Park Apartment Expectations
Residents living in Hewlett-Packard Park apartments must keep all furniture and personal belongings within their assigned apartment. Furniture or discarded items may not be placed in internal stairwells, exterior walkways, hallways, balconies, or other shared spaces. Keeping stairways and pathways clear is a critical safety requirement and ensures emergency access throughout the community.
Bed frames and university furniture may not be dismantled, removed, or stored outside of the assigned apartment. Unauthorized furniture removal, relocation, or disposal may result in charges to the responsible resident(s). If responsibility cannot be determined, Residence Life and Housing may assess charges to the applicable residential community.
Keys and Access
Students are responsible for maintaining possession of their assigned room, apartment, mailbox, and building keys at all times. Lost, stolen, or unreturned keys present a security concern for both individual residents and the broader residential community and should be reported to Residence Life and Housing as soon as possible.
If a room or apartment key is lost, the affected lock(s) will be re-cored to maintain the safety and security of the residential space. The student assigned to the lost key will be assessed a re-core fee to cover the cost of replacing the lock and issuing new keys. Once the lock has been re-cored, all residents assigned to the room or apartment will be required to exchange their previous keys for newly issued keys.
Students who believe their key has been lost should notify Residence Life and Housing immediately. Delays in reporting lost keys may compromise the security of the residential community and may result in additional concerns related to access and safety. Failure to return assigned keys at the time of checkout may also result in applicable replacement or re-core charges.
Lockouts
If a lockout occurs because a key has been lost or misplaced, residents may obtain a temporary spare key from the Residence Life & Housing Office during business hours. Temporary spare keys may be checked out for up to 72 hours.
If a resident does not return the temporary key and provide their original assigned key within the 72-hour period, the key will be considered lost. For the safety and security of all residents, a lock change will be initiated and the resident who lost the key will be assessed a re-core charge. Roommates of the resident who lost the key will not be charged. Once the lock change has been completed, roommates will be required to return their previous key and will be issued a new key for the updated lock.
Excessive Lockouts
Residence Life and Housing understands that occasional lockouts happen; however, repeated lockouts place additional demands on staff resources. Lockouts are tracked throughout the academic year and may result in fees, educational conversations, community restitution opportunities, or other interventions designed to support resident success and promote community responsibility.
Noise policy
Living in a residential community requires awareness, respect, and consideration for the needs of others. While some level of noise is expected in a shared living environment, residents are responsible for maintaining reasonable noise levels that support the academic success, comfort, and well-being of their neighbors. Students are expected to be mindful of their actions, respond respectfully when asked to reduce noise, and contribute to a community where all residents can sleep, study, and enjoy their living environment.
Residents are expected to follow all designated quiet hours established by Residence Life and Housing. Standard quiet hours are:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 PM–9:00 AM
- Friday–Saturday: 12:00 AM–9:00 AM
Individual residential communities may choose to extend quiet hours based on the needs and expectations of their community. Outside of designated quiet hours, residents are still expected to observe courtesy hours at all times. Courtesy hours mean that residents should be respectful of their neighbors and adjust noise levels when asked by another resident, Residence Life staff, or Linfield Public Safety (LPS).
Noise concerns are evaluated based on the impact on the surrounding community and may be addressed by Residence Life staff, LPS, or residential community expectations. Continued failure to maintain appropriate noise levels may result in the following actions:
- Continued Concern: If noise does not decrease, returns after an initial request, or becomes a repeated concern, an incident report may be submitted to Residence Life. Multiple noise concerns may result in referral to the Student Conduct process.
- Gatherings and Events: When noise concerns involve a gathering or event, residents may be asked to end the gathering, reduce the noise level, and/or return to their assigned residential spaces.
24-Hour Quiet Hours
Twenty-four-hour quiet hours begin on Reading Day and continue through the end of final exams at 5:00 PM on the final day of finals week. During this period, residents are expected to maintain an environment that prioritizes studying, rest, and academic success.
During 24-hour quiet hours, courtesy hours are no longer separate from quiet hours, as all residents are expected to maintain a consistently quiet and respectful environment. Violations of 24-hour quiet hours may result in referral to the Student Conduct process.
Noise Between Neighbors
Living in a residential community means sharing spaces with individuals who have different schedules, routines, and needs. Noise travels easily between rooms, apartments, floors, and buildings, meaning that actions within one residential space can directly impact the experience of surrounding neighbors. Residents are expected to be mindful of wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor noise, including conversations, music, television, gaming, gatherings, and other activities that may disrupt nearby residents.
Being a considerate neighbor is an important part of creating a respectful and supportive living environment. Residents should recognize that their neighbors may be studying, sleeping, attending classes, working, or managing personal responsibilities at different times of the day. Practicing courtesy, communicating respectfully, and adjusting noise levels when concerns are brought forward helps create a community where all residents feel comfortable and supported.
Residents are encouraged to proactively communicate with their neighbors and roommates when planning activities that may create additional noise. If a resident is asked to reduce their noise level, they are expected to respond respectfully and make appropriate adjustments. Maintaining awareness of how personal choices impact others is an important skill developed through the residential experience.
Pet Policy & Expectations
Linfield University offers limited pet-friendly housing opportunities that allow approved students to live on campus with their pets. Pet-friendly housing is available in designated areas of Jane Failing Hall and the Blaine Street Apartments. Due to limited availability, assignments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and require approval through the Residence Life and Housing pet application process.
The pet-friendly housing program is a privilege intended to support student well-being while maintaining a safe and respectful residential environment. Students approved to bring a pet to campus are expected to comply with all pet policies and accept responsibility for the care, behavior, and impact of their pet on the residential community. Students requesting pet-friendly housing should be aware that participation in the program may limit eligibility for certain specialized housing options.
Pet Registration Requirements
Students approved to participate in pet-friendly housing must complete all required documentation before bringing a pet to campus. Approval is not finalized until all required materials have been submitted and reviewed by Residence Life and Housing.
Required documentation includes:
- Verification from a licensed veterinarian confirming all recommended and required vaccinations are current.
- A completed Pet-Friendly Housing Application.
- Written approval from Residence Life and Housing authorizing the pet to reside on campus.
- A current photo of the pet submitted to petfriendly@linfield.edu.
- Two emergency contacts who can provide care for the pet if the owner is unable to do so.
At least one emergency contact must be an off-campus family member, friend, or other responsible individual. The second emergency contact may be an on-campus roommate, friend, or another approved individual. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that emergency contact information remains current throughout the academic year.
Dog eligibility requirements:
- Dogs must weigh 60 pounds or less.
- Dogs must be at least one year of age at the time of approval.
- Dogs must have lived with the student for a minimum of six months prior to moving into campus housing.
Cat eligibility requirements:
- Cats must be at least six months of age at the time of approval.
- Cats must have lived with the student or the student's family for a minimum of four months prior to moving into campus housing.
Pets other than dogs and cats, including rabbits, hamsters, other small rodents, reptiles, and fish, are allowed in pet-friendly housing. Residents interested in bringing these other types of pets to campus should review the Pet Policy Guide provided to all approved Pet-Friendly Housing residents for specific requirements, care expectations, and registration procedures. You can also email petfriendly@linfield.edu with any questions.
Pet Code of Conduct
Students approved to have a pet on campus assume full responsibility for the care, supervision, behavior, and well-being of their pet at all times. The pet-friendly housing program is a privilege intended to support student well-being while maintaining a safe, healthy, and respectful residential environment. Pet owners are expected to ensure their pet does not negatively impact the community, create safety concerns, or interfere with the rights of other residents.
Pet owners must adhere to the following expectations:
- Pets must reside with the student to whom they are registered and may not be transferred to another resident.
- Pets may not be left unattended on campus during weekends, university breaks, or overnight periods.
- Pets must be house-trained and/or crate-trained as appropriate for their species.
- Pets must remain on a leash, in a carrier, or otherwise secured whenever outside the assigned room or apartment.
- Pets may not be permitted to roam freely or remain unsupervised anywhere on campus, including athletic fields and outdoor spaces.
- Pets are not permitted in residence hall bathrooms.
- Pets are not permitted in academic buildings, administrative offices, dining facilities, the Riley Student Center, or other residential communities.
- Pets may only be present within their approved residential assignment unless being appropriately transported.
- Pets may not exhibit aggressive behavior toward people or other animals.
- Pet owners must maintain a clean and sanitary living environment and provide appropriate care for their pet at all times.
- Residence Life and Housing may conduct periodic health and welfare checks to ensure compliance with university expectations.
- Failure to comply with pet policies may result in educational interventions, pet probation, removal of the pet from campus, cleaning or damage charges, conduct action, or other administrative responses.
All concerns related to pet policy violations may be referred to the student conduct process for review and resolution.
Meal Plan Requirement
Linfield University requires students living in residence halls to participate in a campus meal plan. Residence halls are designed around a residential dining model, and kitchens in the residence halls are intended for light, occasional use rather than full-time meal preparation. The meal plan is therefore an integral part of the residential experience and provides students with regular access to campus dining.
The meal plan requirement applies to all residence hall residents, regardless of academic standing, credits earn, or age. However, Linfield recognizes that students may have disability-related dietary needs that affect their ability to access or use campus dining. Students with disability-related dietary needs should contact Learning Support Services (LSS@linfield.edu) to discuss their individual needs and any barriers they are experiencing.
Learning Support Services (LSS) will work with the student and Dining Services to identify reasonable accommodations that provide access to the meal plan whenever possible. This may include identifying available or alternative food options that meet the student's dietary needs.
Accommodations are determined through Linfield's interactive process based on the student's individual circumstances and the barriers created by the interaction between the student's disability and the campus dining environment. A provider's recommendation for a meal-plan exemption is considered as part of this process but does not by itself determine the accommodation. Reasonable options for providing access to the meal plan will be explored before considering whether a reduction or exemption is necessary. Medical documentation must be submitted to LSS. Please do not share medical information with Residence Life and Housing.
Students with general questions about the meal plan should contact Dining Services at sodex@linfield.edu. Students seeking disability-related dietary accommodations should contact Learning Support Services at LSS@linfield.edu. If the barrier to accessing the meal plan is religious in nature, please contact Steve Sherwood - ssherwood@linfield.edu,University Chaplain for assistance.