Frequently Asked Questions

  • What do I do if I’ve lost my key? Call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30), or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours.
  • I’m locked out of my room, can someone help? If you’re locked out you should first try to find the custodian assigned to your building. If it is after hours or a custodian cannot be located, a police officer (413-542-2291) can be dispatched to let you in for a ($5 “lockout fee”) which will be directly charged to your student account.
  • The card reader in my building isn’t working, what should I do? Call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30), or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours.
  • Who do I call to loft my bed?  North, South and Williston Residential Halls are the only residence halls that have beds that can be lofted.  If you would like to bunk your bed, please contact the Custodial Department (413-542-2367) to get bunking pins.
  • It’s too cold/hot in my room, who do I call? The standard campus cooling temperature range is 74 - 76F and the standard campus heating temperature range is 68 - 72F.  If you think your cooling or heating system isn't working or if you would like to reqeust a review of your space, please contact the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30), or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours.
  • Where can I store my college issued bed or other items if I’m not using it? Please contact Residential Life about storing items.
  • My light is burned out, what should I do? Find the custodian assigned to your building if possible or leave a note on the custodial storage closet. 
  • My window won’t open/close/lock, who do I call? Please call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30) or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours. This is considered a safety issue, and could result in a maintenance emergency (if the weather is very cold pipes may freeze, or water damage may occur during inclement weather.)  Please do not hesitate to call after hours if needed.
  • I think I have pests in my room/house, what do I do? Amherst College has a contracted pest control company that is on campus once a week (usually Fridays). Please make sure the area where pests have been seen is clean, free of food or clutter and call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 - 3:30). The pest control technicians will check/treat that area when they are on campus next. It is important to note that Amherst College does not use poison in any of its pest control measures.
  • My outlets don’t work, what do I do? Call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30), or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours.
  • Who cleans up the kitchen/common areas? Students are responsible to keep their own living areas clean.  This includes kitchens, appliances and common areas.
  • I’ve accidentally broken a window, what do I do? In the event that a window is broken and no one is injured, please call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30) or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours.  For emergencies/injuries please call the ACPD Emergency line at 413-542-2111 immediately.
  • My car is covered in snow, what do I do? A limited number of shovels are available to borrow at the ACPD office. You will need to leave your student ID for the duration of the time you have the shovel.
  • When can I turn on the heat/air conditioning for my room/office? Amherst College Heating Schedule is October 15th to April 15th. The Amherst College Cooling Schedule is May 15th to September 20th.
  • Can I have an air conditioner in my room/office? Employees may purchase (or have their department purchase) a window or a free standing unit air conditioner for most spaces on campus.  Please contact the Facilities Service Center (413-542-2254) to request installation so that we can secure the unit. Students require special permission from the Amherst Office of Accessibility Services for air conditioning. Please visit the following link for more information:  https://www.amherst.edu/mm/489756. Guests who are participating in third-party external summer programs should contact the Summer Programs Office.
  • I need to move rooms/offices, who should I call? For office moves employees should contact Auxiliary Services (413-542-2367). We ask that requestors provide as much advance notice as possible so we may accommodate all requests.  Students should contact the Office of Residential Life for room changes.
  • I want to use the fireplace in my building, who should I contact? Please call the Environmental Health & Safety Department (413-542-8172).
  • I’m hosting an event and I need support, who should I call? Please call our Special Services Department (413-542-2367).
  • I’m a new contractor coming on campus, where can I get my ID?  The following link will provide you with information on obtaining a contractor ID. https://www.amherst.edu/mm/45211
  • I’m new to campus, where do I park? Please call (413-542-2291) or stop by the ACPD office in the Service Building.
  • How do I get a new nameplate for my office/desk? Contact the Service Center (413-542-2254).
  • My toilet is clogged, who should I call? If there is a custodian available, please inform them immediately. Otherwise call the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular hours or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours or on weekends.
  • The elevator is malfunctioning, who should I call? Please contact the Service Center (413-542-2254) during regular business hours (8:00 – 3:30) or ACPD (413-542-2291) after hours.
  • Who should I contact regarding all things related to pool vehicles?  All pool vehicle related questions or issues should be directed to the ACPD which can be reached on their non-emergency line (413-542-2291).   
  • I got in an accident with a pool vehicle, who should I call?  Please contact Emergency Services on the ACPD Emergency Line (413-542-2111).
  • What is the recycling and composting policy on campus?  Please select the following link for information about Amherst College Recycling and Composting Policies. https://www.amherst.edu/mm/20475
  • I’m a student, where can I pick up my packages and mail? Packages are received and processed through the campus Post Office located in the Keefe Campus Center.
  • I would like to have work done in my office, what should I do? Please email the Service Center (servicectr@amherst.edu) with the requestor name, contact information, location for the requested work, details as to what you would like done, and a general expectation for when you would like the work performed or completed by. An account number for billing of these services should also be included when requesting non-maintenance (chargeable) work. Someone from Facilities will be in contact within 2 business days of receipt of your email request.
  • What types of work are chargeable? Find information on chargeable vs. non-chargeable work in our Service Guide ()
  • I’m a staff member in need of a standing desk or other office furniture, who should I call? Please contact the Furnishings and Interior Projects Manager (413-542-8578) in the Design and Construction department.