Skip to Content
Seton Hall University

Roommate Mediation Policy

Purpose

The roommate mediation policy further defines the steps taken when a conflict or issue emerges from a living situation. The University has certain procedure in place to help mediate and resolve the issue accordingly.

Scope

University Policy

Definitions

Roommate Mediation: A roommate mediation is a part of the resolution period of a roommate conflict or issue. It originates from the roommate agreement and begins with open dialogue between those involved. 

Mediator: A Housing and Residence Life staff member including, but not limited to: Resident Assistant, Residence Coordinator, Resident Hall Director, Assistant Director, Associate Director, Director. If deemed necessary, the University’s Dean Office may assist. 

Roommate Agreement: A document completed when residents move into a room which is made between the room and the suite (if applicable). This document will be completed within the first month to which a resident moved into a room. It is a living document and can be updated as needed whether due to a roommate mediation or if the room/suite agrees to adjust it. 

Resolution: A firm decision to do or not do something. A part of the roommate mediation process. 

Policy

When a roommate conflict or issue emerges, Housing and Residence Life work with all parties involved. Housing and Residence Life remains objective and must support all involved parties regardless of extent of issue or conflict. 

A roommate issue or conflict does not always violate a University policy. Any violations found during a roommate issue or conflict will be addressed with the specific individual(s) in adhering to the University Code of Conduct. Violation of policy does not always warrant a removal from the room. 

A roommate mediation begins the resolution process by:

  1. Establishing a roommate agreement if one was not first set up during the start of the semester. 
  2. If a roommate agreement was established, the Housing and Residence Life staff member will meet with the involved parties individually and/or together as deemed necessary for a roommate mediation.

a. Housing and Residence Life staff will take note of the issue or conflict from all involved perspectives and document the conflict or issue accordingly. 

  • These first two steps aid in resolving the conflict and are required in most cases. Once the involved parties agree on the updated roommate agreement the roommate conflict is resolved. This roommate mediation allows for those involved to express their issue or conflict and work toward a compromise and/or resolution. The involved parties must bring up post mediation concerns based on their roommate agreement to a Housing and Residence Life staff member or as deemed appropriate in their roommate agreement. 
  • If the conflict or issue is unable to be resolved by the first stage, it will move to another Housing and Residence Life staff member such as a Resident Hall Director or Residence Coordinator. The process continues where this staff member meets with all involved parties to discuss the conflict or issue. Similar steps are taken to review the issue or conflict and work toward a resolution. The involved parties must bring up post mediation concerns based on their roommate agreement to a Housing and Residence Life staff member or as deemed appropriate in their roommate agreement. 
  • If the conflict or issue still cannot be resolved, the Housing and Residence Life staff member may require that one or all involved parties move out of the living space. If one party agrees to move the other(s) do not necessarily need to move. If no parties agree to move, then Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to move both parties or mandate a move for one of the parties involved. The staff member will work with all involved parties to determine the best possible new room assignment. 

*Requiring switching rooms remains an objective process. If a student issues a concern regarding an issue or conflict and does not feel comfortable or safe in the room, Housing and Residence Life policy resorts to issuer in offering a room change and/or the option to move rooms. The other involved party, whether a violation was found or not, is not always required to move to another living space. 

*If a student believes that the roommate issue or conflict involved threats, harassment, or physical harassment, that student must report it to the appropriate Housing and Residence Life staff member or to Public Safety. Judicial action can be taken. Please note that filing a report does not always mandate that the accused roommate move rooms. The concerned student may be required to relocate as deemed necessary by a Housing and Residence Life staff member.  

Related Policies

Responsible Offices

Department of Housing and Residence Life

Approval

Approved

Dr. Shawna Cooper-Gibson, Vice President of Student Services

Effective Date

January 9th, 2020