I. Cell Phones

22. Curtains and other wall hangings may be used for decorative purposes, but must be treated with a fire-retardant solution before hung in the residence hall. Black out curtains are not permitted and will be confiscated upon discovery.

23. Ceiling tiles should not be removed, and items are not to be stored in the ceiling.

24. The use of empty alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia as decorations is prohibited.

I. Cell Phones

GSSM students are allowed to have cell phones for personal use. All students are responsible for following the cell phone guidelines established by GSSM.

1. All cell phone numbers must be reported to the Residence Life Staff to keep on file in case of an emergency. GSSM staff may call students on their cell phones when necessary. In addition, GSSM's emergency notification system may send voice and SMS messages to student cell phones during emergencies and drills. Contacting students via cell phone is necessary for student safety; therefore, if such calls and alerts cause students to incur additional cell phone charges, GSSM will not provide reimbursement.

2. Responsibility for appropriate use of cell phones lies with the student; responsibility for monitoring use for appropriateness lies jointly with the GSSM staff and parents of the 3. Possession of a cell phone on the GSSM campus is a privilege that may be lost if abused.

4. The right of a student to have a telephone conversation is subordinate to the rights of other students to have quiet and undistracted times for study and sleep. Therefore, cell phones may not be used in classrooms, during QUEST, or during sleeping hours. Cell phones may be used outside, or in rooms or common areas if those areas are not in use by others for incompatible purposes. Cell phones are not to be used after midnight Sunday through

Thursday in keeping with GSSM’s “Lights Out” policy.

5. Telephone conversations are private and may not be monitored, as governed by state or federal law.

6. Without being unduly intrusive into residence hall life, GSSM cannot monitor all cell phone usage. Therefore:

a. GSSM is not responsible for loss or theft of cell phones. b. GSSM is not responsible for unauthorized use of a cell phone. c. Cell phones are the financial responsibility of the student and his or her parent or guardian.

7. Most parents are well aware that teenagers sometimes feel the need to have extremely long telephone conversations, even at the expense of sleep or study time. GSSM is also aware that students can be very persuasive; they may get roommates to tolerate these conversations, even though the roommate gives up sleep or study time as well, to the detriment of the health and good academic standing of both. For this reason, parents are urged to monitor the monthly cell phone statement, to determine the times at which calls are placed. A timely discussion with the student can prevent academic difficulties before they start. Students should also be coached on how to get help if a roommate persists in inappropriate behavior.

8. Cell phones are not allowed in classrooms during instructional time unless authorized by the instructor. Violation of this rule is a Level 2 offense. If a cell phone is discovered during a test or quiz, the student may also be found in violation of our Honor Code, as it may not be