Student Transitioning to Living On-Campus Guide

YOUR TRANSITION TO LIVING ON CAMPUS

WELCOME

We are excited to welcome you to our residence hall communities, and we are invested in your college experience.

We believe that a university community is all about responsibility, learning, respect, education, and development, whether it’s in the classroom, a volunteer or student organization, or the residence hall.

We look forward to partnering with you in your journey as a Pioneer. We are excited to hear how you will invest in your future as you explore new ways of thinking, meet new people, and embark on new paths. Please let us know if we can help you with your endeavors, big and small, throughout your college experience.

WHO’S WHO

HALL STAFF

Hall staff live within the hall and provide support for residents, access to resources, policy enforcement, and community building efforts in each building.

AREA DIRECTOR

The area director supervises three to four residence halls, their staff, and overall management. ADs have daily responsibilities in their supervised residence halls, including discipline, referrals, and co-curricular development. In addition, area directors collaborate with the administrative departmental staff on aspects of the overall residential program, including hall governance/leadership, prevention education, business operations, marketing, and more.

RESIDENT DIRECTOR

Each resident director is a full-time professional staff member provided with ongoing training to manage a residence hall. Many of the RDs’ daily responsibilities deal with the general management and operation of the hall. The RD is responsible for establishing an environment conducive to academic and personal development.

ASSISTANT RESIDENT DIRECTOR

Assistant resident directors are senior level students who serve as the building manager and day-to-day operations supervisor of hall staff and residents. The ARD supports the programming and administrative side of operations under the supervision of the area director.

SENIOR ASSISTANT

The senior assistant has the primary responsibility to serve as overall support to the building supervisor. The SA is a student who has previously been employed as a resident assistant and has been selected to serve in this role based on leadership and organizational skills.

RESIDENT ASSISTANT

A resident assistant is an undergraduate student that lives on a wing of the residence hall and serves as a mentor. The RAs’ major focus is to aid residents in their adjustment to university life. The RA is responsible for informing residents of university resources, working with various aspects of hall governance, developing an educational and community atmosphere, encouraging involvement, and assisting with personal and disciplinary concerns.

LIVING WITH A ROOMMATE

A NOTE ON EXPECTATIONS

Develop your roommate expectations based on respect, boundaries, and ability to be ok “just living together.” Not all roommates will become best friends, but will be great roommates. Studies show that there is no higher satisfaction whether living with a friend from high school or a randomly assigned individual.

Most students have never shared personal living space, like a bedroom, prior to attending college. Learning how to compromise and set boundaries is vital to the success of being able to live together. This is also important to chat about if you are sharing a space with a friend from high school. We have met with some students who would have made a different decision, as living together ultimately ruined their friendship.

Regardless of whether or not a student knew their roommate coming into college, 84% of UW-Platteville residence hall students reported that they are satisfied with their roommate living situation. That’s a pretty awesome statistic.

MANAGE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

Our students who are randomly assigned, report they check social media when they receive their roommate’s name PRIOR to talking with them. Make sure your social media reflects how you would like to be portrayed.

THE FIRST CONVERSATION CAN BE AWKWARD AND THAT’S OK

Some of our residents report that they don’t know what to talk about, or how to begin the conversation with their new roommate. There is no perfect way, but friendliness, open communication about room dynamics, and excitement in attending UW-Platteville are good places to start.

BOUNDARIES, BOUNDARIES, BOUNDARIES

Establish boundaries based on your study habits, desire for privacy, and ability to maintain a healthy living environment. Learn to compromise on the little things, so you can stick to the issues that matter.

TOP TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR NEW ROOMMATE

Which chores don’t you mind doing?

Directly asking a potential roommate how often they clean leaves some room for fabrication, so a better approach might be to ask them which chores they don’t mind. Then you can compromise, and while you’re vacuuming, they can take out the trash and recycling.

Do you smoke?

Tobacco use and vaping is prohibited in the residence halls, but many non-smokers have a hard time living with a student who smokes regularly. If you learn your potential roommate does smoke, make sure you come to agreeable terms in advance.

What time do you usually go to bed?

After a long night of studying, the last thing you want is to come back to your room to find your roommate watching a movie without headphones until 2 a.m. On the other hand, if you know you typically stay up a little later to finish your work, it might not be wise to room with someone who goes to sleep at 10 p.m. on the dot every night.

What time do you usually wake up?

Try to compare your schedules for the semester in advance. Conflicting schedules can cause friction between roommates, and being jolted awake by your roommate’s alarm is no fun for anyone.

How do you feel about overnight guests?

Proposing this question in this format is ideal because it gives you a chance to hear your roommate’s response first. Keep in mind you are sharing a living space and no one wants to feel uncomfortable in their own room. Be courteous of your roommate when it comes to having overnight guests.

Do you like the room warmer or colder?

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it won’t be when you wake up at 3 a.m. freezing after your roommate or suitemate lowered the thermostat by three degrees, or left the window open.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

It’s beneficial to learn what your roommate isn’t fond of in advance, especially if that pet peeve is something you do every day. This question might be a deal-breaker for some, but others may learn they share the same pet peeves as their new roommate.

How do you feel about sharing your personal belongings?

Coming home to your roommate wearing your new sweater without permission isn’t typically ideal. Clear up this foggy area in advance and—just to be safe— always ask permission before you take something that isn’t yours.

What are your study habits like?

Having a roommate who is compatible on an academic level is a massive bonus. If you both study the same way and have the same classes, you basically have a study partner for free who lives with you. What could be better than that?

What’s your typical weekend like?

In the best-case scenario, your roommate will end up being a close friend of yours. Simple questions like this can test compatibility and give insight on whether you may be able to hang out outside of the halls as well. Even if their typical weekend sounds nothing like yours, you still might be super compatible and find some exciting new activities to do on weekends together.

ENGAGING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

The staff of Residence Life believes that living within an engaged community is an essential part of a college student’s learning and contributes to the academic mission of the university. Realizing that different times of the semester bring different challenges for each person, staff members are asked to work closely with students living in their wings, floors, and residence halls in addressing these needs.

Staff use the following residential learning goals to aid in building a community that will benefit residents:

• Sense of belonging

• Health

• Global/Cultural competency

• Self-knowledge and advocacy

Throughout all community building efforts, residents are encouraged to establish meaningful and healthy relationships based on a foundation of clearly set and respected boundaries, open communication, and civilminded decision-making.

There are multiple ways you can become engaged with others in your residence hall. Here are a few:

• Attend campus events advertised by hall staff

• Engage with hall programs and events

• Participate in hall community nights, hall governance, or involvement teams

• Join your wing in attending the Friday Night Club events hosted by Residence Life every Friday night

• Check out Campus Programming and Relations calendar of events including comedians, crafts, trips, and engaging activities each week

• Log in to your PioneerLink account and join one of the many UW-Platteville student organizations

There are many ways to become engaged on the UW-Platteville campus; reach out if you are struggling to get connected. Our residence hall staff will knock on your door and issue invitations to join and participate, however, it is ultimately up to you, the student, to take the initiative to attend.

NO CRYSTAL BALL

Our residence hall staff members do not own a crystal ball. While we are often aware of general trends of what our students may be going through, we will not know a particular student’s situation unless they communicate directly with us.

Our staff members are interested in getting to know you. They want you to feel like you belong at UW-Platteville and have a home in the residence hall. It is up to you what you would like to share with your resident assistant, but here are some suggestions:

• Interest areas for programmatic efforts

• Areas of growth – studying habits, getting to know others, learning to live independently, etc.

• Areas of strength – what you’re great at, how you can assist others in the community, etc.

If you are experiencing a situation that would benefit from discussing it with a resident director or a resident assistant, we encourage you to initiate that conversation.

In summary, be in communication with us. We want to be as helpful as we can through the transition to UW-Platteville, as well as get you resources that can support your academic and social efforts.

RESPECT AND COURTESY

We

expect all members of the Residence Life community—residents, staff, and visitors—to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for the well-being and safety of all who live within the residence hall walls.

From this point forward, you are a member of the UW-Platteville community and are responsible for the choices you make and the consequence of those choices. With a conscious effort from all residents, a wing community will be effective, developmental, inclusive, and ultimately home. As a member of the community, you are responsible to not only the university and yourself, but your neighbors as well.

STEPS TO RESPECT AND COURTESY

• Get to know your neighbors – The more you seek to understand and know the other students that you live with, the easier it is to confront safety concerns, cleanliness, and noise issues within the community.

• Active listening – In any situation, it is imperative to listen to another person to understand their perspective rather than to listen and respond with your own immediate reaction. Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding.

• Appropriate confrontation – An effective confrontation focuses on what you want rather than what you don’t want and gives examples of the desired behavior so that they know exactly what you are asking for. It is important to approach a confrontation of others when your own emotions are in check.

• Personal hygiene and habits – Odors, cleanliness, and how a person takes care of themselves can impact the community environment. Make sure to practice healthy habits and learn how to manage your room cleanliness so it does not impact your roommate(s) and community.

• Accountability for self – You are accountable for the words and actions you bring to the community and the impact they can have on fellow community members.

• Accept there will be differences – Not everyone will be exactly like you in their habits, upbringing, opinions, or personal values. Daily schedules between students also vary greatly. Attending UW-Platteville and living in the residence halls introduces you to a wide array of new experiences and personalities. You will not like everyone, and everyone will not like you. Accepting that there will be differences within the community you live in, and not assuming that everyone has had the same experience that you have had, is the first step in empathy and living as part of a community.

• Compromise and advocacy – Learn how to compromise on the small things that won’t add up to big things. But speak up and advocate for yourself to fellow community members on the big things. If you cannot rectify a situation on your own, hall staff are present to assist with mediation.

AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

All your life, you have probably been reminded of the virtues of “getting an education.” Aside from helping you achieve academic and career goals, the campus serves as a unique “laboratory” for other kinds of learning. Students of different nationalities, cultures, races, political affiliations, religions, philosophies, lifestyles, socioeconomic levels, sexual orientation and gender identity, and interests all come together to form the UW-Platteville community and contribute to its diversity and vitality.

The campus provides an atmosphere for exploring and understanding cultural differences and offers strong support for cultural traditions. You can choose to remain open to diversity, be curious, and share with others your similarities and differences. To close yourself to people or ideas because of differences that seem strange or unusual to you deprives you of a valuable learning experience. Even if you ultimately find that you don’t agree with another’s perspective, you will have gained a clearer understanding of the basis for your differences and the need to accept others’ rights to be who they are.

Our heritage, background, and cultural and religious values are an important part of who we are. We hope you will embrace the opportunity to truly get to know your community members.

RESIDENCE HALL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Residence Life partners with UW-Platteville’s Dean of Students Office and University Police to enforce and hold accountable the policies and laws of the university. It is possible for a student to be involved in one incident that violates policies across university, residence life, and state laws, and therefore, be in the conduct process with all three collaborative offices.

• The Residence Hall Policy Handbook is available online. Residence hall staff review policies with residents during their first wing meeting. Students are responsible for reviewing and understanding the contents of the handbook.

• The handbook contains information about Residence Life regulations and policies, including snow removal for parking regulations. The handbook also provides information about the residence hall disciplinary system.

• The Residence Hall Policy Handbook can be found on the Residence Life website at www.uwplatt.edu/department/ residence-life

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s why your resident assistant, senior assistant, and resident director are here. The Residence Hall Policy Handbook is a guide to many opportunities and requirements that affect the quality of your experience at UW-Platteville.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

WHAT ARE COMMUNITY STANDARDS?

Everyone in the community is expected to respect the rights of others. Students must make choices to maintain a safe and secure environment and allow all residents to pursue their academic objectives. Residence Life personnel educates residents regarding their rights and responsibilities that are associated with community living and use them as a guide in making decisions concerning resident welfare and behavior.

To meet the goal of all students achieving the pursuit of their academic objectives, standards of behavior and policies have been set for which you will be accountable. These include, but are not limited to:

• UW-Platteville Residence Life policies contained in this handbook (also available online)

• UW-Platteville Student Handbook

• UW System chapters

• Wisconsin state law

• Federal law of the United States of America

RESIDENCE HALL STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS

The Residence Life philosophy on discipline comes from an educational perspective which complements the academic goals and assists in the development of the individual holistically. This is approached through the following steps:

• Information is given to the students upon arrival. Each resident receives the Residence Hall Policy Handbook electronically. They are also discussed at wing meetings and highlighted through hall newsletters, posters, etc.

• When a resident makes inappropriate decisions, the behavior is confronted. The staff tries to help residents modify the behavior through the discipline process.

Unwillingness to change inappropriate behavior will result in educational or punitive steps. Residence Life staff prefers not to deal with students in this manner, but if residents are unwilling to follow the policies of the community, and expectations as a community member, they will be dealt with accordingly. The choice lies with the student. Throughout the discipline process, it is emphasized that it is the student’s behavior that is not acceptable and must be changed. The student is still respected as a human being.

STEPS IN DISCIPLINE PROCESS

• Inappropriate behavior occurs.

• Residence Life staff files an incident report (or University Police may be contacted dependent upon incident severity).

• In most cases, the RD sends a hearing letter via email to those individuals involved in the incident to set up an appointment to discuss the situation. It is best that the meeting occurs as soon as possible while the facts are still clear. For repeat offenders and for serious violations, the initial contact will be from an assistant/associate director. Residence Life reserves the right to refer disciplinary cases and/or consult with University Police and/or the Dean of Students Office to determine next steps.

• The purpose of the initial hearing meeting is for the resident director or assistant/associate director to gather all pertinent information about the incident. The student is asked to explain exactly what happened. After the student shares their perception, their role in the incident is examined by the RD/AD with the incident report written by staff members confronting the situation. If a student chooses not to meet with the RD/AD, a decision will be made without benefit of their input, so it is in the best interest of the student to meet with the RD/AD and discuss the situation.

• Following all input and fact gathering, the RD/AD will decide whether the student’s behavior violated any rules, policies, or laws. If necessary, an appropriate sanction will be given.

• The student will receive an emailed sanction letter explaining the findings of the meeting. If sanctions were implemented, the resident has the right to appeal the decision to the hearing officer’s supervisor.

Through the Department of Residence Life, sanctions can include but is not limited to educational sanctions, written reprimands, or disciplinary residence hall contract termination for repetitive policy violations. Disciplinary termination will result in a housing refund to the student of 50% of prorated rental fee, and forfeiture of the remaining room charge and prepayment. In the case of emergency suspension from UW-Platteville, this contract will be terminated immediately.

Your student conduct file is cumulative throughout your whole academic career. If you are involved in multiple offenses, sanctions can be implemented in not only our department, but through the Dean of Students Office, Athletics, and the State of Wisconsin. Many times, potential employers or landlords reach out for disciplinary and rental references and recommendations based on a student’s conduct file. The university will not submit a reference or recommendation without your knowledge or release to do so unless court mandated.

PIONEER MOVE-IN CHECKLIST

COLLEGE LIFE

 Think about academic support: Some students transition to the rigor of college academics from high school academics seamlessly, and others need to learn new ways of studying, taking notes, and focusing on important course content. Explore Student Academic Resource Services to see what they have to offer you.

 Think about college life: Attending UW-Platteville isn’t only about attending classes. It’s also about learning new ways to engage in your community, become involved in professional organizations, learn new skills and hobbies, and discover who you are as a person. Explore PioneerLink for interesting student organizations or governance groups. What are you interested in exploring outside the classroom? Finding answers out about yourself is one of the most unique experiences of attending the university.

 Contact your roommate/suitemate(s): Chat with your roommate/suitemates at least two times via phone or in person prior to move in day. The first conversation with a stranger can be awkward. Focusing on room configurations, sharing interests, and establishing boundaries are all great places to start.

 Laundry: Learn how to do it.

 Shop the packing list

 Welcome Weekend expectations: Welcome Weekend has scheduled programs, events, and activities that will provide you with opportunities to interact with other students and become acclimated to UW-Platteville.

• Activities begin Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3 p.m., so please plan accordingly.

 Meal allotment: Take a look at your plan for eating within your class schedule. Many students choose to eat at the Markee Pioneer Student Center, but the lines can become long at certain times of the day. Find what fits into your transition times between classes, and plan for how you are going to budget your meal allotment for the entirety of the semester.

 Bike registration: Register your bike with the Platteville Police Department in case of theft.

 Explore Platteville and the surrounding community for volunteer and engagement activities. There are many local places to explore.

HEALTH/SAFETY

 Schedule one last physical with your local provider: Making sure you have details related to your health and general well-being prior to coming to campus is a good idea. Make a plan for taking care of yourself nutritionally, with exercise, stress coping strategies, and your mental health. Updated vaccinations and medical prescriptions as desired.

 Program an “In Case of Emergency” phone number into your cell phone.

 Learn how to refill prescriptions: Walgreens, Hartig Drug, Wal-Mart, and The Pharmacy at Southwest Health are all available for prescription refills. You never know when you may need to refill or purchase a prescribed medication. Set yourself up for success by knowing your plan.

 Program your residence hall’s on-call phone number and front desk phone number into your phone.

 Complete your Personal Data Form: This form is stored at the front desk and is available to you in case there is a health emergency. Residence Life staff hand off this document to emergency medical technicians in the event of ambulatory transport. It also has information pertaining to meningitis and health/vaccination history.

 Talk technology security: Information and technology also need to be safe. Create a list of serial numbers for your devices, install VPN clients, and write down important numbers to cancel any accounts should they become compromised.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

 Health insurance card: Having a copy of this information with you will be handy in case of a health emergency.

 Social security card: You will need this should you want to be hired for on-campus employment or other employment opportunities throughout the community.

 Bring your Campus Card: Your Campus Card is used for laundry, meal allotment, as well as entrance into your residence hall and specific academic areas on campus.

 Homeowner/renter’s insurance: Situations may occur when personal belongings disappear or become damaged. This may include theft, fire or water damage due to fire or flood, etc. The university does not accept any liability for this type of loss and students need to determine

if they are covered by parent/guardians’ homeowners/renters’ insurance or invest in adequate personal property insurance of their own. Personal items include UW-Platteville rental textbooks, clothes, computer equipment, cell phones, bikes, etc.

INDEPENDENCE

 Financial planning: Planning your financial budget for the year is a proactive approach. Look at FAFSA documentation, scholarship/ grant information, tuition and other bills, and any income you may have to have a positive financial foundation to build from. Knowing how much money you can spend and save for a rainy day helps you feel less anxious.

 Develop a credit line: Many financial institutions offer credit cards with a small balance to incoming college students. Establishing good credit during college assists with big purchase items when you graduate.

 Practice time management: One of the number one reasons that students are academically dismissed is due to their inability to manage their time effectively enough to build in study times. Think about where you may become distracted: video games, social media, TV/movies, social life. Learn how to manage your time to moderate these distractions while still maintaining your success academically.

 Establish independent self-care: Knowing when to purchase shampoo/conditioner when it is getting low, scheduling chores in your residence hall room that keep it from smelling, cooking healthy quick snacks, scheduling health/wellness appointments, creating a budget, or putting new tires on your car. These are all things that you may need to start practicing prior to coming to college and being independent from your family of origin.

 Boundaries

• For parents/guardians: Discuss with family that you are an adult and that you will be making choices independent of them, and at times, you may not always agree. This is part of the process of independence.

• Yourself: Begin thinking about your decisions related to alcohol, drug use, and sexual relationships. It is important to know what your personal boundaries are and your ability to make healthy choices for yourself.

 Chat about communication plans with family/ friends: Currently, you may be seeing family and friends daily and know where everyone is at any point in time. This changes in college. The daily communication may become weekly. The ability to check in from a distance is more difficult than if you see each other every evening for dinner. It’s important to plan regarding communication, but also talk about the flexibility you may need for that plan to be successful.

Remember this transition is happening both ways.

ARRIVING EARLY?

• Any student can move in beginning Aug. 10, 2024 for any reason.

• Coaches and program directors will communicate directly with you about when (date and time) you can move into the residence halls for participation. Please direct inquiries related to reporting dates and times to the appropriate office (athletics, employing office, academic program, or music).

• Most students arriving early will move directly into their permanent room assignments when they check in. The exception to this is football players in Bridgeway Commons who will receive further instructions from their coach.

• If you have chosen to rent a loft through the information emailed to you in the assignment message, there will be designated times when you can pick up the loft prior to Sept. 2. Information regarding pick-up dates and times will be made available when you arrive on campus.

• Students arriving early that are not connected to a sport, program, or for employment can sign up via the “Early Arrival” button posted on the Residence Life SharePoint site. Students can only sign up for early arrival after they have received their room assignment.

• Residents who have a fall assignment to Bridgeway Commons will temporarily move into Brockert Hall due to the camps and conferences schedule. Early arrivals will then move into their permanent assignment around Aug. 19, 2024.

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAKING MOVE-IN DAY EASY

• Be patient with parking and traffic issues as campus will be very busy.

• Staff are available throughout those times, so it is not necessary to arrive at the earliest possible time.

• If you have chosen to rent a loft through the information emailed to you with your room assignment, you must pick up the loft during the same time frame of 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

• At the time of check-in, you will complete paperwork, receive keys, and be introduced to the hall staff. Welcome and orientation crew members (returning students) may be available to offer you assistance as you move in. Don’t be afraid to ask one of them for help.

• Only five residence halls (McGregor Hall, Rountree Commons, Bridgeway Commons, Dobson Hall, and Southwest Hall) are equipped with an elevator.

• If you will not be checking in by Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, you must notify Residence Life so that your space is held.

THE PIONEER PACKING LIST

What to bring …

EAT

 Plates and bowls

 Glasses/cups

 Coffee maker

 Cooking utensils*

 Cooking pots/pans*

 Coffee mug

 Travel mug

 Can opener

 Water bottle

 Bag/chip clips

 Food storage containers

 Microwave (optional – there is one in each community for use)

SLEEP

 XL twin sheet set

 Comforter/quilt

 Pillow

 Alarm clock (although many use their phones)

 Mattress pad

 Ear plugs

 Box fan

STYLE (For personal flair, not necessity)

 Area rug

 Door mirror

 Floor lamp

 Decorative pillow(s)

 Frames/wall art

 Window/Shower curtain panels (for closet doors –decor, closet curtain rod, clip rings)

 10-gallon or less aquarium (fish only)

 Desk accessories

 3M self-adhesive strips are the only approved strips (not permitted in Rountree Commons where small tacks/nails are the only item approved)

 Floor cushions/backrest

WASH

 Towels

 Wash cloths

 Bath caddy

 Hair dryer

 Robe

 Shower shoes (flip-flops)

 Slippers

 Toothbrush/toiletries/nail clippers

 Hand soap

 Hand sanitizer

 Face mask as desired

 Air freshener

STUDY

 Desk lamp/reading lamp

 Push pins for bulletin board

 Stapler

 Scotch tape

 Paperclips

 Pens/pencils

 Notebooks

 Post-its/Index cards

 Professional dress clothes for interviews, presentations, career fairs, etc.

 Letter writing materials (stamps available for purchase at the front desk)

TECH

 Surge protector

 USB Flash/Jump drive

 Laptop (not necessary, each hall has computer kiosks or labs)

 Wireless router (optional)

 Headphones/ear buds

 Phone battery charger

 AA/AAA batteries for remotes, etc.

 Gaming console and accessories (optional)

 Printer (optional as many students utilize the on-campus printing instead)

*Available through your front desk with a $15 Activity Membership for the year

LAUNDRY

 Campus Cash to pay for laundry

 Laundry basket/hamper/bag

 HE laundry detergent/dryer sheets

 Stain remover

 Drying rack

 Small sewing kit

ORGANIZE

 Closet/Drawer organizers

 Combination lock

 Hangers

 Hooks

 Small tool kit*

CLEAN

 Toilet brush (for suite residents)

 Toilet bowl cleaner (for suite residents)

 Sponges

 Dust cloths

 Dish soap/dish wand/dish towels

 Vacuum (available for checkout at front desk)

 Disinfecting wipes or spray

EMERGENCY

 Umbrella

 Flashlight

 First-aid kit with band-aids

 In case of emergency number programmed in your cell phone

 Hot/cold compress

 Power bank

 Photocopy of your health insurance and renter’s insurance information

PLAY (For fun, not necessity)

 Board/card games*

 Bicycle (Bike locker rental available through your front desk)

 Rollerblades

 Disc golf equipment*

 Sporting equipment*

 Arts and crafts supplies

... and not to bring

The following is a list of items that are not permitted in the residence halls:

• Air fryers

• InstaPots

• Slow cookers

• Candles/wax warmers

• Air conditioners/space heaters

• Ceiling fans

• Halogen lights

• Pizza ovens, toasters, Pizza Pizzazz, similar items

• Panini presses/George Foreman grill-type appliances

• Firearms, weapons

• Self-adhesive strips (other than 3M strips)

• Incense

• Pets (other than fish)

• Fish tanks larger than 10 gallons

• Home-constructed lofts

• Vape pens/Hookahs

• Bed risers

• Dehumidifiers/Humidifiers

• Alcohol/Drug paraphernalia

• Tower surge protectors

• Plug in air fresheners/diffusers

• Electric blankets

• Any chargeable wheeled conveyance device (i.e. scooters, hoverboards, or e-bikes)

FACILITIES INFORMATION

The Department of Residence Life strives to make our residence halls feel like home for all residents. We continuously look at what updates can be made to create a comfortable living environment. Each hall has specific amenities it offers to residents.

ROOM DIMENSIONS

For a full listing of residence hall dimensions for your assigned building, visit www.uwplatt.edu/department/ residence-life/residence-halls. Click on your residence hall.

RESIDENCE HALL AMENITIES AND FURNISHINGS

For a full listing of residence hall amenities for your assigned building, visit www.uwplatt.edu/department/ residence-life/amenities. Click on your residence hall.

RENTER’S INSURANCE

Neither UW-Platteville nor Residence Life is liable if your property is lost, stolen, or damaged in any way, anywhere on the premises (including storage facilities), under any circumstances.

Residents are liable for all damages to their residence hall room/suite and belongings, and to neighbors’ residence hall rooms/suites and belongings that occur due to their, or their guests’, actions. Renter’s insurance protects you from financial loss if there is a fire, leak, or flood in your hall. While not required, it is highly encouraged that residents purchase renter’s insurance while they live in the residence halls.

IN-HALL AMENITIES

Residence Life strives to make our residence halls feel like home for all residents. We continuously look at what updates can be made to create a comfortable living environment. Each hall has specific amenities it offers to residents. Visit www.uwplatt.edu/department/ residence-life/residence-halls and select your residence assigned hall for the following information:

• Residence hall furniture dimensions

• Residence hall room layout dimensions

• Public area information

BED LOFT RENTAL

Many of our residents have found that lofting their beds enables them to use the floor space in their rooms more efficiently. The UW-Platteville chapter of National Residence Hall Honorary works with Collegiate Marketing Inc. to provide rental lofts to students on campus. Residence Life is excited to offer a loft delivery option to have the loft pieces delivered to the students’ rooms before they move in at no additional charge if ordered by the deadline. Due to the popularity of this program, it is strongly advised that you pre-order a loft.

We have two loft systems on campus. The loft you need will depend on the building you live in.

BIKE LOCKER RENTAL

For students living on campus in the residence halls, bike racks are available outside each hall for bike parking. Covered bike lockers are available for bike storage in several locations near the residence halls. The cost is $35 per semester and $25 for the summer and can be rented at each hall’s front desk. Bicycles should never be secured to poles, trees, railings, or locations other than designated bike racks, as they will be subject to confiscation by Facilities and University Police. Bike racks are also located outside most academic buildings on campus.

Bikes cannot be temporarily or permanently stored in the residence halls. The one exception to this policy is that students are allowed, during the winter months, to bring their bicycles into their room to store until the spring. Once the bicycle is taken back outside it must remain outside for the remainder of the year.

CLEANING, RECYCLING, AND GARBAGE

For the traditional hall restrooms, cleaning schedules are noted on signs posted by custodial services. Do not use the bathroom facilities during the posted times. Bathroom trash receptacles are used for bathroom trash only.

Bridgeway Commons and Southwest Hall have a rotational schedule with a general custodial cleaning in the suite bathrooms every three–four weeks depending on staff availability. All other messes in the bathroom are the responsibility of the resident. Residents of Rountree Commons are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of their suite bathrooms.

The front desk of your residence hall has vacuums available for checkout, along with limited cleaning supplies. We encourage all residents to bring non-abrasive cleaners and sponges, along with general disinfectant wipes, and dish soap with them for use in their personal space and belongings. In addition, learning how to launder and change your bed sheets is good hygienic practice.

Personal room garbage and recycling is the responsibility of the resident and must be taken to the appropriate dumpster located outside of the building.

COOKING IN THE RESIDENCE HALL

Limited cooking is permitted in student rooms in our traditional halls. A kitchen, complete with a stove, counter area, sink, and garbage disposal is available in the basement of each traditional residence hall. (Rountree and Bridgeway Commons, and Wilgus and McGregor halls have kitchen units on each floor.) A variety of cooking supplies and utensils are available at many main desks. There is a microwave oven and generally a toaster on each wing or floor for student use. Because many residents use the kitchen, you are asked to exercise courtesy

and cleanliness. Kitchens and microwave rooms that are unclean or unsafe may be closed. Please check the Pioneer Packing List on pages 14–15 for more information on cooking and electrical appliances permitted for use in the residence halls.

LAUNDRY IN THE RESIDENCE HALL

ID/card swipe washers and dryers are in the laundry room of each hall for your use. The costs for these machines are $1.50 for one washer load and $1.50 for one dryer load. There is an option to add for additional drying minutes. Prices are subject to change. Rountree Commons laundry room costs are included in the residence hall fee. Courtesy and respect for others’ property should always be practiced in the shared use of these facilities. Laundry machine maintenance concerns should be reported to CSC Serviceworks. Contact information is in each residence hall laundry room. Requests for refunds can be directed to laundry@uwplatt.edu.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE RESIDENCE HALL

Television: Students utilize streaming services via smart televisions or devices. Television lounges with access to cable are available in every residence hall.

Wi-Fi: Every bedroom has Wi-Fi internet and is also equipped with multiple data jacks, so you don’t have to share your connection with a roommate. With these connections, students can access email, network storage, the internet, and more. Rountree Commons provides a 1 GBPS dedicated internet connection by a private company, not UW-Platteville ITS. Network support is available to assist you.

Computers: If you do not have your own computer to connect to the network, you may use the computer lab in your residence hall, which is in the basement of the hall. Southwest Hall has one computer located in each of the study rooms for use by residents within the hall. Bridgeway Commons and Rountree Commons have computer kiosk stations within the public lobby areas.

MAIL AND PACKAGE DELIVERY TO THE RESIDENCE HALL

Mail and packages are delivered daily to the residence halls via the front desk. Each resident shares a mailbox with their roommate. Packages are logged via the residence hall front desk system. An email is sent to the resident when a package is ready to be picked up.

To receive mail, it must be addressed with your full name, room number, and street address of your residence hall. Your campus address can be found at go.uwplatt.edu/reshalladdresses.

It is important to update your address in PASS and with online shopping vendors (Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc.) throughout your academic career at UW-Platteville, as packages cannot always be forwarded or returned to sender. UW-Platteville and Residence Life are not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen packages.

RESIDENCE HALL MAINTENANCE

When something in your room or suite needs to be repaired, you can submit a work request through the 24-hour Facilities Management SharePoint site. Repairs are handled by maintenance staff as soon as possible. In Rountree Commons, work orders need to be submitted via the Rountree resident portal. In the event of a facilities emergency, please contact residence hall staff to assist.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

University Police are on call and patrolling our campus 24/7, every day of the year, to protect our students and their vehicles. Our facilities are locked 24/7 and residents will access their building using their Campus Card or, for Rountree Commons residents, a key fob. Every residence hall has an on-call staff member, trained in emergency protocols, who can assist residents. Additionally, UW-Platteville offers Safe Walk and shuttle services for its students, and there are accessible emergency blue light call boxes across campus.

We encourage all residents to download the RAVE Guardian to their smartphones. This app is free to UW-Platteville students and can keep students notified in the event of a UW-Platteville emergency. Additionally, there are tools for students to utilize including a personal safety timer, the ability to send a confidential tip, or call University Police directly.

OCCUPANCY INFORMATION

ROOM RESERVATIONS, CHANGES, CHARGES, ETC.

Information about the room reservation process and deadlines will be widely publicized during the fall semester. It is extremely important that students pay attention to dates, procedures, etc. Watch the Department of Residence Life SharePoint as well as their uwplatt.edu email for more information.

RESIDENCY POLICY

Residence Life adheres to the UW System Board of Regents Residency Requirement which states that any student living further than 40 miles away from campus is required to live on campus for the first two years of their academic career. Residents will be reminded of this policy throughout the year.

• Each year the department is notified of second-year students who have been encouraged to move off-campus to live with friends and have signed leases, sometimes by their parents or guardians. This is in direct violation of the Residency Requirement, and in these cases, the student is then charged a double-occupancy room rate in addition to their off-campus lease. Freshman and sophomore students are required to live on campus and will not be able to cancel their housing agreement unless they are withdrawing from the university.

• During the spring semester, those second-year residents who have not yet completed a residence hall contract for the following year will be notified of the policy and a hold will be placed on their account, preventing them from registering for classes. A resident can schedule an appeal meeting with a Residence Life administrator to lift the hold; they are not released until they have received proper authorization.

• Students who are not required, but choose to sign a rental agreement, will be held to their contract unless they are no longer attending UW-Platteville. By submitting the electronic room rental agreement, you are entering into an academic year contract and are financially obligated for rental in the residence halls for the academic year. Exceptions to this will be available to students who participate in a recognized university program that requires the student to live away from this area such as student teaching, internship, co-op, and study abroad.

ROOM CHANGES

• Students can change rooms after the 10th day of classes. This waiting period allows for administrative details to be complete for the semester with continued pending contracts and offers students the opportunity to get to know their roommate.

• Residents should talk with their hall staff first about room changes. Your resident assistant or the hall resident director will be the best source of information.

• We need to hear from the resident regarding room changes. Staff will not move a resident if someone other than the resident speaks with us about the situation.

• If your roommate checks out of the room, you will NOT automatically have a single room. Single rooms are only available in McGregor or Wilgus Halls. There is a first-come, first-served waitlist for students on the department SharePoint site. First semester freshmen are not eligible for these single rooms unless there is an extenuating circumstance and it has been approved by the department.

CHECKING OUT OF YOUR ROOM

• Residents need to check out of their room with a staff member. Staff will check the space for damages with you and make sure you sign any necessary paperwork. Residents are billed for their space until they complete this paperwork with staff and their key has been turned in.

HOUSING CHARGES

• Charges for housing will appear on your student account in PASS. Should you have any questions about these you can contact the Cashier’s Office or Residence Life.

RESIDENCE HALL ROOM RESERVATION FOR 2025–26

Information about the room reservation process and deadlines will be widely publicized during the fall semester. This includes reservations for Southwest Hall (our returning/transfer students only building).

It is extremely important that students pay attention to the dates, procedures, etc. that will be emailed to them, posted on social media, as well as presented to them during community meetings. Tell your student to watch for this information.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Each student will need $150 to reserve a space for next year. Starting in the fall, students can reserve their same room space for the next year and have the $150 prepayment waived. This will be widely advertised via posters, postcards, social media, SharePoint, and the website.

• Each student must reserve a residence hall space for each academic year. No one is automatically placed in their same space for subsequent years they are a student.

• Students who are not required, but choose to sign a contract, will be held to their contract unless they are no longer attending UW-Platteville. By submitting the electronic room contract, you are entering into an academic year contract and are financially obligated for rental in the residence halls for the academic year. Exceptions to this will be available to students who participate in a recognized university program that requires the student to live away from this area such as student teaching, internship, co-op, and study abroad.

• The process for Southwest Hall room reservations begins in the fall and is available to students with 30 university post-high school credits and above.

• The process of changing halls for the following year to Bridgeway Commons, Rountree Commons, and the seven traditional halls typically begins in February and is based on a student’s university post-high school credits.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Residence Life hires a number of student employees such as resident assistants, senior assistants, desk workers, and residence hall tour guides. All of these positions are an integral part of the department. Residence Life student workers have the opportunity to build a professional mentor relationship with their supervisor –offering insight into the world of work, and in assisting with building the community in which they live.

The resident assistant position has a selection process that takes place the semester before you are employed. For example:

• Spring semester RA selection process, applications are due early November.

• Full academic year (2025–26), applications are due late January.

• Resident assistants are one of the best parts about living on campus, and is one of the most impactful for transferable skills and hire-ability based on what post-graduate employers have indicated. The remuneration for being a resident assistant includes a single residence hall room, up to a level two meal allotment, and $925 stipend paid for by the department for the academic year.

• We encourage students to reach out to their resident director to learn more about opportunities to work in-hall and on campus.

DATES TO REMEMBER

FIRST SEMESTER (2024)

Aug. 31

Freshman and transfer student move-in

Sept. 1–2 All other students move-in

Sept. 3 First day of classes

Sept. 29 Hall involvement team training

Oct. 6–12 Homecoming week

Oct. 15

Oct. 22

Nov. 26 - Dec. 1

Dec. 14

Same room reservation for 2025–26 academic year begins

Single room reservation for 2025–26 academic year begins

November break, halls close at 6 p.m.; if a student needs to stay they must sign up via SharePoint

Commencement for December graduates

Dec. 16–20 Finals week

Dec. 20

Halls close at 6 p.m.; if a student in a traditional hall needs to stay until Dec. 21, they need to speak with their RD; students in suite-style halls will need to sign up via SharePoint

SECOND SEMESTER (2025)

Jan. 1

Jan. 2–17

Jan. 17

Halls open for x session at 2 p.m.

Winterim session; no additional charge to stay in the residence halls during Winterim Session

Freshman and transfer student move-in

Jan. 27 First day of classes

Feb. 5 Application deadline for the resident assistant position applications for 2025–26 academic year

Feb. 11

March 24–28

Residence hall room reservations open to all students based on university credits

Spring Break; if a student needs to stay they must sign-up via SharePoint

April 18–21 April break

May 16–17 Commencement for spring graduates

May 19-23 Finals week

May 23

Halls close at 6 p.m.; if a student in a traditional hall needs to stay until May 24, they need to speak with their RD; summer residents will be instructed on moving to summer hall placement