/Institutions/Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods-College/json/2021-2022/Code-of-Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities-local.json

/Institutions/Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods-College/json/2021-2022/Code-of-Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities.json

Appendix A: Housing and Residential Life Policies

These policies compliment the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Housing and Residence Life Contractual Terms and Conditions by clarifying and expanding on important information regarding living on campus. Understanding and complying with these documents is the expectation and responsibility of all students living on campus. These policies are designed for any student who resides on campus and any of their guests. Violations of these policies or policies contained in the aforementioned documents may result in disciplinary actions including sanctions, fines, contract cancellation, or removal from the college.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol is not permitted Le Fer Hall residential spaces regardless of person’s age. See the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Appendix E for all alcoholic beverages policies.

Cleaning

Students are expected to maintain the room in an orderly and sanitary condition. Students are responsible for cleaning private and semi-private bathroom spaces. If Student Affairs becomes aware of unsanitary conditions resulting from students failing to maintain the room, Housekeeping will clean the room and the resident(s) will be assessed a charge to their student accounts.

Community Living

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is conducive to community living. This includes demonstrating respect for people of all genders, races, religious preferences, sexual orientation, and ethnic groups. Any act or threat that submits a member of the College community to physical, mental, or emotional pain is prohibited.

Furniture in lobbies and common areas must remain in those areas and are not to be taken to student rooms.

Personal items are prohibited from being left in common areas. This pertains, but is not limited to blankets, pillows, clothes, or garbage of any kind.

SMWC is not responsible for lost or stolen items. The college will only store student items for 30 days, after that the items are donated to a local charity.

Damages

The student shall use the premises and personal property and furnishings of the College in a careful and proper manner. Students are responsible for the condition of their room and its contents as well as common areas. Students will be charged for individual or group damage that occurs. When deliberate or accidental damage is not assigned to an individual or group, all residents of that living space (room, wing, floor, etc.) will share equal responsibility for the repair costs, and damage charges will be assessed to those student(s).

Throwing or dropping any items out of windows or from stairs is prohibited. Throwing items at windows or campus property is also prohibited.

Students are responsible for their own belongings when on campus. The college is not responsible for damages to or the theft of students’ personal property. Exceptions may be made for acts of God such as fire, flood, tornado, etc. or when college equipment is to blame.

Drugs and Illegal Substances

Drugs and other illegal substances are not permitted in Le Fer Hall. See the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities for all drugs and illegal substances policies.

Electrical Fixtures

Students may not remove or alter electrical fixtures or hardware.

The use of double and multi-socket extension cords are all strictly prohibited. Power strips that are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved and have a circuit breaker button in addition to an on/off switch may be used.

Emotional Support Animals

Student Affairs is committed to reasonably accommodate persons who require the assistance of an emotional support animal. However, Student Affairs is also mindful of the health and safety concerns of the college community.

To request approval of an emotional support animal, students should contact the Director of Learning Resource Center, ADA Advisor.

Failure to Comply

All residents are required to comply with the directions of Student Affairs Staff members acting in accordance with performing their duties.

All residents are required to comply with meeting requests from any member of the Student Affairs Staff.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary actions including sanctions, fines, contract cancellation, or removal from the College.

Keys

Each student is issued the appropriate keys when they check-in. Keys are the responsibility of the student and are not to be given to others for use. A student is required to return all keys issued to them. A charge maybe assessed for any key needing to be replaced.

When a lost key necessitates changing one or more room locks, the student maybe responsible for the cost of the lock and key replacement.

It is a violation of state law and College policy to duplicate keys to any lock on College property.

Painting

Students are not permitted to paint their rooms nor alter the walls of their rooms or the hallways including doors.

Living Space Modification

Students may not make any modifications to their living spaces unless approved Student Affairs and Facilities departments. This includes but is not limited to:

• Painting
• Television wall fixtures
• Permanent yard work
• Carpeting
• Hanging permanent shelving
• Removing furniture from a room or common space

Meal Plan

The meal plan consists of two types of prepaid declining balance currency: Campus Credits and Pomeroy Points. Both Credits and Pomeroy Points for the entire semester are posted to individual’s account at the beginning of each semester. All Credits and Pomeroy Points left at the end of the semester will be forfeited.

Special Diets

A student with special dietary requirements (religious, medical, etc.) that cannot be fulfilled by individual selection from the menu choices provided should contact the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs for meal plan options.

Removing Food or Unauthorized Entry into Dining Halls

When eating in the all-you-can-eat location, it is required that meals be eaten in the dining facility unless participating in established take-out dining options (green sustainable to-go containers). Dining-in and to-go at the same time is not permitted. Students are permitted one piece of fruit and one ice cream. Removing additional food or beverages, dishes, or silverware from the dining hall or entering the dining hall without paying for the meal will be considered theft. Theft in the dining hall is a serious issue that will result in disciplinary referral to Student Affairs. Further repercussions may include cancellation of the Housing and dining contract.

Acts of horseplay, food fights, and inline skates are prohibited.

Medical Accommodations

If a student feels they have a significant chronic physical or emotional condition that may impact their housing assignment, they must contact the Director of Learning Resource Center, ADA Advisor and complete necessary documentation to receive consideration for housing contract preference.

If accommodation documentation is received after deadline date, housing preferences and/or roommate will be reviewed, but only taken into consideration as space permits.

Pets

Authorized Pets:

Several problems are associated with pets staying in any college-owned unit. Among them are odor, noise, mess and health issues. Additionally, some pet foods may attract insects or rodents. For these reasons, the only pets that can be kept in a residence hall or other college-approved housing are tropical fish (up to a five-gallon tank). Each resident may only have one five gallon or smaller tank. All residents of a residence hall room must consent to the presence of the pet. This consent can be withdrawn at anytime, if consent is withdrawn the pet must be removed. At any time, Residential Life staff reserves the right to remove an authorized pet for odor, noise, property damages, health issues or other reasons.

Unauhtorized Pets:

Snakes, insects, mammals, birds, and any fish, reptile or amphibian that are poisonous or venomous are not allowed. Examples of unauthorized pets include, but are not limited to cats, dogs, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, iguanas, mice, rats, rabbits, birds, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and insects. Stray animals should be taken to the Terre Haute Humane Society (www.thhs.org). The pet must be removed from the college housing unit immediately. Students may be subject to the student conduct process. Further, the room, will be billed at the end of the school year for any damages/odors left by the pet. This charge will be at the discretion of the Facilities Department. This fee could range between $500 and $5000 depending on the extend of the damages.

Exceptions to this rule are certified service animals for the disabled and College approved emotional support animals. Information about service and emotional support animals can be found in the Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy and Procedures.

Students found in violation of the Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy and/or the terms of the Emotional Support Animal Agreement may be found in violation of the pet policy and subject to the student conduct process and appropriate sanctions. 

Physical Violence or Harassment

Harassment of or violence toward any individual or group is prohibited. Please refer to additional information located in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Prohibited Items

The following personal items are prohibited in the Residence Halls

• Air Conditioning Units
• Appliances with exposed heating element including hot plates, plate-style candle warmers, toasters and toaster ovens, space heaters, George Foreman’s, etc.
• Candles/incense/oil lamps (lit or with burnt wick).
• Extension Cords that are not UL approved.
• Lava lamps.
• Halogen lamps unless they are equipped with a protective screen.
• Microwaves
• Hazardous Materials -Materials which are hazardous to the health and safety of residents are not permitted in Residence Halls. These include, but are not limited to, chemicals, gasoline, kerosene, tiki torch oil, propane tanks, as well as containers which have been used for storing these substances.
• Explosives, including, but not limited to fireworks.
• Knives with blades longer than three inches. The only exception is kitchen knives. However, any kitchen knife being used for purposes other than cooking may be confiscated.

Quiet and Courtesy Hours

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College values the right to sleep and study at all times. Therefore, we respect the request for quiet and that request surpasses another student’s right to be loud or disruptive. “Quiet” means music, voices or any other noises that can be heard by neighbors, in the hallway or centers, when a resident’s door is closed. The Quite Hours policy is as follows: 

• First noise complaint: room or individual receives a verbal warning
• Second noise complaint: room or individual is reported to Student Conduct through an incident report and receives a written warning
• Third noise complaint: any involved residents will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Campus Life Office at SMWC requires that a quiet environment be respected, by maintaining quiet during the following hours:

Quite Hours        Sunday through Thursday                             Friday, Saturday, and Holidays

                                10 p.m. to 8 a.m.                                           11:59 p.m. to 8 a.m.

During finals weeks, quiet hours are extended to 24 hours a day.

Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

It is the responsibility of the resident to first speak to the person(s) making the noise and request that they be quieter. If the request is denied, please call the Resident Assistant On Call (812-240-1588). Be prepared to give information regarding the situation and identify yourself in order to be contacted for further information regarding the matter. The RA on call enforces Quiet Hours policy, as stated above. 

Restroom Facilities

All restroom facilities are designated by gender. Designated restrooms or shower facilities are not to be used by members of the opposite gender.

College Facilities staff will need to close restrooms periodically to perform cleaning duties or maintenance. At this time, students may not use the facilities.

Students are expected to keep the restrooms of shared bathrooms or suites clean. Failure to do some may result in sanctions including fines.

Room and/or Roommate Changes

Students must work with their Resident Assistant (RA) if a room or roommate change is desired. Room changes will be made only if no other reasonable alternatives are available. Final approval for all changes is given by Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or her/his designee. Students who move without going through proper channels will be fined and must return to their original room immediately.

Room Furnishing and Decorations

Appliances –students are allowed to bring refrigerators within the specified sizes contained in the “What to Bring” brochure available online.

Room Decorations

Students are not permitted to put any holes in Residence Hall room surfaces, including walls, door, and furniture. This includes the use of nail, pins, thumbtacks, etc. If a student uses any adhesive material, they are expected to remove any residue completely prior to checking out. Command strips can be used in Le Fer. Scotch Blue Painters Tape can be used in Les Bois. Please be aware that products may damage painted or wood surfaces and the responsible student will be charged for any such damage that occurs.

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights may be used for decorative purposes in student rooms. Lights are limited to the indoor style and are to be kept to a minimum. Please exercise caution and care by not using extension cords and turning off lights when you depart your room.

Christmas Trees

Students may decorate with artificial trees only. Real trees are not permitted. Trees are not permitted in common areas or hallways.

Room Furnishings

Most rooms are double occupancy and contain two (2) sets of furniture. Both sets must be kept in the Residence Hall rooms. All other items must be provided by the student. Misappropriated or stolen items of any kind (including hall and lounge furniture) found in student rooms subject the student to disciplinary action by the College and/or civil authorities.

Room Inspections

Inspection –During the year, periodic health, safety, and maintenance inspections will be made. In addition, a designated College official may conduct a search of the College premises if there is reason to believe College policies are being violated, premises are being used for illegal purposes, for a purpose which interferes with the normal operation of the College, or for health and safety regulations. It is expected that residents will comply with Student Affairs Staff and other College officials when a search is necessary. Whenever possible, room inspections and searches will be conducted in the presence of the resident(s). Sufficient notice will be attempted to be provided by the Student Affairs staff member to the resident, however some cases do not allow for such notices.

Safety and Security

Fire Equipment

Tampering with fire safety equipment is a federal offense that may result in criminal charges, fines, and disciplinary action. All students are expected to evacuate college housing during a fire alarm or drill. Failure to do may result in college sanctions. Please see the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities for further details.

Smoke Detectors

Tampering with the smoke detectors in residential rooms or common areas is prohibited. This includes removal of the detector or battery.

Security

In order to provide for your own safety and protection the outside doors to Le Fer and Les Bois residence halls are locked at 12 a.m. each night and remain locked until approximately 6:00 a.m. It is expected that students do not permit access to living areas to non-residents without an escort. All overnight guests (must be over the age of 18) must be signed in at the front desk and are the responsibility of the host student. Opposite gender guests are not permitted overnight in Le Fer. Overnight gender guests are permitted overnight in Le Bois. Students should expect other students living in the building to use their own student I.D. card to enter the building.

Door Propping

The propping of any residence hall door that is not the door to your private room is prohibited.

Unauthorized Areas

Students are prohibited from accessing any unauthorized area of the Residence Hall, including but not limited to, the roof, any Facilities area, garages of College owned houses, and storage areas.

Students are urged to report any suspicious activity to Security by calling 812-535-6200.

Tobacco Policy

Smoking and use of tobacco products on campus is prohibited. Please refer to additional information located in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Sports

Engaging in any sport activity is not allowed in the residence halls without prior sanction by Campus Life staff. This is for the safety and security of all students.

Biking, roller blading, skating, the use of scooters or skateboards is prohibited inside any of the College buildings. These items may be stored in resident rooms, but must be carried and not rolled into the building.

Solicitation

No door-to-door solicitation or canvassing is permitted in the Residence Halls. Recognized student organizations may request permission from the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs to host a table in the common spaces of the Residence Hall.

Students may not operate any commercial enterprise from their residential rooms or any other space within the residence halls. This includes hosting parties for commercial purposes.

Trash Removal

Students are responsible for the proper disposal of their own trash. A trash closet is located on the lower level of Le Fer Hall and it is the student’s responsibility to take their room trash to the designated trash room. The trash room in Les Bois is located next to the electrical room.  Individual students or floors will be charged for trash left in hallways and common areas.

The College utilizes single stream recycling through which all recyclable items may go into one receptacle except food waste, glass, and styrofoam. Cardboard should be broken down before placing in receptacle.

Visitation and Overnight Guest Policy

Residents of SMWC must escort all non-resident guests, at all times, while they are in the residence halls.

Non-Resident Entering the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Residence Halls

Residents of SMWC must escort all non-resident guests, at all times, while they are in the residence halls.

Visitation 

Any visitor of the same or another gender is allowed in the building daily unless otherwise specified in a roommate agreement.  The resident is responsible for escorting their guest(s) at all times while they are in the Residence Hall.  At no point should a non-resident have possession of a resident’s keys or ID card.  All violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action.  SMWC and Campus Life office are not responsible for any injury, illness or personal accident sustained or caused by residents or resident’s guests.  SMWC and Student Affairs staff have the right to ban and bar any guest from the campus if deemed necessary.  The resident is liable for any damages caused by their guest.

Visitation Hours 

                Sunday through Thursday                             Friday, Saturday, and Holidays

                8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.                                        8 a.m. to 1:59 a.m.

Overnight Guests

Residents are allowed to have overnight guests for no more than two consecutive nights in a row per week in Les Bois residence hall.  Guests in Le Fer and Les Bois are responsible for abiding by all policies and procedures outlined in the Housing and Residential Life Policies and any roommate agreements.  The resident is responsible for escorting their guest(s) at all times while they are in the residence hall.  All violations will result in disciplinary action.  SMWC and Campus Life office are not responsible for any injury, illness or personal accident sustained or caused by residents or guest of residents.  Students may not have any more than two overnight guests at a time.

All overnight guest must be signed in through the Overnight Guest Tracking Form.

Cohabitation 

Only the individual(s), as assigned by the College, may reside in a College operated residence.  An excessive number of visits, even if they last no more than two consecutive nights in a week may be considered a violation of the cohabitation policy.  Excessive frequency and/or duration of a guest’s stay may also be considered a policy violation.  Guests may not prolong their visit by moving to another room.  A guest may not occupy a room while the host and roommate(s)/suitemates are absent.  A host may not leave a guest with their roommate/suitemate without seeking the consent of the roommate/suitemate first.  The roommate/suitemate must understand that if they consent, they are taking responsibility for their roommate’s guest.

Weapons, Firearms, and Dangerous Articles and Substances

Are prohibited on campus. See the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities for the weapons policy.

Safety, Security, and Emergency Situations

Resident Responsibility for Safety

Safety and Security Tips

Students should not allow strangers to enter the residence hall with them.

Students should notify Security if someone has insisted upon entering the hall with them. The student should try to get a good description of the offender and observe the direction in which the offender moves.

Students should keep their rooms locked at all times, even when they are sleeping, and especially when they are leaving the room and/or building.

A malfunctioning card access reader or door should be reported via the maintenance request or the front desk immediately.

Students should meet any guests in the lobby area and sign-in their guest at the front desk. Non-student guests should be escorted at all times.

Students should not lend their ID card or room key to other at any time.

Lost or stolen keys or ID cards should be reported immediately to Student Affairs.

Students should sign-up for E2Campus emergency alerts on their mobile devices.

Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

Persons going from room to room trying door knobs

Persons loitering at unusual hours and locations

Persons running (especially if something of value is being carried)

Persons exhibiting unusual mental, emotional, or physical symptoms

Persons carrying college property

Open or broken windows or doors

Unusual noises, screams, or cries for help.

Students play a critical role in maintaining safe and secure environment. No matter how many security personnel we employ or how sophisticated a mechanical system we install, the safety and security of the residents can be compromised by careless resident behavior. Students should think about this the next time they are tempted to prop open a door or not lock their room door.

Emergency Situations

Tornadoes or Weather Emergencies

In the event of severe weather, Student Affairs Staff will make an attempt if there is time available, to post weather-related information by the elevators on each floor and at the front desk. A watch means that conditions are right/favorable for an emergency weather event. A warning means that an active weather event is imminent. In an active weather warning, please quietly follow the directions of hall staff. In the event of a tornado please move to the lower levels to a space with few or no windows and await further instructions from Student Affairs Staff. Student Affairs Staff cannot guarantee the ability to notify residents of a weather emergency. It is strongly suggested that students sign-up for or receive local weather notifications offered by local third-parties.

Restricted Access

In the event of an emergency event on campus (active shooter, campus threat, campus emergency), the residence hall may go into restricted access. During restricted access, students will need to show ID in order to enter their residence hall. No guests are permitted in the building during a restricted access period. Students should follow the directions of Student Affairs Staff during restricted access emergencies.

Building Lockdowns

In the event of an emergency on campus (active shooter, campus threat, campus emergency), the residence hall may go into building lockdown. In a building lockdown, no one will be permitted to enter or leave the buildings. Students will be encouraged to go into their rooms and lock their doors and stay away from their windows until further notice. Student Affairs Staff and/or Security will provide updated information as soon as it is received.