Pacific School of Religion

PSR housing is available for most students who are enrolled full-time in an academic program at PSR. This PSR Housing Policy statement outlines who is eligible for housing, along with information on the application process, fees, pets, vacating procedures, and other issues. Created by the Housing Office and the Community Association of PSR (CAPSR), which includes PSR students and staff, this document is used by the PSR Housing Director and Housing Advisory Committee to guide and govern the relationship between PSR and students living in campus housing. The policy is reviewed each year and amended when necessary. For more information, please contact the Housing Director.

PSR Housing Director: Steven Peele
Email: speele[at]psr[dot]edu
Phone: 510/849-8255

I. Housing Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Fall

• Nov 1: Students returning from internship or CPE for the Spring semester
• Nov 1: New students for the Spring semester

Spring

• Apr 1: Continuing students applying for the Fall semester
• Apr 1: Continuing students applying to sublet to PSR for the summer
• Apr 1: Continuing Students applying for Summer housing (only continuing PSR students are eligible for summer housing)
• Apr 1: Students returning from internship or CPE for the Fall semester
• Apr 15: New students for the Fall semester

New students' housing applications must accompany their statement of intent to enroll. New students for the Fall must apply by the priority deadlines (April 15) to be guaranteed housing. PSR cannot guarantee housing for new students for the Spring semester as the number of Fall graduates governs availability.

Returning or continuing PSR students and GTU students housed at PSR must apply for housing for the Fall Semester of each academic year. Contracts signed for the Fall cover the entire academic year. Contracts signed in the Spring semester only cover Spring; a new housing application must be filed for summer and Fall.

Commuter Housing Application Deadlines

Commuter housing applications are accepted beginning the first day of general registration for each semester. Commuter housing assignments are made on a first come, first serve basis.

II. Housing Costs and Payments

A. Housing Confirmation Fee

A $250 housing confirmation fee is required from all new PSR students who receive a housing contract. The fee will serve to hold a space in housing, and will be applied to the student's account once the student occupies their unit. If a student decides she/he does not want housing they must notify the Housing Director in writing by June 15 for Fall applicants or December 15 for Spring Applicants; otherwise, the $250 deposit is forfeited.

B. Security Deposit

A deposit of $350 is required from all students in campus housing to cover cleaning and damages. Students' housing confirmation fee will be applied toward their security deposit.

All students in housing must maintain a Security Deposit balance of $350. Anything which results in a cleaning and/or damage charge to be deducted from the student's deposit will be billed to the student in order to maintain the minimum $350 deposit balance on their account. Damages exceeding $350 will be charged to the student directly. Students will not be allowed to register for the upcoming semester or graduate if their security deposit account balance is below $350.

Cleaning or damage repairs required following your vacate date will be charged against the deposit. The final balance of the student's security deposit will be mailed to the student within thirty (30) days after the unit is inspected, repaired if needed, and given clearance. The deposit accrues interest at 1% per year.

C. Contract Periods

PSR students may select either a 9-month or 12-month contract period. The 9-month contract period begins on September 1 and ends on May 31. The 12-month contract period begins on August 1 and ends on July 31. There are two exceptions to contract start and end dates:

1. New resident's contracts begin the day the key is accepted to the residence. Fees will be adjusted to reflect the period of actual residence.
2. Graduating students' contracts end May 31 or December 20. Fees will be adjusted to reflect the period of actual residence.

D. Rent / Room & Board Payments (See Appendix FS for fees.)

The balance of your housing security deposit must be returned with your signed contract. Each semester's fees will be charged to your account at the beginning of the semester. Payments can be made at the PSR business office.

Any miscellaneous charges, which include damage charges, and key replacement charges, that may accrue on your account during a given month are payable in the following month. You will be sent a statement if these charges are made to your account. It is your responsibility to pay any charges that you incur.

Should your account become delinquent, it may be referred for collection with the assessment of collection costs, late fees and any additional legal costs incurred in collecting the outstanding balance. In the event you do not pay the required residence fees by the established deadline, your contract may be voided and registration privileges will be blocked. To prevent such actions, you should contact the PSR business office prior to the payment deadline.

III. Assignment of Housing

A. Student Eligibility

1. Enrollment
   All students must be enrolled full-time (9 or more units) to qualify for PSR housing.
2. GTU Students
   GTU students are eligible for PSR housing, however they have lower priority than PSR students. (See section III.B. regarding priority status)
3. Field Education or Internship
   Students involved in Field Education or on internship are eligible for housing under the following conditions:

1. The student is working at a full time (35 hours per week) three-unit internship approved by the Director of Field Education. Students must attach a F.E. Placement Confirmation form (available from the Field Education office) to their housing application.
2. The student is working at a three unit Field Education or CPE site approved by the Director of Field Education, taken in conjunction with six additional units.

B. Priority Status

Housing is assigned to PSR students using the following priority list:

1. International PSR Students who apply by semester deadlines
2. First-year PSR students who apply by semester deadlines
3. All continuing PSR students in their original program who apply by semester deadlines
4. PSR students in the M.A program who add the M.Div. or those in the M.Div. program who add the M.A. who apply by semester deadlines.
5. Graduates of PSR who are in the GTU Ph.D. program who apply by semester deadlines.
6. International GTU students who apply by semester deadlines.
7. GTU students who apply by semester deadlines.

Reminder: Students entering or returning during the Spring semester are not guaranteed housing, even if they apply by semester deadlines, because availability is dependant upon the number of Fall graduates.

C. Unit Assignments

Housing at PSR is assigned according to the following guidelines:

• One adult — dorm room or studio
• Two adults — studio or one bedroom
• One adult and one legal dependant under 12 yrs. — one bedroom/two bedroom
• Two adults and one legal dependant under 12 yrs. — one bedroom/two bedroom
• One adult and one legal dependant over 12 yrs. — two bedroom
• Two adults and one legal dependant over 12 yrs. — two bedroom
• One adult and two legal dependants — two bedroom/three bedroom
• Two adults and two legal dependants — two bedroom/three bedroom
• One adult and three or more legal dependants — three bedroom
• Two adults and three or more legal dependants — three bedroom

PSR utilizes the "best fit" model in order to accommodate the number of students who wish to be in our housing. For example, a student with a spouse/partner or one legal dependant will be assigned a studio over a single student. If space is available, then single students will be considered for studio apartment unit. Single students may request to be considered for a studio. To apply for any type of on-campus move, the student must complete a Housing Policy Request for Review, indicating their desire to move (see section IV.C.).

Students may be moved if the Housing Director deems that it is necessary. PSR will make every attempt to allow residents to remain in their present room. If a student is asked to move, PSR will pay the telephone re-connection charge.

1. Family Housing at PSR

Housing assignments are made according to needs and are based on availability.

PSR defines the age limit for legal dependants as 18 years or under.

PSR housing is available to couples who are legally married to each other or who signify that they are committed to a covenantal relationship and would marry if they were legally able to do so. Legally married couples must provide a copy of their marriage license along with their housing confirmations. Gay and lesbian couples must sign and return the PSR domestic partner affidavit with their housing confirmations (available upon request). PSR uses the Alameda County criteria in defining a domestic partnership.

Spouse/partner and/or legal dependant(s) must reside full time in PSR housing for the student to qualify for family housing units.

All buildings require cooperative cleaning.

All PSR buildings are smoke free (including candles, incense, cigarettes, pipes, etc.).

D. Special Housing Requests

Students wishing to ask for a housing extension or an exception to a housing policy must follow a formal request procedure.

Requests for extensions and exceptions must be submitted in writing using a Housing Policy Request For Review form. Non PSR-affiliated GTU students do not qualify for any extensions in housing. For more information, see section IV.C.

IV. Termination of Student Residence Contract

All request for termination of a residence contract must be submitted in writing to the housing director.

The resident requesting contract termination shall continue to be liable for student residence fees until a replacement moves in.

In the event of contract termination approval, the effective termination date of the PSR's approval. Once a replacement is found, and/or the request for termination is approved, A contract termination fee will be imposed as liquidated damages, and will be included In the billing statement; a $150 contract termination fee will be imposed if the termination approval date is prior to occupancy and a $300 contract termination fee will be imposed for termination approved after occupancy.

A. Contract Termination — by the student

Contract termination by the student may be approved for the following reasons:

1. Graduation, withdrawal, dismissal or leave of absence from PSR for verified academic or medical reasons with appropriate documentation.
2. Marriage after execution of the student residence contract and upon presentation of the marriage certificate to the PSR housing director.

All other reasons for requesting termination of the student residence contract will be reviewed on an individual basis and you are responsible for residence fees until a replacement is found, and/or the request for contract termination will not be considered until the cancellation is requested in writing and you have submitted the appropriate supporting documents.

B. Contract Termination — by PSR

PSR may terminate the student residence contract and all attendant rights of occupancy upon 30 days notice to the resident. You may be subject to a Three Day Notice to Quit for any reason allowed by law, including the following:

1. If you cease to be a registered student as defined by PSR's registrar.
2. If you violate the terms of the student residence contract, these "Terms and Conditions of Residence" (including, but not limited to, section 6, General Conditions), the provisions of "The Guide to Living in the Student Residences", or found guilty of misconduct.
3. If there is failure of occupancy.
4. Possession, use, manufacture, sale, distribution or consumption of illegal and/or dangerous drugs.
5. Possession of paraphernalia containing controlled substances or residue of controlled substances.
6. Smoking in the residential facilities or within fifteen feet of an entrance or exit. This restriction includes smoking on entrance steps, entrance landings, and entrance access ramps, unless the area is specifically designated as a smoking area.
7. Participation in disturbances that threaten the health and safety of yourself or others.
8. Vandalizing or damaging residential facilities. Examples include misuse of individual or common area furnishings, removal of signs and excessive messes.
9. Failure to evacuate the building immediately upon the sound of an alarm or to follow specific evacuation and safety procedures.
10. Misusing or tampering with fire safety equipment. Examples include removal or damage to smoke detectors, removal of doors, door closures of fire extinguishers.
11. Possession of explosives and flammable substances. Examples include firecrackers, flammable liquids such as lamp oil, gasoline, lighter fluid, and other chemicals that are toxic or explosive in nature.

A. Vacating Procedures

Graduating students and students whose housing eligibility has expired must vacate housing.

1. Vacating Forms

Students can obtain a vacating form from the Housing Office.

2. Vacating Deadlines

For students leaving PSR housing after the Fall Semester:

• November 1: Vacate forms due in the Housing Office
• December 31: Housing unit must be vacated

For students leaving PSR housing after the Spring Semester:

• April 1: Vacate forms due in the Housing Office
• May 31: Housing unit must be vacated

Students wishing to vacate their unit mid-semester or during the summer months must submit a vacating form 30 days prior to their vacate date. (The student is still responsible for the full rent through the end of their lease agreement unless the Housing Director releases them from their contract — see section IV.C. regarding special circumstances).

3. Early Vacate

If a student wishes to vacate earlier than the last day of their lease and has already filled out a vacating form, the student will not be penalized as long as they notify the Housing Office of the changed moving date in writing. PSR will not pro-rate the rent after the fifteenth of the termination month.

4. Late Vacate

Students who will not be able to vacate by their confirmed vacate date (as listed on their vacate form) must submit a Request for Review form (see section IV.C.) at least two weeks in advance. Again, PSR will not pro-rate the rent after the fifteenth of the termination month.

Students due to vacate by the December 31 or May 31 deadlines who do not follow the Request For Review guidelines (see section IV.C.) will be charged $150 per day until they have vacated.

5. Cleaning

Guidelines for cleaning are given to each student with the vacating form. This enables the student to clean before Facilities inspects the apartment or dormitory room. Cleaning by Facilities is charged at $15 per hour.

6. Security Deposit

The security deposit balance will be mailed to the student within thirty (30) days after the unit is inspected and given clearance.

B. Time Limits for PSR Housing

1. According To Degree Programs

The maximum number of years of residence in PSR housing for PSR students is the following according to degree program:

• C.T.S., C.S.S., C.A.P.S, D.Min: one academic year
• M.A., M.T.S: two years
• M.Div: three years
• Combined M.Div/M.A.: four years

The maximum number of years of residence in PSR housing for GTU students is the following:

• PSR affiliated GTU students
• Common M.A.: 2 years
• Ph.D.: 3 years
• Non PSR-affiliated GTU students
• All programs: one academic year (September through June)

Students who have completed their degree requirements but have not graduated will be required to vacate campus housing. Students who drop below a full-time course load (9 or more units) or who take a leave of absence will also be required to vacate.

2. Students Who Add an Approved CPE or Internship Year

Students who are completing an M.Div or combined M.Div/M.A. who add an approved CPE program or internship prior to their final year in their program may add the equivalent time to their housing limits.

3. Students Who Change Their Degree Program

When students change degree programs, the maximum time limit in housing will include the time already spent in the previous program. For example, if a student changes from the C.T.S program to a M.Div. program, the time spent in housing as a C.T.S. program student will apply to the total three years allowed for M.Div. students.

4. Students Who Add an Additional Degree Program

Students who add an additional degree program must reapply for housing as if they were a new student. If you are accepted for additional time in housing, you are not guaranteed to stay in your current housing unit.

C. Special Circumstances

1. Extensions & Exceptions

Students wishing to ask for a housing extension or an exception to a housing policy must follow a formal request procedure. Requests for extensions and exceptions must be submitted in writing using a Housing Policy Request for Review form. Non PSR-affiliated GTU students do not qualify for any extensions in housing.

1. Complete and turn in a Housing Policy Request for Review form (available in the housing office).
2. The Housing Director will consider the request and will notify the student of the decision in writing via a Response and Resolution form within 5 business days.
3. If the student wishes to accept the Resolution offered by the Housing Office, they should arrange a time to sign and date the original resolution form with the Housing Director.
4. If the student wishes to further appeal a decision made by the Housing Office they must arrange a meeting between themselves, the Housing Director, and the Chief Financial Officer of PSR.

Commonly approved reasons for remaining past housing deadlines are:

• Students whose full-time internships or concurrent Field Education program concludes part way through a semester or the summer and want to stay in housing for the remainder of that time period.
• Students with children in public or private schools who need to stay in housing until their children are dismissed for the summer.

Students in these situations who submit their Housing Policy Request for Review by the semester deadlines will be given priority consideration.

2. Evictions

Students who cause significant problems or fail to satisfactorily maintain their housing unit may be asked to leave student housing on the recommendation of the Housing Director.

Failure to comply with the housing policy constitutes a breach of the housing agreement and, at the discretion of PSR, can void the housing agreement and terminate the student's eligibility for PSR housing and may affect the student's enrollment status.

V. Commuter Student Housing

Application Procedure

1. Commuter Housing applications are accepted beginning the first day of general registration for each semester.
2. Complete application for commuter housing and turn-in the completed application to the Housing Office.
3. The Housing Office will review all applications and assign rooms as they are available. Commuter housing assignments are made on a first come, first served basis.
4. If a room is available, you will be given a Housing Contract to complete and return with your key deposit in order to guarantee your room.

B. Availability

Due to limited availability, commuter housing is available on a first come, first served basis. Students are advised to reserve commuter housing at the beginning of the semester in order to guarantee commuter housing.

C. Keys

Pay the $25 key deposit, accompanied by the completed commuter-housing contract, and then make arrangement with the Housing Director to pick-up commuter room keys during business hours.

D. Billing

Students will be billed for their commuter housing on a semester basis. Students will be charged $25/night, as designated by the nights on their commuter-housing application, along with a refundable $25 key deposit.

E. Room Description

Each commuter room has four twin beds with a communal bathroom and shower. The rooms are assigned on a gender-specific basis.

F. Linens

PSR commuter students must provide their own linens, towels, and toiletries.

G. Personal Belongings

All personal belongings left in commuter housing is at your own risk — PSR is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

H. Cleaning

PSR Commuter Rooms have a daily turnover so they must be cleaned upon departure. This includes proper disposal of garbage, recycling, and personal belongings.

I. Kitchen

Kitchen must be kept clean at all times. No cooking implements will be provided.

J. Bathroom

Bathroom must be cleaned after every use.

K. Room Vacate

Remove all personal belongings from the commuter housing.

L. Turn In Keys

Turn in commuter keys using a key return envelope (available at the Housing Office) to the reception desk.

M. Payment

Clear your commuter housing balance in the business office (get your key deposit refunded, pay your final balance).

N. Lockers

There are several lockers in the Mudd building available for commuter students. Students are welcome to use a locker free of charge but they must register their locker number in the Housing Office. Students must provide their own lock and keep their lockers clean. PSR is not responsible for personal property left in lockers.

VI. PSR Summer Housing

A. Summer Housing Eligibility and Deadlines

1. Student Eligibility

Summer housing is available to PSR students and PSR-affiliated GTU students who have been enrolled full-time (9 or more units) during Spring semester and who will be full-time (9 or more units) during the upcoming Fall semester. Non PSR-affiliated GTU students are not eligible for summer housing.

2. Summer Housing Application Deadlines

Students who wish to remain in housing must complete and return a Summer Housing Agreement Form by the April 1 deadline.

B. Summer Housing Costs and Meals

Students in apartments will be charged rent on a per month basis. Students living in the dormitories will be charged a lump sum that differs from the semester rate (see appendix FS). Meals during the summer are the responsibility of each student. The Meal Plans, which are required for all PSR students during the academic year, are not available during the summer.

C. Subleasing

PSR residents are not allowed to sublease their housing units to anyone but PSR. Students who wish to sublet their unit to PSR for GTU Summer Session housing must complete and return a Summer Housing Agreement Form (available from the Housing Office). Sublets are considered under the following conditions:

• Students wishing to sublease their housing unit to PSR for the summer must apply by April 1.
• Students in apartments must remove all personal belongings and store them off campus at their own expense, but furnishings must be left in the apartment. Students must sign a form releasing PSR of any liability for their property.
• Students in dormitory rooms must remove all personal belongings and furnishings from their room and common living areas and store them off campus at their own expense. Only PSR furnishings should be left.
• Students who sublease their units are released from financial responsibility for the duration of their sublease.
• Student's units must pass inspection by the Director of Facilities before the student is released from financial responsibility for damage/cleaning costs.

D. Benton Hall and Apartment Residents

Benton Hall and apartment residents have the following two options for the summer:

1. Stay in their housing unit and pay the summer housing rate. (See appendix FS.)
2. Qualify to sublet their housing unit to PSR for the summer and pay no summer housing rent.

If a student vacates their unit under any other conditions they will have to follow the standard vacating procedures (see section IV) and they will be required to reapply for housing. In this instance they will not be guaranteed space in housing nor will they be guaranteed to return to the same housing unit.

E. Anderson Hall (ARCH) Residents

Anderson Hall (ARCH) residents have the following three options for the summer:

1. Stay in their ARCH suite and pay the summer housing rate. (See appendix FS.)
2. Qualify to sublet their housing unit to PSR for the summer and pay no summer housing rent.
3. Move out of their ARCH suite but leave their belongings locked in their room for a summer storage fee of $150.

If a student vacates their unit under any other conditions they will have to follow the standard vacating procedures (see section IV.) and they will be required to reapply for housing. In this instance they will not be guaranteed space in housing nor will they be guaranteed to return to the same housing unit.

If an ARCH room is vacated for the summer it may be assigned to GTU summer session housing even if there are PSR students living in adjacent rooms in the suite. PSR ARCH residents who stay in their current room should be advised of the following:

• The facilities/cleaning crew will be in and out of the suite at odd hours and during weekends as well as weekdays.
• New "guests" will arrive every weekend, which means you will have new roommates every week. Scheduled arrival times are Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., however due to late flights or other unforeseen circumstances students might arrive late at night or during the week.
• Common areas in the suite must remain clean and orderly in keeping with a "hotel" atmosphere. The cleaning crew will begin cleaning at 2 pm on Fridays and clean throughout the weekend. To allow the cleaning crew to clean effectively personal items and toiletries should be stored on shelves in the bathroom, not on counter tops. PSR is not responsible for any personal items left in the common areas.
  • If a student chooses to remain in their suite under these conditions, they will not be able to move mid-summer.

VII. January Intersession Housing

A. Eligibility

Intersession housing is available to all students who have been residents and who have been enrolled full-time (9 or more units) during the Fall semester and will be enrolled full-time (9 or more units) during the Spring semester.

B. Meals

Meals during intersession are the responsibility of each student. The Meal Plans, which are required for all PSR students during the academic year, are not available during intersession.

IX. Special Housing Concerns

A. Assignments

Housing assignments made in the Fall Semester are for the academic year only (September through May 31).

B. Furnishings

Each PSR dorm unit is fully furnished. A bed, desk, chair, dresser and lamp are provided.

In order to provide removal of PSR furnishings (e.g., a bed), a doctor's note is required specifying the medical needs of the student.

C. Appliances

All students will have access to coin operated washers and dryers to do their laundry at a nominal cost.

D. In Dormitory Rooms

Students may have one miniature refrigerator in their dormitory suite. In compliance with Fire Regulations other appliances (i.e. microwaves, toaster ovens, hot plates, etc.) are not permitted in the dormitories. If other appliances are found, the student will have thirty (30) days to remove the appliances. If the appliance(s) have not been removed, the student may be evicted from housing.

E. In Non-Dormitory Rooms

Non-dormitory housing units come equipped with a stove and a refrigerator. Students may not bring additional major appliances.

F. Liability

PSR is not responsible for the personal belongings of students.

G. Specially Modified Housing Units

Non-disabled students living in units with specific modifications for students with disabilities may be asked to move at the end of either Fall or Spring semesters if those units are needed for a disabled student. Students living in units with specific modifications for students with disabilities will be notified of said modifications before they move in.

H. Unit Modifications

No modification of PSR housing units is allowed without express written consent of PSR; including but not limited to: cable Installation, satellite dishes, painting and carpeting.

I. The Meal Plan

The Meal Plan is required during Fall and Spring semester for all students living in dormitory housing. The Meal Plan is available Monday through Friday and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Meal Plan is not available during January intersession or Summer break.

J. Guests

A guest is defined as someone staying in your unit who is not on the lease. Guests are subject to the housing policies of PSR and the dormitory regulations. Guests must be registered with the Building Manager. Building Managers will have a sign up sheet on their door for guests to sign in and out. Guests are welcome to stay a maximum of two weeks. The Housing Director can approve a stay longer than two weeks. Students wishing to have guests in Anderson Hall (ARCH) must have approval from their suite mates. Failure to report stays longer than a week constitutes a breach of the housing agreement and, at the discretion of PSR, can void the housing agreement and terminate the sponsoring student's eligibility for PSR housing. If the student needs provisions for their guest they will be charged a one-time fee as follows:

• Keys: $10.00
• Rollaway Bed (if available): $20.00
• Linen per person: $10.00

To order a rollaway bed, students must fill out a maintenance request form at the reception area indicating where and when to deliver the bed, as well as when to pick it up. Facilities will deliver the bed and bill the student's account. A minimum of two weeks notice is required to order a rollaway. Students can have a rollaway for a maximum of two weeks.

K. Keys

One original set of keys is provided free of charge to all students in housing. Keys are not to be duplicated by students. Students requesting additional keys upon moving in may purchase extra sets in the housing office for $5.00 each.

Lost keys can be replaced for the following fee:

• Housing Keys: $10.00 for each key.
• Mailbox keys: $10.00 for each key.

If it is deemed that a lost key is a significant breach of security, the student may be responsible for the entire cost of re-keying the building(s).

L. Maintenance

Repairs and maintenance problems must be reported to Facilities on a Maintenance Request Form, which is available at the Reception Desk. A completed Maintenance Request Form implies students' consent for Facilities to enter their residence unit. Students sharing a suite must inform suite-mates that Facilities will be entering their unit. Students who find or cause damage in their units/building and do not report it may be charged for the damage.

X. Mail

A. General Information

1. Mailroom Location

Mailroom is located next door to the reception desk in the Holbrook Building.

2. Mail Distribution

Mail is distributed by approximately 11 am each weekday, Monday–Friday. There is no mail distribution on the weekends.

3. Mail Room Hours of Operation

Student may pick up their mail during the academic year 9 am–5 pm Monday–Thursday and 9 am–4:30 pm on Fridays. During the summer, students may pick up their mail between 9 am–4:30 pm Monday–Thursday and 9 am–4 pm on Fridays.

4. Mailbox Keys

Each new student is provided with a mailbox key upon proof of GTU Student Identification with the current semester sticker. In the event of a lost mailbox key, the student must speak with the Reception/Mailroom Supervisor in order to obtain a replacement key. The fee for a lost mailbox key is $10.

5. Mail Retrieval

Only individuals in possession of the mailbox key can retrieve mail. The Reception Desk will not grant access to other students' mailboxes.

B. Mailbox Assignments

1. Elegibility

All registered PSR Students in good standing are eligible for a PSR Mailbox. All students in PSR Housing are required to have a PSR Mailbox, including GTU students living in PSR Housing.

2. Additional Users

In addition to the student, spouse/partner, dependents, and business mail may be received. Students must complete an "additional usage" form for any additional mail that should be delivered to their box.

C. Proper Mail Address Information

Mail must be sent to the student's PSR Mailbox. No mail is to be sent to the student's physical address because it will not be delivered. Use the following address on all mail to be delivered, which will allow the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail in a timely manner.

Your Name
1798 Scenic Ave. #_______
Berkeley, CA 94709

D. Mail Services

1. Postage Stamps

The Reception Desk does not sell stamps. You may buy stamps at local supermarkets and the nearest U.S. Post Office located at 1521 Shattuck Avenue, tel. 510/649-6763.

2. Outgoing Mail

Outgoing mail can be deposited into the mail chute at the reception desk. It is retrieved each weekday by 4 pm by the U.S. Postal Service.

3. General Delivery Packages

Any packages sent to PSR students using their PSR mailbox address will be collected at the reception desk. A notice will be placed in the student's mailbox informing them that a package is waiting for them. Students may retrieve their packages during regular reception hours.

4. Signature Required Mail

Any mail from UPS, FedEx, DHL and all signature-required carriers may deliver to the reception desk. A notice will be placed in the student's mailbox informing them that a package is waiting for them. Students may sign for and retrieve their packages during regular reception hours.

E. Mail Forwarding

1. Elegibility

Each graduated student or student who withdraws will be granted a maximum of one year of mail forwarding. After one year, mail will be "returned to sender: forwarding order expired."

2. Guidelines

Please inform all senders of your new address. Only first class mail is forwarded — no presorted mail or magazines will be forwarded.

3. Domestic Mail Forwarding

1. Please be sure to provide the reception desk with the proper forwarding address information.
2. The Berkeley Post Office will not forward any individual mail addressed to Pacific School of Religion mailing addresses. Even if you have submitted a change of address to the Berkeley Post Office, they will not forward any of your mail.

4. International Mail Forwarding

1. International mail forwarding will be attempted but it is not guaranteed.
2. Students may choose to have their mail sent to a designated person in a domestic location, who can then send their mail to the international location via bulk mail.

5. Internship Mail Forwarding

1. Mail will be forwarded for the duration of all approved internships.
2. Only 1st class mail is forwarded — no presorted mail or magazines will be forwarded.
3. Inform the reception desk upon your return to PSR in order to stop mail forwarding.

F. Mailbox Closure Procedure

1. Provide the reception desk with proper mail forwarding information.
2. Return mailbox key to the reception desk.
3. See above Section X.E. for mail forwarding information.

XI. Pets

A. PSR Pet Regulations

Pets are permissible only under the following guidelines:

1. Students must fill out the Pet Application/Contract for their pet(s) and return it to the Housing Office.
2. Students must attach a copy of their dog's immunization records and documentation that the animal is legally registered/licensed with the city of Berkeley and a copy of their cat's immunization records.
3. Pets must be supervised so as not to damage PSR housing or annoy other residents.
4. Pet owners will be charged for all damages caused by their pets.
5. If any pet causes a significant problem either in the apartment unit or on campus, the owner will be asked to leave student housing.
6. Pets are to be kept free of fleas.
7. Pet owners must clean up after their pets on all PSR property.
8. Attack dogs or aggressive dog breeds will not be allowed in shared dormitory rooms.
9. The Housing Office will charge a non-refundable fee of $50 per semester.
10. Pets are not permitted in Benton Hall.

B. City of Berkeley Pet Regulations

PSR will abide by all of the City of Berkeley's Municipal Codes, including Section 10.04.090 which states, "Except in an area specifically set aside and designated by the City Council as a 'dog park', or 'off-leash' area no owner/guardian or keeper of a dog shall allow or permit such dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to be or run at large in or upon any public place or premises, or in or upon any private place or premises other than those of said owner/guardian or keeper except with the consent of the person in charge of said private place or premises, unless such dog is securely restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed six feet in length and is in charge and control. An obedience-trained dog under effective charge and control within six feet of his master shall be deemed to be on a leash. For the purposes of this section, any dog in or upon any motor vehicle shall be deemed to be on the premises of the operator thereof." (Ord. 6627 § 1, 2001: Ord. 5789-NS § 1, 1986: Ord. 4412-NS (part), 1969: Ord. 4372-NS § 9, 1968)

For more information regarding the City of Berkeley's Municipal Codes regarding dogs, visit their website.