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Residential Life

Residence Halls

Designed for Community

You know friendships mean a lot. The relationships you build at Clarks Summit University will be a major part of your life in college and beyond, and your living experience has a lot to do with that.

Our residence halls are designed to make it easy for you to form positive, God-honoring relationships.

You’ll live in a three-bedroom, one-bathroom suite with up to five other students. The suites create a small, comfortable place where you can form friendships and practice living in community with other people.

Your floor will have a Resident Assistant who is available to help you. Your Resident Director lives in an apartment in your residence hall. This adult is dedicated to ministering to you and the other students that live in your residence hall.

Each residence hall is unique and in its interests, activities, history and traditions. Find out a little bit about the personality of each one below.

Women’s Residence Halls

Carter Hall

Resident Director
Marilyn Luster
570.585.9316
mluster@ClarksSummitU.edu

About Marilyn
Originally from New Jersey, Marilyn came to Clarks Summit University as a sophomore and returned after graduation to work on her master’s degree in counseling. She feels very blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve as an resident director since 2012. She enjoys connecting with others in the community and works as CSU’s Director of Student Employment and Career Readiness. In her free time, she likes to read, bake and spend time with others. She also enjoys learning and using opportunities to teach. She is passionate about seeing change and transformation in her girls and enjoys being involved in their lives.

History of Carter
Dr. Rembrandt Carter joined the Clarks Summit University faculty in 1961 to teach in the history department. Carter came to be known for the clarity of his defense for the pre-millennial dispensational position, his cogent explanation of the Baptist distinctives and his expertise in Puritan theology. Carter introduced a fine arts course to the Clarks Summit University curriculum, and he further encouraged interaction with the arts through “culture days,” during which students visited various cities like Washington D.C., Boston, New York and Philadelphia. The school acknowledged his tremendous contribution by naming Carter Hall in his honor.

Fletcher Hall

Resident Director
Lynelle Buchanan
570.585.9289
lbuchanan@ClarksSummitU.edu

About Lynelle
Lynelle previously served as a resident director in Barndollar Hall for 12 years. In 2020, she returned to that role, this time in Fletcher. Lynelle was born and raised in Michigan, the child of a Baptist Pastor. That upbringing gave her a love for ministry and taught her a philosophy of discipleship that bleeds into every part of her life. She was drawn back to resident life ministry because of her passion to facilitate the work of God in the lives of young women.

She graduated with a B.S. in Counseling from CSU in 1995, and completed her master’s degree in Counseling in 2001, after which she began teaching for the school. In 2016, she earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Northcentral University. Currently, she is the Dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences and teaches full-time in the Counseling Programs. She also speaks regularly at women’s events where she teaches God’s Word in a practical way to encourage the faith of those who attend.

Lynelle’s husband James is the pastor of Berean Church in Scranton, where they have attended for nearly 20 years, and James also teaches in CSU’s School of Theology. They have three children. In her spare time, Lynelle enjoys board games, reading and sewing, but the highlight of her week is Sunday Night Volleyball with CSU students.

History of Fletcher
Elizabeth B. Fletcher served as one of Clarks Summit University’s original full-time professors. Though she filled many roles throughout her years at Clarks Summit University, her greatest contribution was in the area of missions. Known as a strict but deeply compassionate teacher, Fletcher was loved and respected by her students and fellow faculty members. She retired in 1956 after 25 years of service. Fletcher Hall is named in her honor.

Thomson Hall

Resident Director
Erika Bruckner
570.585.9337
ebruckner@ClarksSummitU.edu

About Erika
A resident director starting in 2018, Erika serves at Clarks Summit University as project manager and writer in the Marketing Department. She also teaches journalism and communications courses here at CSU. After graduating in 2004 with her undergraduate degree in Communications-Writing from CSU, she spent more than a decade in the regional magazine industry as a writer and editor. Erika loves sunflowers, gardening, cooking, reading and making lots of lists. A lifelong resident of Northeast PA with a rich Italian heritage, Erika’s happy to share tips on what to do locally and where to dine nearby. She’s a dedicated fan of the New York Yankees, but her college-sweetheart-turned-husband John roots for the Boston Red Sox. Together they have three children. God’s given Erika a passion for people. She believes everyone has a unique and powerful story to tell, and she loves helping them tell it.

History of Thomson
Miss Mabel Thomson was one of Clarks Summit University’s original teachers. Recognized and respected as an excellent Bible teacher, Thomson was known for her etiquette, strict discipline and genuine interest in the lives of students. She earned a reputation among her students as “stern” but “loveable.” She also served as Dean of Women and Business Manager. Mabel Thomson died in 1952 after many years of service. That same year, as a tribute to Thomson’s devotion both to her Lord and to Clarks Summit University, the school’s newest building was named Thomson Hall.

Men’s Residence Halls

Bancroft Hall

Resident Director
Nate Mewhort
570.529.2219
nmewhort@ClarksSummitU.edu 

About Nate
Nate Mewhort grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with his parents and nine siblings. His youth pastor, who has tremendous impact on his life, encouraged him to consider youth ministry since Nate was young. He started at CSU as a Youth Pastoral major in 2007, where he met Lynze. Nate and Lynze got married after their sophomore year and lived in Woolsey Hall during their junior year. They served in the youth program at Fellowship Bible Church in Troy, Pennsylvania, for 10 years; Nate was the director of young adult ministries for three years. They moved in as resident directors of Bancroft Hall in 2021.

Growing up in a large family has given Nate a unique ability to connect with people and find creative ways to have fun. He enjoys new challenges and is passionate about mentoring young men to help them step up and embrace the role God has for them. Nate and Lynze enjoy hosting people and see their home as an opportunity to connect and do life alongside others. They also enjoy board/card games, almost anything Marvel and renovations. Their two children, David and Evellyn, have grown up with their home as a hub of activity. They love meeting people and are learning that life is ministry.

History of Bancroft
Dr. Emery H. Bancroft helped found the school in 1932 and was one of the four original full-time faculty members. Before being called to work at the university, Bancroft served as a U. S. Army Sergeant and then as a pastor. Bancroft Memorial Hall on the school’s original campus in Johnson City, New York, paid tribute to the well-loved professor, and CSU’s Bancroft Hall took on his name in 2016.

Loescher Hall

Resident Director
Holden Goehring
570.585.9330
hgoehring@ClarksSummitU.edu

About Holden
Holden Goehring joined CSU staff in 2021, working on anything around campus that needs fixing! He assists students with spontaneous issues that arise and attends to annual maintenance needs. He enjoys investing spiritually in student workers and encouraging them as they develop their skills. With a background in maintenance work, Goehring has experience in diesel tech and HVAC. He holds a specialized ministries degree from CSU and sees his work on campus as a ministry and part of the CSU mission.

Holden and his wife, Morgan, live on campus where he serves as resident director of Loescher Hall. They enjoy doing life with students on a daily basis.

History of Loescher
Dr. Friedie Loescher, a 1959 alumnus, served in a number of top leadership and teaching capacities throughout some of Clarks Summit University’s most formative years. Loescher continues to be active in the direction of the school and influential in the lives of its students. Loescher Hall is named in his honor.

Ridley Hall

Resident Director
Chris Welman
570.585.9345
cwelman@ClarksSummitU.edu

About Chris
Chris Welman has been serving at CSU since 2014 in a variety of roles, including administrative assistant and online learning technology director. He became the university registrar in 2019, making sure students are enrolled and taken care of academically. He’s also the resident director in Ridley Hall.

Chris is from Mkwasine Estate, Zimbabwe, and that is his favorite place in the world. He serves as a deacon and soundboard operator at Heritage Baptist Church, and he enjoys online virtual golf. He and his wife, Beth, have one son.

History of Ridley
Rev. Raymond Ridley of Buffalo, New York, made a significant contribution to help purchase school property. Out of gratitude for his gift, Ridley Hall was named in his honor.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do residence halls open and close?

Residence halls stay open for Easter break and fall break, but they close to all students for all other breaks. For specific dates of residence hall openings and closings, please refer to the Clarks Summit University calendar. You may not stay in the residence hall when it is closed. Rare exceptions should be addressed through the Office for Student Development (OSD).

Can I send my things to school before I get there?

You can mail packages two weeks before your arrival and pick them up in the mailroom when you are on campus. Please use the following address:

[Your Name] [CSU Box #, if assigned]
538 Venard Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Am I allowed to store things on campus over the summer?

There are no facilities for storing things on campus. However, there are many storage facilities in the area that students often rent for the summer.

How are the residence halls laid out?

Each dorm is made up of three floors with four suites off of a common lounge. Each suite contains three rooms and a bathroom, and each room houses two students. Your resident director lives in an apartment on the middle floor. The laundry room is located on the bottom floor.

What are the dimensions of my room?

Most rooms are 12 x 15 feet.

What are the dimensions of residence hall windows?

Most windows are 48 inches high by 42 inches wide. However, sizes may vary.

What furniture will my room have?

Each room is equipped with two beds with mattresses, two desks with chairs, two dressers and a closet. Please use the furniture the way the manufacturer intended, and don’t take it apart or remove it from your room. Other than bunk beds, furniture cannot be stacked. Bed risers are permitted if they fit your bed as the manufacturer intended. For safety and efficiency, please be sure that furniture is pulled away from the heating units.

Can I bring personal furniture?

You may bring any furniture that is new or from your home. If you buy or pick up any used furniture while you are here, you must have your RD inspect it for bugs. Communicate with your roommate and keep in mind that all resident hall furniture must stay in your room as well. Lounge furniture should remain in the lounge.

What size is the mattress on my dorm bed?

Beds are extra long twin size (39 x 80 inches).

Can I decorate my room?

We want your room to reflect your style and be a comfortable place for you to live. Please be sure that your decorations are consistent with CSU values. The following guidelines should be followed:

  • 3M Command Strips and thumbtacks in the paneling grooves can be used to hang things on the walls.
  • Ceiling tiles and window blinds should not be removed or altered.
  • Nothing should be hung from or attached to the ceiling, lights or windows.
  • Do not remove your window screens. They bend very easily and are very expensive for YOU to replace.
  • Candles can be used on candle warmers. However, lit candles and open flames are not permitted.
Can I have a television in my room?

You may bring a tv screen to use as a monitor. However, cable and satellite connections are not available in our residence hall rooms.

Can I have an air conditioner in my room?

You are welcome to bring a box fan to place in your window. However, personal air conditioners are not permitted.

Can I bring a refrigerator?

You may bring a dorm-size refrigerator that is Energy Star rated for use in your room.

Can I cook in my room?

Due to fire hazard, cooking isn’t allowed in residence hall rooms. However, personal Keurigs and coffee makers with an automatic shut-off are allowed in your room. Your residence hall may have a microwave, toaster oven and toaster available for your use in one of the common areas. You may also use the following personal appliances in the residence hall laundry room:

  • Hot pot
  • Electric tea kettle (with auto shut off)
  • Toaster

All appliances must be UL listed, have an auto shutoff and be approved by your RD.

How am I expected to keep my room?

We expect you to keep your room neat and orderly. Rooms are inspected daily for general cleanliness. All residence halls are cleaned and sanitized daily. Maintenance provides basic cleaning, sanitization and paper supplies. Vacuum cleaners are available on each floor.

What happens if there is damage to my room?

You are responsible for damage in your room that is beyond normal use. Please report any damage to your RD immediately. Your RD will conduct a damage assessment with you at the beginning and end of each school year.

What should I do if I notice a maintenance need in my residence hall?

Please report any maintenance needs immediately to your RD. Your RD will take care of contacting the Maintenance department if needed.

Are my things safe in my room?

You are responsible to secure your money and valuables in your room. We recommend a lock box or a locking file cabinet. You can request a key for your room from your RD with a $5 deposit. We encourage students to purchase renter’s insurance to cover lost or damaged personal belongings.

Where can I store my personal belongings?

Your residence hall room is for storing your personal things. Hallways, stairwells and lounges should be kept free of your personal belongings (such as shoes, skateboards, bikes, etc.). Please do not store things above the ceiling tiles.

How should I dress outside of my room?

You should be dressed modestly at all times whenever you are outside of your room.

Where can I do my laundry?

The bottom floor of each residence hall has washers and dryers available for your use. There is no cost for you to use the laundry facility. All laundry being washed or dried should be accompanied by a laundry basket. Please store your laundry detergent and baskets in your room. Unclaimed clothing left in the laundry room will be removed by residence hall staff and donated to charity.

Should I bring an iron?

You may bring a personal iron if you’d like. An ironing board is available in each dorm laundry room. All ironing should be done in the laundry room.

Can I bring a bike?

Yes, you may bring a bike. Bikes can be stored on the bike rack outside your residence hall or in your room (with permission from your RD). Please do not leave bikes in common areas.

How are the common areas kept clean in my residence hall?

You will share the responsibility for the daily cleaning and sanitizing of stairwells, laundry room, lounges and bathrooms with other students in your residence hall.

Where do people hang out in the residence halls?

Each dorm has a coed lounge on the middle floor during open lounge times, which are:

  • Monday–Thursday: 3–10:15 p.m.
  • Friday: 3–11:45 p.m.
  • Saturday–Sunday: 1–11:45 p.m.

Visitors of the opposite sex should never be in your room unless OSD has scheduled open dorms.

Are there any events I should not hold in my residence hall?

Babysitting, sales parties and baby or bridal showers are not permitted in the residence hall.

Can I play pranks on others at CSU?

Pranks have the potential to damage university or personal property, harm our testimony and hurt others. To prevent damage to property, water fights or disturbances involving other damaging substances are not permitted in or around the residence halls or campus buildings. In addition, students should not interfere with, or alter in any way, another student’s room or its contents. Tampering with another’s personal possessions, including their automobile, is also inappropriate. Students involved in such pranks will receive a fine and be responsible for restitution for any damages.

What are the fire extinguisher guidelines?

Fire extinguishers should only be used in the event of a fire. You will be held responsible for the cost of discharging a fire extinguisher in non-emergency situations.

What should I do in case of emergency?

Emergency evacuation routes are posted in each residence hall. Some of our more common emergency procedures will be posted in each room. The Clarks Summit University emergency procedures manual is available online, and printed copies are available in each of the residence halls. The activation of any fire alarm or detector in any residence hall or building is the signal for controlled, yet rapid, evacuation of the building through the nearest exit.

The following activities are in violation of the Clarks Summit University Community Commitment and will result in fines or other disciplinary action:

  • Failure to evacuate a residence hall or building within three minutes during an alarm or drill, or refusal to leave after being directed to do so will result in disciplinary action.
  • Unintentional damage to fire equipment that results from horseplay.

The following activities are in violation of state laws and will also result in fines, disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution:

  • Falsely setting off an alarm or falsely reporting a fire or bomb threat. In addition, it endangers students and members of the community.
  • Intentional tampering with fire hoses, smoke detectors, extinguishers and other protection equipment.
  • Tampering with any safety/security equipment.

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