Residence Life Handbook 2012-2013
ROCHESTER COLLEGE
RESIDENCE LIFE HANDBOOK 2006-2007
Living
in a Residence Hall Your home away from home Campus living at Rochester College can be a great experience. Residential students have a unique opportunity that affords the realization of working, learning, and living together. Like any successful community, it takes effort on the part of each resident to be committed and determined to doing his or her part in maintaining a Christianfocused campus life. The result of this experience is a well-rounded citizen who will be able to serve God, community, and country. This experience will also produce a student who is socially, emotionally and academically successful while preparing to share the experiences and the challenges of life.
?
Did you know...
Contents: 2 Intro to campus living
8 Community life
3 Residence Life staff
12 Campus dining
4 Arriving on campus
14 Guidelines
6 Room floorplans
21 Dates to remember
6 What to bring
22 Campus map
p|2
Statistics show that college students who choose to live on campus rather than commute are more likely to complete their educations and are generally better students.
Why live on campus? Students who choose to reside on campus benefit from the following: • living and working with others • hands-on problem solving skills • accountability and responsibility • being a viable part of a community
Your hall staff Should you or your roommate need assistance in dealing with problems, or if you just need some friendly advice, please be sure to contact your Resident Director (RD) or Resident Advisor (RA) Resident Directors are full-time employees who live in each residence hall and are responsible for working alongside student housing staff to encourage residents in their educational, physical, psychological, and spiritual development. Resident Directors model a Christian lifestyle and are available for informal counseling. They strive to help students achieve academic success and help hold students accountable to living within the stated college policies. Our goal is to encourage residents to be a supportive member fo the Rochester College Community and to be responsible for
their actions and behaviors towards others. Community and communication are key.
mentoring. RAs are available to answer many of your questions about campus life.
Resident Advisors (RAs) are students employed by the college to assist the Resident Director. Their primary responsibility is creating and supporting community and encouraging unity in the residence halls and on their floors through intentional programming and peer
Students are expected to respect and cooperate with residence hall personnel. Failure to do so will inhibit the sense of community and may result in disciplinary action and possibly loss of housing privileges.
p|3
Arriving on Campus Moving In An initial housing letter will be mailed to students who have completed the required paperwork beginning in mid-June. This letter will be followed up within two or three weeks with an email containing Residence Hall assignment and roommate information (if available). Residents are encouraged to contact their assigned roommate prior to arriving on campus. This allows them to get acquainted and work out details of who will bring what items and how they want to set up the room. Some students actually move in a week or two before the halls officially open in August to begin practicing with a sports team, performance group or student organization. If you fit in this category, you will receive communication from your coach or director giving you details on when to arrive, where to go once you are here, and when the first practice or session begins. All residents should go straight to their residence halls upon arrivng on campus for check-in. Check-in will include meeting with the Resident Director to receive your offi-
p|4
cial housing packet, which includes a resident housing agreement, room condition assessment form, room key, mailbox key, computer network access information and emergency contact card. Once all the paperwork is taken care of, you are free to move into your room. New students will receive help from the Peer Advisor staff. Just let them know when you are ready!
Residence Halls
Rochester College houses up to 288 residential students in two traditional residence halls and one non-traditional hall with private entrances primarily used for married students. Alma Gatewood, Ferndale, and Hoggatt Halls are set up as suites, which contain two rooms (for a total of four occupants) connected by a bathroom. Palmer Hall contains four residence hall rooms and four studio apartments. Ferndale and Hoggatt Halls house primarily upper class students. Priority will be given to students who have upper class standing (60 or more earned credit hours) or are 20 years of age prior to the move
All rooms are double occupancy and include the following features:
in date. Students with fewer than 60 credit hours may apply to live in Ferndale and Hoggatt. These requests will be granted if space is available with consideration given to age and total credit hours earned. All single traditional students 22 years and younger are required to live in campus housing unless they are living with a relative over the age of 25. Exceptions may be requested for students who can prove financial hardship or have attained junior status and are 21 years of age. All exceptions must be in written form addressed to the Director of Residence Life and must be approved prior to being carried out. The residence halls are generally for traditional students only with a maximum age of 25 years. Students older than 25 years may be granted housing on a case-by-case basis.
• • • • • • • • • •
twin beds with extra-long mattresses (2) desks (2) hutches or shelves (2) chairs (2) dressers (2) wardrobes (2) or walk-in closet (1) double outlets (3) network ports (2) phone jack (1) cable jack (1)
Hall facilities include: • common areas for use by men and women, with comfortable seating, tables, and tv and dvd player • computer workstations • kitchenettes • laundry facilities • vending machines • student mailboxes
The common area in each residential hall is a great place to do homework and relax with friends!
What should you bring?
• telephone (one per room) • twin extra long bedding, pillow and blankets • towels, washcloths, etc. • personal toiletries (toilet paper, shampoo, soap, etc.) • cleaning supplies (for room and suite bathrooms) • garbage can and bags • laundry supplies
This list includes things you don’t necessarily need, but will definitely want— • cleaning supplies (for room and bathroom), such as disinfectant sprays, swiffer sweepers and mops, small vacuum (if on 3rd floor AG or if you bring an area rug), etc. • computer w/ network card and printer • power strip surge protector • area rugs or room-sized carpet • loveseat or armchair • stackable storage cubes and/or shelves • reading lamp (not halogen) • iron and ironing board • fan (rooms are not air-conditioned) • small refrigerator (see guidelines for size restrictions) • microwave • dishes and silverware • TV & DVD/Blu-ray player, game system • coffee mugs for late night paper writing • small tool kit (allen wrenches recommended for Ferndale/Hoggatt)
FERNDALE HALL / HOGGATT HALL
The following list includes things you will definitely need—
p|6
Sizes and Exceptions
ALMA GATEWOOD HALL
Beds/Mattresses: Rooms have bunkable, loftable beds with 80� mattresses that can be configured into several room arrangements. Although standard twin sheets should fit these, we suggest using extralong twin sheets. Floors: Most rooms contain tile flooring. Rooms on the 3rd floor of AG are carpeted. Closet/Wardrobe/Chests: Rooms in Ferndale and Hoggatt contain moveable wardrobes, while rooms in AG primarily contain walk-in closets. Most rooms are equipped with a stackable chest of drawers for each student. AG 3rd floor residents share a larger 4 or 5 drawer chest. Desks/Hutches/Shelves: Rooms in Ferndale, Hoggatt and most of AG have traditional desks with two-position chairs. The desks in most AG rooms have hutches. Rooms on the 3rd floor of AG have built-in desks with a large shelving unit mounted above them.
*Drawings are to scale, but do not show furniture. Floorplans may be reversed.
p|7
Community Life residence hall regulations and expectations, and informs residents about proper check-in and checkout procedures. Students who violate their agreements are subject to fines, disciplinary action and possible loss of housing privileges.
allows. The College reserves the right to reassign individuals to different rooms or residence halls. These reassignments may occur if it is determined that the move would better serve the needs of all parties involved.
Academic Requirements for Residency
Room Changes
Students must be enrolled in at least nine credit hours to live in the residence halls. Those students enrolled in fewer than nine hours must apply for an exception from the Director of Residence Life to live on campus. Students dropping to fewer than nine hours during a semester must first request permission from the Director of Residence Life to remain in the residence hall.
Room Assignments and Private Rooms Housing Agreements In an effort to be responsible with the facilities, each resident will be required to sign a housing agreement. The housing agreement outlines the responsibilities of living in the residence hall, provides
The Resident Directors assign rooms according to availability and match roommates according to information provided on the room reservation form. Private rooms and other specific requests are generally handled on a first come, first served basis as space
p|8
Room changes can be made aftter the census date (i.e. last day to add classes or register). A room change request form must be filled out, submitted to, and approved by the Resident Directors involved. A fee will be charged for every room change. See the course catalog for fee information. Fees may be waived in special circumstances at the discretion of the Resident Director and/or the Dean of Students. Each request will be honored based on availability. Students moving before formally checking into the new room with the Resident Director or failing to check out properly of the old room are subject to discipline and/or fines.
Living With A Roommate Sharing a space with someone is always an adventure. Here are a few tips in order to have the best
experience possible: • Talk about expectations you both have concerning what you want from this roommate experience. • Talk about borrowing policies, telephone usage, etc. • Discuss times you both get up and times you intend on going to sleep. • Set up a schedule with your suitemates on when the bathroom is to be cleaned and when trash is to be taken out. Believe us, it won’t just happen! • Be aware of each other’s needs and talk out any problems before they get too BIG. Your RAs and RD are more than happy to help mediate discussions or give suggestions on compromises. We suggest each roommate
fill out a roommate expectation agreement available from an RA or RD.
Room Security As in any college residence hall, a lot of borrowing occurs. Please make sure and mark your things with recognizable identification—this applies to clothes, CDs, DVDs, and especially anything of value such as electronic equipment and portable devices. Suite living makes securing your valuables difficult. Always lock your door and consider using a lock box if you choose to keep valuables. Duplication of any campus key, unauthorized possession or use of keys to any college premises or unauthorized entry to any college premises is not permitted.
A good idea... Personal Property Insurance All personal property is the sole responsibility of the student at all times. The college is not liable for any property loss or damages under any circumstances, including theft, fire, water, or any other casualty loss. It is highly recommended that students purchase rental insurance or a modified homeowner’s policy to cover a student’s possessions in a residence hall environment. Check with your parent’s insurance— you may be covered under their homeowner’s policy.
Services for Campus Residents Communication Technology Telecommunication and network services are provided to students including local and long distance phone service, voicemail, computer network access with an email address, basic cable in each residence hall room and computers in each residence hall lobby.
Wireless network access is available throughout most of campus, including the residence halls. All services are provided “as is.” Rochester College assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged communications or files. All files residing on college-owned computers may be subject to inspection, review, repair or removal.
p|9
Problems should be reported to the Information Technology support office by calling 248.218.2080 and leaving a detailed message or emailing helpdesk@rc.edu. Since all students are provided with a college email address and network access, students are expected to use the college assigned email address as their primary email ac-
count, checking it regularly for updates from college officials.
Telephone Each residence hall room is prepared for campus phone service. Students are required to bring their own telephone. Each campus room is assigned a telephone number and residents may request an accompanying voice mailbox. Each student may request a personal voicemail if they choose. While campus calls and local calls are free, students desiring to make a long distance call will be given a personal account code. Each student is financially responsible for all calls made on their account code as well as any associated costs for calls made to 800 or similar numbers. For more policies on telephone service, please refer to the student handbook.
Basic Cable A television is provided in each residence hall lobby for student use. Cable service is also provided in each room and included in the students support fee charged to all residents. For more information concerning the television cable contact the Information Technology office at 248.218.2080 in the Associates Campus Center building.
Laundry Laundry facilities are available
in each residence hall. There is a charge of $1.00 per wash or dry (quarters and ID cards only). Use of laundry facilities is a privilege— please treat them with care. These facilities are for boarding students only. All malfunctions including lost money should be reported immediately indicating the residence hall, machine number and nature of the problem to CoinMach at 800.852.9274.
Vending Machines Snack and/or beverage vending machines are located in each residence hall, the Solid Rock Cafe and Utley–McCauley Student Center, and several other locations around campus. All malfunctions including lost money should be reported immediately to the Events Coordinator at 248.218.2046 or by e-mailing vending@rc.edu.
Deliveries Special deliveries to residents by off campus persons for items such as floral arrangements, luggage and gifts should be dropped off at the Campus Post Office. The recipients will be contacted when a delivery has been made. The mail room will sign for items and make the best effort possible to contact the student and request pick up. The Campus Post Office is not responsible for items not retrieved
p | 10
by the resident.
Mail Each residential student is assigned a mailbox corresponding to their room assignment during enrollment. All residents are responsible for checking their mailbox on a regular basis. If a student should lose his or her mailbox key, he or she must notify the Student Development office. There is a $5.00 lost key fee. A student’s address is as follows: Student’s Name Rochester College 800 W. Avon Road Rochester Hills, MI 48307 When residents leave for extended periods such as Christmas and summer breaks, they are requested to notify the Student Development office of their forwarding address as well as contact the companies or individuals sending them mail. Magazines and any non-first class mail cannot be forwarded.
Package Policy The Campus Post Office receives packages for boarding students. While Campus Post Office personnel take reasonable precautions with incoming packages, its personnel cannot be responsible for replacement cost of missing packages, including those signed for by
Student ID Cards Campus Post Office personnel. If this arrangement is not acceptable, residents should make alternate shipping arrangements. Campus Post Office personnel will notify residents of incoming packages by an email to their RC email address. Because space is limited, residents should pick up packages in a timely manner. Packages can be picked up only by the person to whom they are addressed.
Babysitting Babysitting is a great way to earn extra money. Interested students should stop by the Student Development office to add their names and availability to the babysitting list each semester that is distributed to the local community. Due to insurance requirements, babysitting is not permitted on campus except for children of College employees.
Counseling Services Rochester College has recently launched the Psychology Clinic in the White House, located on the east end of campus. The clinic offers evaluations and counseling appointments to all full time RC students (the first five appointments are free). Contact Dr. Gordon MacKinnon at 248.218.2122 to make an appointment. The College also has affiliations with several counseling centers in the area. For more information, please contact the Student Development office or check with your Resident Director.
Campus Security
About the Card Each student is issued an official identification card known as the ID Card, which must be carried at all times. Authorizing your ID Card to be swiped by another individual and/or swiping an ID Card other than your own is not permitted. The ID Card is required for daily Chapel attendance, library services, dining hall privileges, and entry to various college facilities including the residence halls. The ID Card is designed to last the durations of a student’s uninterrupted academic years here at Rochester College. Each semester a validation sticker is affixed to a student’s current ID Card at the time of registration. If a card is lost, it will be deactivated and the student will be given a new card. If an ID Card is broken or cracked, the student must immediately request a new one from Student Development. Information regarding replacement fees can be found in the course catalog. A worn card that is fully intact but is not reading successfully in the card readers will be replaced at no cost. Deactivated cards will be kept by Student Development and destroyed.
Declining Balance Each resident’s ID Card has a declining balance feature with an automatic deposit of $100. Residents may use the ID Card declining balance feature to purchase a meal in the café or cafeteria for themselves or their guests. Declining balance funds may also be used for laundry services located in each hall and photocopy services in the library. Additional monies may be added to the card at anytime by visiting the Business Office cashier.
Although we employ security guards, we highly recommend that students take every precaution to ensure their own personal safety. The Rochester/Rochester Hills area is comparatively safe but not without incident. Students should report any unfamiliar persons, disturbances or incidents immediately to 248.765.8013 or x2911 from any on-campus phone. Wally the the Warr iorr arrio 2009 06-2010 07
p | 11
What’s for Dinner? Campus Dining Availabilities Fletcher Center Cafeteria • • • • • • • • •
pizza and pastas action station burgers and hot sandwiches soup, sandwich, and salad bar comfort foods (mashed potatoes, and carved meats, etc.) desserts cereal variety of breads hot and cold drinks
Isom Atrium • • • • •
burgers and fries bagels, donuts and cookies cheese sticks candy and fountain sodas and juices
Campus Dining Residential Dining Services The cafeteria, operated by Chartwells, is located on the basement floor of the Associates Campus Center building and underwent a renovation in summer 2004 to provide several dining concepts to cater to different diets and preferences similar to a food court. Three meals are served daily except on Saturday and Sunday, when brunch and dinner are provided. All single students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. Students who commute to campus can purchase a meal plan, a block of 10 meals, or deposit money onto the ID Card debit feature through the Business Office. Meals are non-transferable and students on a meal plan must enter the cafeteria by swiping their ID Card. Students without a meal plan will be required to pay in cash or credit card at the door or use available funds on their ID Card. Chartwells also offers four meal plan options that can be purchased at the door or online at dineoncampus.com/rochester. These meals are transferable and can be shared. Dining courtesy is expected at all times from each student and their
p | 12
guests. Patrons should be able to eat free from excessive noise or unbecoming behavior from other students such as throwing food or paper products. Students are expected to clear their own tables and take trash to the receptacles provided. Trays and dishes should be returned properly to the dish racks. Students disregarding such courtesy are subject to disciplinary action or loss of dining privileges. Specific dining policies can be read in the Food Service Guidelines publication available in the cafeteria.
Solid wRock Cafe The Cafe is located in the Isom Atrium in the West Side Central Auditorium. Students and their guests may purchase a meal, snack or beverage using cash, credit card or their ID Card debit feature. The Cafe is equipped with comfortable coffee house-style seating, televisions with cable, DVD/VCRs and wireless internet.
Meal Plans All students living in residence halls are required to purchase a college meal plan. The basic meal plan contains 19 meals per week and $100
credited on the ID Card. Meals are non-transferable. Any requests for exemption from the meal plan must be made in writing to the Student Development Office. Please include documentation. Requests for exemption are usually approved only when medical conditions dictate that the college meal plan or any modifications of the meal plan are unable to meet the needs of the student.
dents with prolonged or repeated illness will be asked to seek medical assistance and/or be asked to move off campus until recovered especially in the case of contagious illnesses.
To-Go Cafeteria Meal Request Residents with inflexible class schedules over the published cafeteria lunch period, may request a Grab-N-Go meal from the Student Development office in advance on a one-time or recurring basis by presenting an official copy of their schedule. A Grab-N-Go meal will consist of a pre-packed sandwich or wrap, salad, fruit, chips, and drink or something similar.
ID Cards Students on a meal plan must enter the cafeteria by swiping their ID Card. Each resident may use the ID Card debit feature to purchase a meal in the cafĂŠ or cafeteria for themselves or their guests. Students who have temporarily misplaced their ID Card for a period of no longer than 48 hours may request a meal pass from the Student Development office to be given to the cafeteria cashier at the time of entry. Students whose card has been lost or stolen must request a replacement ID Card from the Student Development office.
Sick Cafeteria Meal Request Residents who cannot go to the cafeteria because of illness should contact their Resident Director, RA or the Student Development office to arrange for a to-go meal. Resi-
p | 13
Guidelines Residence hall life provides a unique and rewarding experience for building friendships and fellowship. It demands maturity and unselfishness from students. The rights of others to be able to study quietly and sleep in their rooms must be respected. Within the framework of residence hall regulations, students are free to enjoy college life.
Curfew Alma Gatewood Hall Underclassmen residents who have completed 30 hours or less must be in their residence hall by the following times: Sunday—Thursday 12:00am Friday—Saturday 1:00am Upperclassmen residents who have completed 60+ hours must be in their residence hall by the following times: Sunday—Thursday 12:30am Friday—Saturday 1:30am Residence halls remain locked from curfew until 6:00am. Residents who leave the residence hall after curfew without permission from proper authorities are subject to disciplinary action and/or fines.
Ferndale & Hoggatt Halls Non-freshman residents who live in Ferndale and Hoggat Halls will not have curfew dependent on the presence of the Public Safety Officer in Dearborn Commons. Residence halls remain locked from curfew until 6:00am and residents who leave or enter during this time will sign in and out with the Public Safety Officer so a record of who is in the building can be maintained for security purposes and in case of emergency. Residents who leave the residence hall after curfew without permission from proper authorities are subject to disciplinary action and/or fines. Living in Ferndale and Hoggatt Halls is considered a privilege and each resident must maintain eligible to stay in the hall and receive no curfew.
Signing Out All residents leaving campus and not planning to return by curfew are encouraged to sign out regardless of what residence hall or curfew policy they have. Signing out involves documenting the date of departure, their phone number, and the approximate date of a resident’s return. This gives the Resident Di-
p | 14
rector and/or RA a contact number in case of an emergency where a resident needs to be contacted.
Room Check and Rounds Every evening at curfew during any regular semester, Alma Gatewood and RAs do a room check to make sure each resident is accounted for. They also check the overnight signout list on their particular floor for those residents spending the night off campus or in another hall. Similarly, Ferndale and Hoggatt RAs do rounds each evening. This helps secure the campus environment and, in case of an emergency within the hall, gives the residence hall staff the correct number of residents in the building. Should the whereabouts of a student be unknown and there is cause for concern, the Resident Director will be notified and steps will be taken to locate the student. These steps may include contacting parents/guardians and/ or friends to ensure the safety of the student.
Curfew Violations Residents subject to curfew are expected to be in their residence hall at or before curfew and may
not leave the hall again until the building is unlocked in the morning. Residents who violate the curfew policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include early curfew, community service, or other actions. Repeated curfew violation may result in the loss of campus housing privileges.
Late Permission Residents in Alma Gatewood who are not on academic alert or probation may request permission from their RA to come in after curfew (up to two hours per month) at any time during the week. Residents of Alma Gatewood who are on academic alert or probation are only eligible for later permission on Friday and Saturdays. Late Permission must be requested at least two hours before curfew. Residents who exceed their late permission and don’t have enough late minutes left to cover will be put on probation for 30 days and lose all late minutes and late permission for that time. If the resident is late during the probationary period, they will serve two hours early curfew daily for 30 days. Failure to comply with early curfew may result in a convening of the housing committee who will decide if the resident should remain on campus for the remainder of the semester.
After Hours Work Residents who have an off-campus job and need to work after curfew may request such permission from the Resident Director. Permission may be granted for up to one hour beyond curfew for residents of Alma Gatewood Hall and Barbier Halls. Residents of Ferndale and Hoggatt Halls may work anytime as long as their entrance and exit of the residence halls does not negatively affect other residents or their own academic status.
of the opposite gender in their room at any time—including family members—without permission of the RD or RA. Failure to obtain permission may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or loss of housing privileges. Single Palmer Hall residents may have nonfamily guests of the opposite gender during the hours of 6:00am to 1:00am. No overnight non-family guests of the opposite gender are permitted in the apartments.
Boisterous Activity Open House Residence Life Staff plan open house programs regularly that allow visitation from members of the opposite gender within the individual residence hall rooms on campus. Specific dates and hours are set and posted and those residents participating are asked to keep their doors fully open at all times. This is a great opportunity for residents to visit each other’s rooms for social activity. All lobbies are open for co-ed visitation at all times. Lobbies may be closed at certain times at the discretion of the Resident Director or Director of Residence Life.
Visits by Guests of the Opposite Gender Residents may not have a person
p | 15
There is no end to the fun students can have in college. Residence Life plans several programs each week for residents and we encourage residents to plan activities on their own as well. All activities held within the residence halls should be respectful of those around them. Noise level and choice of activity should be appropriate to the surroundings. Sports and rough play should be performed outdoors.
Quiet Hours Courtesy is in effect 24 hours a day. If you can be heard more than two doors down, we will ask you to be more courteous of your neighbors.
Hall & Floor Meetings Meetings are mandatory and will
be held at a time when most residents are naturally present in the hall. They provide an opportunity for information sharing and problem solving. Absences must be approved in advance by the Resident Director. Residents who fail to attend without granting permission from their RD may be subject to a fine.
Weapons & Hazardous Materials For the safety of the campus community, students may not use or store any weapons or dangerous materials on their persons, in their rooms, or vehicles parked on campus. All weapons including but not limited to firearms, air, spear, pellet or paintball guns, ammunition, knives with blades longer than three inches, slingshots, bows and arrows, martial arts weapons, swords, toys that replicate or could be mistaken for real guns, explosives, fireworks, flammable or hazardous materials and the like are strictly forbidden. Violations will result in disciplinary action, suspension or dismissal.
Sexual Activity All sexual activity between nonmarried individuals is prohibited on campus. Residents caught engaging in sexual activity in the residence halls or other campus facilities risk the immediate loss of housing privileges.
Drug and Alcohol–Free Use or possession of illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs is not permitted at any time. Michigan’s legal age limit for alcohol use is 21 years of age; however, Rochester College’s policy is no alcohol on campus. This means that students are not to consume, have consumed, be in possession of, or have in his or her room or vehicle, any alcoholic beverage or a beverage containing alcohol. Violation of this policy will result in discipline or loss of housing privileges.
Harming Self or Others Students are not only expected to respect others but themselves as well. If students are concerned about another student whose behavior may be a danger to him or herself or others, or someone whose behavior is disruptive to others, then a Residence Life or Student Development staff member should be notified immediately. In an emergency where life has been threatened call 911 immediately and then follow through by contacting a college official or Campus Security at 248.765.8013 or x2911. Students involved in a behavior considered harmful to their own existence may be required to sign a commitment form pledging to cease such behavior, or the student maybe required to leave campus for a period of
p | 16
evaluation and obtain an off-campus evaluation by a mental-health professional. A report of this evaluation is to be submitted to the Dean of Students. In conjunction with the Executive Vice President, a determination will be made about the appropriateness of the student’s return to campus.
Fire Prevention Candles, incense, grills, toaster ovens, space heaters, halogen torchiere lamps or any open flame devices must not be used in the halls. Residents found violating this policy will be fined and/or disciplined, including possible loss of housing privileges. Mandatory fire drills will occur each semester in each hall. Other fire safety measures and policies will be outlined in opening meetings each semester.
Smoke–Free Rochester College is a smoke-free campus. Residents are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco anywhere on campus. Violations will result in discipline, fines, or loss of housing privileges.
Animals and Pets For health and sanitation reasons, all pets except small tropical fish are prohibited. If animals or pets are found in a resident’s room, all the occupants of the room will be
required to pay fines and those in violation may lose housing privileges.
Electrical Appliances Residents are permitted to use light electrical appliances and electronics such as microwaves, small refrigerators (4 cubic feet or less), clocks, radios/stereos, televisions, VCR/DVD players, games systems, computers, printers, etc. Larger appliances such as ovens, broilers, hot plates, fryers, heaters or air conditioners are not permitted. There is limited electrical service, and these are potential fire hazards. George Foreman grills are only permitted in public kitchens and must be accompanied the entire time they are plugged in.
Right to Search and Enter Rochester College is a private institution on registered private property. The College reserves the right to search any room or vehicle on campus at anytime if there is a reasonable cause to believe a violation of College, local, state or federal regulations or laws has occurred. A College administrator must approve any such searches. College personnel also have the right to enter a room for routine safety and cleanliness inspections and maintenance.
Solicitation To ensure the safety and privacy
of all residents, solicitors including students are not permitted to post flyers, to canvass or market any product or service on campus without prior permission from Student Development. The Student Development office must stamp all flyers for approval in order for them to be posted.
Emergencies In the event of an emergency on campus please call 8-911 if using an on-campus phone to reach local or county emergency services. Also contact Campus Security at 248.765.8013 or x2911 from any on campus phone and, if residence hall related, also contact the RA or RD immediately. If the emergency is a fire please describe location as best as possible. In case of a fire residents are to leave their room closing the door behind them, exit the building quickly, and if time permits, pull an emergency bar alarm to set the alarm off. Once out safely, notify proper authorities and stand well away from the building and in groups to be accounted for by residence hall staff.
Vacation Breaks The residence halls will be closed during the Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. Alma Gatewood will be closed over spring break. Ferndale and Hoggatt halls will be
p | 17
open over spring break for Ferndale and Hoggatt residents and their guests who are working or taking classes off site. Students on behavioral probation will not be permitted to stay in the hall over spring break. All guests must be accompanied by their host(s) to enter the halls and stay overnight. When the halls close, residents must vacate the residence hall no later than the announced closing time and return no earlier than the announced opening time. International students, or students living more than 500 miles in distance from the campus needing assistance in securing local housing during the breaks, must submit a written request at least one week in advance to the Director of Residence Life. The College will aid these residents in finding housing accommodations during these break periods but cannot guarantee housing so residents should plan ahead.
Summer Housing Limited housing is available during the summer for students who are working on campus at least 30 hours a week or working full time in the area. Students on behavioral probation the previous fall or spring terms are not eligible for summer housing. Students maintaining 30 hours a week on
campus receive free housing. Students working off campus must pay a weekly room fee (see the college catalog for details). Summer residents agree to abide by all college rules and policies as laid out in the Student Handbook, Residence Life Handbook, College Catalog, and Summer Housing agreement. Failure to keep this commitment will result in the immediate loss of summer housing. Meals and laundry are not provided in this lease agreement. Laundry facilities and the hall kitchens are available for use. Each student is responsible for keeping these facilities clean. Any misuse may result in the immediate closure of the facility at the detriment of all summer residents. Deposits to the sum of $170 as a Room Security Deposit and a $5 mailbox key deposit are required to live in the hall. These deposits are refundable after termination of this lease and any damages, cleaning or other fees, and outstanding telephone charges. (Any deposit from the previous academic year will be carried over.)
Reporting Facility Problems Residential facilities are maintained in a cooperative effort between Residence Life and the Maintenance and Housekeeping departments. Residents should assist these departments by report-
ing maintenance or housekeeping problems. This can be accomplished by reporting the needed repair or problem via email to fixit@rc.edu or cleanit@rc.edu or to the Resident Director or Resident Advisor in person or via email. If we don’t know it’s broken, we can’t fix it. College maintenance, housekeeping and security personnel reserve the right to enter rooms for repairs and for safety inspections. Residents will be notified by maintenance by leaving a written notice indicating repairs were completed. In case of emergency involving water or electrical outages please contact Maintenance at 248.765.8013 or x2911 from on campus or during office hours, x2080 or x2072 and your Resident Director immediately.
Furniture Furniture has been specifically placed in rooms and common spaces with student’s comfort and convenience in mind. Therefore, all furniture must remain in the room to which it has been assigned. The college does not take any responsibility in storing unused room furniture. Lobby, laundry or kitchenette furniture may not be taken into individual rooms. Furniture may not be moved outside of the building. A fine will be assessed if furniture has been relocated. All room furniture
p | 18
must remain in the room to which it is assigned even if only one person is living in a double occupancy room. In such cases when a resident is not paying for a private room and is awaiting a possible roommate, they must keep all furniture assembled and ready for the new occupant. All furniture must be fully assembled upon checking out of the room.
Room Decorations Residents are encouraged to tastefully decorate their room to reflect their own personality. Nails, tacks and tape damage the walls and should not be used. Residents will be charged for such damage. Residents may use 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips and sticky-tack/ mounting tape, some of which may be available in the campus store. Only spring-loaded rods may be used for curtains. Students may not paint their rooms nor use wallpaper or border trim. Décor that may be considered inappropriate must be removed. Continued violation of décor regulations may result in fines and/or discipline. Students must remove all decorations and tape or other residue upon check out.
Fines and Special Fees Charges and fines, which may be assessed to a student’s account, include some of the following: excessive noise, unassembled furniture upon check out, screen tampering
or removal, improper facilities use, failure to clean, lost or improper key usage, room change fees, late check-out, improper check-out, damage, etc. More information on these and other fines and special fees can be found in the Student Handbook or College Catalog. Fines for repeat offenses will be assessed on a graduating scale, doubling with each offense. For example, if a resident fails cleanliness check, the initial fine will be $25. If the resident fails cleanliness check a second time, the second fine will double to $50. If the resident fails cleanliness check a third time in a school year, the fine will double again to $100. Second time offenses will also result in a meeting with the Resident Director to clarify expectations. Third time offenses will result in a meeting with the Resident Director and the Dean of Students and may also result in loss of housing privileges. Damages to the facilities due to inappropriate usage will result in a $25 fine plus the cost of repairs to the facility. Continued misuse of the facilities will result in the doubling of fines and possible loss of housing privileges. The fine and cost of repairs may be waived at the discretion of the Resident Director and/or the Dean of Students.
Vehicle Owners All students with vehicles on campus must register them and receive a parking tag. This can be done during registration or at any time through the Student Development office. You will need your license plate number and vehicle specifications (i.e. color, year, make, and model). There is no extra fee for this. Students are not to park in fire lanes, reserved, or restricted areas. Vehicle violation fines are outlined in the Course Catalog and must be paid to the Business Office. Unpaid vehicle violation fines may be put on a student account, and neither registration nor transcripts will be allowed until these fines are paid. Questions concerning violations should be directed toward Campus Security.
more information contact the Student Development office.
Bicycle Owners Residential students bringing bicycles should register them with Student Development and obtain a registration sticker in order for them to be allowed on campus. Registration stickers should be affixed to the bicycle appropriately as directed within the Student Handbook. Bicycles may be stored in your room or under the stairs in the halls if bicycle stands are available. There is also a bike rack located behind Gatewood Hall. It is recommended that all bicycles be locked or otherwise secured when stored outside of the student’s room to avoid theft or “unapproved borrowing.�
Storage
Overnight Guests
Rochester College has no space for residents to store items outside their assigned room. No college furniture or items belonging to residents may be stored outside the room. Items left or stored outside a room will be disposed and residents will be charged and/or fined for disposal and/or violation of housing regulations. No items may be placed under the stairs or in the hallway per fire code regulations. There are companies in the area that rent storage spaces. For
Residents may have overnight guests of the same gender. All overnight guests must be registered no later than curfew the night of their stay in the case of a personal emergency that necessitates contacting the guest in a timely manner as well as in the case of a safety emergency such as fire or natural disaster leading to an evacuation of the residence halls. A guest registration form for all minors should be requested from the Residence Life staff at least 48 hours in ad-
p | 19
vance of the stay. A guest reservation form is available from the Residence Life staff, the Student Development office, or the Public Safety Officer. Rochester College reserves the right to refuse permission for overnight guests. No nonstudent guests may stay overnight during final exam weeks. Commuting students are welcome to stay on campus once per week given they follow all residential policies including completing the guest registration form. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests and any damages they cause. Guests should be at least 15 years old and comply with College guidelines. Guests may not stay more than two consecutive nights without advance permission from the Director of Residence Life or Resident Director.
Resident Responsibility The housekeeping staff cleans public areas within the residence halls and throughout the campus. Residents are responsible for picking up after themselves in all areas and within their own rooms, suites, and baths. Room checks to determine cleanliness, damage and maintenance needs are done weekly. Unsatisfactory conditions will be reported and an unsatisfactory cleanliness check may result in a $25 fine and housekeeping personnel may be assigned
to clean the room. In addition to the fine, further costs or discipline may be used for damages incurred or to encourage cleanliness or cooperation. Continued uncleanliness or room damage may result in a resident being required to move off campus. All residents are jointly responsible for the protection of the residence hall, its furnishings and its equipment. The College will investigate unidentified damages and costs may be passed on to the residents if responsible parties cannot be determined. Disciplinary action may be taken if appropriate.
Getting Locked Out Residents who have locked themselves out of their room should contact their roommate first to gain entry. If the roommate is not available, the resident may contact their RA and then the RD. If these Residence Life staff members are unavailable, please contact the Dean of Students. A resident who locks his or herself out continually may be assessed a fine for each occasion. Residents who arrive on campus after Alma Gatewood and Barbier Halls have been locked for the night should first contact security at 248.765.8013 and then the RA on-call if security is not available. Residents who arrive on campus after Ferndale and Hoggatt Halls have been locked will be let
p | 20
in by the public safety officer in Dearborn Commons.
Garbage Residents are required to dispose of their personal trash by bagging it and taking it to the trash can in their hall or if too large or the can is full, directly to the dumpsters located near their residence hall. Halls, walkways, and common spaces are to be kept clear of trash, boxes, shoes, and
Checking out of the Residence Hall Checkout procedures are as follows— • Arrange to be moved out no later than 24 hours after your last exam. • Sign up for an appointment with your Resident Director to be checked out, or contact your RA or RD for instructions on how to obtain an express check out form. • Remove all belongings (including personal lofts), vacuum, clean the room (including shelves and drawers), and return all furniture to its original position. • Turn in your room key and mailbox key to the Resident Director. Sign your completed room assessment form. Items left in the residence hall will be thrown out or donated to a local charity. Students who move off-campus during the semester are required to properly check out with the Resident Director. Refunds will be granted according to the policy stipulated in the current catalog.
obstructions. Failure to do so will result in a fine to the person(s) responsible and/or the loss of public trash can privilege for that floor or hall.
Violations of Hoursing Regulations Students who violate any housing regulations or expectations will receive notification via the student counseling form from the RD or RA. Forms of disciplinary action taken include verbal and written warnings, fines, required community service/work detail,
early curfew, suspension and/or dismissal. Students who receive two or more violations may be referred to the Housing Committee. This committee deals specifically with residential students who have received multiple disciplinary actions in regard to campus housing regulations. The purpose of the committee is to conduct hearings that will fairly and consistently deal with repeat problems within the residence hall community and help maintain a healthy, mature, peaceful, encouraging and livable environment. See Student Handbook for further detail.
p | 21
Important Links Student Portal my.rc.edu Academic Center for Excellence www.rc.edu/ace RC Calendars - Events, Academic, Chapel, Music, Theatre and Holidays www.rc.edu/calendars RCConnect – Community News & Events tl.rc.edu/rcconnect Campus Map www.rc.edu/maps Campus Store – Textbooks, Warrior Gear www.rc.edu/campusstore Student Government www.rc.edu/stugov Warrior Athletics www.rochestercollegewarriors.com RC Photos photos.rc.edu
p | 22
Important Resources CAMPUS PHONE NUMBERS Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) 248.218.2173 Academic Services Front Desk 248.218.2091 Bookstore 248.218.2076 Business Office Cashier 218.218.2051 Business Office Student Accounts 248.218.2056 Campus Security 248.218.2911 (on campus) 248.765.8013 (off campus) Financial Aid 248.218.2034 Human Resources (Student Worker Info) 248.218.2094 Student Development Front Desk 248.218.2041 Student Development Residence Life 248.218.2043 Alma Gatewood Hall Resident Director 248.218.2202 Ferndale / Hoggatt Hall Resident Director 248.218.2201
All “248-218-XXXX” college numbers can be called from any campus phone, including student phones in the residence halls, using only the last four digits. Dial “8” to get an outside line from any campus phone.
p | 23
ROCHESTER COLLEGE CAMPUS MAP
19
18
9 5
8
14
7
11
6
2 4
13
10 1
12
3
1
Gallaher Center Alumni & Development Campus Store Enrollment Services
7
8
Warrior Center Athletic p | 23 Department Estate Planning Gymnasium
11
Westsid Acad Audi Camp
MAP KEY 1 Gallaher Center
Alumni & Development Campus Store Enrollment Services
2 Gallaher Center
17
Classrooms Campus Post Office Faculty Offices
3 Muirhead Center
4 5 6 7
15
Business Office Faculty Offices Student Financial Services Psychology & Counseling Clinic
Athletic Study Lounge & Coaching Offices Clinton River Trail Lake Norcentra Warrior Center
Athletic Department Health and Behavioral Sciences Institue
8 Gymnasium 9 Maintenance 10 Associates Campus Center (CC)
Academic Services Campus Ministry Career Services Center for Extended Learning (CEL) Classrooms Faculty Offices Information Technology (IT) Student Development Student Government Teacher Education
11 Westside Central
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Auditorium (AUD; Chapel) CHILL – Campus Hub of Integrated Learning & Living Fletcher Center (Cafeteria) Isom Atrium (Cafe)
2 Ham Library (HL) 1 Classrooms
16
13 Richardson Center (RAC) Executive Offices Faculty Offices Gardner Science Center Utley-McCauley Student Center RC Theatre School of Nursing Office
14 Gatewood Hall (AG) - Residence Hall 15 Ferndale / Hoggatt Hall - Residence Hall
West Avon Road
de Central demic Center for Excellence (ACE) itorium (AUD; Chapel) pus Hub of Integrated Learning &
Dearborn Commons (DC)
6 White House 1 Development Office
14 Gatewood Hall (AG) Residence Hall 15 Ferndale / Hoggatt Hall Residence Hall
17 Barbier Hall - Residence Hall 18 Palmer Hall - Married Housing
Housekeeping Office
19 Clinton River
QUESTIONS? HERE’S WHO TO CONTACT... Residence Life staff offices are located in the Student Development Office in Associates Campus Center, as well as a home office for each Resident Director in their respective residence hall. The following list will familiarize you with the staff and their contact information. Beth Bowers
New Student Housing Coordinator Alma Gatewood Resident Director 248.218.2043 or 248.218.2202
Debi Rutledge
Director of Residence Life Ferndale and Hoggatt Resident Director 248.218.2043 or 248.218.2201 The mission of Residence Life is to globally impact lives of students by creating an opportunity in which residents are immersed in an environment that teaches valuable life skills, integrates academic knowledge with experiences outside of the classroom, and engages them in the Rochester College community in order to instill a lifelong desire to mature intellectually and spiritually. Beth Bowers and Debi Rutledge
800 West Avon Road | Rochester Hills, MI 48307 | www.rc.edu