Georgian College Residence New Student Residence Application Guide 2016-2017

New Student Residence Application Guide 2016-2017

Georgian College Residence—Barrie ď‚&#x; 101 Georgian Drive, Barrie, Ontario L4M 6Z5 Web: www.georgiancollege.ca/residence | Phone: 705.730.5600 | Email: info@georgianrez.ca

Table of Contents Welcome to the Georgian College Residence

2

Applying for Residence

3

Summer 2016

3

Fall/Winter 2016-2017

4

Winter 2017

6

Important Dates

7

Summer Semester 2016

7

Fall Semester 2016

7

Winter Semester 2017

7

Fees

8

Summer 2016

8

Fall/Winter 2016-2017

8

Winter 2016

8

Living in Residence

9

Safety and Security

9

Living With Your Roommate

9

Gender Neutral Housing

10

Get Involved

11

Residence Council

11

Resident Advisors

11

Community Advisor

11

What to Bring

12

Items to Bring

12

Items to Leave at Home

13

What we Provide

13

Frequently Asked Questions

14

Contact Us

17

1

Welcome to the Georgian College Residence Dear Applicant, Living in the Georgian Residence is a unique experience. As a Georgian College student, living in Residence you have the advantage of meeting many new friends, participating in all sorts of social and educational activities and having the peace of mind of safety and security, as well as, caring staff that are available 24 hours a day.

Your new home at Georgian is more than just a place to lay your head at night. Located on every floor of the residence is a large common lounge equipped with different amenities for you to use and to socialize with your community. Behind the residence we have two beach volleyball courts and a Sports Court which can be used for a variety of sports such as ball hockey, basketball, etc.

I am committed to ensuring that residence positively influences your academics at Georgian College. I will work hard to ensure that your stay with us will be an unforgettable experience, where you will meet many new people and create many good memories that will last you a lifetime.

Best wishes for your school year!

Sincerely, Sara Young General Manager Georgian College Residence - Barrie

2

Applying for Residence Summer 2016 1 – Register through the Housing Portal Once you have completed the self-registration you will be able to apply for residence. The registration step is relatively simply and will only require you to fill a few personal details such as name, address, email, program, etc.

2 – Complete the Residence Application by April 1 Applicants are asked to complete the application including payment of the $50 application fee and $200 security deposit by April 1. Traditionally, applicants that have applied past April 1 are accepted as the residence is generally not filled during this term.

An invoice for the payment of your application fee and security deposit will be sent to you once we have received your application. Please note that this is not an automatic process, however should you fail to receive this e-mail after 2 business days please call the Residence at 705.730.5600.

3 – Complete the Residence Personality Profile Questions in the Housing Portal Acceptance emails will be sent out to students by March 1. Students who apply after March 1 will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you receive this email please complete the next available steps in your application by April 1. Failure to complete these steps by April 1 may result in your spot in residence being forfeited and offered to the next available applicant on the waitlist.

4 – Make your residence fees payment by April 15 Payment instructions will be sent to you via email once you have completed the above steps in the Housing Portal. Applicants that miss the April 15 deadline will have their spot in residence forfeited and offered to the next available applicants on the waitlist.

5 – Roommate Confirmation Applicants will receive an email from the Residence in mid to late April with their confirmed roommate’s name and email address.

6 – Check your Email Throughout the summer and leading up to the move-in weekend you may receive additional information from the residence. In order to be fully aware of any important information we suggest that you check your email account regularly.

3

Fall/Winter 2016-2017 1 – Register through the Housing Portal Once you have completed the self-registration you will be able to apply for residence. The registration step is relatively simply and will only require you to fill a few personal details such as name, address, email, program, etc.

2 – Complete the Residence Application by April 8 to be placed into the lottery Applicants are asked to complete the application including payment of the $50 application fee and $200 security deposit by April 8 in order for their application to be placed in the lottery. Applicants that have failed to fully complete their application will not be included in the lottery and can only be accepted to residence or placed on the waitlist when their application is complete.

Those applicants that have applied past April 8 may be placed on the waitlist and only offered a spot if spaces are available.

An invoice for the payment of your application fee and security deposit will be sent to you once we have received your application. Please note that this is not an automatic process, however should you fail to receive this e-mail after 2 business days please call the Residence at 705.730.5600.

3 – Complete the Residence Personality Profile Questions in the Housing Portal Acceptance emails will be sent out to students by April 8. Students who apply after April 8 will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you receive this email please complete the next available steps in your application by May 31. Failure to complete these steps by May 31 may result in your spot in residence being forfeited and offered to the next available applicant on the waitlist.

4 – Make your residence fees payment by July 1 Payment instructions will be sent to you via email once you have completed the above steps in the Housing Portal. Applicants that miss the July 1 deadline will have their spot in residence forfeited and offered to the next available applicants on the waitlist.

5 – Roommate Selection The roommate selection page of the Housing Portal will be open from July 15 to August 12. During this time applicants will have the opportunity to review possible roommates and make requests. Those students that are unable to locate a roommate or opt out of the selection process will have a roommate assigned to them by the Residence.

4

6 – Roommate Confirmation Applicants will receive an email from the Residence on August 19 with their confirmed roommate’s name and email address.

7 – Check your Email Throughout the summer and leading up to the move-in weekend you may receive additional information from the residence. In order to be fully aware of any important information we suggest that you check your email account regularly.

5

Winter 2017 1 – Register through the Housing Portal Once you have completed the self-registration you will be able to apply for residence. The registration step is relatively simply and will only require you to fill a few personal details such as name, address, email, program, etc.

2 – Complete the Residence Application by November 4 Applicants are asked to complete the application including payment of the $50 application fee and $200 security deposit by November 4. Applicants that have failed to fully complete their application will not be included in the lottery and can only be accepted to residence or placed on the waitlist when their application is complete.

Those applicants that have applied past November 2 may be placed on the waitlist and only offered a spot if spaces are available.

An invoice for the payment of your application fee and security deposit will be sent to you once we have received your application. Please note that this is not an automatic process, however should you fail to receive this e-mail after 2 business days please call the Residence at 705.730.5600.

3 – Complete the Residence Personality Profile Questions in the Housing Portal Acceptance emails will be sent out to students by November 4. Students who apply after November 4 will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you receive this email please complete the next available steps in your application by November 18. Failure to complete these steps by November 18 may result in your spot in residence being forfeited and offered to the next available applicant on the waitlist.

4 – Make your residence fees payment by December 1 Payment instructions will be sent to you via email once you have completed the above steps in the Housing Portal. Applicants that miss the December 1 deadline will have their spot in residence forfeited and offered to the next available applicants on the waitlist.

5 – Roommate Confirmation Applicants will receive an email from the Residence in late December with their confirmed roommate’s name and email address.

6 – Check your Email Throughout the summer and leading up to the move-in weekend you may receive additional information from the residence. In order to be fully aware of any important information we suggest that you check your email account regularly.

6

Important Dates Summer Semester 2016 March 1 – Summer acceptance emails distributed April 15 – Summer residence fee deadline April 15 – Deadline to cancel Summer application without financial penalty May 8 – Summer move-in day May 10 – Summer room inspection deadline

Fall Semester 2016 April 8 – Acceptance emails distributed July 1 – Residence fee deadline (Option 1 and 2) August 1 – Deadline to cancel Fall/Winter application without financial penalty August 28 - September 3 – Early move-in days September 4 – Official move-in day September 6 – Room inspection deadline October 14 – Residence fee deadline (Option 2) December 1 – Winter Break extension form due December 17 – Residence closed for holidays December 18 - January 7 – Holiday room inspections

Winter Semester 2017 November 2 – Winter acceptance emails distributed December 1 – Winter residence fee deadline December 1 – Deadline to cancel Fall/Winter application without financial penalty January 8 – Residence re-opens for 2nd semester January 10 – Winter inspection form deadline (new students only) January 20 – Residence fee deadline (Option 2) February 1 – Resident advisor application deadline February – Applications available for academic year 2017-2018 March 1 – Move-out form distributed March 31 – Move-out form due April 22 – Move-out day

7

Fees Summer 2016 Option 1

$2,600 due April 15

Option 2

$650 due April 15 $650 due May 15 $650 due June 15 $650 due July 15

Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Option 1

$6,800 due July 1

Option 2

$1,825 due July 1 $2,550 due October 14 $2,550 due January 20

Winter 2016 $3,400 due December 1

8

Living in Residence Safety and Security We take the safety and security of our residents very seriously. The areas below outline some of the steps that we take to ensure that all members of the residence community get the most out of their experience.     

 

There are 13 Residence Advisors and 2 Community Advisors who are student staff members living in the building with the students and who go through extensive training to help prepare them.

Full-time managers live in the building.

Access to the building, suites and bedroom doors is by electronic access card that can be deactivated if lost. You will be issued an electronic swipe card that will grant you access to the residence, your suite and your bedroom.

Security cameras located in various areas of the building.

Access to the building is through main entrance only, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Guests must sign in.

Residents must escort them into the building. For more information on the guest/visitor policy, see the Residence Handbook.

Security guards are stationed in the residence.

The residence is equipped with smoke and heat detectors, fire extinguishers, hoses and alarms that are checked regularly. Additional information will be posted and outlined to all residents after move-in date.

Living With Your Roommate Many residents come to college with great expectations about their roommate. Hopefully these impressions will be true, but stress levels have a tendency to increase during certain times of the year (i.e. exams). It is important to be aware and appreciate these stressful times as you and your roommate may experience some rough spots. It is very important that you communicate about things early so you can begin to understand each other.

Discuss issues that will affect both of you:      

Cleanliness Study habits Sleep habits Music preferences and volume Sharing personal belongings Overnight guests

Things to remember:       

Keep communication lines open.

Be honest about how you feel and what you are thinking.

Be willing to compromise.

Give your roommate the respect, consideration, and understanding you want in return.

Discuss problems as they arise with your roommate, not with other residents.

If things change, be sure to let your roommate know. It is normal for your ideas, feelings, or even habits to change - situations change too.

Ask your RA for help if you need it.

9

Gender Neutral Housing Starting Summer 2016, we are proud to offer Gender Neutral Housing to our students.

Gender Neutral Housing allows students to be assigned a roommate without regard to gender. By default, students are assigned a roommate of the same gender unless they opt in to our Gender Neutral Housing community. If you do not request to live with a student of the opposite gender, you can only be assigned a roommate of the same gender. A student is never required to live with a student of the opposite gender if they do not wish to.

If you know someone else who will be living in residence and the two of you would like to room together, we can usually accommodate your request. 1-2 months before move in, you will have access to the Roommate Selection process in the Housing Portal. When this opens, you can request the student you would like to live with. The other student will be notified that you have requested him/her as your roommate and s/he can either accept this request or reject it. If you both agree to be roommates (and you are both offered a space in residence), then our residence application software will pair the two of you as roommates. If you don’t know anyone else, you can search for a roommate based on profile questions or you can let us match you up with another student who has applied for residence.

More information about our Gender Neutral Housing option will be provided to you after you are accepted to residence.

10

Get Involved You have the opportunity to make living on campus whatever you want it to be. We have many opportunities and a variety of ways in which everyone can join in and be part of it all. You can choose to join a committee like our residence council or you can simply come out and participate in the events being held by our Residence Life team. If you have any ideas for programs that you would like to see happen, please stop by the front desk and let us know.

Residence Council As a representative body of the residence student population, the residence council aims to enhance the residence experience and foster academic success by practising high quality student leadership through programming, volunteerism and student support initiatives. The residence council creates opportunities for residents to participate in leadership initiatives, learn valuable new skills and add value to the residence experience. Students may volunteer on committees, attend meetings or simply participate at council events. The residence council president and vice president positions are selected by the residence life co-ordinators, community advisor and residents through an application process. All residents are welcome to apply to be members of this volunteer council.

Resident Advisors The role of the resident advisor (RA) is filled by returning students who drive the social activities and community building within the residence. Resident advisors provide valuable support and guidance to residents, while at the same time acting as liaisons with residence management. The RAs complete nightly rounds of the building and can be reached through the front desk. Resident advisors are a great resource: they have the tools and knowledge to get you the answers, direction and/or assistance you need, or can simply be someone to talk to.

Applications for RA positions are available starting in January of each year for the upcoming academic year.

Community Advisor The Community advisor (CA) is an upper-year or graduate student with significant experience in residence life. The CA is a leader, role model, mentor, resource and support to the residence life staff, residence council and the students in the residence community. Their primary role is to foster a community environment that eases the student’s transition into college and supports the personal and academic success of their students. The CA will facilitate social and educational programs and create a safe and respectful environment throughout the residence. They will also assist with areas such as roommate conflicts and low-level judicial processes associated with the RCLS. The CA is an additional resource for the students and will work directly with the RA team to provide direction, guidance and support for the students living within the residence.

11

What to Bring Items to Bring                              

Alarm clock Cell phone Computer/laptop and printer IPod or other MP3 player Backpack Digital camera Clothes hangers Email addresses of family and friends Surge protected power bar DVD player Pillow, sheets, blanket and comforter for an extra-long double bed Hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron, etc.

Health card, medications with instructions and health insurance info Housecoat and slippers Kitchen supplies (plates, bowls, glasses, kettle, toaster, microwave containers, cutlery, cookware, etc.)

Laundry bag/basket and detergent Pictures and posters School supplies Small stereo and headphones Toiletries, towels and soap Umbrella Toothbrush Toilet paper Student card Recreation and entertainment equipment Bicycle and lock – bike can be stored in your room (please do not ride them through the building) Cleaning supplies Iron and ironing board Additional desk/reading lights – torchiere lamps are NOT permitted Appliances permitted in the residence include: blender, bread maker, coffee maker, contact grill (George Forman), crock pot/slow cooker, electric frying pan/skillet, food processor, food steamers, juicer, kettle, rice cooker, toaster, toaster oven

12

Items to Leave at Home 

            

Appliances, including but not limited to: dishwashers, microwaves, freezers, washers and dryers, deep fryers, hot plates or other items with exposed elements and indoor grills are not permitted in the suites (toasters or toaster ovens may be used in the kitchenette area of the suites) Candles and incense Cigarettes, cigars and pipes — the residence is smoke-free Draperies Heaters and heat lamps Pets Waterbeds and other furniture Water cooler Bar fridge Barbeque Fax machine Halogen lamps Telephone (one is already provided) TV (one is already provided)

What we Provide Bedroom  Oversized double bed  Bedframe storage  Nightstand with lamp  Desk and work area with chair  Satellite television  Wired internet  Free local calls  Three-drawer dresser  Closet space/closet organizer Kitchenette  Microwave  Full-size refrigerator  Kitchen table and chairs  Prep. area complete with sink and storage Bathroom  Stand-up shower  Toilet  Sink

13

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is there a residence deposit?

A: The deposit is a $200 refundable fee that is used to cover the cost of any damage or excessive cleaning charges assessed after you move out of your suite. Any associated charges that occur during the contract term must be paid by the due date indicated when you are billed for them. Please refer to the residence contract for full details.

Q: I no longer require a space in Residence. How do I cancel my application?

A: If you are no longer planning on living in the Residence, or have found alternative accommodation, you cancel your application by logging into the Housing Portal and clicking on the “Cancellation/Withdrawal� link. The cancellation deadline to receive a refund of your security deposit and residence fees is August 1, 2016. Please ensure you review the cancellation policy: CLICK HERE Q: How will you consider my medical needs when making my assignment?

A: Students who have need for a special accommodations that may impact their living environment are encouraged to notify the residence via the Medical, Accessibility and Special Consideration page in the Housing Portal application. We recommend contacting the Centre for Access and Disability Services at Georgian College to access services throughout campus.

Q: What if I don’t get along with my roommate?

A: If you have problems with your roommate we recommend that you speak to your RA, they may be able to help mediate the conflict. If this step is unsuccessful please feel free to come to the front desk and speak with a Manager.

Q: What is the alcohol policy?

A: Alcohol may be consumed only by those persons, whether a resident of the Residence or not, who have attained the minimum age under applicable provincial law and shall be consumed only in such areas of the Residence as may be designated by the Institution or the Manager. Residents and their visitors who violate this policy may have any and all alcohol confiscated by the Manager. The Resident accepts responsibility for any damage resulting from the use of alcohol anywhere in the room or in the Residence. Alcohol sold in individual single serving glass containers (i.e. beer bottles, coolers, etc.) or kegs (of any size) are prohibited from entering the Residence and will be confiscated by the Manager. Residents are permitted to bring plastic or aluminum cans into the Residence. As the safety of the Resident and the Residence community is paramount, the illegal use or abuse of alcohol will not be tolerated.

Q: What if I do not want the furniture in my room?

A: Unfortunately, the Residence does not have adequate storage facilities for students to store furniture, and Residence furniture cannot be taken off site. Students will be held responsible for the furnishings in their room. If there is a concern about the furnishings or if a repair needs to be made, you can submit a maintenance request by contacting the front desk or by logging in to your Housing Portal.

Q: Can I have guests?

A: All visitors must be signed in at all times and sign out when they leave. You must come to the front desk to sign your visitor(s) in and out of the building. All visitors must leave a valid photo ID at the front desk when signed in (Health cards will not be accepted, student cards are preferred). Residents are responsible for their visitor(s) and their actions while they are signed in, and must remain in the company of their visitor(s) at all times. (Never sign in a visitor that you do not know). Please refer to the SRA for specific information on the visitors and your obligations.

14

Q: Why can’t I sign in guests after 2:00am?

A: The 2:00am sign in policy was created to ensure a safe and secure place, reduce noise levels, and limit non-resident traffic flow. It is the resident’s responsibility to ensure that their visitors signs out of the facility.

Q: What kind of internet access is available in the residence?

A: Internet access is available in each bedroom and is included in your residence fees. To connect to the internet, plug in the provided Ethernet cord by your desk. Please contact the front desk when experiencing Internet connection problems and service concerns.

Q: Can I bring my car with me to campus?

A: All students parking on campus must purchase a parking permit from Georgian College Parking Services. Residence students will be given an access card to park within the residence parking gates. For short term parking, passes can be purchased from the Residence front desk for $5 which is valid till 9:00am the following morning. Parking is limited, so get your permit early.

Q: Is there any way to recycle in the residence halls?

A: Students are responsible for removing their own garbage and recycling from their suite. The garbage chute is located at the opposite end of the hall from the elevators. Please only put small bags of garbage in the chute. Please be kind to the environment and recycle the following: plastic bottles, paper, glass bottles, magazine, books, newspapers and food cans at the recycle stations located halfway down each hallway.

Q: Where can students study?

A: Many students choose to study in their residence rooms while others find that the library is a more effective place to study. There are also common lounges available on every floor.

Q: What about noise in the residence?

A: The key to successful Residence living is in cooperation with and respect for other students. The volume of voices, TV’s, and stereos must be contained within your room at all times.

Quiet Hours Sun to Thurs Fri and Sat Exam Period

11pm - 8am 1am - 8am 23hrs

Q: Are my belongings safe in my room?

A: Your bedroom and suite door automatically locks when shut. Most thefts from residence rooms occur when students leave their doors propped open. You are responsible for arranging adequate insurance coverage for all of your belongings. The Residence’s insurance policy does not cover damage to or loss of your personal items. You should contact your family insurance agent to determine if you are covered under your parent’s home insurance and if so, for what amount.

Q: Do my parents/guardians have access to my personal records/information?

A: The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) prevents the Residence from releasing any information about to you outside parties. In most circumstances, Residents will be treated without reference to their parents, guardians or primary/secondary contacts; however, the Residence may contact the Primary or Secondary Contact to advise them of accident, injury, or other emergency situations.

Q: I am from out of province. Will my residence application be given priority?

A: A lottery system will be used in late March to assign first-year students to residence. Students living at least 50 kilometres away from the Barrie Campus will be given first priority in this lottery. All applications should be submitted online before the deadline.

15

Q: When do I find out what room I am in?

A: You will find out who your roommates are but we cannot give out your room number prior to your arrival. The reason for this is that changes to our room registry may occur before you arrive and we want to ensure we provide you with the correct information about your room. This information will be given to you upon your arrival.

Q: Is the residence wheelchair accessible?

A: The residence has three two-bedroom suites that are designed for people who use wheelchairs. Each of the eight floors is accessible by elevator, enabling all students access to common areas of the building.

Q: Is smoking permitted in the residence?

A: No. Georgian College established a policy in 2001 ensuring a smoke-free environment in all college buildings. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas on the campus.

Q: Can I move in early?

A: Students are able to move into the residence early at a rate of $30/day. For more information on our move-in and early move-in dates, please refer to your Student residence agreement.

Q: What if something breaks in my room?

A: If something breaks in your suite, please contact the front desk or submit a maintenance request by logging in to your Housing Portal. By submitting a maintenance request, you authorize our maintenance staff to enter your room between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to repair the damages you have requested. This repair may take a few days to get to, so we ask that you be patient. If it is an emergency, please contact the front desk immediately. Please note that any damage to the suite that has occurred at the fault of the resident will be billable.

Q: Can I stay in residence over the winter break?

A: Residents can apply at the front desk to stay during the winter break. You must submit your application prior to Dec. 1 if you plan to stay for any part of the break. There is no additional charge for staying in residence during this time.

Q: Can we visit the residence for a tour?

A: We would be happy to have you visit the residence at a time most convenient for you.

Q: Is there visitor parking?

A: A limited number of metered parking spots are available in front of the residence. Visitors may also park in the campus parking spaces during the day and into the early evening. If an overnight guest requires parking, the resident may purchase an overnight parking pass from the residence front desk.

Q: Are long distance phone calls included in residence fees?

A: Long distance phone calls are not included in residence fees. Long distance calls can be made with a calling card.

Q: Can I bring the family pet to visit the residence?

A: Sorry, pets are not allowed in residence. This is an effort to keep the environment clean and free of allergens.

Q: Will my son/daughter be evicted from the residence if he/she doesn’t do well academically?

A: A resident must be a student at Georgian College. If a student is not allowed to continue at the college for academic reasons, he or she will be required to leave the residence as well. In other words, if a student maintains satisfactory grades and remains in good standing, he or she may continue to live in the residence. Grounds for eviction from residence are outlined in Residence Community Living Standards.

16

Contact Us Front Desk Georgian Residence – Barrie Email: info@georgianrez.ca Phone: 705.730.5600 Fax: 705.730.5558

Sara Young, General Manager Georgian Residence – Barrie Email: syoung@georgianrez.ca Phone: 705.730.5600, ext. 7062 Fax: 705.730.5558

Pantera Piskun, Residence Services Supervisor Georgian Residence – Barrie Email: ppiskun@georgianrez.ca Phone: 705.730.5600, ext. 7075 Fax: 705.730.5558

Residence Life Coordinator Georgian Residence – Barrie Phone: 705.730.5600, ext. 7074 Fax: 705.730.5558

17