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Residents’ Guide
We are here to
help…
Housing Staff
Residence Life
Staff
Residence Life
staff members strive to maintain a comfortable and educational
environment for all SSU students. Staff members work together
throughout the year to make your living experience the best ever.
Student Staff
Resident Advisors
(RA) are student staff members, selected for their personal and
academic development in the collegiate setting, and more
specifically, in the residential setting. RAs are full-time students
and assist with individual and group concerns, plan programs,
enforce housing policies and are on-call for weekdays and weekends.
Professional
Staff
Housing employs two
full-time live-in professionals and one off campus administrator.
The live-in professionals supervise staff, advise and counsel
individuals and groups, coordinate programs and serve as the primary
on-call administrator for all residence halls.
How Can We Help
You?
Residence Hall Services
Maintenance and
Repairs
To report repairs see your RA
or the Office of Student Activities to fill out a maintenance repair
order. Repairs are made based on level of urgency.
Phone Service
All rooms are equipped with a
phone line. It is recommended that you hook up a phone for an office
on campus to contact you. To make an on-campus call dial the last
four digits of the extension to make an off-campus call dial 9.
Laundry Services
Laundry facilities are
located behind Campus View 600 and a small laundry room is connected
to Campus View 200. Townhouse apartments are equipped with laundry
facilities inside the apartment. At the beginning of each semester
the RAs will schedule a time for you to program your SSU I.D. for
access into the laundry facility.
Pest Control
If you are having problems
with insects, report the problem to your RA as soon as possible.
NOTE: Help us by keeping your trash cans emptied and dishes clean
throughout the year!
Mail Service and
Packages
Each housing student is
assigned a combination mailbox in the University Center at check-in.
This will serve as your permanent mailbox, please check your mailbox
frequently. If you receive a package you will receive a package slip
in your mailbox, please take the slip with a photo I.D. to the Game
Room desk to pick up your package.
Mailing Address:
Your Name
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH
45662
Community Standards of Conduct
(Please refer to
the Student Code of Conduct for campus policies)
Candles,
Lamps and Room Decorations- As a fire
safety precaution, candles and incense are not permitted. Most
halogen bulbs and lamps are also banned in the halls. Any
UL-approved halogen lamp manufactured after 1996 is permitted. Use
push pins to hang room decorations, no adhesive, glue, tape or glow
in the dark stars are permitted. The use of the above items may
result in damage charges.
Appliances- In an effort to reduce circuit
overloading and potential fire hazards, electrical appliances that
are permitted are limited to U.L. approved items. Personal
refrigerators should use no more than 1.5 amps and do not exceed a
total of 4.5 cubic feet storage capacity.
Visitation- Visitation provides an
opportunity for members of the opposite gender to visit your
apartment. Residence facilities have the following visitation hours:
Sunday through
Thursday- 8 am to 2 am
Thursday, Friday
and Saturday- 24 hour visitation
Guests of the same
gender have 24-hour visitation at all times. However, no visitor may
stay more than three consecutive nights and must be escorted at all
times. Visitation is an agreement that must be negotiated among
roommates/housemates. At no time should a visitor have access to the
occupant’s key.
Guest
Policy- Guests are permitted in the halls
only at the request of the residents, who then become responsible
for their visitor’s conduct. All guests must abide by university and
hall regulations. Cohabitation is not permitted.
Noise-
Because of the proximity of the housing
units, excessive noise outside the units should be kept to a
minimum. Loud music emanating from stereo speakers in room windows
and other extraneous noise is not permitted in the residential
areas.
Quiet Hours
9 pm to 9 am
Moderate noise or
courtesy hours should be maintained during all hours. Residents
should be considerate by observing these hours and responding
appropriately to requests to lower noise volume. Repeated noise
violation may result in judicial charges.
Alcohol
and Illegal Drugs- SSU permits the
possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in university
assigned residence facilities in accordance with the laws of the
State of Ohio, ordinances of the City of Portsmouth, regulations of
the Ohio Department of Liquor Control and policies of SSU.
Responsible
behavior is expected at all times, and intoxication is never an
excuse for inappropriate behavior. No person shall sell or furnish
alcoholic beverages to a minor.
Alcohol
Guidelines
- You may possess
or consume alcohol only if you are of legal drinking age and only
in your room or the room of another resident who is of legal
drinking age.
- You are
responsible for any underage drinking in your room, even if you
are of legal drinking age.
- Open containers
of alcohol are prohibited outdoors, in lounges, recreation rooms,
hallways or other common areas.
- Kegs (empty or
filled in any portion), trash cans or other large containers
holding quantities of alcohol are strictly prohibited in the
residence halls or on campus property.
- Decorative
container collections e.g. alcohol bottles or cans are not
permitted.
- Students who
display intoxicated behaviors or students who require staff
assistance due to their consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs
shall be subject to judicial action.
Illegal
Drugs/Paraphernalia-Possession or use of
illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia is prohibited in the residence
halls. This will result in judicial charges and possible suspension
from the university.
Parental
Notification ***
Weapons-
Students are prohibited from keeping or
using firearms, fireworks, explosives, weapons (including knives,
pellet, air or paintball guns), or other dangerous articles or
substances in University housing.
Windows-
Throwing any object from a window is
prohibited. The removal and damage of window screens in University
housing is prohibited.
Grills-
Personal cook grills are not permitted in
university housing due to fire concerns. Permanent grills are
located around university housing grounds.
Pets-
Residents may keep fish, but other types of pets and animals are not
permitted in the residence halls at any time, either with residents
or visitors. Assistance dogs are exempt from this policy.
Remember to plan
for your fish over break periods. Aquariums must be unplugged before
you leave. The temperature of the water will fluctuate, thus putting
your fish at risk. Aquariums must be 5 gallon capacity or less.
How the Community Standards of Conduct
are Applied
Residence Life Staff members rely on the
Student Code of Conduct as a guide to help define acceptable
behavior on issues related to university and resident property or
resident behavior.
Residents choosing to violate policies
are held accountable for their behavior. Once an alleged violation
of policy is reported, the student(s) alleged to be involved will be
asked to meet with a conduct hearing officer to discuss the
violation. During this meeting the administrator may determine that
a violation occurred and impose sanctions or dismiss the case. The
hearing officer may refer cases involving possible suspension,
dismissal, or other serious violations to the vice president of
student affairs.
Violations
Violations of the Code of Conduct include those activities which
directly and significantly interfere with the University’s primary
educational responsibility or subsidiary responsibilities of
protecting the health and safety of persons in the university
community, maintaining and protecting property, keeping records,
providing living accommodations and other services, and sponsoring
non-classroom activities such as lectures, concerts, athletic events
and social functions. The following violations indicate categories of
inappropriate conduct and activity:
- Interference
with the educational mission
- Offenses harmful
to the safety and environmental health of others
- Offenses against
property
- Conduct code
- Other housing
violations (visitation, noise, pets, failure to comply with staff,
unauthorized entry or use of facilities, etc.)
The policies outlined here are in accordance with the
University’s Code of Conduct which is published in your student
handbook.
Sanctions
If a student admits to a violation or has been determined to be in
violation of the Code of Conduct, one or more of the following
sanctions may be imposed:
- Dismissal
- Suspension
- Disciplinary
probation
- Official censure
or admonition
- Restitution
- Community
service/work assignment
- Room transfer
- Eviction
- Such other
action as the committee or officer, within reason, may deem
appropriate
- Educational
programs
Residents’
Rights
As members of the
residential community, you have the right to expect the following:
- The ability to
sleep, read, and study free from undue interference, unreasonable
noise, and other distractions.
- Personal privacy
within the limits of the residence halls
- A clean living
environment
- Freedom from
harassment, including sexual harassment, as well as threats of
intimidation and physical or emotional harm. This includes acts of
ethnical or racial intimidation, hazing or discrimination for
reasons of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age,
disability or Vietnam-era veteran status
- Assistance and
support from residence life staff
Residents’
Responsibilities
As members of the
residential community you have the responsibility to:
- Help to maintain
an environment conducive to academic pursuit
- Treat fellow
residents and residence hall staff with respect, consideration,
and cooperation
- Accord every
resident personal dignity, and report incidents of racial or other
discrimination or harassment to residence life staff.
- Understand and
comply with all university and residence hall policies and
regulations
- Resolve personal
and community issues in a calm and diplomatic manner
- Exercise an
individual commitment to personal and community security
General Information
Single
Room/Consolidation Policy
In any given semester, students paying for a double occupancy room
could end up with a single room because of a last minute
cancellation by their roommate or for some other reason. When this
happens, students residing in double rooms alone will be offered the
option of paying the single room rate to keep their rooms as single
for the remainder of the applicable quarter. If the student chooses
not to select the single rate option, he or she will participate in
consolidation by being reassigned to another room or by room or by
being assigned a roommate. Whenever possible, students are
encouraged to choose their new roommates or room assignments.
When the
Office of Student Activities and Auxiliaries deems it necessary to
consolidate students, every attempt will be made to accommodate the
student’s request for roommates and placement.
All students without a roommate (or anticipating the
loss of a roommate) should contact the Office of Student Activities
immediately to discuss their options.
Wherever possible,
changes will be made during the first few weeks of the semester (or
at the end of the semester for changes occurring at the start of the
next semester). Residence Life staff will attempt to minimize any
inconvenience caused by this situation.
Room or
Unit Changes
If you wish to change
rooms, you may do so during the first weeks of the semester, with
the approval of a housing administrator. This allows the university
to provide better service, including mail delivery. Moves are
contingent upon space being available in the desired location. All
moves must be approved by the Office of Student Activities and
Auxiliaries. In extenuating circumstances, the University may, in
its sole judgment, reassign a student to another room.
Confiscation
Policy
Certain items are prohibited in student
residence facilities because of health, fire or safety reasons,
state law or university policy. If items such as appliances,
weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia are found in your room, they
are subject to disciplinary action. If you have any items
confiscated by staff, you will be given a receipt. You are entitled
to the return of such items at the end of the year or when you leave
campus; however, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia are not
returned since a violation of state law has occurred. Weapons are
turned over to the Shawnee State University Security Department. Any
item not claimed within one calendar year of confiscation becomes
Shawnee State University property and is discarded.
Room Entry
Legitimate room entry is
defined as entrance to a student’s room to fulfill maintenance,
housekeeping, safety or security inspections, and other duties by
authorized personnel.
No student’s room
will be entered by authorized personnel without knocking and
announcing proper identification. Entry following the knock will be
preceded by a time lapse sufficient in length to allow you to open
the door yourself.
Room Search
Room search is defined as a
formal search when “probable cause” is apparent that a state or
federal law or university policy or regulation may have been, or is
being, violated. Each person who occupies a room in a residence
facility is responsible for items, materials, or substances defined
by the University’s Code of Student Conduct or state and federal
laws as illegal. A search will only be conducted by a university
administrator.
Health and
Safety Inspections
Inspections are done each
semester by your RA to check for safety concerns, damages and
cleanliness. You will receive notice before the inspections take
place.
Check-out Policy
If you are moving off campus
or just moving to another room you are required to check out with
your RA. Please contact your RA to complete necessary paperwork and
turn in your room key. If you fail to check out properly you will be
charged with an improper check out fee and the cost of the key.
Damages
Each room of each residence
facility is checked at the beginning of the year for prior damages.
These damages are documented before students arrive. When the
student arrives it is their responsibility to go over the check-in
items and document any damages. Any future damages that year will be
paid for by the student. The most common damages include not
cleaning, holes in walls, walls needing repainted, adhesive on
walls, carpet stains and lost keys. We strongly urge residents to
take responsibility for their areas and show ownership of it. These
things can be accomplished by cleaning on a regular basis, hanging
things on the walls using bulletin board type pins and using general
discretion with all other areas. All houses are inspected again
after the residents check-out and damages are assessed accordingly.
You may be required to share the expense of repair or replacement of
any property in areas commonly used by residents and their guest or
of any property relative to the building itself if the student
responsible for the damage cannot be determined. Failure to pay
assessed fees may result in a hold on your registration, graduation
or academic records.
Solicitation
Students living in university
housing may not act as agents for business firms when this entails
solicitation or receiving business offers, services, or goods in the
facility. Your room may not be used for business purposes of any
nature.
Safety and Security
Fire Safety
Each apartment in university
housing is equipped with smoke detectors, a sprinkler system, carbon
monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher. If your smoke detector
goes off, evacuate immediately and follow the instructions of the
housing staff and fire prevention teams. Fire drills are conducted
at least once per semester.
Fire Equipment,
Signs and Fire Doors
All fire related equipment,
including fire extinguishers, hoses, alarms, sprinklers, smoke/heat
alarms, exit signs and notices are available for the purpose of
saving lives. The equipment is to be used only for its designated
purpose. Unauthorized use of, or tampering with, any of this
equipment is a serious violation and may result in suspension from
the University or a monetary fine. In addition to being a clear and
present danger to human life, such tampering is considered a
criminal violation and may result in legal prosecution. Please note
that exit signs are included in this emergency category.
Emergencies
In an emergency, dial 9-911
and then call and inform a Residence Life staff member of the
situation. If you are ill or injured, contact your RA for help. The
non-emergency number for University Security is 351-3243.
Valuables
The university is not
responsible for loss of or damage to personal property of students
who reside in university housing. If your parent’s home owner’s
insurance does not cover student belongings, it may be desirable to
purchase additional insurance coverage. You are strongly encouraged
to lock your door whenever you go out of your room.
Lock/Key Policy
For security purposes, if you
lose your apartment key, locks will be changed and new keys issued.
You are billed for the cost of changing the locks in the apartment.
At no time should you give or loan your key to anyone else. This is
a serious security violation. If you lock yourself out of your room
please contact a RA.
Cleanliness of
Residence Facilities
The university maintains the
right to inspect rooms periodically in order to protect the health
of all residents. All residents are expected to maintain an accepted
standard of cleanliness and hygiene in their living unit. You may be
billed for any cleaning charges deemed necessary as a result of an
unacceptable level of living unit cleanliness.
Roommate Relations
Building
Relationships
Whether you were friends
before or just meet for the first time when you become roommates,
living together successfully calls for sincere efforts toward
compromise and cooperation. Don’t expect that your roommate will be
your best friend, it’s nice when it happens but it’s not the norm.
To help your roommate relationships work long term, try to
understand the struggles your roommate or roommates may be going
through as they try to become comfortable with a new way of life.
Your roommate’s perspective may be very different from your own.
Encourage respect for your needs, as well as others. It is always a
good idea to discuss invitations and guests ahead of time with your
roommates.
You’ll find as the
year progresses, that your values and those of your roommates will
be challenged or changed. This can be one of the most difficult
parts of a roommate relationship. Ask your RA to help you arrive at
solutions.
Food Services
The Bears’ Den
cafeteria, located in the University Center, serves breakfast, lunch
and dinner, Monday through Friday with limited hours on Saturday and
Sunday. The resident dining program includes theme dinners, monthly
birthday cakes, parents-eat-free and late night breakfasts. For more
information about the food service program or any specific dietary
concerns contact Campus Dining at 351-3617.
Meal Card
Your Shawnee State University
I.D. will be your meal card. Students without their I.D. will not be
allowed in the cafeteria. If you lose your I.D. go to the
Registrar’s Office for a new one.
Sick Tray
Sick trays are also available
for students with a meal plan. If you are feeling under the weather
and would like to order a sick tray, contact the production
supervisor at 351-3129.
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