Residential Life

Dormitories may house anywhere from five to 39 students with an average house counselor-to-student ratio of one to nine. Students may note their preferences for a single or double room on the application form; however, with more doubles than singles requested, they are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

House Counselors

The house counselor is also the school's primary liaison with parents of boarding students. The house counselor is responsible for primary counseling and support of students living within his or her dormitory. He or she helps the students in his or her dorm to make the best possible use of the learning opportunities the academy provides and is charged with maintaining safe conditions, order, a good study climate, and observance of school rules. The house counselor grants day excuses and approves, with the deans, all overnight excuses.

Housing

There is great variety in dormitory accommodations. On an historic campus such as this one, many student (and faculty) rooms verge on the quaint. We can assure you the quarters are safe; we do not guarantee them to be commodious or modern. Since we have an equal number of singles and doubles, we cannot fill all requests for one or the other type of room. A 500-acre campus means plenty of walking. We expect young people to accommodate themselves to such exercise unless medical reasons dictate otherwise.

Rooming Policy

Students are assigned to rooms according to their preference as noted on the application form—or as nearly as possible. Because the opportunity to make new friends is so valuable, we do not honor requests for friends to room together. Students learn the names of their roommates, their dormitories, and their room numbers on registration day. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Room Furnishings

Dormitory rooms are furnished with a bed (with mattress, mattress pad, a pillow and linens), desk, chairs and bureau. Study lamps are not provided. Fans are encouraged (10-inch size or smaller).  Items may be purchased locally.

Linen and Laundry

The Summer Session supplies a pillow and bed/bath linen consisting of one blanket, one set of sheets and a pillowcase, two bath towels and one face cloth. Students are responsible for their own laundry. Nearly all dormitories have coin-operated washing machines and dryers. There are also Laundromats and dry cleaners downtown (within walking distance). E & R Laundry, an optional laundry service, may be purchased for an additional fee. Details are forwarded to accepted students directly from E & R Laundry Service before the session begins. E & R Laundry is represented at registration for students who wish to sign up on that day.

Electrical Appliances

Irons, microwave ovens, air conditioners, personal refrigerators, television sets and other appliances are not permitted.

Room Keys

Keys are obtained from the house counselor when the student arrives at the dormitory. There is a charge, payable at the time of order, for replacing a lost key. A replacement key is available only from the Office of Physical Plant during office hours, 8:30 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Security

Students and parents are cautioned that the school assumes NO responsibility for the security of personal items. Personal belongings including, but not limited to, clothing, books, furniture, athletic equipment, appliances, electronic devices and electronic media items are to be insured by the family against all physical loss, damage or theft. Parents are advised to notify their agent or insurer that such items are with the student away at school. Large amounts of cash should never be left in a student's room.