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Housing & Residence Life

Policies/Student Handbook

• Residence Life Handbook 2011-12
• Disciplinary Procedures
  

  If a student receives a write-up for a residence hall violation, the following procedures are to be followed:

  1. Contact the Residence Hall Director within 24 hours to complete any required paperwork.
     1. At this time the student may request a Judicial Hearing to appeal the write-up if he/she feels they should not be held accountable.
     2. The Judicial Hearing will consist of the Resident Advisor, the student, two or three judicial representatives from the residence hall, and the Residence Hall Director. The Assistant Director of Residence Life may also be present.
     3. The student will be notified at the end of the hearing if they are fully responsible, partially responsible, or not held responsible.
     4. An Incident Hearing Form will be completed within one day of the hearing.
  2. If the student waives his/her right for a judicial hearing, or is not granted an appeal, they will be required to complete the assigned sanction within two weeks.
  3. If the student feels that further review of the incident is required, he/she may request an appeal with the Dean of Students as stated in the procedures for formal due process as outlined in the student handbook. (pg 57)
• Check-in & Check-out
  

  First Year and Transfer Students may move into the residence halls beginning at 8:00 AM on the Thursday prior to the start of the fall semester as part of New Student Orientation. The residence halls are usually closed during vacation periods. The student must notify the Resident Director if he or she plans to stay on campus during this time and arrangements will be made for housing. This may require that the student move to a different location during the vacation and pay a per-night fee. Vacation periods not covered by the room and board include Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break. The housing staff will work with the student to schedule housing during these breaks.

  Prior to students moving into the residence halls, residence hall staff will have checked to see that the rooms are in good condition. Each student is given an inventory card to note the condition of the room. When residence in the hall is terminated, a Resident Advisor will use the same card to determine any damage ‹normal wear and tear will be considered›. Each student is individually responsible for furniture, equipment and the general condition of his/her room. Failure to leave the room in the same general condition as when it was first occupied will result in the assessment of a damage charge. When checking out of the residence hall, students should use the following procedure:

  • Give sufficient notice to the RA so he or she may be present when checking out.
  • Remove all possessions.
  • Clean the room thoroughly.
  • Turn in the key to the RA, or RD.
  • Sign the inventory card.
  • Leave a forwarding address.
  • Complete a "Housing Cancellation Request" provided by the RA or RD.

  No refunds will be made unless this procedure is followed.

• Theft & Damage
  

  CSC is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged. Large sums of money and other valuables should not be kept in the residence hall room. For purposes of insurance claims, it is recommended that the student file a police report for any theft. As an added security measure, students may fill out the personal property card provided by the RD. This card could assist law enforcement agencies in the event of a theft. Students may want to secure insurance for their personal property or check with their parents. In many cases home owner insurance policies will cover a student’s property. To provide maximum security for personal property, a room should be locked when unoccupied. Public signs are property of governmental agencies and those displayed in student rooms will be confiscated and returned to authorities.

  Residents of the room will be responsible for damages due to student negligence. Dart boards are not allowed in the student rooms (dart boards are available in the lounges of most residence halls). Damages done to college property, except for that which is defined as normal wear and tear, may be billed to the student. Common area damages may be charged evenly to all students residing in that area if deemed necessary.

• Visitation
  

  Visitation hours are the times during which nonresidents of that hall may visit in the room. On Friday and Saturday nights the residence halls are open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. and on Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. Residents may invite overnight guests, provided accommodations are available and previous arrangements have been made with the Resident Director. Guests of the same sex may stay in the residence hall room with permission of the roommate and must be registered with the Residence Hall Director.

  Overnight guests may stay no longer than 3 nights. Residents may be subject to disciplinary action because of their visitor’s behavior.

  Chadron State College reserves the right to restrict visitation.

• Lofts & Waterbeds
  

  A Loft is defined as an elevated sleeping area constructed of wood or steel that is securely fastened into a single unit. Lofts must be free–standing and not attached to the wall, ceiling, or floor. Students may not construct a structure in which they are sleeping under a surface that furniture is placed upon. Also, water beds and water mattresses may not be lofted. Lofts must conform to these guidelines.

  Chadron State College will not take responsibility for the student’s safety in regards to the use, construction, or dismantling of a loft. Chadron State College reserves the right to direct the residents to remove from their room any hazardous materials, including lofts. Students who wish to build freestanding lofts for their room must submit a “Release of Liability/Hold Harmless Agreement” form available from the Resident Director or Coordinator.

  Water beds are allowed in the rooms. Students must sign a “Damage Release” form holding them responsible for any damage to the building or furnishings caused by the water bed.

• Quiet Hours & Noise
  

  Quiet hours for all residence halls is defined as the hours between 10 p.m. ­and 8 a.m., Sunday through Thursday and 12 midnight and­ 8 a.m., Friday and Saturday nights. Individual floors may vote to expand these minimum requirements; hours must be agreed upon by the residents of that floor and the residence hall staff; quiet hours should be posted. Common courtesy should be considered 24 hours a day; excessive noise is not permitted at any time. This policy recognizes that the residence hall community consists of many diverse individuals with varying schedules.

  Congregating in the halls or common areas may create excessive noise. It is preferred these gatherings happen in the residence hall rooms with the doors closed. Residents that wish to use or practice musical instruments should be aware that Memorial Hall has practice rooms available for this purpose. Stereos and televisions are a frequent source of disturbances in the halls. Residents have many different musical tastes and preferred volume levels vary widely. Please consider using headphones for a higher volume; the sound from your room should not be heard in the hallway.

  Consideration for fellow students is essential at all times and should set the atmosphere for community living. Unreasonable noise or disruptive activity will not be permitted.

• Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, & Weapons
  

  The possession of alcoholic beverages or the possession, use, sale, transportation or manufacture of controlled substances as defined by the Nebraska Statutes is prohibited on the Chadron State College campus or in a residence hall. Alcoholic beverages are subject to disposal by residence hall staff and⁄or security officers. Students found in possession of alcohol on campus may be enrolled in the College’s Drug and Alcohol Class and parents may be contacted. Repeated violation of this policy may result in suspension. Students who are hospitalized for alcohol poisoning must meet with the College Counselor and may be enrolled in the College’s Drug and Alcohol class.

  Gambling with or for money, in any form, is not permitted in the residence halls. Gambling on State property is a violation of Nebraska state law.

  Firearms, ammunition and archery equipment are prohibited in the residence hall student rooms. This includes pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns or any other device designed with a firing mechanism. Air rifles, BB or pellet, and paint ball guns are prohibited as well. Knives, other than pocketknives with blades less than 4", are also prohibited. Any item specifically designed or intended to cause injury or death may not be maintained in the residence hall student rooms and will be confiscated. Failure to comply with any provision of this policy may result in immediate removal from the residence halls.

  Firecrackers and⁄or fireworks are not permitted in or around the residence halls. Flammable liquids such as gasoline and kerosene cannot be stored in the residence halls. Students may not store firearms in their vehicles.

• Emergency Action Procedures
  

  Emergency Alert Procedures:

  • A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and they are possible. If a tornado siren is heard, a radio (610 AM or 97. 5 FM) or television (any channel except HBO) should be turned on for storm information.
  • A Tornado Warning means a tornado has actually been sighted. Warning information is given by both radio and television. The warning to seek shelter is also given by the continuous undulation, (rising and falling) tone of the sirens.
  • In the event of a Tornado Warning take shelter in an interior closet or room away from exterior walls. The room should have no windows; if necessary, a mattress can be put against a window for safety purposes. Stay away from exterior walls and windows; do not take time to open windows.
  • Residents should have a good flashlight, blankets, and a battery powered radio in the case of a tornado. Stay in the building until emergency personnel are on the scene and avoid electrical lines. For more information on tornado safety contact the Region 23 Emergency Management Agency at 432-2251.

  Fire Alarm Procedures:

  • All persons must evacuate the building immediately upon hearing the fire alarm and assemble at the designated area.
  • All persons must remain outside the building as long as the alarm continues to ring. No one may return until the Residence Hall Staff have checked every room so that it can be stated with certainty that the building is empty.

  Any fire or smoke must be immediately reported to the Residence Hall Director or Resident Advisor.Fire regulations and procedures are posted in each room. It is the student′s responsibility to become familiar with the correct fire procedures.

  Tampering with the fire alarm or fire equipment or the setting of fires will result in disciplinary action and will be reported to the State and federal authorities. Burning candles or incense in a residence hall room is considered a fire hazard and is forbidden. Halogen lights are not permitted in student rooms due to high fire rating.

• Closing Hours
  

  The key fob system at Chadron State College makes life in the Residence Halls safer and more convenient for students. These Fobs will allow entrance into your Residence Hall main Entrance and provide added security for the Residents.

  Students will be required to use their Fob to enter the Residence Hall. They will be required to show their ID to the Front Desk worker up on entrance to confirm identity.

  The front doors of the residence halls will be open during the following hours: 7:00 AM-7 PM

  Do not prop doors open as this may provide access to the building for people who do not reside on campus. Campus Security patrols the campus area.

• Room Privacy & Security
  

  Students are responsible for what occurs in their rooms. The right to privacy is of paramount importance. However, the entry into or search of the living quarters of a student may be conducted by the following people for the purposes and under the procedures detailed below:

  • By law enforcement officers in the performance of statutory duties and in accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure.
  • By authorized College personnel to insure that health, fire, and safety regulations are maintained. The College shall give at least 24 hours notice of such entry when possible.
  • By authorized College personnel or agents to provide routine maintenance services and repairs.
  • By authorized College personnel in emergency situations to protect the health and welfare of the student, or to make emergency repairs to prevent damage to the property of the student and the College.
  • By authorized College officials when there is probable cause to believe a violation of College or civil regulations is being committed, and that the delay required in procuring a warrant would endanger the health and safety of the residents or result in the probable destruction of the evidence of the violation.

  When it is necessary for authorized College officials or their agents to enter a student’s room and the occupant(s) is not in, there should be two people present, if at all possible. The student(s) will be notified of the entry and the reason for the entry upon his/her return. A student may be held responsible for activities that occur in his/her residence hall room, even though that student may not be present or involved in the policy violation. Students are responsible for guests.

• Room Guidelines
  

  Cleanliness:

  Students are required to keep their rooms clean. Empty bottle and can collections in the rooms are not permitted as they present a health and pest hazard. Retaining cans or bottles in rooms for recycling is also a violation of College regulations. Recycle barrels are available throughout the residence halls. Health and safety inspections may occur if deemed necessary. Saving energy will help keep costs down. Students can help the College save energy by turning off lights when you leave the room, keeping windows closed in winter, and turning water off when not in use.

  Windows:

  Residents MAY NOT REMOVE the screens from their room window or other residence hall window(s) at any time. In order to protect those individuals who may be walking outside the residence halls, no objects of any type may be thrown, dropped, pushed out of, placed outside of, or allowed to fall from any residence hall window.

  Keys:

  A room key will be issued when a student registers in the hall. Students are advised to keep their room locked and their key with them at all times. An assessment will be made for each key that is lost. If a key is lost, it should be reported immediately to the RD. The RD will have the student complete a Lost Key form. The student will then submit the form to the Housing and Residence Life Office and pick up a new key from the Maintenance Department. Refunds for recovered keys may be issued through the Housing Office. Students are forbidden to duplicate College keys.

• Room Decorations
  

  A room is more enjoyable if decorated with posters, rugs, plants or other items. Students should not use decorations that create a health or fire hazard or cause damage to the room or residence hall. Empty alcohol bottles and/or can collections are not permitted as room decorations. Rooms may not be painted by the students. Suggested items the student may want to bring are a television, microwave, small refrigerator, stereo, study lamp, alarm clock, cleaning supplies, an iron, pillow, blankets, linen, wastebasket, shower items, decorative items and other items that will help make the room a home-away-from-home. Each residence hall has available for check out: vacuums, VCRs, board games and various types of recreation equipment. Also available for student use are microwaves, jumper cables, shovels and brooms. Halogen lights are not allowed due to fire hazard.

  Holiday decorations are allowed under the following conditions:

  • All decorations must be noncombustible or flame retardant.
  • Artificial trees, electric cords, and lights may be used only if approved by Underwriter’s Lab.
  • No natural trees may be used.

  You may not bring the following items:

  • Candles
  • Incense
  • Pets(except fish)
  • Halogen Lights
• Roommates
  

  Roommate Bill of Rights:

  • The right to read and study free from undue interference in one’s room. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.
  • The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, guests of roommate, etc.
  • The right to expect that a roommate will respect one’s personal belongings.
  • The right to a clean environment in which to live.
  • The right to free access to one’s room and facilities without pressure from a roommate.
  • The right to personal privacy.
  • The right to host guests with the expectation that guests are to respect the host’s roommate and other hall residents.
  • The right for redress of grievances. Residence hall staff are available for assistance in settling conflicts.
  • The right to be free from fear of intimidation, physical, and/or emotional harm.
  • The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of the room telephone and television.

  Room Changes:

  Room changes are allowed after the first two weeks of each semester. All room changes require the approval of the Residence Hall Director and the proper forms must be completed. Should a roommate leave, the student has one week (7 days after the roommate officially checks out of the room) to do one of the following:

  • Move in with a roommate of your choice.
  • Have a roommate of your choice move in with you.
  • Change your contract status from a double to a private room at a prorated cost.
    • The Residence Hall Director may assign a roommate if or when one is available. This could involve a move by either or both students.

  * Failure to do any of the above options may result in an automatic prorated charge of a private room for the remainder of the semester.
• Solicitation & Pets & Discrimination
  

  Solicitation:

  Housing units are not to be used for any commercial purposes. Soliciting for business, charity, political, or religious purposes on campus grounds or in campus buildings by anyone is prohibited.

  Pets:

  No pets, except fish, are allowed in the residence halls. Aquariums may be no larger than 10 gallons. If a pet is found in the residence halls or on the campus, the student will be given 12 hours to vacate the animal. If the pet is not removed or another pet is found, it could result in the termination of the housing contract.

  Pets are not permitted in residence halls, with the exception of service animals functioning as a disability accommodation that have been approved through CSC ADA Services.

  CSC Discrimination Policy:

  Discrimination. Chadron State College is an equal opportunity institution. CSC Does not discriminate against any student, employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in employment and education opportunities, including but not limited to admission decisions. The College has designated an individual to coordinate the College's nondiscrimination efforts to comply with regulations implementing Title VI, VII, IX, and Section 504. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and practices may be directed to Kara Vogt, Director of Human Resources, Title VI, VII, IX Compliance Coordinator, Chadron State College, 1000 Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337, 308-432-6224. The term “disability” includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. Upon request, the College will provide students with disabilities with accommodations including, but not limited to, reasonable modifications to residence hall rooms. Students may contact ADA Services at 308-432-6232.

• Vehicles & Parking
  

  All licensed and non-licensed (ATV & scooters) vehicles operated by students, faculty and staff must have valid parking permit, properly displayed, to park on the Chadron State College campus. The parking sticker must be attached to the outside, lower right (passenger side) corner of the back window while parked on the CSC campus and must be clearly visible. Parking hangtags for ATV, Scooters and motorcycles must be attached to the handle bars. These parking stickers and parking hangtags are available in the Business Office in Crites Hall. The person to whom the parking permit is issued is responsible for all parking violations. If you have a guest coming to campus, please get a guest parking permit (no charge) from the Parking Office, Sparks Hall Room 113. If you have any questions, please contact the Parking Office (308) 432-6490. NOTE: CSC has changed beginning with this Fall 2009 from parking hangtags to parking stickers for vehicles except for ATV, scooters and motorcycles which still will use the parking hangtag.

  Parking Areas:

  Chadron State College does not guarantee parking space in a specific area and cannot assume responsibility for the care or protection of any vehicle or its contents while operated or parked on campus. Parking must be in designated parking stalls only. For more information please contact the Business Office, Campus Security, or the Chadron Police Department.

• Disorderly Conduct
  

  Civil behavior enhances the residence life setting and is expected at all times. The following abusive behaviors will not be tolerated:

  • Any behavior or action, physical or verbal, that is meant to devalue, demean or incite an individual or group, directly or implied.
  • Verbal abuse, including offensive language and derogatory group identity slurs.
  • Threatening behavior, whether written, verbal or physical to others or self.
  • Any form of sexual harassment or coercion, including date or acquaintance rape.
  • Any use of force or physical violence.
  • Trespassing, entering or remaining in any room or location without the resident’s or staff’s permission.
  • Lewd, obscene or offensive behavior, including posted materials.

  Such behaviors may result in immediate removal from campus housing and⁄or disciplinary action being taken by College authorities.

  Students involved in the assault of another person within the residence halls may be removed from the halls.

  Any attempt by a student or guest to physically or verbally harass a College employee in the performance of his/her duty may lead to a strict disciplinary sanction.