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Frequently Asked Questions

Move-In Days

 

Prior to Move-In

Your check-in begins before you arrive on campus. Prior to move-in make sure you’ve reviewed the following items.

Please only bring items that are necessary and essential for you to succeed personally and academically while living on campus.

Important/school-related items: face coverings, clothes (for all seasons), wallet/card holder (to keep your student ID to scan into the residence halls), key chain, medication, writing utensils/highlighters, stamps, computer/laptop, reference texts, school supplies, cell phone, paper/notebooks, calendar/planner, printer/printer paper, etc.

Household items: alarm clock, cups/plates/utensils (for snacking in unit/room), comforter/blanket, sheets (full size for three- and four-bedroom units and twin XL for two-bedroom units), pillows, pillowcases, hair dryer, towels, hangers, umbrella/raincoat, basic tools, small plants, small reading lamps, microfridge, microwave oven, etc.

Cleaning supplies: laundry detergent, laundry hamper, waste basket, broom/Swiffer, duster, disinfecting wipes, cleaning sprays, etc.

Toiletries: toilet paper/wipes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrush/toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, shower caddy, tissues, medication, etc.

Fun stuff: television, tablets, gaming consoles, board games, room decorations, sports equipment, headphones, etc. 

Please do not bring the following items to campus:

  • Firearms (including, but not limited to, handguns, rifles, pellet guns, BB guns, etc.)
  • Any weapons (including, but not limited to, sword, bow and arrows, balloon slingshots, martial arts weapons, hunting knives, etc.)
  • Dartboards and darts
  • Fireworks or other explosives
  • Candles or incense
  • Animals/pets (unless approved by the Office of Disability Services, the Department of Residential Life, and Student Living)
  • Any open-heating element appliances: countertop burners/stoves, barbecue grills, George Foreman-type grills, toaster ovens, etc.
  • Kitchen stove/range
  • Washer/dryer
  • Waterbeds
  • Internet/Wi-Fi routers
  • Lofts of any kind

The Residential Life Handbook outlines the rules, expectations, and behaviors that all residents are expected to abide by. Violations can result in student sanctions ranging from warnings to housing termination. We highly encourage parents and guardians to review this document as well.

The Residential Life Handbook will be available for students, parents, and guardians to review in early August. 

Fall and spring room and roommate information will be sent via email to new and returning students by Student Living (Leasing Office) in mid- to late-July. 

Please note that rooms and roommate information may change due to cancellations, renovations, etc.

Please ensure you have read and completed the following additional requirements and have turned in any required documentation prior to your move-in date: 

  • Housing Payments - to ensure you have paid your housing bill or you have made adequate payment arrangements prior to your move-in date, send an email to Student Living (Leasing Office) or call 863-874-8779.
  • Renter's Insurance - Renter’s insurance is not required; however, residents are encouraged to purchase renter’s insurance to insure their personal belongings. Florida Poly and Student Living (Leasing Office), are not responsible for, nor do we insure, the student’s personal property. We strongly recommend that you contact an insurance agent to purchase Apartment Dwellers Insurance to cover your personal belongings against fire, burglary, and water damage, as well as personal liability. If you are a legal dependent of a parent or guardian, you may be covered under that person's homeowner’s insurance. Your parent or guardian should check with their insurance carrier to determine this.
  • Florida Poly ID Card - be sure to take and submit your photo for your Florida Poly ID Card.
  • Parking Permit - If you plan to bring a vehicle to campus, be sure to purchase your parking permit.
  • Admissions Requirements: Make sure you have completed your admissions requirements.

 

Move-In Day

Please review all move-in information below. We suggest you dress comfortably and bring water as it is quite hot in Lakeland in August. Lastly, please anticipate rain during this time of the year and plan accordingly. 

To help do your part and to keep safe, all students and guests must wear a face covering and bring proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when coming to campus and while moving in. 

  • Students are permitted to bring one adult guest with them to move-in, and guests will be allowed to enter the residence halls with their student.
  • Students and guests may bring no more than two vehicles with them to move-in. Moving trucks, trailers, and vans will not be permitted and cannot be parked on campus.
    • Students who bring a personal vehicle with them to campus must park their vehicles in Lot 8 during move-in days. 
  • Review the packing list above and make sure you have everything you need before leaving home.
    • Returning students should not forget their Florida Poly ID Card. New students should make sure to bring a photo ID to check-in; you will receive your Florida Poly ID Card at check-in. 
  • Verify your room assignment before you arrive on campus. Fall and spring room and roommate information will be sent via email to new and returning students by Student Living (Leasing Office) in mid- to late-July.
  • To assist with a speedy move in, please label ALL of your belongings with masking tape that states first name, last name, and room number. 
  • Review driving and parking directions in advance.
  • Arrive on campus and proceed to Lot 6 to check in. 
  • Proceed immediately to the check-in tents in Lot 6, to receive your move-in packet and keys. In order to receive your room key, you will need to have paid your housing bill or you have made adequate payment arrangements with Student Living (Leasing Office). You must be present to receive your move-in packet and keys; a friend or family member may NOT receive your move-in packet or keys for you. 
  • Once you have checked in, at the start of your move-in time slot you may proceed to the residence halls (Lot 3) and begin unloading your vehicles. 
  • While students check in at the Residential Life front desk (in Residence Hall  2), their guest should stay with their vehicle and begin the unloading process.
  • Unload vehicles in unloading zones quickly. Vehicles may not be left unattended in unloading zones. 
  • Move vehicles to long-term parking (Lot 8) once all belongings and items are unloaded.
  • Students must attend the resident assistants (RA) floor meeting at 6 p.m. the night of your move-in day. 
  • Plan to be busy with all the welcome programs and Purple Fire Weekend events leading up to Labor Day Weekend.

Step #1

  • Students and guests will arrive to Florida Poly and pull into campus through the west gate. A staff member will be there to greet you and direct you to park in Lot 6.
  • Once you have parked in Lot 6, you will visit each check-in tent to complete your move-in check in. To ensure a speedy check in, please make sure you have submitted all of your admissions documentation and have paid your housing bill or you have made adequate arrangements.
    • Please contact your admissions counselor to ensure all your admissions documentation has been received.
    • Please contact Student Living to ensure your housing balance has been paid or you have made adequate payment arrangements. You will not receive your move-in packet or keys until your housing balance has been paid or have made adequate arrangements regarding your financial aid or payment plan.
  • During check-in you will be provided your move-in packet, Florida Poly ID Card, and room and mailbox key. Your Florida Poly ID Card will have building and room access already added to the card when you receive it.
    • The steps to receive your Florida Poly ID Card are stated in your online Orientation. Make sure to complete your online Orientation modules prior to moving in. 
    • If you have any trouble with completing these steps to receive your Florida Poly ID card, please contact Auxiliary Enterprises.
  • During check in you will be provided a colored parking decal. Please make sure to fill out the information on the decal and place it on your vehicle’s dashboard.
  • At the start of your move-in time slot and once you have fully checked in, you may begin driving over to Lot 3 (residence hall parking lot). We will have signage posted outside to direct you to Lot 3.

Step #2

  • Arrive to Lot 3. A staff member will stop you at the entrance of Lot 3 and make sure you have arrived to move in on the correct date and time slot (by checking your colored parking decal).
    • If you have not arrived on the correct date and time slot, you will be required to return to Lot 6 and speak with a staff member at the check-in tents.
  • Staff members will then direct you to drive and pull up in front of your respective residence hall. Parking is not allowed in any parking sports during move-in days.

Step #3

  • Follow the directions of the staff members and drive your vehicle up to your respective residence hall. Parking is not allowed in any parking sports during move-in days.
  • Move-In Team volunteers will begin assisting you with unloading your vehicle and placing your belongings in sanitized carts.
    • To assist us with a speedy move-in, please label ALL of your belongings with masking tape that states your first name, last name, and room number. 
  • Once you have pulled up to your residence hall and as the Move-In Team volunteers are unloading your vehicle(s), you will need to visit the Residential Life front desk, located in Residence Hall 2, to have room access added to your Florida Poly ID card. A resident assistant (RA) will be present at the desk to give you access.
    • If you have brought a guest with you, during this time they should remain with your vehicle(s) and should be assisting the Move-In Team volunteers with unloading your vehicle(s).
  • Once carts are filled with your belongings, Move-In Team volunteers will bring the carts to your respective residence hall. Staff members within the residence halls will bring your belongings to your room. Belongings will be treated with care and will be placed on your room floor.

Step #4

  • Once your vehicle(s) are fully unloaded, driver(s) will be asked to drive their vehicle(s) out of Lot 3 and park in Lot 8.
    • Students will be allowed to park their vehicles in Lot 3 beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19. Parking Services will be issuing citations to vehicles that remain parked in Lot 3 during move-in days.
  • Once parked in Lot 8, you can walk back to the residence halls.

Step #1

  • Students and guests will arrive to Florida Poly and pull into campus through the west gate. A staff member will be there to greet you and direct you to park in Lot 6.
  • Once you have parked in Lot 6, you will visit each check-in tent to complete your move-in check in. To ensure a speedy check in, please make sure you have paid your housing bill or have made adequate arrangements.
    • Please contact Student Living at 863-874-8779 to ensure your housing balance has been paid or have made adequate arrangements. You will not receive your move-in packet or keys until your housing balance has been paid or have made adequate arrangements regarding your financial aid or payment plan.
  • During check-in you will be provided your move-in packet and your room and mailbox key. Make sure to bring your Florida Poly ID card with you! Your Florida Poly ID Card will already have building access added to the card the day of your move-in.
  • During check-in you will be provided a colored parking decal. Please make sure to fill out the information on the decal and place it on your vehicle’s dashboard.
  • At the start of your move-in time slot and once you have fully checked in, you may begin driving over to Lot 3 (residence hall parking lot). 

Step #2

  • Arrive to Lot 3. A staff member will stop you at the entrance of Lot 3 and make sure you have arrived to move in on the correct date and time slot (by checking your colored parking decal).
    • If you have not arrived on the correct date and time slot, you will be required to return to Lot 6 and speak with a staff member at the check-in tents.
  • Staff members will then direct you to drive and pull up in front of your respective residence hall. Parking is not allowed in any of the spaces in the lot.

Step #3

  • Follow the directions of the staff members and drive your vehicle up to your respective residence hall. Parking is not allowed in any of the spaces in the lot.
  • Move-In Team volunteers will begin assisting you with unloading your vehicle and placing your belongings in sanitized carts.
    • To assist us with a speedy move-in, we ask that you please label ALL of your belongings with masking tape that states your first name, last name, and room number.
  • Once you have pulled up to your residence hall and as the Move-In Team volunteers are unloading your vehicle(s), you will need to visit the Residential Life front desk, located in Residence Hall 2, to have room access added to your Florida Poly ID Card. An RA will be present at the desk to give you access.
    • If you have brought a guest with you, during this time they are to remain with your vehicle(s) and should be assisting the Move-In Team volunteers with unloading your vehicle(s).
  • Once carts are filled with your belongings, Move-In Team volunteers will bring the carts to your residence hall. Staff members within the residence halls will bring your belongings to your room. Belongings will be treated with care and will be place gently on your room floor.

 Step #4

  • Once your vehicle(s) are fully unloaded, driver(s) will be asked to drive their vehicle(s) out of Lot 3 and park in Lot 8.
    • Students will be allowed to park their vehicles in Lot 3 beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19. Parking Services will be issuing tickets to vehicles that remain parked in Lot 3 during move-in days.
  • Once parked in Lot 8, you can walk back to the residence halls.

Unit Condition Form

  • In your move-in packet you will receive a Unit Condition Form that must be completed and turned in within 24 hours of your move-in date. 
  • While moving in, please make note of any damages or concerns on your Unit Condition Form. This will ensure you are not charged for any damages when you move out at the end of your lease term. 
  • Turn in your Unit Condition Form to your Resident Assistant (RA) the night of your move-in date (during your first floor meeting). 

Active Building (Resident Portal):

  • You will not be able to set up your online resident account until one week after your move-in date. You will be notified when your resident account becomes available. Only then can you proceed with the below steps: 
    • Visit the Student Living website and click "Resident Login." 
    • Click on the "New User? Get Started Now" link.
    • Create a username and fill out all other necessary fields. All information (including your email address) must match the info on file with the Student Living (Leasing Office).
    • Once this step is completed, you will receive an email to complete your registration. In your email, please select "Click Here to Get Started."
    • Enter your personal information and accept the terms of Active Building.
    • Select or un-select “Send me a daily activity digest” then click "Save Settings and Continue."
    • Complete the information on the screen and click "Continue."
    • Complete the Emergency Contact Information then click "Finish and Take Me to My Page."
    • On your resident page in the bottom left corner, you will see options to “Submit a Payment,” “Submit a Request,” and post to our community activity board. Please note that any posts you make are subject to review by the Student Living and Residential Life teams.
    • When making a payment online, you may choose to make a one-time payment, or you may set up recurring payments.

Maintenance and Service Requests:

  • Please submit maintenance-related service requests using the online resident portal (Active Building). Doing so will assist our service team in tending to your requests more efficiently.
  • Emergency maintenance (i.e., active water leak, fire, issues with power) must be called in. Please do not use the online resident portal or any other method of communication (e.g. Facebook) for emergency maintenance. If you are experiencing an emergency maintenance issue or concern, please call the Student Living (Leasing Office) at 863-874-8779 during business hours or the Resident Assistant (RA) on call after hours/on weekends. 

Internet and Cable Setup:

  • Both wired and wireless network connections are provided in residential units and rooms as part of their monthly/semesterly rate.
  • In Residence Hall 1, each unit has its own router and wireless network. Instructions on how to set up your unit’s internet can be found on a refrigerator magnet in your unit.
  • In  Residence Hall 2, each floor has two open wireless networks. Residents can freely connect to any network while in the residence hall.
  • Additionally, wireless is available in both residence hall common areas and lounges, as well as across campus. Residents are encouraged to protect all electrical appliances and computer equipment through a quality power surge protection system.
  • Digital cable is included in your rent. In order to access your cable channels, you may need to perform a channel search on your television. Residents are required to provide their own cables and equipment.
  • If you are experiencing any internet or cable issues, contact Student Living (Leasing Office) or submit a maintenance-related service request using the online resident portal (Active Building). 

Policies and Procedures:

  • During move-in your Resident Assistant (RA) will review the Residential Life Handbook, which outlines the Department of Residential Life and Student Living's community standards, procedures, and services provided by our University. The Residential Life Handbook, along with your lease agreement, living learning community expectations, and communication from our staff, are here to ease your transition to on-campus living. Should you need additional support or have a specific questions about a policy or procedures after reviewing the handbook, your Resident Assistant (RA) or Residential Life professional staff will be happy to assist you. 
  • The Residential Life Handbook will be available for students, parents, and guardians to review starting in early August.  

 

After Move-In

Resident Assistants (RAs) are full-time Florida Poly students who live in the residence halls and are responsible for a particular community of residents. They provide support, act as a resource for students, coordinate social and education programs, and work with one another and as a student to enforce Florida Poly and Student Living policies within the campus community.

RAs are carefully selected and trained to be sensitive to the academic, emotional, and social challenges facing residents, particularly the normal adjustments to residence hall living. We encourage you to seek out and develop a relationship with your RA so they can help you in your transition to living on campus. Your RA will reach out to you throughout the semester to meet 1:1 or in a small group. All residents are encouraged to meet with their RA regularly.

Residents will be expected to attend their first floor meeting, with their RA, on the night of their move-in date at 6 p.m.

Living with another person or persons may be a brand-new experience for some, which may cause some concerns throughout the semester or year. In the case that a resident is having issues or concerns regarding their roommate or suitemate, they should speak with their Resident Assistant (RA) immediately. The RA will begin working with those involved in a well-planned and thought-out mediation process.

At the beginning of each semester, all roommates and suitemates who share a unit will be required to complete a Roommate Agreement Contract. This contract covers various topics when it comes to sharing spaces and living with other individuals (i.e., cleanliness, guests, studying, etc.). In the case of a roommate or suitemate conflict, Roommate Agreement Contracts will be reintroduced to ensure all individuals are following the rules and guidelines they have set for themselves. Roommate Agreement Contracts may be updated and changed at any time and as many times throughout the semester and year, as long as all residents of the unit and/or room agree to said updates and changes.  

Please note, due to COVID-19 and the impacts of social and physical distancing, residents will not be permitted to change units, rooms, or roommates once they move onto campus. This is to ensure the health and safety of other residents living on campus and to decrease the chance of exposure to other residents. Residential Life will work directly with the resident throughout the mediation process to ensure issues and conflicts are resolved.

The first week or two after move-in is the best time to meet residents on your floor and in your building and community. Many students are eager to make new friends, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself. It is very important to get out of your room and get to know those around you. Your RA can help introduce you to your community. You can also meet people at your floor/building meeting and the other activities that will be happening. Make the most out of your Florida Poly experience by finding your community and getting involved.

Visit the Student Development website for more information regarding student organizations and campus events and programs. 

If you see something, say something. 

 

Residential Life On-Call Presence: If you need assistance after hours or on the weekend, please contact the Resident Assistant (RA) on call. RAs serve on call during after-hours (5 p.m. to 8 a.m.) and 24 hours on the weekends.

To contact the Resident Assistant (RA) on call, please call the numbers below. Please note, ONLY students who live in the residence halls should be contacting the Resident Assistants (RAs) on call. Non-residential students and parents/family members should contact the Department of Residential Life (863-974-8789) directly if they have any questions or concerns. 

  • Residence Hall I RA on-call number: 863-398-9348
  • Residence Hall 2 RA on-call number: 863-209-5989

Reporting a ConcernAny University community member who has concerns should fill out the online reporting form.

  • Reporting Concerning Behavior: Students, employees, and community members are encouraged to use the online referral forms below to report behavior that they perceive as concerning, worrisome, or threatening.
  • Reporting Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct includes, sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence (dating violence and domestic violence), or stalking behaviors. The Title IX Office works to address these concerns.
  • Reporting Non-Academic Misconduct (Student Code of Conduct): Non-academic violations are behaviors that include, but are not limited to, alcohol, disorderly conduct, drugs, hazing, harassment, physical violence, or other violations of University policies, regulations, or rules.

Crisis, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team: Florida Poly maintains a CARE Team (Crisis-Assessment-Referral-Evaluation) that provides guidance and assistance to students who are experiencing crisis, displaying odd or unusual behaviors, or engaging in other behaviors that may be perceived as being harmful (either to the student individually or to others). The CARE team accepts referrals and responds to identified concerns for a student’s health, welfare, and safety.

Police Department: The University Police Department strives to enhance the safety and quality of life for students, employees, and visitors through effective law enforcement and proactive crime prevention.

Emergency Phones: The University has emergency phones located outdoors on campus to ensure students, employees, and community members can contact the Lakeland Police 911 dispatch center as easily as possible.

Florida Poly Alerts: Florida Poly Alerts is the University’s emergency notification system. An alert is issued when a situation arises in which the University determines there is an ongoing threat, whether man-made or weather-related, that presents an immediate threat to the health and safety of people on campus.