Off-Campus Living Guide at Temple University

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BROAD STREET RUNS NORTH AND SOUTH. TEMPLE LEADS EVERYWHERE.

LIVING OFF CAMPUS PRIDE. ON-CAMPUS AND OFF. AN OFF CAMPUS LIVING GUIDE FOR TEMPLE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS


ENGAGE Engage students in the Temple University and North Philadelphia community through the implementation of the Good Neighbor Initiative.

DEVELOP Develop student ownership of the Good Neighbor Initiative while fostering positive and productive relationships with community residents.

RETAIN Retain the spirit of the Good Neighbor Initiative as our legacy that is passed down to future Temple Owls.

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OFF CAMPUS LIVING

TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY LIVING

4 « How to be a Good Neighbor

5 « Off-Campus Behavior

SAFETY

6 « Security and Safety Services

8 « Alcohol

9 « Fire Safety

HOUSING

10 « Off-Campus Living Office

12 « Basic Tenant’s Rights

14 « Temple Police Patrol Map & Parking

15 « Renters Insurance

16 « Off-Campus Student Resources Directory

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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD! Temple University has a rich history of providing educational opportunities for everyone, and for giving back to the neighboring Philadelphia community that it calls home. Temple’s founder and first president, Russell Conwell, officially chartered Temple College on May 14, 1888 with the intention of providing access to education to all individuals. Russell Conwell valued the local community that surrounded Temple College, a sentiment that was evident in one of his most famous speeches, “Acres of Diamonds”. This speech can be classified as a morality tale about the value of education, devotion to the Protestant ethic, as well as the importance of family and community service. Conwell’s message had a larger purpose transcending contemporary wisdom. The pathway to personal success, he stressed, was largely education. Educated persons, in turn, were obligated to serve the less fortunate and to help them realize their full potential. Further, it was the duty of all to meet the needs of the community. Conwell said, “We must know what the world needs first and then invest ourselves to supply that need, and success is almost certain.” Russell Conwell believed in meeting all needs including spiritual, social, economic, basic life skills, and education. The Good Neighbor Initiative seeks to continue the mission of Temple University’s founding principles by encouraging Temple University students to intentionally engage in efforts to build connections and relationships with the residential community, not only enhancing the local community, but also allowing for student growth and development. Students are encouraged to engage in out-of-classroom learning through community engagement. This initiative also encourages responsible decision making within the living environment, paying particular attention to developing relationships with neighbors, as well as recognizing the disruptive nature of excessive noise, alcohol consumption, trash, and student conduct issues within the neighborhood. It is the University’s hope that students integrate into the rich fabric of this diverse community and make a positive contribution to the North Philadelphia neighborhood that Temple University calls home. This Off-Campus Living Guide has been designed to provide you with resources that will help you engage in the community both through active involvement in community initiatives as well as through tips on how to be a good neighbor to all those around you.

CONTACT THE GOOD NEIGHBOR INITIATIVE GENERAL EMAIL goodneighbor@temple.edu ANDREA SEISS

Senior Associate Dean of Students

andrea.caporale@temple.edu 215-204-7188 KATE SCHAEFFER Program Coordinator for Alcohol & Other Drugs, Interpersonal Violence, and Mental Health kates@temple.edu 215-204-8436 4


OFF CAMPUS LIVING

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COMMUNITY LIVING

HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

It is important to consider the needs of all of your neighbors

• ALERT YOUR NEIGHBOR TO PARTIES. If you’re planning a party,

whether they are fellow students, university employees, or

be sure to give your neighbors plenty of warning letting them

long-time residents of the North Philadelphia community. All

know when it’s going to start and how long you expect it to

students living throughout the neighborhood, as well as for

last. Leave them a telephone number to contact you if they

those who live on-campus, but travel through the neighborhood

need to ask you to turn the music down.

for school or social activities, should recognize the impact that their behavior may have on the community. Being respect-

• BE AWARE OF SHARED WALLS. If you’re in a row home or any

ful of one another is an important first step in being a Good

structure where you and your neighbors share adjacent living

Neighbor.

spaces, consider your noise levels. Consider moving TVs and speakers away from the partition walls.

• INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Once you’ve finished unpacking, be sure to personally introduce yourself to your neighbor. If you

• KNOW YOUR TRASH COLLECTION DAY. Place trash out only

feel comfortable, exchange phone numbers with your neighbor

on your scheduled collection day. If you are unsure of your

so you can contact each other if there are concerns.

collection day, please visit the following site http://citymaps. phila.gov/portal.

• CONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBORS’ LIFESTYLE. Get to know your neighbors; for example, if they work nights, quiet mornings will

• RECYCLING. Recycling is the law in Philadelphia. Failure to

be important to them. If they have young children, quiet

recycle can lead to a fine of up to $300.00.

evenings will be very important to them. Similarly, give them information that will help them be more considerate of your

• SNOW REMOVAL. According to Philadelphia Code (10.720),

lifestyle.

“The owner, agent, and tenants of any building or premise shall clear a path of not less than 36 inches in width on all

• SHOW RESPECT. Many of the neighbors have owned their

sidewalks, including curb cuts, abutting the building or

homes for several decades and have a great investment in the

premises within six hours after the snow has ceased to fall.

community.

The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice.” In an effort to be a Good Neighbor please help out elderly and

• OFFER A HELPING HAND. Shovel snow, offer to carry your

disabled neighbors who might be unable to manage their

neighbors’ groceries, or get involved in the block or community

own snow removal.

association. • MANAGING GUEST BEHAVIOR. You can be held responsible • KEEP UP THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR PROPERTY. Keep your

for any violations that occur around your dwelling. This

property clean and clear of debris. Help keep the neighborhood

includes the behavior of guests. You may be held responsible

clean by participating in clean ups.

by the university in the City of Philadelphia for the conduct of persons who are not listed on the lease.

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OFF CAMPUS LIVING

OFF-­CAMPUS BEHAVIOR

Temple University expects that students conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, civility, and citizenship both on and off campus. The university is committed to assisting neighborhood residents, and students are expected to prevent and respond to disruptive incidents that may arise from student behavior in the local community. SERIOUSLY DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: • Excessive and/or unreasonable noise • Large disruptive activities • Illegal use, sale, and/or distribution of alcohol or other drugs • Trash • Rude and abusive language • Public urination, and vandalism or destruction of property A refferal will be made to Student Conduct and Community Standards when the university becomes aware of such behavior in the surrounding community. As citizens in the neighborhood and leasers of property, students must act in a proactive manner to decrease the likelihood of seriously disruptive behavior in and around their homes by choosing carefully those who share their lease and those who are guests. Students must clearly communicate expectations of roommates and guests and take steps when those expectations are not met.

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THE OFF-足CAMPUS LIVING OFFIC WITHIN UNIVERSITY HOUSING RESIDENTIAL LIFE

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OFF CAMPUS LIVING Perhaps you’re ready to move into a more independent living arrangement off campus or maybe this is your first time at Temple, and Philadelphia is just as foreign as anywhere on

CE

campus. Well, the Office of Off-Campus Living within University Housing and Residential Life is here to help our students find their community. The Off-Campus Living Office is available for guidance in

AND

navigating local real estate and prides itself on taking the fear out of renting your first apartment. In fact, many find off-campus living a priceless experience in which students gain a true sense of independence and self-reliance. Students can use the department’s website and Off-Campus Living’s one-on-one services to make your off-campus living experience a success. Students are encouraged to visit the On-Campus and Off-Campus Living Fairs scheduled on various dates throughout the fall and spring semesters. For more information, please visit the Updates and Alerts section of the Off-Campus Living website at housing.temple.edu.

OFF CAMPUS STUDENT ADDRESS REQUIREMENT All students must ensure that their permanent and local off-campus addresses, phone numbers, and emergency contact information are current at all times. Keep everything updated on the TUportal. DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR TU ALERTS BY UPDATING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IN YOUR TUPORTAL ACCOUNT!

OFF-CAMPUS LIVING OFFICE: HOURS: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., or by appointment as necessary. LOCATION: 1910 Liacouras Walk, Suite 301B, Philadelphia, PA 19122

STAFF: JESSICA JOHNSON Associate Director, Conference Services and Off-Campus Living CORRIE MCFARLANE Coordinator, Conference Services and Off-Campus Living Email: tug21462@temple.edu DORETHA STARLING Administrative Assistant Phone: (215) 204-7944 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Temple-Uni-

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HOUSING

BASIC TENANT’S RIGHTS A tenant has certain basic rights, whether written into the lease or not. The Landlord Tenant Act of 1951 outlines these basic tenant’s rights. Since 1951 there have been certain amendments to the law, such as the “Warranty of Habitability” (1978) and the Philadelphia City Council Ordinance of 1987, making it illegal for a landlord to lock a tenant out, shut off utilities, or harass with the intention of evicting without due process. In July 1994 the “Plain Language Contract Act” was enacted. According to this act, all residential leases after this date must be written, organized, and designed so that they are easy to read and understand by consumers. TENANTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO: • Fair Housing or freedom from discrimination because of membership in a protected class (in the state of Pennsylvania the protected classes are: race, color, national origin, gender, familial status, disability, creed, ancestry, or age over 40) • Repairs to be made promptly and properly by property owner/manager • Enforce the right to habitable premises by using legal remedies such as repair and deduct, rent deduction, rent withholding, or move out of uninhabitable premises with the right to recover all prepaid rent and deposits • A clean, safe place to live, in compliance with the warranty of habitability, which includes:

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o Structurally sound building

o Waterproof roofs, ceilings, and walls

o Walls and woodwork properly painted (no peeling paint)

o Adequate heat in winter

o Hot and cold running water

o Bathroom equipment, functioning stove, and drains that work properly

o Doors that lock properly

o Windows that work and can be locked

o Apartment/house free from infestation with roaches and/or rodents

o A building with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire escapes


OFF CAMPUS LIVING

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PARKING Some landlords do not guarantee and/or provide off-street parking. You may need to park your car on the street. Certain areas require that you have a city parking permit. You may also register your car with the University for parking. http://campusoperations.temple.edu/parking-transportation

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OFF CAMPUS LIVING

RENTERS INSURANCE Landlords typically have property insurance, but this does not cover your personal property. It is highly recommended that you purchase renters insurance in order to protect your belongings in case of a break-in, fire, or accident. HAPPY HOUSEMATES • COMMUNICATION IS KEY: Be clear on your expectations from day one. • DISCUSS THE LEASE TERM: Though many students leave for the summer, most leases are 12-month contracts. Are all roommates responsible for utilities and other expenses during the summer months when they may not be in residence? Will you try to find a replacement roommate? Discuss your plan ahead of time. • DISCUSS UTILITIES: How will they be split? What additional amenities do you want? • ADDRESS CONCERNS WHEN THEY ARE LITTLE: Are your clothes being borrowed faster than you can wash them? Do you feel like you have another roommate because your housemate’s boyfriend or girlfriend is always there? Addressing things that bother you while they are still little can help your housemate be aware of something he or she may not otherwise know. Addressing little things is much easier than addressing them after they have become big problems. • SHARING VS. OFF LIMITS: Food, clothes, electronics, etc. • MAKE A CLEANING AGREEMENT: Consider creating a schedule for household chores so there is a clear understanding of who is responsible for what and when. KNOW YOUR TRASH COLLECTION DAY Place trash out only on your scheduled collection day. If you are unsure of your collection day, call the Streets Department’s Customer Affairs Unit at 215.686.5560. DO I HAVE TO RECYCLE? YES! Recycling is the law in Philadelphia. If you don’t recycle, you can be fined up to $300.00. SNOW REMOVAL According to the Philadelphia Code (10.720), “(1) the owner, agent, and tenants of any building or premise shall clear a path of not less than 36 inches in width on all sidewalks, including curb cuts, abutting the building or premises within six hours after the snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice.” CERT Resource http://www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/policies/Support.asp

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SAFETY

Temple University Extended Patrol Boundary Susquehanna Avenue

Diamond Street

Norris Street

Berks Street/Polett Walk

Montgomery Avenue

Cecil B. Moore Avenue

Oxford Street

SECURITY AND SAFETY SERVICES Temple University’s Campus Safety Services is here to keep you safe within the areas indicated on the map below. Temple University’s Campus Safety Services is also responsible for enforcing University regulations and working with city police to enforce the laws within these same boundaries. 14

Ninth Street

10th Street

11th Street

12th Street

13th Street

Liacouras Walk

Broad Street

15th Street

16th Street

17th Street

18th Street

Jefferson Street


OFF CAMPUS LIVING

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMMING Temple University’s Campus Safety Services is committed to the mission of ensuring the safety of all students, whether they are living on or off campus. Campus Safety Services not only provides police protection throughout the campus and parts of the North Philadelphia community, but also is a true community partner offering a variety of programming that helps to build community partnerships between students and residents. Campus Safety Services has been sponsoring a variety of programs for years that have been designed to build relationships and provide students with the information and resources that they need to become good neighbors. The following is a listing of events that are held predominantly at the beginning of each academic year to help welcome students to the neighborhood. NEIGHBORHOOD BARBEQUE – This annual event is held on Labor Day Weekend and provides an opportunity for students living in the area adjacent to Main Campus to interact with their neighbors and establish positive relationships that can last throughout the year. WELCOME WAGON – An annual event that promotes positive community living. Students, faculty, and staff meet with students in the neighborhoods adjacent to Main Campus. The group distributes household items (ie., trash cans, recycling bins, and some cleaning supplies), and discusses tips for positive community living (i.e., local ordinances and civic responsibility). ADOPT-A-BLOCK – Temple Student Government and Campus Safety Services launched the Adopt-A-Block campaign in Fall 2012 in an effort to give back to the community. This initiative was created to encourage

community members. This program has continued to grow and a number of student organizations now participate in several block cleaning dates throughout the North Philadelphia neighborhood each academic year. There are a number of opportunities for you to become involved in the community through the events listed above, as well as through on-going community service opportunities and initiatives. Please visit the following sites for more information about how you can get involved. If you are interested in becoming a student volunteer you can find information on how to do this at: www.temple.edu/community/student_volunteers.htm Additional community service projects and engagement can be found through the Community Relations Office: www.temple.edu/community/

SAFETY TIPS • TRAVEL IN GROUPS and in well-lit areas. • Use the CAMPUS PARKING LOTS. • Use SHUTTLES when possible and use ESCORTS when shuttles are not in service. • ALWAYS KEEP YOUR KEYS IN YOUR POSSESSION. Never keep them underdoormats, in mail slots, or in other “hiding” places. Do not have duplicates made. • Make sure that the ENTRANCE TO YOUR APARTMENT/ HOUSE IS WELL LIT and inform the landlord to replace lighting when necessary. • Sofas and La-Z-Boys on the porch scream, “Students live here!” If you don’t want to be targeted as a student rental property by passerby, consider your outdoor decor. www.temple.edu/safety/core/files/TipsforStudentCommunityLiving_000.pdf

Temple University students to engage in proactive action to build connections and relationships with our

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SAFETY

ALCOHOL The behaviors associated with excessive alcohol and other drug use are often at the root of problems between housemates and neighbors. The use of alcohol and other substances can cause people to be-

be granted to both the intoxicated student and the student seeking help for an intoxicated student. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES FOR HOSTING AND MANAGING A SAFE SOCIAL EVENT: This information will help you identify the methods

have in ways that they would not consider acceptable

through which you or your organization will:

when sober (i.e., loud and disruptive conversations

• Control service of alcohol

during the early morning hours, public urination, lit-

• Promote moderate alcohol consumption

tering of red cups and other items, etc.).

• Respond to alcohol-related medical concerns

KNOW THE LAW: • You must be 21 years of age to possess and consume alcohol in the state of Pennsylvania. • Public Drunkenness is a summary offense for people of all ages under Section 5505 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18). • Selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors is a misdemeanor of the third degree under Section 6310.1 of the Pennsylvania Crimes

Each student and/or organization should identify appropriate strategies for creating an environment in which alcohol use is secondary to the event itself and which emphasizes food and activities not related to alcohol so as to minimize the risk associated with its presence. You must give consideration to how you plan to manage each of the following aspects of hosting an

Code (Title 18). In addition to criminal charges,

event:

individuals over 21 who serve minors may be liable

• Entertainment

to pay for monetary damages for any injuries that

• Traffic flow: A plan for both entering and exiting the

occur as a result of the minor consuming alcohol in

event

their residence.

• Distribution of alcohol to of-age guests only

• It is illegal to charge money for alcohol without a

• Managing traffic to bathrooms

valid liquor license.

• Food/water/alternative beverages (not alcohol) • Intoxicated guests (at the door and once in the event)

KNOW THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL:

• Sober hosts

• The blood alcohol content (BAC) at which one is

• Doorperson/bartender/other necessary persons

driving under the influence is .08. The threshold is

• Other: special circumstances, themes, house

even lower (.02) if you are under 21.

structure, outside spaces, etc.

• Poor judgment and the risk of injury is likely to occur in any situation at a BAC of .08 and higher. • To avoid the problems associated with alcohol abuse, men should drink no more than four drinks on a single occasion and women should drink no more than three drinks on a single occasion. Remember, Temple University has a medical amnesty policy that states that no student will be subject to university discipline for seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use, and this amnesty will 16

Event hosts should be aware of risks associated with consumption of alcohol. Hosts should monitor the consumption of alcohol by guests and take appropriate action if any guest displays signs of intoxication. Campus police should be contacted immediately if any guest appears to need medical attention: (215) 204-1234.


OFF CAMPUS LIVING

• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished.

FIRE SAFETY: THE FACTS In cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor.

• Don’t smoke in bed.

WHEN LEAVING FOR A BREAK • Set some lights on timers, especially

There is a strong link between alcohol

when away for a long period of time, to

and fire deaths. In more than 50 percent

discourage someone from thinking no

of adult fire fatalities, victims were under

one is home.

the influence at the time of the fire.

• Lock all doors and windows.

Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment

• Have a friend or neighbor staying in

and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking

the area check on the property during

is the leading cause of fire injuries on

breaks. Make sure they have your

college campuses, closely followed by

number to contact you.

careless smoking and arson, according to

• Take expensive items with you: laptops,

the U.S. Fire Administration.

jewelry, gaming systems, etc.

FIRE TIPS • If a fire breaks out, GET OUT AND STAY OUT! CALL 911! • Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly. • Place smoke alarms in every room and every level of the house. • Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester. • Place a properly-rated fire extinguisher in a convenient, consistent location. • Never leave a candle burning when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep. • Never run extension cords under rugs.

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OFF-足CAMPUS STUDENT RESOURCES DIRECTORY: TEMPLE UNIVERSITY RESOURCES Campus Recreation

215.204.2200

Conflict Education Resource Team (CERT)

215.204.3286

Dean of Students Office/Good Neighbor Initiative

215.686.2490

Greek Life Coordinator

215.204.7131

International Student Services

215.204.7708

Off-Campus Housing

215.204.3828

Student Activities

215.204.7131

Student Conduct and Community Standards

215.204.3286

Student Financial Services

215.204.5897

Student Health Services

215.204.7500

Temple Student Government

215.204.8727

TUr Door Shuttle

215.204.7955

Tuttleman Counseling Services

215.204.7276

Wellness Resource Center

215.204.8436

PHILLY INFO DIAL 311 The only number you need to call when you need information or help from the City of Philadelphia is 311. You can always call 311 and a customer service specialist will connect you to the services you need. However, these two pages contain some specific contacts you may find useful.

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OFF CAMPUS LIVING

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS Complaints and Inspection Requests

215.686.2463

Housing Code Information

215.685.3746

License Information

215.686.2490

Permit Services

215.686.2567

Zoning Information

215.686.2448

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT Air Pollution and Noise Pollution

215.685.7580

Air Quality (indoor)

800.438.4318

Animal Control Complaints (SPCA)

215.685.9702

Behavioral Health System

215.413.3100

Insect Control

215.685.7414

Lead Poisoning and Peeling Pain

215.685.2797

Poison Control Center

800.222.1222

Suicide and Crisis Intervention (24 hours)

215.686.4420

Unsanitary Food Stores, restaurants

215.685.7495

LEGAL RESOURCES Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline

215.560.2414

Better Business Bureau

215.985.9313

Bureau of Consumer Protection

800.441.2555

Community Legal Services

215.981.3700

Commission on Human Relations and Fair Housing

215.686.4670

Lawyers Referral Service

215.238.6300

Mediation Program

215.683.7200

Small Claims Court, Philadelphia

215.686.7987

UTILITY PROBLEMS Heat Complaints

215.686.2590

High Bill Problems

877.868.3969

PECO Customer Assistance

1.800.494.4000

Philadelphia Gas Works (general information)

215.235.1000

Water Revenue Bureau Customer Information

215.686.6880

Water and Sewer Emergencies

215.685.6300

CITY/NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES Department of Streets (trash and snow removal)

215.686.5560

Parking Authority

215.683.9600

Parking/Impoundment

215.683.9566

Recycling

215.685.7329

EMERGENCY 22nd Police District

215.686.3220

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