overtime) may be assigned to repair damage/loss. Even minor damage to a College residence can result in a large damage bill, e.g., a small mark from an iron on a rug in a room will necessitate complete replacement of the rug at a cost of many hundreds of dollars (bring a portable ironing pad or ironing board!). If more than one student occupies a space in which damage/loss occurs, the students will be held equally liable, unless one or more takes responsibility for the damage/loss. If damage/loss does occur, it is helpful if the residents notify the Resident/Community Assistant or the hall office to ensure that billing is correct and the circumstances surrounding the damage/loss known.
DISCIPLINARY/JUDICIAL SYSTEM The College expects that campus residents and guests will abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this Guide as well as in the Student Handbook and other publications. Failure to comply may result in formal disciplinary charges being filed. For complete information about the College judicial system, see the Code of Conduct Section of this Guide.
COMMUNITY LIVING AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS Living on campus is more than just “renting a room.” All residents are members of a community. Being part of a community involves having responsibilities. Students who see or hear something happening that could be dangerous to others within the community are expected to report it. Resident/Community Assistants are resources for the residents and are trained to confront residents or guests when they conduct themselves inappropriately. Because residents are strongly encouraged to interact with each other on a one-on-one basis, residents should attempt to communicate effectively and harmoniously. For example, if a neighbor is playing his/her music too loud, it is expected that the resident will first ask the neighbor to POLITELY lower the music. If he or she does not comply, please contact a Resident/Community Assistant. If unable to reach a Resident /Community Assistant then contact Public Safety at ext. 6666.
Student Staff Availability Student Staff members (RA / CA / SRA / ARD) are available for office hours availability as well as conduct overnight duty. While each hall may be different, staff will often have a set schedule of when they are in the office each week between the hours of 11 AM and 8 PM. On a rotating basis, one student staff member will be responsible for being on duty over night. This entails additional availability in the office from 8 PM to midnight as well as emergency availability from their room from midnight to 8 AM. Each residence hall/area has a student staff member on duty each night.
INSURANCE CLAIMS AGAINST THE COLLEGE Ramapo College is an agency of the State of New Jersey and, as such, is covered by the New Jersey Tort Claims Act NJSA 59:1-1 et. seq., the New Jersey Contractual Liability Act NJSA 59:13.1 et. seq., and the availability of appropriations. The State of New Jersey does not carry public liability insurance, but the liability of the State and the obligation of the State to be responsible for tort claims against its employees and property are covered under the terms and provisions of the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Residents are strongly urged to carry renter’s insurance or be added to their parent’s homeowners insurance. The College DOES NOT have insurance that covers students’ belongings. Please view the Residence Life section on the intranet for more details. Ramapo College is represented by the State in legal matters. Tort Claim Forms may be obtained from the Office of Business Services. However, all correspondence is to be addressed as follows: Department of Treasury New Jersey Bureau of Risk Management Mary Roebling Building 20 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08624 Attention: Claims
TRIPLING Due to the exceptionally high demand for campus housing, the College may expand regular capacity by adding beds to existing housing.
ROOMMATE RIGHTS • • • • • • •
The right to read and study in one's room without interference. The right to sleep at reasonable hours without disturbance from noise, guests, roommates, etc. The right to a healthy and clean living environment. The right to free access to one's room. The right to personal privacy and freedom from inappropriate behaviors of others. The right to host guests (as long as you and your guest(s) are not interfering with the rights of others). The right to live in an environment free from illegal drugs and prohibited alcohol use.
One of the most effective ways to deal with a roommate conflict is to discuss what the living issues are. Roommates should have a conversation at the beginning of each term to talk about what each expects from the other roommate. Roommate contracts are a great way to put these discussions in writing and avoid future problems. If problems occur between roommate(s), the Graduate/Residence Director may require the residents of the living area to complete a roommate contract in order to prevent future problems. A roommate contract is an agreement in which the residents of each room, suite, and apartment can define their own rules and practices within their living area and are within the general confines of college rules. At the beginning of each term, the Resident/Community Assistants will
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