Because we are providing students with a high-quality of furniture, the expectation is that all furniture pieces will remain in the room. This will save on wear and tear to the furniture, as well as the building, and will ultimately better protect our investment. Because there are numerous layouts for the furniture in the rooms coupled with the fact that the furniture can be lofted, construction will not be allowed in Merner. Because Merner Hall will still be under construction, it will not be possible to see all of the rooms in the building. Floor plans will be available for students who wish to compare different room locations and configurations.
Smoke stains walls and chewing tobacco is very damaging to carpets.
In addition, the new smoke detection system is sensitive enough that any smoke in a student room would trigger the building alarm. Each year, prior to room selection, the Residence Life Office, with input from RHA, designates floors as substance free. These designations vary from year to year and will continue to change as demand for these types of living areas increases or decreases. This option is no longer being explored. As part of their contract to live in Merner, students chosen for the hall would be required to demonstrate their commitment to service and leadership through a variety of different activities.