Rights & Responsibilities
According to the Student Conduct Code, what is every student responsible for respecting?
The rights, privileges, and property of all members of the campus community.
What is the purpose of a roommate agreement at Mercyhurst?
To establish shared living standards like cleaning, guests, and noise.
What is the first step in a Mercyhurst roommate mediation?
Each roommate shares their perspective without interruption.
What type of questions should RAs use during mediation?
Open‑ended questions that encourage explanation.
Roommate A keeps interrupting Roommate B. What should the RA do?
Reinforce the no‑interruptions expectation.
What core value guides how students should treat one another in residential spaces?
Respect — part of Mercyhurst’s mission and conduct expectations.
Who helps students create or revise roommate agreements?
RAs, Hall Directors, and Area Coordinators.
Why do RAs emphasize listening during mediation?
Because Mercyhurst values meaningful interactions and respect.
Why do RAs summarize what each roommate says?
To confirm understanding and model active listening.
Roommate B refuses to speak. What should the RA do?
Use gentle, open‑ended questions and validate their discomfort.
What is the primary goal of the conduct process at Mercyhurst?
Education and responsible social stewardship, not punishment.
What is the best advice Residence Life gives for preventing roommate conflict?
Talk about concerns early and keep communication open.
What should the RA avoid during mediation?
Taking sides, as neutrality supports fairness and respect.
What should an RA do if a roommate becomes emotional?
Validate the feeling, then guide the conversation back to specific behaviors.
Roommates disagree about what happened. What should the RA focus on?
Impact and expectations — not proving who is right.
When living with roommates, what does Residence Life encourage students to maintain?
Open communication and willingness to compromise.
Why must expectations in a roommate agreement be specific?
Specific expectations prevent misunderstandings and support accountability.
What is the goal of a mediation follow‑up?
To ensure roommates are upholding shared expectations and adjusting if needed.
What communication habit must RAs avoid?
Taking sides or showing bias.
Roommate A starts crying. What is the RA’s next move?
Pause, validate feelings, and offer a moment before continuing.
If a student repeatedly violates community expectations, what may occur?
Referral to Residence Life & Student Conduct for review or intervention.
If roommates cannot reach an agreement, what is the next step?
Mediation with Residence Life staff (RA → HD → AC).
When must an RA escalate a mediation to professional staff?
If the conflict impacts health, safety, or rights of students.
What Mercyhurst value is reinforced when RAs encourage roommates to speak respectfully?
Respect for the rights and dignity of others.
Roommates want the RA to “pick a side.” What should the RA do?
Maintain neutrality and redirect to shared solutions.