Residency Policy

Carthage College has long been committed to the residential nature of a college education; it is one of our core values. The best collegiate experience is one where the curriculum and the co-curriculum are seamlessly integrated. Given that the educational benefits of a residential education are many and well-documented ,Carthage enforces the following housing policy:

All full-time undergraduate students between 18 and 22 years of age will be guaranteed a residential space in Carthage housing through the housing sign-up process. Any student not registered for twelve or more credits, or otherwise failing to follow the appropriate housing assignment guidelines, is ineligible for housing.

All full-time undergraduate students will be expected to live in Carthage housing and be enrolled in a meal plan until they reach senior class standing. Upon reaching senior standing, students may choose to live off campus or may participate in the housing sign-up process in order to secure Carthage housing. Senior class standing will be determined according to the number of academic credit hours completed.

Exceptions to this housing policy will include students living with their parents or legal guardians within commuting distance or individuals establishing independent status.

An independent student is one who: 1) is at least 23 years of age, 2) is married, 3) has children, 4) is a veteran, 5) is a ward of the court, or 6) achieves independent status according to Federal financial aid guidelines.

Housing contracts are for the entire academic year and cannot be broken once initiated without the consent of the Dean of Students. Residential students are responsible for all of the terms of the housing contract.

The Dean of Students Office reserves the right to grant individual exemptions to the residency policy. Residency Policy Exemption Applications can be obtained from the Dean of Students Office. Exemptions to the residency requirement are not guaranteed and will be examined according to housing capacity needs. All exemptions are made at the sole discretion of the Dean of Students. Since the College must meet its financial obligation, first consideration must be given to insure capacity occupancy in the residence halls.

The Dean of Students Office reserves the right to deny housing to any applicant. These policies apply to all students including prospective students, new students, and returning students.

Residence Hall Staff

Primary residence hall staff includes a full-time professional Residence Hall Director, an Assistant Hall Director, and seven to nine Resident Assistants. The staff is responsible for developing a positive, responsible and responsive community so that each resident has the opportunity to develop academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. One of the Residence Hall Directors is on duty from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at all times during the weekends and some holidays. Resident Assistants are on duty from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. every Sunday-Thursday evening and 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday in each building. Each staff member, the Dean of Students Office and the Campus Security Office have copies of the staff schedules.

General Residence Hall Policies

1. Students are responsible for adhering to Carthage policies and the terms of the housing contract.
2. Students are responsible for the actions of their guests.
3. Students are responsible for all activities and incidents that occur in their room. Disciplinary action will be taken in situations where violations of Carthage policy occur.
4. The College reserves the right to make any change in room or roommate assignments at any time.

Animals

With the exception of fish, no animals or pets of any type are permitted in the residence halls or elsewhere on campus. Violations will be referred for disciplinary action and may be fined a minimum of $100.00.

Appliances

Open coil, unshielded, and/or improperly grounded appliances are not allowed. Extension cords must be properly grounded and in good repair. An extension cord must be rated correctly for the specific electric load. Hanging or draping an electrical cord is prohibited. When an unauthorized appliance is discovered, the student must remove the item from the residence halls. Failure to remove the appliance will result in disciplinary action and/or the removal and disposal of the appliance by College officials. Fines may be imposed at the rate of $100.00 for the first appliance found, $150.00 for the second, $200.00 for the third found, etc. If the appliance must be removed and disposed of by the College, the student assumes all monetary compensation for the College's inconvenience, labor and costs involved. Any questionable appliance should be approved by the Dean of Students Office.

Microwaves

Microwave ovens are allowed in student rooms but are limited to 800 watts total power. The College reserves the right to regulate microwave usage at any time to prevent electrical overload between rooms and excessive circuit breaker resetting.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators may be used but they must not exceed 5 cubic feet. Large, kitchen size refrigerators are not allowed. Refrigerators must have the following specifications:

a. Weight: maximum 100 lb.,

b. Maximum dimensions, including all protuberances (such as handles, bumpers, grills, etc.), height 35 inches, width 24 inches, depth 25 inches, interior capacity 5 cubic feet,

c. No exposed sharp corners or edges,

d. Electrical voltage rating 11 5V, 50/60 cycles, average 1.7 max. amps. 195 watts, grounding type cord 3 wire, UL approved unit and cord with labels conspicuously placed.

Refrigerators must be unplugged, emptied, cleaned and defrosted prior to Christmas and Spring Break.

Televisions and Video Cassette Recorders

Television sets and VCRs may be used in the rooms, but without an antenna or wiring outside the building. Please be considerate of others on the floor and keep the volume down. Basic cable television service for each room has been provided through the Residence Life Council. Problems with reception should be reported directly to a residence hall staff member. Carthage assumes no responsibility for the repair or upkeep of cable services.

Cleanliness

Residents are expected to keep their rooms in good order and clean enough that they do not cause noxious odors, encourage the development of a pest population nor endanger the health of other residents.

Cohabitation

Carthage College prohibits male and female students from sharing the same individual residence hall room or gender specific bathroom. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Co-Ed Areas in the Residence Halls

During open visitation hours, all common areas in the residence halls (except bathroom facilities) are available for co-ed visitation or study. No visitors from other buildings or from off campus are allowed in floor areas after visitation. After visitation hours have expired, students and their guests are allowed to use the areas specified for 24-hour visitation that includes all residence hall lobbies, and the terrace lounges of South Hall and Johnson Hall.

Cooking

Cooking, other than microwave cooking, is prohibited in student rooms or unauthorized common residence hall or campus areas. Stationary grills are available behind Tarble Hall and on the South Hall Terrace. The use of charcoal or gas grills in residence halls is prohibited. Liquid lighter fluid will not be stored in the residence halls.

Decoration of Rooms/Room Furnishings

The College furnishes each room with a study desk, a bookcase, a chair, a bed, a chest of drawers and a closet. In all of the residence halls, modular furniture allows students a variety of room configurations, including the ability to bunk the bed units. No furniture other than that which is provided should be necessary. All college furnishings must remain in the student rooms; storage space is not available. Students may bring other furnishings (carpet, couches, chairs and computer furniture) provided they do not pose a fire hazard or prevent emergency access to and from the residence hall room. Lofts are prohibited in the residence hall rooms. Bed springs are provided by the College. This policy also prohibits the construction or placement of any furnishings, paneling or material that prevents a clear view of the window from the hallway. It is the Hall Directors discretion whether or not the room conforms to this policy. The College reserves the right to remove any or all furnishings that are not provided by the College at any time for any reason.

No Carthage furniture or mattresses are to be taken out of the residence hall rooms. As a precautionary measure, student rooms may be inspected at all College breaks (i.e., Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break, etc.). College owned or leased residential houses, residential spaces and apartments will be inspected by Carthage staff on a regular basis.

If furniture, mattresses or bedsprings are found out of rooms in any area of the residence hall, the items will be removed to conform with local fire codes. The resident(s) will be fined at least $100.00 for each item and will be charged for this when they move out of the room or when the room is inspected.

Students must have their rooms in order before checking out. This rule applies to all students, including those students who withdraw from Carthage College at the end of the first term, J-Term, during a term, or those who change rooms. "In order" means that all furniture must be placed correctly in the room and the room should be clean.

Students may decorate their residence hall rooms with posters and other similar decorations as long as they do not cause damage to the room, are not considered a fire hazard, and do not violate other Carthage policies.

Damage that occurs to a room or its furnishings is the responsibility of the occupant(s) and will be charged to the resident(s). If another individual responsible for damages is known, that person will be assessed the charges. Report any damage to the Resident Assistant or Residence Hall Director as soon as possible. If the damage is not repaired within a reasonable amount of time, report it again.

Permanent modifications to Carthage facilities are prohibited. No drilling, cutting, nailing or any other type of change to the permanent structure of the facility is allowed. This includes the hanging of items, installation of equipment, and all other types of activities which alter the physical structure of the facility. In addition to other disciplinary sanctions, offending students will be charged for any repairs, replacements or cleaning necessary to restore the area or objects to the original condition.

Fire Equipment

Each corridor and large common area is equipped with a pull station to sound a fire alarm and a chemical (red) fire extinguisher. Exit signs mark each passageway to evacuate the building.

Fire Safety

The first priority is saving the lives of the residents. The second priority is to save personal property. The building will be vacated completely at the sound of an alarm. Failure to evacuate will result in serious disciplinary action. Do not assume that any alarm is false.

Because of the threat to individual safety and property, the following College policy regarding fire safety will be enforced: any student found fraudulently activating a fire alarm or smoke detector, or setting a fire, will be subject to immediate dismissal from the College and subject to penalty under state and local laws by civil authorities.

Gas driven engines, gas containers, paint or containers of flammable liquids are prohibited. Burning candles and incense is prohibited. The occupancy capacity of individual student rooms is limited to 10 persons per room in order to conform to local fire and safety codes and regulations. Students are prohibited from placing or storing personal items or College furniture in any residence hall corridor, stairwell or other areas of egress.

Any student setting a fire or found tampering with a fire extinguisher, exit sign, fire alarm or smoke detector will be subject to immediate dismissal. Any violation of the fire safety policy may also result in a fine up to $500, severe disciplinary measures by the College, and may be turned over to civil authorities for additional action.

Food

Any food kept in student rooms should be stored without presenting a health hazard. The College reserves the right to make further restrictions regarding the storage of food should a pest problem develop.

Hallway Activities

Hallway games and sports are not permitted in campus buildings. Riding bicycles and in-line skating is also prohibited in the residence halls and campus buildings. Any violations will result in disciplinary action and charges for damages.

Laundry Facilities

The washer and dryer machines are managed through the Residence Life Council (RLC) and leased from MacGray. All repair problems should be reported directly to MacGray at 1-800-622-4729.

Laundry Refund Policy

Refunds for change lost in laundry machines are available through the Dean of Students Office, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lounge and Public Area Furnishings

College provided furnishings should not be removed or exchanged between rooms. Violations of this policy will result in a minimum $100.00 fine for each piece found.

Each student involved in the unauthorized possession of college furnishings will be fined, as stated, as an individual participant. Offenses also may result in other more severe disciplinary sanctions.

Damage to residence halls and Carthage furnishings outside of individual rooms will be charged to those responsible. In the event that the identity of those responsible is not known, the damage will be assessed equally to all residents of the wing/floor/hall. This charge will be made once unclaimed damage has been determined. Residents withdrawing during the term will be charged an equal share of the unclaimed damages as of the date of departure. This policy applies exclusively to College owned furnishings and property.

Noise

The problem of noise control in the residence halls is of immense importance in the support of an environment that is conducive to the total development of students. If a stereo, TV, tape deck, etc. is loud to the point where it can be heard in adjoining rooms; it is, in most cases, too loud. The College reserves the right to confiscate stereos of students who consistently pose a noise problem. The stereo will be stored until the end of the school year at which time the student may retrieve the equipment. We encourage students to accept the responsibility of enforcing and controlling the noise level within their environment. If you encounter irresponsible or uncooperative residents who will not adjust their noise level to that which is acceptable after your request, notify a residence hall staff member. In addition to disciplinary action, residents may be asked to remove stereos or musical instruments from their rooms or from the residence hall. Guests in a room that is excessively or repeatedly loud may be asked to leave the room and non-residents may be asked to leave the residence hall.

Non-Compliance

All Carthage students are required to comply with the directions of College officials or designated agents acting in the performance of their duties. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action and sanctions, up to and including immediate suspension from the College.

Noxious Odor Policy

A noxious odor is ANY aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent to others. Any odor may become noxious or offensive when it is too strong. Some examples are: cigarette, marijuana, cigar or pipe smoke, perfume, air freshener or large amounts of dirty laundry. When the source of a noxious odor can be traced to a particular room, the occupants of that room may be subject to disciplinary action.

Occupancy

The residence halls are available for occupancy for returning students twenty-four (24) hours before the beginning of classes each term. Undergraduates must check out of their rooms no later than twenty-four (24) hours of their last exam. Graduating seniors must be out of their room by 6:00 p.m. the day of commencement. Residence halls close for Thanksgiving Break, Winter Vacation and Spring Break. Students must be out of the halls by 6:00 p.m. the last day of classes before the break and may return after 12:00 p.m. the day before classes resume. Students remaining on campus for J-Term courses may stay in the residence halls between J-Term and Term II. Students who live off campus during J-Term may return to the residence halls after 12:00 p.m. the day before registration for Term II.

Painting Policy

Students are not permitted to paint their rooms. A Common Area Paint Request may be picked up in the Dean of Students Office. This form must be filled out by the students responsible for the painting. In order for a paint request to be considered the signatures of 51% of the floor members must accompany the form, indicating agreement with the proposed change to the environment. The form must also be accompanied by a drawing/diagram of the design desired to be added to the area. It is required that the primary color(s) used are light and that the background remains "off-white". Stripes are not to exceed 2 blocks in width and designs are not to exceed 8 blocks by 4 blocks in total area covered. The paint used should be quality, semi-gloss latex. Use of oil based paint or gloss paint is prohibited. Greek organizations are also governed by the painting policy described in the Greek Guidelines section of the community code.

Craftsmanship will be checked by the Dean of Students office and the Hall Director during the course of the project and again upon completion of the project. Any damage or inferior workmanship found must be corrected within a week, If not corrected, the floor or organization will be billed for the cost of repair or replacement.

Physical Violence / Threats of Physical Violence

Any act of physical violence is in direct conflict with the educational mission and goals of the College. In order to maintain an orderly campus community that is conducive to the total development of students, physical violence will not be tolerated.

Any act of physical violence, threat of physical violence or any act that creates a significant risk of injury will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the College. Violators will be suspended for a minimum of 3 days.

Requests for Extended Occupancy

The Dean of Students Office establishes the dates governing student occupancy in the residence halls. No one will be permitted to return to campus early or stay late without written permission from the Dean of Students office for any reason. This includes dropping things off, laying carpet or otherwise personalizing rooms. In the event that permission is granted for a student to return to campus early or late, guests will not be permitted to stay with the student while school is not in session. A written request for extended occupancy must be made to the Dean of Students office at least two weeks prior to the start of the term. Approval of such requests is not automatic. The student will be responsible for extra room and board costs incurred. All students granted permission to return to campus early, or stay on campus late, should realize that college services are very limited during those times.

Quiet Hours/Courtesy Hours

To maintain the living/learning community, the College maintains Quiet and Courtesy Hours. All residents of the halls have a right to quiet at any time of the day when they wish to study or sleep. No resident has the right to make noise that disturbs other residents. Students should keep in mind that sound travels out of windows, down halls and to the floor above and below their rooms.

During Quiet Hours, all residents are expected to maintain minimal noise and music level compatible with study and sleep. During Courtesy Hours, residents are expected to maintain courteous noise levels and respond to any requests to reduce their noise or music volume with courtesy.

Quiet Hours

Sunday - Thursday 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Friday & Saturday 12:00 a.m. to 8:00a.m.

Communities may vote to extend Quiet Hours beyond those listed above.

Courtesy Hours are:

Sunday -Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Room Assignments/Room Changes

Room assignments are made through the Dean of Students office. Students may not change room assign�ments without permission of the Dean of Students office. Failure to follow policy may result in a $100.00 fine and disciplinary action. The College reserves the right to make any changes in room assignments at any time.

In order to change rooms please report to your Hall Director. Your Hall Director will be able to explain the room change procedures. Follow those directions in order to complete the room change process. Please direct any questions you may have about the room change process to your Hall Director.

Room changes will follow the schedule below.

Important Housing Dates

September 2nd to September 16th - Room Freeze (No room changes allowed)
September 17th to October 28th - Open Room Change
October 29th to November 16th - Consolidation
November 25th to December 14th - Room Freeze (No room changes allowed)
January 2nd to January 10th - Room Freeze (No room changes allowed)
January 11th to January 20th - Qualified Room Changes (Only when all residents involved are present)
January 21st to February 10th - Room Freeze (No room changes allowed)
February 11th to February 24th - Open Room Change
February 25th to March 9th - Consolidation
March 10th to March 24th - Room Freeze (No room changes allowed)
March 25th to April 6th - Open Room Change
April 7th to May 21st - Room Freeze (No room changes allowed)

The Dean of Students office reserves the right to limit room changes beyond the dates listed above.

A priority process for any available premium room on campus (including single rooms, lake view rooms and suite or apartment-style housing) will be established by the Dean of Students.

Year end check-out policy

All students must be checked-out by the specified year end check-out time. Any student who remains in the residence halls after the check-out deadline without permission from the Dean of Students Office, will automatically be charged $100.00 plus a room and board charge.

Room Consolidation

All students without roommates paying for double room occupancy will be consolidated. The consolidation procedure is as follows:

1. Students paying for double room occupancy without a roommate will receive a list of students who are in the similar situation from the Dean of Students office.
2. Students will be given at least three working days to choose a new roommate from the list provided.
3. If no roommate is chosen within the specified time allowed, one will be selected by the Dean of Students office.
4. Once a new roommate has been selected, the person who is chosen to move out must report to the Dean of Students Office to complete the proper paperwork. All students will be given three working days to have the move completed.
5. Failure to follow policy may result in students being billed for a single room and disciplinary action.

Room Check-in and Check-out

At check-out vacated rooms must be swept, mopped and dusted and free of all garbage. Rooms must be returned to their original condition and set up. Failure to leave a clean room may result in a minimum charge of $25.00 per occupant, depending on the condition of the room. Failure to follow established check-in or check-out procedures may result in a $50.00 fine.

Room Keys

Room keys are distributed to each resident student at check-in and are to be returned when the student checks out of the room. If a key is not returned at check-out, the student will be assessed charges as outlined under the lost key policy.

Room keys and student identification cards are non-transferable. They should not be loaned to anyone. Use of residence hall keys and ID cards by any person other than the person to whom the key(s) and card has been issued is prohibited.

Resident students should carry their keys and ID card at all times. Security will respond to a request for a student room lock out only after the duty R.A.'s go off duty and the Office of the Dean of Students is closed. This will normally be: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as well as Sunday through Thursday evenings after 12:00 a.m. midnight until 8:00 a.m. and after 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. All other student room lock out requests should be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students, the duty R.A.'s and/or your Hall Director.

A student requesting entry to a room must produce a Carthage Identification Card, either before, or immediately upon entry into the room and sign a receipt. If the key is lost or stolen, a student must contact the Dean of Students Office immediately and request a new key. An immediate recore will be ordered and the student will be assessed a charge of $85.00 to replace the lock and/or two new keys. Any CO (corridor) key will cost $35.00 to replace.

Broken Keys

If a key is broken, the student must take all pieces of the key to the Dean of Students Office. The key will be replaced free of charge. Should a key be broken a subsequent time, a $15.00 charge will be assessed. If a key is stuck or broken-off in a lock, a student must contact the Hall Director or the Dean of Students Office, who will contact the proper campus personnel to resolve the problem free of charge.

Room Repairs

Contact a residence hall staff member to report any maintenance needs that are necessary. The staff member will turn in all requests immediately. If a repair is not made within a reasonable amount of time, the student should contact the staff member again to follow up on the request. The request for repairs grants permission for the maintenance staff to enter the room at their convenience to make the necessary repairs. Failure to allow the maintenance staff access to your room will result in your request not being completed.

Room Selection/Room Contracts

Resident students who wish to reserve a room in a residence hall for the following school year must make a $200.00 advanced payment at the Business Office, be registered for at least 12 credit hours and turn in a signed housing contract by the posted deadline. The advanced payment is deducted from the second semester room and board charges. It is refundable if the Dean of Students office is notified of a housing withdrawal by June 1 for the Fall Term, or December 1 for the Spring Term.

Single Room Request

Each semester single rooms may be available based on the total resident population. In the event that single rooms are available, only those students who have applied to be included on the single priority list in the Dean of the Students Office will be considered. Position on this list is not transferable. A student who refuses a single when offered, will be moved to the bottom of the single room request list.

If a student's roommate leaves the residence hall, for whatever reason, that student may first be given the option of remaining in the room as a single and paying the additional fee for the term. A student desiring a single room should contact the Director of Housing to inquire about the availability of a single room. Students requesting a single room should be aware of the following:

*Due to the popularity of single rooms, and the general lack of rooms available for single occupancy, most often students requesting a single room will be placed on a waiting list.
*Single assignments are for one term only.
*Students requesting a single room must sign a contract for that room stating that they will pay the additional money for the single.

Student Room Entry

Carthage College recognizes the right of students to be protected against unreasonable personal search and entry of their rooms. In order to safeguard this right, while ensuring its traditions as a residential college where the quality of life is a proper aim of policy and practice, the College enforces the following regulations to govern student search and entry of College owned student rooms.

1. The College reserves the right for its authorized personnel to enter rooms to inspect, protect and maintain College property and to inspect the contents of student packages, room furnishings, handbags or backpacks when violations of College policy, State or Federal laws are suspected. "Probable cause" exists when authorized College personnel has reasonably trustworthy information which would warrant a person of reasonable caution to believe that an offense has been or is being committed.
2. Residence Hall Directors and Resident Assistants will inspect student rooms for the purpose of safety and security at the start of each vacation period. Rooms will be checked for open or unlocked doors and windows, unauthorized residence hall furnishings, plugged in and/or hazardous electrical appliances or health hazards, If warranted, the student will be notified in writing of any items confiscated; arrangements will be made for the return of confiscated items provided that the possession of these items is not a violation of public law. All alcoholic beverages confiscated will be disposed of immediately and will not be returned to the student(s).
3. Student rooms may be entered without notice in emergency situations. An emergency situation exists when imminent danger to life, safety, health or property is feared. Dean of Students Office staff members also may enter rooms without prior notification or in the absence of the occupant(s) for matters relating to the comfort and/or safety of fellow hall residents; for example, to close a window or turn off an alarm clock. Such entries are to be recorded by the staff member documenting the name of person entering the room, the phone extension, the time and date entry was gained and the reason for entry.
4. In non-emergency situations, a member of the Dean of Students Office may conduct a student room search in a Residence Hall without prior notification. Such a search can occur when there is probable cause to believe that a violation of College regulations has occurred or is occurring.
   
   "Probable cause" exists when a member of the above stated staff has reasonably trustworthy information that would warrant a person of reasonable caution to believe that an offense has been or is being committed. Contraband or evidence of a violation of a college policy will be seized by the persons making the search.
5. Police officers desiring to conduct a search of a student's possessions in the residence hall must present the Dean of Students Office staff with a bona fide search warrant authorizing their search before they proceed.

The above policy does not apply to custodial and maintenance personnel as maintenance requests by students shall be considered as permission to enter. In such cases, no notification of entry will be given.

Telephones

Each residence hall room is equipped with a telephone jack which operates with any standard telephone. This jack is part of the College telephone system and is a live internal extension which can be called directly from the outside, twenty four hours a day, without going through the College operator. While there is no charge for this service, the student must provide his or her own standard residential telephone set.

Students wishing to make outside calls have two options: use the public pay phones located throughout the campus, including the first floor of each residence hall or arrange with the College to have outside calling service provided through the residence room phone. Further information about phone service is available from the Carthage Administrative Services, ext. 5761. Students do not have the option of contracting with the local phone company for standard residential phone service.

Students are responsible for ALL phone use in their rooms. Therefore, the students assigned to a room have the right to control phone use in their room. Such responsibility includes but is not limited to:

1. calls made
2. payment for calls made
3. telephone system damage caused by room activities

Such rights include refusing to let other persons use their phone and to contest any charge or fine initiated pertaining to the telephone system.

Making annoying, obscene, abusive, threatening or harassing calls is contrary to the best interests of students and the College. It is a crime under both state and federal laws for anyone to make obscene or harassing telephone calls. These laws have penalties of imprisonment and/or fine, in addition to Carthage's fine of $100.00 and disciplinary action.

Prank Calls

Students receiving obscene, abusive, threatening or harassing calls, should follow these instructions:

1. Hang up at the first obscene word. Hang up if the caller remains silent the second time you say hello. Remember, you control your telephone, not the person calling. If a problem still exists, disconnect your phone from the wall jack. Your calls will then be routed to the Campus Switchboard or Campus Security.
2. Never provide any information, such as your name or address, until the caller has been properly identified.
3. If the initial call is threatening in any way, do not hesitate to notify the Dean of Students Office (ext. 5800) or the Campus Security Office (ext. 5911) immediately. If, however, you are receiving hang-up calls or "no response" calls, it is important to establish a pattern before calling the Dean of Students Office or the Campus Security Office. Keep a log of the dates and times that you are receiving these annoying calls.

Once you have established that there is a pattern of annoyance or harassment, the matter will be referred to the proper authorities for investigation.

Vacation Periods

The residence halls are closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break. Students who do not return home must make their own arrangements for housing.

Vacuum Cleaners

The Residence Life Council provides vacuum cleaners for each residence hall. Individual students may check out vacuums with their student ID. The student is then responsible for the vacuum. Students are asked to report all damages and repair needs to a RLC representative.

Visitation Policy

Open visitation in the residence halls is from 8:00 am. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Access doors to each floor will be locked when visitation is over. Residents of that floor will have access through these doors. Residents with guests of the opposite sex are directed to the specified 24-hour visitation areas in each hall.

Each floor has the option of choosing the hours it will be open within the stated hours. If a floor wishes to limit its hours, beyond those stated above, it may. All bathrooms on the residence hall floors are single sex, visitors of the opposite sex are not allowed in those bathrooms at any time. Bathroom facilities are available in the basement of each residence hall that are designated for both sexes.

Windows and Screens

Disposing items out of windows is strictly prohibited. Exiting or entering a room or building through a window, except in emergency situations, is prohibited. Any student found responsible for violating this policy will be assessed a $250 fine and severe disciplinary measures, up to and including immediate eviction from the residence halls. If screens are removed from windows, there will be a fine of $50 per day assessed to the student(s) responsible. If a screen is damaged there will be a charge of at least $35 for repair and replacement of that screen. Articles should not be placed between the screen and window in order to avoid screen distortions that can result in damage charges.