To encourage open communication, all residents discuss and sign a roommate contract at the beginning of the fall term and any time there is a change in residence status in the room. Understanding one another's expectation and deciding on room parameters early on seems to help the situation. When roommates have difficulty with one another, we first suggest they talk about the conflict causing issue. When roommates are unable to resolve a situation on their own, a mediator is called upon to help. In mediation, an objective person, usually a University Housing staff member, acts as a referee to ensure that strong feelings do not hinder the process and that roommates follow the rules.
Mediation is effective for sorting through extreme emotions in order to find a rational solution.
In the extreme cases in which mediation fails, arbitration will be used. In this process roommates agree beforehand to honor the arbitrator's decision. This binding decision may entail one or more roommates moving to another room. United States mail is delivered to the FSU Post Office in the University Union. Tallahassee, FL 32313 Deliveries from florists, United Parcel Service, Federal Express and Express Mail are made to the hall office.