Student Handbook
06-07 Student Handbook - Residential Life
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Welcome
What is Residential Life?
Residential Life Team 2007-2008
The Resident Advisors and Academic Role Models
Residential Life and Housing Staff
Room Assignments
Room Change
Roommate Conflict/Resolution Procedure
Consolidation Procedure
Room Condition Report (Check In & Check Out)
Roommate Replacement Procedure
Living with Roommates
Room/Hall Damage Charges
Residential Life Policies/Courtesies
Telephone Services and Vending
Things You Should Know
For Your Safety
Welcome to residential life at The College of St. Scholastica! You should expect to have a rewarding, enjoyable educational experience living on campus.
One of the most exciting opportunities about living here is that you build the foundation for many lifetime friendships with your roommate, floor mates, and RAs (resident advisors). At the same time, you are exposed to a variety of different backgrounds and lifestyles which may influence your lifelong journey.
We urge you to make the most of your college days through active involvement in your community, through participation in wing meetings, campus activities, and RHA (Resident Hall Association). Our challenge to you is to utilize the resources of people, programs, and facilities at St. Scholastica to the utmost of your ability so your times here are the “best years of your life.”
We encourage any questions you may have. Please feel free to call ext. 6391 with inquiries or concerns or stop in the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
God Bless,
Betsy Kneepkens
Assistant Dean for Campus Life
What is Residential Life?
St. Scholastica provides campus housing for both men and women in Somers Residence hall, Somers Suites, Pine,
1. A residential climate where students can pursue academics and experience a learning living environment.
2. An atmosphere conducive to personal, spiritual, academic and social growth.
3.
Housing and residential life team members consistently work toward providing adequate facilities, trained staff, and programs enhancing student and institutional goals. In particular, the Residential Life Program strives:
1. To develop a sensitivity to the rights and values of others
2. To develop accountability on the part of every student for his/her own actions
3. To create an interpersonal environment which provides the opportunity for human growth and development
4. To enhance the Benedictine tradition in the lives of our residents and well-rounded support for students becoming St. Scholastica “Cor et Anima.”
RESIDENTIAL LIFE TEAM 2007-2008
Resident Advisors, SOMERS
S116: Emily Duncan S146: Darcy Amnuel
S216: Jason Berve S237: Suraj Panthi
S246: Nem Svitlica S316:
S337: Martha Leisch S346: Jen Weinzettel
Resident Advisors, SOMERS SUITES
B75: Zahra Karimian G74: Sam Szczech
S174: Nicole Duff S274: Ngawang Gonsar
Resident Advisors, HALLS
Pine 102: Katie Carlson Maple 102: Sam Bugni
Birch 202: Travis Leong Cedar 125: Stacy Rauenhorst
Cedar 233: Felekech Biratu Scanlon 123: Will Ruckel
Scanlon 222: Dragomir Mijic Scanlon 322: Dawit Biratu
Kerst 122: Stephanie Kirchner Kerst 222: Aayush Kanodia
Kerst 322: Ben Deering
ACADEMIC ROLE MODELS (ARMS), SOMERS
S115: Molly Ruvelson S215: Alex Strachota
S236: Christian Toonstra S247: Howard Stoltz
S336: Jessica Johnston
ACADEMIC ROLE MODELS (ARMS), SOMERS SUITES
173: Brianne Anshus
ACADEMIC ROLE MODELS (ARMS), HALLS
Birch 302: Gunjan Piya
Resident advisors are full-time students as well as members of the Residential Life Team. The RA is a student of at least sophomore status who has been selected because of his or her concern for others, knowledge and understanding of the College and Benedictine heritage, and belief in the value of residential living. RAs are available to assist residents in any way possible: as a friend, advisor, information source, etc. The basic goal of every RA is to encourage responsibility in individuals and in the community.
The wellness model of programming is used to help develop community in the residence halls. RAs are encouraged to promote events for their residents in seven different areas, which include social, educational, emotional, cultural, physical, spiritual, and community service.
In order to ensure that a resource person is always available, an RA is on duty each night. Their names and numbers are listed two sections before this one and near each RA or apartment manager’s door. At least one RA in Somers Hall and one RA in the apartments is on duty each weekday from 4:30 p.m. until 8 a.m. the next morning and all day on Saturday and Sunday while class is in session.
Academic Role Models (ARMS Program)
There are seven academic role models on campus whose primary goal is to foster an educational climate in the residential halls. They provide learning opportunities, study skills information and act as an academic resource for students.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE AND HOUSING STAFF
Phone: ext. 6391
Location: Somers Hall 168
Assistant Dean of Students for Campus Life: Betsy Kneepkens
Residential Life coordinator: Jeremy Vidmar
Residential Life coordinator: Amber Gort
Residential Life and Housing Office coordinator: Kristen Coder
Residential Life and Housing Office assistant: Marilyn Szymczak
The assistant dean of students for campus life is responsible for all aspects of the Residential Life Program including the supervision of the resident advisor (RA) staff, RHA (Residence Hall Association), day-to-day operations of housing, and the administration of the residence hall code of conduct.
Room assignments are made by the Office of Residential Life and Housing. Assignments are based on the stated preference of the individual and the availability of the specific option requested. Options other than the normal double are very limited in number and are usually taken by previous residents during spring room sign-up. Students desiring a special assignment may place their names on a waiting list through the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
Room Options (Somers Hall)
1. The
2. The Single Room: 6' 5" wide x 17' 4" long. The single room is about half the size of the normal double and contains furnishings for one resident only. The single room provides privacy for the individual.
3. The Double as a Single Room: The normal double room is occupied by one person only, providing privacy and space. Doubles as singles are granted as space becomes available in the housing units.
4. Somers Tri and Quads: These rooms have their own bathroom and are occupied by three or four people. Occupancy is determined through lottery.
5. Somers Suites: The standard two-bedroom unit is approximately 525 square feet. Bedrooms are 10' x 10'. Living rooms are 10' x 14'. Bathrooms are 8' x 12'. These are similar to apartment living without a kitchen. The suite space includes two bedrooms, a living room and bathroom. Somers suites are available for residents who attain sophomore status and are 19 years of age before September 1.
6. Upper-Class Halls: Pine, Maple,
A student may request a room change at any time. It is preferred that room changes occur after the first two weeks of any semester and before the last week of any semester.
Because living with a roommate is an opportunity for learning and growth, students are encouraged and assisted by staff to work out difficult situations. However, if a student chooses to move, he/she will initiate this action by speaking with the RA. He/she will meet with Residential Life for approval of plans. Anytime a resident makes a room transfer, he/she must be officially checked out of his/her old room and into the new one by an RA.
Should a student be granted a room transfer at the end of the semester, he/she will need to check in and move all his/her belongings to the newly assigned room and check out of the previous room before leaving campus for the vacation period.
ROOMMATE CONFLICT/RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
Roommates are strongly encouraged to begin their living together by completing the Roommate Contract provided by the RA. In the event that a student is experiencing conflict with his/her roommate, the below options are available:
1. Confront your roommate with how you feel about a particular behavior that you feel violates your rights (e.g., “I feel angry that you were on the phone for four hours last night. I was unable to call home. I would like to work with you to resolve this issue. Do you have any suggestions?”). When confronting another, it is important to separate the person from the behavior. Avoid labeling and name calling; stay calm, in control and avoid blaming; share with them specific events during which they exhibited the behavior you are concerned about and stick to the issue at hand.
2. If you feel the above approach was unsuccessful, contact your RA who can help work to resolve the issue between you and your roommate.
3. If you or your RA feel that the conflict is still unresolved, it should be brought to the attention of the residential life professionals. At that time all parties will sit down and try to resolve the conflict. If the conflict is irresolvable, a room change will be granted to the resident willing to move.
4. If neither party is willing to move, the residents may choose to bring their case to the resident mediation panel who will hear the case and grant a binding resolution. The resident mediation panel will be selected from a pool of trained resident volunteers. Each hearing will consist of one resident each from a pool of on-campus residents. Each panel will be facilitated by a resident advisor who will have no voting power. The operating code for the resident mediation panel will be made available from the
CONSOLIDATION PROCEDURE
In order to keep room rates down, the Residential Life Department reserves the right to move same sex students who are living alone into one room or another apartment. This is called consolidation.
Once your roommate moves out:
1. You are encouraged to seek out a person to fill the vacancy.
2. You may receive notice from the Office of Residential Life and Housing which will indicate if someone on the waiting list wishes to move in with you or someone needs housing.
3. If you are unable to find a roommate, your options include: paying for the vacancy (if housing is not in overflow status); accepting an assigned resident; or, if requested by Residential Life, consolidating with another or other students. If you are unable to agree on which person needs to move, the Residential Life Office will determine the outcome by a coin toss.
ROOM CONDITION REPORT (Check in and Check Out)
Upon moving into your resident hall room, your RA will complete an inventory form describing the condition of the facility. You will be asked to read and sign this form and when you move out of your room or apartment, the facility is reevaluated. This is to protect you from being charged for damages which occurred prior to your occupancy. The College expects you to leave your housing in the same condition as you found it. Residents will be held financially responsible for repairing other than normal depreciation (refer to standard damage charges). All repairs will be done at the discretion of the College.
ROOMMATE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
Residents have two options when a vacancy occurs once a term begins:
1. “Pull” a resident into the available space within two weeks of the vacancy.
2. The remaining residents can choose to cover the additional cost in leaving the spot vacant (only possible if space is available in housing).
If neither of these is opted for, the Office of Residential Life and Housing will make placements based on housing need. If present residents refuse the replacement, they have the right to plead their case in front of the resident mediation panel and accept the binding resolution of the panel. Otherwise the College reserves the right to charge the present residents the cost of the vacancy.
NOTE: A student must attain at least sophomore standing and 19 years of age by September 1 to become eligible for upper-class housing options. Residents who have spent one year post secondary status may request a waiver the second year to live in upper-class housing.
LIVING WITH ROOMMATES
Sharing Expenses
Many residents buy food and prepare meals individually to keep expenses separate. However, a number of last year’s residents reported that they cut food costs one-third to one-half by buying groceries and preparing food together. Preparing single meals can result in spoilage or waste and consequently increased food bills. Residents may also want to discuss sharing the costs of commonly used cleaning materials and disposable items (paper products, seasonings, etc.). Some groups establish a household “kitty” for purchasing food and/or supplies used in common. You may want to consult your RA for help in establishing a common budget.
In addition, expenses can be cut by having a few groups purchase food items together in bulk quantities. The time spent is worth the money saved for many residents. However, it takes planning to make this belief a reality while eating properly and staying healthy at the same time.
Helpful Living Hints
• Defrost your refrigerator frequently. A frost build-up causes greater electrical usage.
• When cleaning bathtubs, use a foam or other nonabrasive cleanser. Abrasives, including all scrubbers except nylon, will ruin the surface. Clean tub drains periodically to prevent slow drainage.
• Put aluminum foil over the burner catch pans and inside the oven to reduce the chore of cleaning your range.
• Make a cleaning schedule in September so everyone does his or her part.
• Use preventive medicine to fight against roommate squabbles. Have a box in your room where you can make comments about others’ actions (e.g., “Everyone please put the top on the butter when you’re finished with it.”) This may work for your residential floor as well.
• Try not to lend money to each other; don’t lend it unless you can afford to lose it.
• Let your roommates know when you are in a bad mood so they can beware.
• Encourage a roommate dinner each week.
• Do not borrow clothes or other items unless you ask first. Open door invitation at the beginning of the school year may need renewal each week.
• Don’t limit your activity to just your roommates.
• It’s not quantity that keeps roommates, it’s quality.
• If you are ill, remember these precautions so your roommates don’t get ill as well.
ROOM/HALL DAMAGE CHARGES
Standard Damage Charges are as Follows
Room cleaning/resident.......................................................... $75 and up
Bulletin boards........................................................................ 25 and up
Burn marks............................................................................. 50 and up
Ceiling tiles (per tile)........................................................................... 15
Clothing rod--replacement................................................................... 10
Closet wire basket.............................................................................. 30
Desk chair--replacement......................................................... 125 and up
Desk lamp......................................................................................... 35
Door damage--replacement....................................................... 20 and up
Door number--replacement.................................................................. 10
Door Viewer....................................................................................... 20
Drapes................................................................................. 100 and up
Curtain rod damage................................................................. 40 and up
Exit light--replacement...................................................................... 200
Fire extinguisher--refilled.................................................................... 75
Fire extinguisher--replacement.......................................................... 150
Ice cube tray....................................................................................... 5
Improper checkouts............................................................................ 25
Key/Card replacement........................................................................ 25
Light fixture cover--replacement............................................................ 50
Lock repair......................................................................................... 30
Mattress--replacement....................................................................... 120
Mattress pad--replacement.................................................................. 20
Mirror--replacement............................................................................. 30
Patch and/or paint wall(s) and ceiling........................................ 50 and up
Poster putty removal................................................................ 35 and up
Removal or damage of lounge, room or apartment furniture50 and up
Screen--replacement........................................................................... 75
Screen--unauthorized removal.............................................................. 30
Shower curtain.................................................................................... 20
Sink stopper........................................................................................ 15
Smoke detector--replacement............................................................... 25
Telephone cord...................................................................................... 5
Telephone--replacement........................................................................ 35
Thermostat--replacement........................................................... 75 and up
Towel bar--replacement......................................................................... 25
Wastebasket--replacement................................................................... 25
Window--replacement.............................................................. 100 and up
Common area damages may be assessed of all residents in damaged wing, floor, hall, or apartment complexes unless individual responsibility is claimed.
NOTE: Any damages not listed above will be assessed at the actual cost of time, labor, and material. The College reserves the right to reassess the above damage charges.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE COURTESIES
Residential Regulations
Underlying the residence hall policies and courtesies are four basic assumptions:
1. Certain understanding and courtesies are necessary to guarantee each student the opportunity to take full advantage of the academic and cocurricular programs of The College of St. Scholastica.
2. Residents are mature, emerging adults, and will use common sense and consideration in dealing with others.
3. Courtesies are necessary to ensure the physical and psychological security and safety of all residents.
4. The College works to foster the ideals of the Catholic Benedictine tradition and support Cor et Anima.
Residential Life Policies/Courtesies
The policies and courtesies published here have been developed by students and staff members for the purpose of living out the expectations of being a student at The College of St. Scholastica. All these expectations support the Student Affairs Statement of Becoming, “Cor et Anima.”
Accidents or Emergency
Container Policy
Collection of more than twenty cans or bottles is prohibited in campus residences and poses a health risk. Additionally, the possession by minors of alcohol containers is not allowed in campus housing (see Alcohol Policy in the College Policies section). The sanction for violating the container policy is a $30 fine.
Beverage Policy
Open containers and “water bottles” suspected of containing alcohol can be confiscated and sanctions will be imposed.
Drugs
Possession (except a physician’s prescription), distribution, or sale of stimulants, depressants, narcotics, or hallucinogenic drugs, and other agents that are controlled substances having potential for abuse, is prohibited. (See Alcohol Policy in the College Policies section.)
Dress Code
When in public areas of the building, Somers Hall residents should not appear in pajamas, robes, etc. Public areas include all lounges, lobby, Penthouse, and Greenview Dining Room.
Gambling
Gambling without a license is a violation of state law and is prohibited in the residence hall complexes.
Guests
Guests are welcome in resident complexes. Guests must be accompanied at all times by the resident whom they are visiting, and the residents assume full responsibility for their guest’s actions. We encourage you to notify your RA if you are having a guest (to help in the event of an emergency). Guests in the Somers Hall complex must register at Somers front desk and obtain a guest permit.
Guests of the opposite sex are not permitted to spend the night. (See Visitation Policy in the Residential Life section.)
Guests are allowed to visit up to 48 continuous hours. For exceptions, contact the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
Guests found in resident living areas without a permit will be escorted out of the resident complexes. Residents with guests without permits will be charged $25 per guest and are responsible for any violations their guest commits.
Roll-aways, available in a limited supply, are available with advance notice. Guestrooms may be available for family, friends of students, and prospective students. To reserve a room, contact Somers front desk.
Be sensitive to the fact that guests in a room, especially overnight or weekend guests, affect all the people living in the unit. Negotiate with your roommate(s) well in advance about dinner guests, large gatherings, and weekend visitors so they can make arrangements if need be. Exam time or approaching deadlines for major projects or papers may not be a convenient time for you to have another person in the unit. Discuss this BEFORE you invite your guest so you do not have to withdraw an invitation.
Guns/Weapons
Guns/weapons are one of the leading causes of accidental death for young adults in this country.
Guns of any kind are strictly prohibited on campus. Students are required to notify Security if a gun/weapon is seen on campus. Sanctions for a resident found in possession of a gun may range from immediate termination of their housing contract to dismissal from the College. If necessary, civil authorities may be contacted.
Noise
Stereos, radios, and television sets are permitted, but common sense and courtesy should be used when determining volume any time during the day. Rooftop antennas may not be erected nor any other antenna affixed to buildings. Common courtesy should be observed with any type of musical instrument.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours have been established as a guideline to ensure the rights of all residents and to guarantee the opportunity to sleep and to study effectively. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., Sunday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights, quiet hours are from midnight to 10 a.m. Quiet hours are observed in all areas where sleeping and studying occur.
It is the responsibility of each resident to enforce quiet hours and to respect the rights of others. Flagrant violations or repetitive problems are considered a courtesies violation of residence life policies. Unusually high levels of music or voices will be considered a violation at any time of the day.
DURING FINALS WEEK, 24-HOUR “QUIET HOURS” WILL BE OBSERVED.
Renewal Lottery
Renewal of housing contracts occurs in the first half of the second term. Residents will receive information in their CSS boxes. This packet will give necessary information for the lottery. If a resident(s) bilks the lottery system, people on the lottery ticket will be returned to the Residence Hall and placed on the lottery waiting list. These decisions are made by the Community Appeal Committee.
Snow Removal
All resident students will receive a guide to snow removal. If snow occurs, watch for yellow signs or call ext. 6789 (snow plowing hotline) for snow removal information. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with snow removal. All cars left in parking lots in which plowing will take place are towed and charged. If you have questions regarding snow removal or need a copy of the snow removal guide, please call Residential Life at ext. 6391.
Pets
Fish are the only pets allowed on campus.
Road Signs
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has informed the College that possession of road signs is a violation of state law and subject to a fine of $700. Residents will have the opportunity to drop road signs off in the
Residents found with a road sign will be fined. All road signs will be given back to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for reuse.
Sexual Assault and Harassment
All residents should read and familiarize themselves with The College of St. Scholastica Sexual Harassment Policy and Sexual Assault Policy sections in the student handbook. In compliance with
Solicitation
No solicitation by agencies or their representatives is allowed on campus unless prior approval is obtained through the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
Summer Residents
All students living on campus during the summer are expected to abide by the policies and expectations contained in this handbook. Violations will be dealt with by the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
Theft
In the beginning of the school year, serial numbers of all of your valuable possessions can be listed in the Office of Residential Life and Housing. Contact your RA for listing information.
In the event of theft, contact your RA, Security, and a member of the Residential Life Department so that a security report and an investigation can take place. Students may contact local authorities.
A student whom the College believes is responsible for the theft of College and/or other student property may be immediately removed from campus housing and could be subject to academic dismissal from the College.
We would like to think that unpleasant things such as thefts do not occur, but we must be realistic. The College does not assume financial responsibility for stolen items, so protect your belongings by keeping your door locked when you are away. (Even if you are away from your room for only a few minutes, lock your door; it does not take long to steal.) The College assumes no responsibility for theft, damage, or the loss of money, valuables, or personal belongings of any resident or guest. It is essential that you check with your family concerning the extent of coverage of existing insurance policies. You are strongly encouraged to carry some form of personal property insurance if you are not covered under your parents’ homeowner’s policy.
Vandalism
Vandalism is a serious offense against the whole community and is considered a direct violation of the terms of the housing contract. In addition to any other sanction imposed by the College, all students involved in vandalism are expected to make restitution for the damaged property. If timely payment is not made to the Residential Life and Housing Department, the amount will be placed on your student account.
In the event of accidental breakage, please contact Security (ext. 6175) and the maintenance hotline (ext. 3030) immediately so that the incident can be documented.
Vacation and Break Procedures
At certain times throughout the school year, extended breaks make it necessary to close down most or all of the housing complexes.
If you intend to take an extended vacation during the regular school days, we encourage you to contact your RA in case of an emergency.
Vacation policies are as follows:
1. Close and lock windows.
2. Close drapes.
3. Unplug all small appliances (large aquariums do not have to be unplugged).
4. Lock doors.
5. Take care of fish and plants.
6. Make sure that if you are leaving your car here over vacation it is parked in the 6 or 6A (creek) lot. Cars left in other lots may be subject to towing charges.
7. If you need transportation to the airport or bus depot, please contact Residential Life. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
8. Residents will need to sign up in the Residential Life and Housing Department if they will be staying any time after the building closes during semester or Christmas break.
NOTE: Your room and apartment may be checked by College officials during vacation periods to ensure safety. Violations will be fined.
Visitation Guidelines
Visitation: In all on-campus living quarters, including Somers main hallways, members of the opposite sex are to be permitted only during the following visitation hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to midnight; Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Floor lounges, the Penthouse, and other public areas may be used by residents and escorted guests at any time.
The residential life center is happy to help any residents make sleeping arrangements for guests of the opposite sex.
Copulation without the benefit of marriage: In accordance with its standards and values, the College will not allow sexual intimacy of this nature in any residence space.
Bikes
Bikes may be stored on the patios adjacent to each floor’s lounge. They are not to be left in the stairwells, bathrooms or hallways. Winter storage will be available. Contact the Residential Life and Housing Office, ext. 6391.
Computers
A computer lab is available for Somers residents on the ground floor near Health Service.
Carpets
Students may use carpets without rubber backing in their rooms. For safety and cleaning purposes, doormats are not allowed in hallways.
Door Propping Policy
No security door in the resident complexes should be propped open. The College reserves the right to fine in the event of door propping violations. Tampering with door card readers is not permitted.
Furniture
Furniture in the public areas is meant to be used by all residents and therefore is not to be removed. Residents taking furniture may be fined and have their contract terminated. Also, furniture may not be transferred between rooms.
Furniture provided for each complex may not be brought outside or stored outside.
Students may bring extra furniture (such as chairs and small dressers) of their own into the resident areas, but they must be stored off campus over the summer.
Only lofts purchased by the College will be allowed.
Residential Life reserves the right to search rooms for College furniture.
Grills
Heat
Heat is included in the cost of residence.
The following are some heating and safety tips:
1. Leaving all thermostats at one setting will give you a more even energy consumption.
2. Baseboard heaters can be extremely hot so please keep all furniture and blankets away from the heaters.
NOTE: Space heaters are PROHIBITED FOR FIRE SAFETY REASONS.
Housekeeping
The housekeeping staff provides a neat and clean living environment. They are not, however, responsible for cleaning your rooms or unnecessary messes made by residents in public areas. Your cooperation in caring for the facilities will make their job easier and will create a more pleasant place in which to live.
Kitchens
A kitchenette is located on each floor of Somers Hall complex. These kitchenettes contain a stove, freezer, oven, sink, cupboards, counter space, a table and chairs. Residents are welcome to use these facilities. Please clean up after you are finished.
Refrigerators in Somers Hall rooms must be less than 3.5 cubic feet due to excessive electrical loads and damages to rooms and hallways as a result of moving.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities are available in each of the residence halls except
These laundry facilities are for campus residents only.
Please do not hang wet clothes to dry in your room due to condensation problems that may develop. You are encouraged to use the dryers which are provided for residents free of charge.
If any machine does not function properly due to mechanical difficulties, please fill out a refund form at Somers front desk. Your refund will be returned to you immediately. Please call ext. 3030 to report any equipment problems.
Liability
The College does not assume financial responsibility for personal items. It is suggested that you carry appropriate personal property insurance.
Locked Out or Missing Keys
In Somers Hall you will be assigned a room key/card upon moving into your room. It is your responsibility to keep the key/card with you at all times. Your identification card will open the outside doors and inner security of Somers Hall. The main entrance is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Any room key or door access problems should be reported to the campus operator and/or the Residential Life and Housing Office.
Each resident is assigned a key/card which unlocks his/her residence. Residents must lock their door every time they leave their room.
If you should get locked out of your room/apartment, you may sign out a temporary key at Somers front desk. The key/card must be returned immediately after opening your door. If you lose a key/card, report it immediately to the Housing Department. You will be charged for a replacement key.
Using or making any key other than those issued by the College is strictly prohibited.
Please note: The Residential Life Team will respect the privacy of a student as long as the student respects the rights of fellow students and the College. Authorized college personnel have the right to enter a room or apartment for the purpose of making repairs and for reasons of health, fire, safety, conduct, or general welfare. Maintenance requests are considered permission to enter.
Lounges
Resident lounges are available in each living area for informal recreation and studying. “Rough-housing” and sports (such as Frisbee, hacky-sack, rollerblading, etc.) are not permitted in the residence buildings.
In addition, Somers Hall complex has a computer lab with study space on the North ground floor. There is a meeting room and exercise room in the basement of the Suites. The Penthouse provides an atmosphere for relaxation.
Located on the ground floor of Tower Hall, the
Tutor Lab (Center for Academic Success)
Located in Somers Hall, tutoring includes a range of academic disciplines. Hours vary and are listed on the St. Scholastica Web site.
Maid Service
Ordinary cleaning supplies are to be provided by the residents.
Please do not use acid cleaners in toilet bowls. Lysol, Johnson Bathroom Cleaner, and Windex (or similar products) are recommended for room/apartment cleaning.
Residents may check out a vacuum at Somers front desk or through the hall managers. There is a central vacuum system in Somers Hall, with hoses and on/off switches located in the utility room of each floor.
Waste and recycling rooms have large containers for refuse. Please bring your refuse to these rooms and participate in our recycling efforts.
Stamps are available in the mailroom in Tower Hall.
Inform friends, relatives, etc., that your proper mailing address is:
Your Name
The
CSS Box #
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Maintenance and Repairs
Facilities staff is responsible for repairs in your residence and public areas.
Requests for repairs and maintenance can be made by calling the maintenance hotline, ext. 3030, day or night. Extra light bulbs have been placed in your apartment. If you have used up your extra supply, please contact your RA. Halogen bulbs are considered hazardous and not allowed in housing units. Phone and/or key problems should be reported immediately to Residential Life and Housing, ext. 6391.
Parking
Residents may park in designated overnight lots.
Running extension cords from any building to connect to a car block heater is not permitted.
Roof
Under no circumstances are residents allowed on the roof of any campus building. Somers front desk is to be notified if an item is lost on a roof. College staff will retrieve the item and return it during normal working hours.
Room Decorations
Residents at The College of St. Scholastica are encouraged to decorate and arrange their rooms creatively and uniquely. To ensure your protection, safety, your rights and those of others, we have established guidelines for decorating.
Thumb tacks should be used on drywall; tape is not allowed. Poster putty, nails, and double-sided scotch tape are not allowed.
Painting - The College reserves the right to paint your room during the academic year. If necessary, the Residential Life and Housing Department will be in contact with you.
Painting of rooms/apartments is permitted to be done only by College maintenance. Students painting their rooms/apartments will be assessed a fine.
Screens
Screens are to remain in the windows and not to be removed for entry/exit, throwing objects, or any other purpose.
Somers Front Desk
A campus operator is available at Somers front desk 24 hours a day. This is the location for the College’s central switchboard.
Students are encouraged to have their own vacuums. A vacuum maybe checked out with a Student I.D. at Somers front desk.
TELEPHONE SERVICES AND VENDING
Local Calls
The
Long Distance Calls
The College provides telephone service for local calls only. Long distance calls must be paid for by the individual. At the beginning of the year all students living in the residence halls will be issued a PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the College's long distance carrier. The use of this PIN number assures that you will be billed for only the calls you make. For your protection, you should memorize your code and keep papers referring to it in a safe place. You are responsible for all calls made with your PIN number. The monthly billing for your long distance calls will be sent directly to your on-campus mailing address.
Credit Card Calls
All telephone credit cards (AT&T,
Telephone Repairs
Report problems with telephones, jacks and service outages to the Facilities Services Maintenance Hotline by calling ext. 3030.
Courtesy Phones
Courtesy phones are available throughout the campus. These phones provide local service and will accept your long distance PIN number.
Pay Phones
Pay phones are located in the Tower Hall first floor main stairwell and in Science on the second floor by the parking lot entrance.
Emergency Call Boxes
Malicious or Harassing Calls
If you receive a malicious call, follow these suggestions. Hang up at the first obscene word. Hang up if the caller remains silent the second time you say, "Hello." Never give out information such as your name and address until the caller has been identified. If the calls persist, contact campus Security at ext. 6175 and report the incident. They will refer the matter to the proper authorities for investigation. It is against the law to make obscene or threatening calls. Telephone harassment is a crime. Penalties include imprisonment and /or fines.
Quick Reference Calling Guide
On-campus calls: Dial the last four (extension) numbers only.
Local calls: Dial 9 + seven digits.
Long distance calls: Dial 9 + 1 + area code + number. At the tone, enter your PIN number.
Credit card calls: Refer to the back of the credit card for the carrier’s 800 number and dialing instructions.
International calls: Dial 9 + 011 + country code + city code (if needed) + number. There will not be a tone to prompt you to enter your PIN number but you must do so. It may take a few moments before you hear a ringing signal.
Incoming calls: One ring indicates the call is coming from on campus, two rings indicates an off-campus call.
Vending
Vending machines are located in several locations throughout campus. A copy machine is located in Somers lobby. Requests for change or refunds should be directed to the campus operator.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Appliances
All electrical appliances must be safety labeled by either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). Electrical heat-producing appliances used for food preparation must have non-exposed heating elements. In addition, hot plates and microwave ovens and space heaters are not allowed in any on-campus living quarters. Air conditioners are prohibited.
Explosives, Weapons, and Dart Boards
In order to protect residents from accidental injury, the College has STRICTLY PROHIBITED the use or possession of any type of firearms, bows and arrows, steel tipped darts and dartboards, other weapons, ammunition, fireworks, firecrackers, and any other material which may create a health hazard or inflict bodily injury.
Fire
Tampering with a fire alarm is a violation of the Code of Conduct and civil authorities may be contacted. If a fire is reported to/or detected by you, pull the nearest alarm and call 9-1-1.
If a fire is in the apartments, evacuate that complex and then contact 9-1-1.
Any time an alarm sounds in a College building, the building must be evacuated immediately. This is
Evacuation procedures are posted on the back of the door in each room. If the posting has been removed please contact Residential Life at ext. 6391.
To evacuate Somers Hall:
All residents should leave their door unlocked (but closed) with the lights off. This is a safety requisite so that all rooms may be checked by an RA.
Go to the nearest exits away from the center of the complex to reduce risk, unless this route is determined to be less safe than the central stairway. Those in the lounge area should follow this procedure as well. DO NOT use the elevator under any circumstances. Those in the Penthouse should proceed either down the central stairwell to the third floor and out any wing, or across the west wing rooftop and into the roof access door, whichever is safer. Use rooftop for an exit ONLY if fire is blocking other exits.
All rooms and apartments are equipped with smoke detectors. For your protection and that of other residents, keep the smoke detector in working order. NOTE: A regular beeping may indicate a low battery. Call ext. 3030 so the batteries can be replaced. It is illegal in the State of
No fire of any size or kind may be ignited on campus property without prior written permission from the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
Fire Hazards
Candles, oil lamps, incense, etc.,that have flames, glowing elements, etc., are not allowed to be burned in the residence halls.
The use and/or possession of explosives, such as firecrackers and ammunition or flammable liquids, is strictly forbidden in resident halls or on any campus property.
Car batteries are not permitted inside living complexes because of their explosive nature.
Only nonflammable, artificial trees are allowed in the Residence Halls. Use only the small UL approved lights that give off no heat.
Power Failure
If a power failure occurs in your living space, notify the RA on duty or contact the Office of Residential Life and Housing. If a power failure occurs a circuit overload is possible.
Somers Hall is a secured building. The front door is locked from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Residents may use their identification card in all outer and inner security doors for entrance. To keep the building secure, residents are strongly encouraged not to allow others access without signing them in at the front desk. Refer them to Somers front desk so they can meet those whom they are here to visit. Guest passes are required.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all residential areas. Smoking inside of any residence hall space is a violation of residence courtesies. Smoking is allowed only on designated balconies. Cigarettes tossed to the ground are considered littering and the perpetrator is subject to a fine.
Tornado
All residents and employees should take note of this information:
TORNADO WATCH - Be prepared to take emergency action.
TORNADO WARNING - A tornado has been sighted--take emergency action.
1. The siren will sound or Security will contact you.
2. Move to the basement or first floor of the building you are in; STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
3. If possible, take a radio or flashlight with you.
4. Wait until Security gives the all-clear signal. Cessation of the siren is not the all-clear signal.
5. Those living in the back halls should go to the lower hallways of each respective building. The Tower Hall Student Union is also available.
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- 1200 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811
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