For health, safety, and liability reasons, students may not cook in the residential system in place of a board contract. The only caveats are campus houses, which are equipped with a full kitchen and those who have been approved through the petition process. Please visit the Student Development website for the full Fire Safety policy.

In accordance with the College’s commitment to greater sustainability and energy conservation, it is requested that all electrical devices that students bring to campus be Energy Star Certified whenever possible. All electrical devices utilized in student rooms must be UL approved and in good working order. The College does not allow cooking in residence hall rooms for health, safety, and sanitation reasons. The residence halls were not designed to handle the electrical loads, venting, health and sewage problems associated with regular cooking. In an effort to responsibly control the College’s energy usage in accordance with the Honor System (i.e. Accepting Environmental Responsibility), and to comply with fire safety regulations, the only kitchen appliances permitted in the residence halls (one per bedroom) are:

• refrigerators– maximum of 4.3 cubic feet in capacity, and pulls no more than 1.5 amps
• microwaves– 900 watts or less and no more than 1 per student room
• coffee makers–must be Keurig/single-serve type or have an automatic shut off
• hotpots, rice cookers or water warmers (with enclosed coils)
• blenders or smoothie makers

All other cooking appliances are prohibited in the residence halls. This includes, but is not limited to: hotplates, camp stoves, toasters, toaster ovens, grills, bread makers, instant pots, and air fryers.