Student Life Frequently Asked Questions

Residence Life FAQ's

Q. When do we report back in the fall?

A. Fall Orientation beings on Saturday, September 5, which is when all first-year students are expected on campus.

Q. How do you choose my roommate? Who will I be paired with?

A. Roommate matching is not an exact science. We try to match potential roommates based on similar interests and preferences submitted on the housing survey you will receive at your orientation. The rest is up to you to appreciate the differences and communicate effectively if problems arise.

Q. Is it possible to request a roommate?

A. Yes, if you have a friend who is also planning to attend Saint Joseph's College, you may ask to room with one another. Simply indicate the person's name on your housing contract, and make sure that they also indicate your name on their own contract. You must mutually agree to room together before the selection will be made.

Q. When will we know our roommate? And room?

A. Letters with your room and roommate assignment will be sent out to you in early August.

Q. What if my roommate and I can't get along?

A. You should talk to your Resident Advisor (RA). They have been trained to help in these situations. If the situation cannot be resolved, then a room change may become necessary. It should be noted that there is a two-week freeze on room changes at the beginning of the semester.

Q. What is the percentage of students who live on campus?

A. Each year approximately 85% of Saint Joseph's College students live on Campus.

Q. Will I be housed with just freshman?

A. Generally all first-year students are housed in one of three residence halls with females in O'Connor and Saint Joseph's Halls, and males residing in Standish Hall.

Q. Is it too loud in the dorms to get work done?

A. Quiet hours in the residence halls are from 10pm-10am on days classes are held and from 1am-10am on days classes are not held. Additionally, residence halls are expected to have "24 hour courtesy hours" where the Residential Life Staff expects that all residents are respectful and courteous when living in the community.

Q. Are there co-ed residence halls?

A. Some of the residence halls do have both males and females residing in them. The genders are always split by wing or floor depending on the particular building.

Q. Can I bring my own bed?

A. Unless a student has a significant physical ailment which requires them to have special sleeping arrangements, we discourage students from bringing their own beds to campus.  The college provides each residential student with one regular twin-sized bed (a number of longer mattresses are available upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis). The college does not have storage facilities available to store extra student beds.

Q. What am I NOT allowed to bring to campus?

A. Candles, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, regular grills, incense/oil lamps, firearms, fireworks, explosives, air-soft guns...this is not an all-inclusive list but area  few of the items that we are often asked about. If you have a question about what you may or may not bring to campus, please inquire in the Office of Student Life!

Q. Are first-year students allowed to have cars on campus?

A. Yes, but a parking permit sticker is required and first-years should only park in designated areas to avoid being ticketed. There is a $50 charge for a parking decal.

Q. How can I hang posters, etc. on the walls of my room?

A. Putting holes in walls and doors is NOT allowed. We recommend using poster tack or tape that won't remove paint from the walls.

Q. Are pets allowed in the residence halls?

A. the only pets permitted in the residence halls by students are non-meat eating fish (self contained in water). Failure to comply with removing pets from residence halls will result in a $25 fine and confiscation of the pet.

Q. Can I bring a microwave? How about a fridge?

A. Yes! Each room is allowed to have one microwave and one refrigerator (not to exceed 4 cubic feet). Roommates should talk about who will be bringing what so that there is no doubling up of additional appliances.

Q. How big are the rooms? What size are the windows? How many outlets do I have in a room?

A. SJC has 11 residence halls, all with different specifications and styles.

Q. Are there land lines in the rooms for telephones?

A. Each student room is equipped for a "land line" telephone. However, students are responsible for brining their own telephone.

Q. Do any of the residence halls allow smoking?

A. No, all of the residence halls are smoke-free. The designated smoking areas are 30 feet from each building.

Q. What should I do if something breaks or needs repair in my room?

A. Contact your RA as soon as it occurs and he/she will contact Facilities Management.

Q. What will my mailing address be?

A. Each SJC student is assigned a unit number. the mailing address would be as follows:

Your name
Unit number
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
278 Whites Bridge Rd.
Standish, ME 04084

Q. What are the laundry services on campus? How much?

A. Washers and dryers are available in each residence hall. The machines require a laundry card, which can be purchased from the machine outside the Student Life office in the Heffernan Center. Each load of wash or dry removes $1.30 from the laundry card. Washers and dryers will not accept coins or bills.

Q. All of the campus activities, are those free for students?

A. Students pay an activity fee in their tuition, which covers all of the events that we offer on campus. For certain off campus events, such as the New York City and Boston trips, students are charged minimal fees to help cover travel costs.

Q. What is the Intramural Sports Program like on campus?

A. THe Intramural program is run jointly by Athletics and Student Life.  Programs run mainly in the evening and include such events as volleyball, softball, soccer, dodge ball, and basketball.

Q. How much access do students have for the lake?

A. The College-owned beach on Sebago Lake is a wonderful recreational spot for the SJC community. The beach area is patrolled by Security and has open access for members of the SJC Community from dawn to dusk daily. Beach fires are not permitted.

Q. What if my son/daughter gets in trouble, do I get contacted?

A. Parents are not routinely contacted when a student violates College Policy. However, if an infraction involved alcohol or illegal drugs a member of the Student Life office may contact a parent as a student's health and safety and his/her College housing status may be at risk.

Q. Is there a substance free living arrangement?

A. Substance free space is offered each year and varies depending on the number of students who indicate they desire this type of living. All freshman living areas are automatically alcohol free due to Maine state liquor laws. All buildings on Saint Joseph's College are smoke-free.

Technology FAQ's

Q. Does each roommate have access to the internet?

A. Yes, every roommate will have one internet jack in their room. You must provide your own CAT-5 Ethernet cable, which can be purchased in almost any Wal-Mart or Staples.

Q. Is Cable TV available in the rooms?

A. Yes, extended basic cable is included in the technology fee and provided by Time Warner.

Q. I've heard that SJC has wireless Internet! Can I get wireless access in my residence hall?

A. Yes, we have wireless capabilities in Alfond Hall, Mercy Hall, the Alfond Center, Heffernan Foyer/ Library and all dorms.

Q. What cell phone providers offer the best coverage in the Standish area?

A. It has been proven that Verizon and U.S. Cellular provide the best coverage at SJC.

Q. I need a computer! Can I buy one through SJC?

A. The Information Technology dept. is pleased to once again be offering its "Laptop Purchase Program" through the college's vendor, New England Communications. For more information, click here for a brochure about this program.

Campus Ministry FAQ's

Q. If I become engaged while in school is it possible to be married at the college chapel?

A. Yes! Marriages can be performed in the Healy Chapel, and your marriage preparation can be done on campus as well. You need to contact the Chaplain at least 6 months prior to your proposed wedding date.

Q. Is Mass offered on campus?

A. Daily Mass is offered in the Healy Chapel weekdays at 11:50am. Sunday Masses are at 10am and 8pm. Reconciliation is offered 30 minutes prior to each Mass. Those of all religions are welcome.

Q. What service opportunities are available to students through Campus Ministry?

A. Lots of them! Opportunities are always available to get involved in any number of service events from Habitat for Humanity to soup kitchens and literacy programs. We sponsor Katherine's Cupboard, the new food pantry in town, and we also sponsor yearly Spring Break Service Trips, sending students across the country to work in groups for the spring vacation. Stop by the Campus Ministry office in the Heffernan Center to find out more!

Counseling Center FAQ's

Q. Why see a professional? Isn't talking to a friend just as helpful?

A. Certainly, confiding in friends and using family support can be very helpful. The advantage of speaking with a professional is that he/she is trained in working with problems faced by college students and bound by laws and ethics to adhere to confidentiality. A professional is not personally involved in your life, and can be more objective in helping you to resolve problems. With friends, there is sometimes a concern about burdening them: that doesn't have to be a concern with a professional.

Q. What can someone expect when first meeting with a professional?

A. For most people who take advantage of Counseling Center services, there is often a lot of anxiety at the initial meeting, and even sometimes at subsequent sessions. Such anxiety, though, usually diminishes over time. The first meeting, typically 50-60 minutes, the student is encouraged to address his/her concerns, current situation, and background. Toward the end of the meeting, the counselor will discuss his/her impressions and recommendations with the student. This may or may not include ongoing counseling. The student is not obliged to comply with recommendations, nor is there undue pressure to schedule another appointment.

Q. How serious do problems have to be before talking to a professional?

A. The Counseling Center is committed not only to psychological treatment, but to prevention. Students are encouraged to access services before a situation gets too serious. Counseling Center personnel are trained to deal with a range of issues — from helping persons to better understand themselves to serious mental illness.

Q. If I go to the Counseling Center does it become part of my student record?

A. Counseling Center documentation does not become part of your student record. Professional laws and ethics regarding confidentiality protect information shared by a student at the Counseling Center.

Dining Services FAQ'S

Q. Is my meal plan included in my Room and Board?

A. Yes if you are a resident student, your meal plan is included in your Room and Board fee.

Q. Can I exchange meals for Flex dollars?

A. No- Sorry, you may add additional Flex dollars at any cash register. You will receive a 10% bonus with a purchase of $50.00 or more.

Q. Can I bring a guest in on my card?

A. No, you will be given 10 guest passes at the beginning of the academic year.

Q. What plan should I choose?

A. If you eat two or more meals a day you should stick with Plan A. If you are a non-athlete and go home most weekends, you may want to consider Plan B. Plan C is geared for students who will not be eating in the cafeteria on a regular basis.

Q. Are the plans all the same price?

A. Yes- All the plans are the same price, however Plan A is the best value for the dollar.

Q. Can we use our meals at Java Joe's or or at the Late Night Program in the cafe?

A. You can use a meal any night for the late night program but have to choose between either "dinner" or "late night". If you already swiped your card at dinner and then come in for late night you will have to use cash, credit or flex dollars. Java Joe's does not accept the meal card.