Guide to. Living On-Campus Policy & Procedure Guide for Residence Halls and Apartments

Transcription

1 Guide to Living On-Campus Policy & Procedure Guide for Residence Halls and Apartments

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Community Covenant... 4 Community Responsibilities of the Individual... 5 Alcohol and Other Drugs... 5 Bicycles... 5 Conduct... 5 Damaging, Destroying, or Defacing Property Disposition of Personal Property... 6 Noise Policy... 6 Pool Public Areas... 6 Roommate Communication... 7 Roommate Conflicts... 7 Visitation Privileges... 7 Vents 8 Windows.. 8 Wing/Floor Meetings 8 Apartment Meetings... 8 General Services... 8 Cable TV Services (Residence Halls)... 8 Cable TV & Internet Services (Apartments)... 8 Computer Services... 8 Dining Services 9 Equipment Check Out... 9 Extermination... 9 Gifts and Flowers (Residence Halls)... 9 Gifts, Flowers and Special Delivery Items (Apartments). 9 Holiday Housing (Residence Halls) Holiday Housing (Apartments). 10 Identification. 10 Laundry Facilities Lost and Found Mail (Residence Halls & North Village) Mail (Arbors/Baylor Plaza) Maintenance. 11 Newspapers.. 11 Parking. 12 Residential Technology Services. 12 Storage.. 12 Sundecks.. 12 Telephones and Long-Distance Service Vending Machines General Policies (Residence Halls) Advertising, Solicitation and Posting 13 Entry and Search of Student Rooms Refrigerators. 13 General Policies (Apartments) Entry and Search of Student Rooms Community Safety and Security (Residence Halls)

3 Entrance/Exit Doors.. 14 Electrical Appliances. 14 Electrical Cords and Outlets.. 15 False Alarm.. 15 Fire Policies and Evacuation Procedures Fire Prevention Regulations Fire Suppression Systems. 15 Fire Evacuation Procedures 16 Misuse of Fire Protection Equipment Keys Personal Property Insurance Safety Hours Setting a Fire Severe Weather Evacuation Procedures.. 17 Stolen Property Thefts Apartment Safety and Security (Arbors/Baylor Plaza) Fire Policies and Procedures Fire Prevention Regulations Misuse of Fire Protection Equipment Keys Personal Property Insurance Safety Hours Setting a Fire Smoke Detectors.. 19 Severe Weather 19 Emergency Situations Stolen Property Thefts Assignments, Room Changes and Other Housing Issues Decorating Assignments Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Refunds On-Campus Housing Occupancy License (Incoming Students) On-Campus Housing Occupancy License (Returning Students) Room Changes. 23 Room Check-In and Check-Out Procedures Room (Apartment) Consolidation Summer Interim Housing Summer School Housing. 25 Vacancies in Apartments Selecting Spaces for Next Year 25 Group Billings/Fines Refunds Suspension/Withdrawal from the University Trash Utilities Helpful Hints about Apartment Living Bulletin Boards Prohibited Activities Prohibited Items Appendix Charges for Damages and Fines

4 COMMUNITY COVENANT As members of this community, we will be known for Respect Respect all and affirm the unique value of each person Openness Support an open and welcoming environment for seeking God Community Encourage the development of authentic relationships Learning Promote and pursue learning Citizenship Work to positively contribute to the well-being of your community Responsibility Take responsibility for your own actions and hold your neighbors accountable for their actions. 4

5 COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL Living in a community often means that there are certain rules, policies and procedures of which individuals must be aware and abide. It is imperative that every residential student be fully informed about the complete policy and procedures of Campus Living & Learning. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS Baylor University policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale, transfer, or purchase of a controlled substance or designer drug on or off the campus. It is also a violation of University policy for anyone to possess, use or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage on the campus (which includes the apartments) or at a University-related activity off campus. Anyone violating these policies is subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action ranging from censure to expulsion. See Student Disciplinary Policy and Policy Statement on Alcohol and Other Drugs in the student handbook. In addition, alcoholic beverage containers are not permitted in apartments or on the premises of any Campus Living & Learning facility. This includes alcoholic beverage containers used for decorative purposes. Possession of these may result in disciplinary action. BICYCLES Bicycle racks are provided outside each residence hall. Bicycles may also be stored in student rooms with the agreement of all roommates. Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, stairways, bathrooms or storage closet, and not locked to benches. CONDUCT Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the policies and mission of the university. In addition to conduct outlined in the section titled Community Safety & Security, students are expected to respond appropriately to university staff members. The following are examples of unacceptable conduct: a. Pranks or verbal, physical or mental abuse directed at any staff member. b. Knowingly giving false information to a staff member. c. Failure to comply promptly with the reasonable request of a staff member. Such conduct will result in administrative and/or disciplinary action which could include relocation to a different residence hall or even removal from the residence hall system with no refund or reversal of the room occupancy license fee. A student who is relocated or removed from a residence hall as part of some administrative or disciplinary action must remove all personal belongings and follow standard check-out procedures within 24 hours. In addition, all visitation privileges to that residence hall are revoked for the remainder of the academic school year. DAMAGING, DESTROYING OR DEFACING PROPERTY Residents are held responsible for the condition of their rooms and the common/public areas such as the hallways and study rooms. Any person(s) causing damage will be billed for repairs. In addition to being charged for repairs, they may be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary sanctions. When no one is willing to accept responsibility, all residents of a room and sometimes even those of a wing or floor will share in the cost of repairs. See the appendix for the listing of some charges. Any decorating tools which damage surfaces (for example, carpet tape, double stick tape, glue, nails, staples, etc.) are prohibited. Plasti-tack is recommended for securing lightweight decorations to walls and doors in the residence halls. Affixing objects to the walls or other room surfaces may pose safety hazards and if a resident chooses to do so, he/she assumes the personal responsibility for any damage or injury the object may cause. 5

6 DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Any and all property of a student that may be left in his/her residence hall room after the termination of occupancy for whatever reason may be handled, removed or otherwise disposed of by the University at the risk and expense of the student. The University shall not event be held responsible for any property left on the premises by the student. The student shall pay to the University, on demand, all expenses in such disposition, including a reasonable charge for storage; but the University shall not be under any obligation to provide or arrange for storage, and the student consents to the sale, removal, discarding or any other disposition of the property by the University. NOISE POLICY Residents should observe courtesy hours by maintaining reasonable noise levels 24 hours a day. Please remember that in a community living environment, the right to participate in or enjoy a particular activity ends when that activity or by-product infringes on the rights of others, particularly their right to sleep or study in a peaceful setting. In other words, be aware that your actions may be affecting others. A period known as Quiet Hours has been established in all residence halls and apartments to ensure that students have the opportunity to exercise their primary rights to sleep and study in their own rooms and apartments. Each resident is responsible for knowing and observing these times. During Quiet Hours, noise should be limited to a level which could not disturb the nearest neighbor s attempts to sleep or study. This standard will be upheld whether or not the neighbors are present. Twenty-four hour quiet is observed during final exams. Beginning and ending dates will be posted on the wings. Music and noise may not be projected from the residence hall rooms to any other area of the building or to the outside of the building. (For example, speakers may not be placed in windows.) Inside student rooms, stereos and musical instruments should be played at a volume that cannot be heard by the nearest neighbor. POOL The Arbors swimming pool is available for the use of current Arbors/Baylor Plaza residents and their guests. There is no lifeguard on duty, and users swim at their own risk. The following regulations apply: Guests are the responsibility of the resident and must be accompanied by the resident at all times. Care should be taken to see that trash is not thrown into the pool or left in the pool area as this could damage the filtration system, The pool will be closed during threatening weather, Wet bathing suits are not allowed in the club room, Sunbathing is allowed only in the pool area, Activities not allowed in the pool area include: Smoking Running, pushing, jumping, wrestling or other horseplay, Using glass containers of any kind, Wearing improper bathing attire. Swim suits are to be worn at all times. PUBLIC AREAS In the residence halls, public areas such as lobbies, restrooms, bathrooms, computer rooms, TV rooms, study rooms, kitchens, Laundromats and exercise rooms are provided for the use of the University s residence hall students. The furnishings in these common and public areas are for the use of all the residents of the hall and must remain in the designated room, area or space. Removal or relocation of any of these items can be considered theft and may be handled by a fine, a charge for replacement and administrative and/or disciplinary action. Unaccompanied guests are not in the residence hall lobbies. Sleeping is also not an appropriate behavior in public areas. Lights should remain on in the lobbies/public areas. 6

7 Personal items should never be left unattended in public areas. More specifically, baking utensils, study notes, books and laundry should not be left in kitchens, study halls and laundry rooms. At all times, hallways and stairwells must be kept free of furniture, trash and other objects (e.g., bicycles, drying racks, ironing boards, umbrellas, etc.). The housekeeping staff cleans the community bathrooms, public bathrooms and other public areas regularly. Residents living in rooms with private or suite baths are responsible for the cleaning and supplies in these bathrooms. ROOMMATE COMMUNICATION Roommates and suitemates should arrange times to discuss one another s needs and rights in the living situation and complete the Roommate Living Agreement provided on-line. Common courtesies should be discussed and expectations outlined regarding the activities that will take place in the room. Consider issues such as: Do you mind the lights being turned on while you sleep? and Do you study better with music on or with complete quiet? Hall Directors and Community Leaders are excellent resource persons regarding areas that most often cause conflict among residents and will offer possible solutions to those conflicts. ROOMMATE CONFLICTS Residents who are experiencing persistent conflicts with their roommate(s) should first discuss the problem with the roommate(s). Community Leaders and Residence Hall Directors are available for assistance if needed. Step 1: Speak to the person causing the interference and courteously request that the behavior be modified. Step 2: If the request does not produce satisfactory results, contact a CL or other staff member for assistance. VISITATION PRIVILEGES Visitors are welcome in the public (lobby) areas of each residence hall anytime. Only residents and their pre-approved, registered guests (same gender) are allowed in the resident s rooms overnight. Special visitation hours are designated for the opposite gender. These visitation hours are as follows: Residence Halls Sunday-Thursday 1p.m. 10p.m. Friday-Saturday 1p.m. Midnight. Apartments (North Village and Arbors/Baylor Plaza) Sunday-Saturday 10a.m.-2a.m. Living-Learning Centers may limit these hours. Hours noted are maximum allowed. On-Campus Apartments Visitation Hours may vary. Other times may be designated for special occasions such as during Homecoming and Parents Weekend. Times for special visitation will be posted in advance. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests, whether overnight, from another hall or from off campus; and they will be liable for any damages their guests may cause. Lobby Visitation: Residence hall students and their guests have the privilege of extended lobby visitation for the purpose of co-ed academic study sessions and socializing. Students abusing this privilege will be asked to leave. Overnight Guests: Residents may have overnight guests of the same gender provided the roommates approve and the guest is registered in the office of that residence hall. However, such guests may not stay overnight in the residence halls on a consistent or frequent basis. A resident should understand the following rules: 7

8 a. Guests may not stay longer than three nights per semester. b. A guest may enter the residence hall during safety hours (1:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.) only if he/she is registered in the hall office. c. A resident is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest and will be liable for any damages caused by the guest. d. A guest may not check out a key; therefore, the resident is responsible for arranging for the guest to have access to the room while visiting. e. Guests are not permitted to stay overnight in the residence halls before the first class day, during finals or after the last class day of each semester. VENTS The air vents in student rooms must remain open to allow for even circulation to all rooms on a wing. Closing a vent causes other rooms to get disproportionate amounts of cooled or heated air. Please report any uncomfortable temperatures to the hall office. WINDOWS Residents should ensure windows are closed at all times. The primary reason for this expectation is resident s safety. A secondary reason for locking of residential windows is that the complex heating and cooling systems in the residence halls are negatively impaired by air flow from open windows. WING/FLOOR MEETINGS Information concerning safety and security as well as other important topics are discussed at wing/floor meetings. Residents are responsible for the information disseminated at all such meetings. A resident who has a schedule conflict with a wing/floor meeting should inform his/her CL as soon as possible. APARTMENT MEETINGS Information concerning community living, safety and security as well as other important topics is discussed at Apartment Meetings. Residents are responsible for the information disseminated at all such meetings. A resident who has a schedule conflict with an apartment meeting should inform his/her CL as soon as possible. GENERAL SERVICES CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES (Residence Halls) The University provides one cable outlet in most student rooms. To activate this cable service, students must contact the Resnet Support Center. There is a charge for the cable access service. For more information on cable service and costs per semester, students should contact the Resnet Support Center by calling 292-RNET(7638). CABLE TV & INTERNET SERVICES (Apartments) All apartments are provided cable and internet services. Certain devices that allow for proper functioning are mounted in each Arbors/Baylor Plaza apartment. Any removal or tampering with these devices may result in a fine and the loss of cable or internet access to the entire apartment. Note: Whereas cable to North Village living rooms is free, cable is not provided for free to North Village bedrooms. COMPUTER SERVICES All residence halls offer laptops to their residents of the building for check out from the front desk. The Baylor network is not available at the Arbors and Baylor Plaza apartments; therefore, laptops are not available for checkout at these locations. Laptops may be checked out for a period of 4 hours by any resident of the hall, and may be renewed up to two additional times (a total of 12 hours). If a waiting list exists, the resident will not be allowed to renew 8

9 the laptop. Residents who return laptops late will be assessed a $10 per hour late fee charge. Any resident reaching the $100 fine level will be subject to an automatic residence hall violation. All laptops contain the same software programs as the general access computer labs in Moody Library and are able to print to the hall front desk printer. Laptops can access AirBear, Baylor s wireless network, and the wired residential network. AirBear is not typically available in individual rooms, but is available in common areas such as lobbies and study rooms. The residential network is available in all individual rooms (one port per bed). DINING SERVICES Eating on campus is a great way to stay connected with friends, grab a quick bite between classes and get great tasting food! Since eating together is an important element of building community, especially during the first year, all freshmen living on-campus are required to purchase a minimum of 11-meals per week, board plan. Those students returning to the residence halls for a second, third or fourth year have the option of whether or not to purchase a board plan. The dining halls in Collins, Alexander/ Memorial, and Penland Halls are under the management of ARAMARK Dining Services. ARAMARK can be reached at (254) or on the internet at EQUIPMENT CHECK-OUT Residents may check out equipment such as vacuums, brooms, dust pans and games in each residence hall. Certain guidelines apply: a. Equipment may be checked out only by the residents of that particular building. b. Equipment may not be taken off campus or to other buildings on campus. c. Equipment may not be checked out overnight. Time limits for equipment use are set by each residence hall. EXTERMINATION Residence halls are professionally exterminated regularly. Residents should contact their Hall Director if there is a continuing insect problem in a room. GIFTS AND FLOWERS (Residence Halls) Gifts and flowers may be delivered to the residence halls during office hours. Residents receiving gifts and flowers will be notified by the hall staff. Residents must present a picture ID to pick up gifts from the office. Gifts will not be released to roommates or friends even with the owner s approval. GIFTS, FLOWERS AND SPECIAL DELIVERY ITEMS (Apartments) Arbors/Baylor Plaza: Special delivery items such as gifts, flowers, care packages, etc. may be delivered to the apartment office. In addition, deliveries by companies such as UPS, Federal Express, etc, will first attempt to deliver at the apartment door. If no one is available in the apartment to sign for the delivery, the delivery person usually places a notice on the apartment door indicating that the parcel has been left at the apartment office. Office staff will attempt to notify residents who have special delivery items in the apartment office. For release, residents must present a picture ID and sign for the items. These items will not be released to roommates and friends even with the owner s approval. North Village: Special delivery items such as gifts, flowers, care packages, etc. may be delivered to the front desk. In addition, deliveries by companies such as UPS, Federal Express, etc, will first attempt to deliver at the apartment door. If no one is available in the apartment to sign for the delivery, the delivery person usually places a notice on the apartment door indicating that the parcel has been left at the apartment office. Office staff will attempt to notify residents who have special delivery items in the apartment office. For release, residents must present a picture ID and sign for the items. These items will not be released to roommates and friends even with the owner s approval. 9

10 HOLIDAY HOUSING (Residence Halls) Residence halls are closed during official University vacations and between semesters. During holidays, when the residence halls are closed, residents should make certain that windows are locked, electrical items in their rooms are unplugged and their room doors are locked upon departure. Residents are required to unplug and clean all food out of their room refrigerators during extended holidays such as Christmas and Spring Break. Failure to follow proper holiday close-down procedures may result a fine. The University is not liable for the loss of any items that the staff removes from individual or hall refrigerators during extended holidays. Residence hall staff members will check all rooms prior to closing the building to make certain that rooms are secured and proper closedown procedures have been followed. Students needing year-round housing must live in the North Village, Arbors or Baylor Plaza. No holiday housing (Thanksgiving, Spring Break) is offered in other residence halls. All residence halls are open during the Easter Break. The Arbors, Baylor Plaza, and North Village do not close during University holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, and Spring Break). Apartment residents are permitted to stay during these periods; however, residents staying during Christmas and Spring Break must be registered in the apartment office by 2:00 p.m. on the last day before the holidays begin. When leaving for Christmas break, residents should make certain: the apartment is clean and orderly, all lights are off, the thermostat is in the HEAT position and set at 55 degrees, and the apartment door and all windows are locked. The Residence Hall Director will check each apartment to see that these procedures are completed. These offers only apply to residents of the apartment who have signed an Occupancy License for apartment residency during the next academic session, and who have met University residency requirements. Dining and health services are not available during holiday periods. HOLIDAY HOUSING (Apartments) The Arbors, Baylor Plaza, and North Village do not close during University holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, and Spring Break). Apartment residents are permitted to stay during these periods; however, residents staying during Christmas and Spring Break must be registered in the apartment office by 2:00 p.m. on the last day before the holidays begin. When leaving for Christmas break, residents should make certain: the apartment is clean and orderly, all lights are off, the thermostat is in the HEAT position and set at 55 degrees, and the apartment door and all windows are locked. The Resident Hall Director will check each apartment to see that these procedures are completed. These offers only apply to residents of the apartment who have signed an Occupancy License for apartment residency during the next academic session, and who have met University residency requirements. Dining and health services are not available during holiday periods. IDENTIFICATION All persons not residing on a residential floor or in an apartment complex should wear a picture I.D. badge whenever in a residential area. Any resident encountering an unidentified person on a residential wing should contact the hall office immediately. 10

11 LAUNDRY FACILITIES Coin-operated washers and dryers are available in or near each residence hall. Residents are now able to use BearBucks for laundry as well. Inoperative or malfunctioning machines, as well as money lost due to these causes, should be reported to the hall office. Residents assume responsibility for unattended laundry. Residents in the North Village receive free laundry services but need to be aware that these services can be removed if abused. LOST AND FOUND Residents who lose items should check with their hall office. Items that are found should be taken to the hall office. Students may also inquire about lost items at the Information and Student Involvement Center in the Bill Daniel Student Center. MAIL (Residence Halls & North Village) Mail is delivered to the Baylor University Mail Services Center (post office) located on the first floor of the Bill Daniel Student Center. Each resident is assigned a mail box for as long as he/she lives in a residence hall. Items being shipped via a carrier which normally requires a physical address for delivery (Federal Express, UPS, Express Mail, freight companies, etc.) should be sent to the Mail Services Center addressed as follows: Student s Name 1311 South 5th Street One Bear Place #8XXXX Waco, TX XXXX A notice of arrival will be placed in the student s mail box, and the items may be picked up at the service window during service hours. For rush items such as overnight packages, every effort will be made to contact the student by phone for earliest pick up. MAIL (Arbors/Baylor Plaza) U.S. mail is delivered to the Arbors/Baylor Plaza apartments via the mailboxes located near the apartment office at Arbors and in the laundry/mail room at Baylor Plaza. North Village residents receive mail via the on-campus mail room. At the Arbors/Baylor Plaza, the mailbox is shared by all residents of the apartment, apartment mail or mail that is intended for all residents of the apartment should be taken to the apartment for each resident to read. It is the responsibility of the student to leave a forwarding address when checking out or moving to another apartment. Mail forwarding cards are available in the apartment office. Prior to moving, the student should notify family members, banks, publishers, friends, etc. of his/her new address. MAINTENANCE Any repairs or maintenance problems occurring in a resident s room, hallway, suite or bathroom should be reported to the hall office or front desk. Please report any persistent maintenance problems to the Residence Hall Director. Maintenance personnel work in the residence halls routinely from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during weekdays. Special projects or emergencies may require some evening or weekend hours. Residents should cooperate with these persons so repairs can be made as quickly as possible. Residence hall staff and maintenance personnel are permitted access to the rooms in order to make repairs. Students in the hallway and those with open room doors should dress appropriately. All maintenance personnel should display a clearly visible picture I.D. NEWSPAPERS During the fall and spring semesters, the university s newspaper, The Lariat, is published on most Tuesdays-Fridays. Copies of this paper are distributed to many locations around campus including the lobbies of the residence halls. 11

12 The Waco Tribune-Herald has several distribution racks on campus in which daily copies of that paper are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Those locations are in various academic and administrative buildings only. Other than The Lariat, no newspapers may be delivered to the residence halls. The Baylor Mail Services Center is not equipped to receive subscription newspaper for distribution. Most national and major regional newspapers have on-line versions of their papers, often free of charge, and residence hall students should subscribe to those on-line services. Some professors require subscriptions to certain newspapers as part of class requirements. In those cases, the professor has worked out distribution either through the academic department or at the Baylor Bookstore. PARKING Parking lots owned by Baylor are marked, S, FE or L and require a corresponding registration decal. A pamphlet entitled Campus Traffic Regulations should provide you with a clear understanding of parking and traffic regulations, the hours in which some restricted lots may be used, services provided and a listing of fees and charges for certain violations. This pamphlet may be obtained from the Baylor Department of Public Safety office located in the Speight Parking Garage. RESIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Each residence hall room has network services available including one network jack (yellow) and one phone jack (green) per bed. Each room only has one phone extension (initial assignment) and one cable television outlet. The residential network connection is provided free of charge, as is cable television. The Residential Technology Support Center provides free technical support for students living on-campus and can be contacted at or by visiting and opening the Residential Technology link. Upon arrival, students will receive a residential network configuration CD which must be run in order to connect to the network. STORAGE Minimal storage areas are provided for residents in most of the residence halls. For more information on what type of storage space is available, residents should see their Hall Directors. Storage space is not available between the spring and summer terms or between the summer and fall terms, nor is storage available over the summer months for students who are not in residence. SUNDECKS Sundecks are provided in some residence halls and are open for use during daylight hours. Visitors of the opposite gender are not permitted in these areas. Also, smoking is not permitted on the sundecks. TELEPHONES AND LONG-DISTANCE SERVICE Each room is equipped with a phone line that provides on-campus and local service at no additional charge. The student, however, must provide the phone instrument. Students desiring alternate long distance service may use prepaid phone cards or credit cards. Students are not to accept collect calls. Prank calls are a violation of University policy and of the laws of the State of Texas. It is unlawful for any person to use vulgar, profane, obscene or indecent language over or through any telephone or to use the telephone with intent to harass, annoy, torment, abuse, threaten or intimidate another. Violation of this law is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months in jail or both. Students receiving prank calls should report the calls to the Baylor Department of Public Safety at and to their Hall Directors. Telephone problems should be reported to the Telephone Repair Service by dialing the HELP line at

13 VENDING MACHINES Machines for drinks and snacks are available at all residence halls. Money lost in any of these machines will be refunded by the vendor after the loss has been reported following procedures noted on each machine. Residents should report out-of-order machines to the residence hall office. GENERAL POLICIES (Residence Halls) ADVERTISING, SOLICITATION AND POSTING Soliciting in the residence halls is restricted to protect residents from unwanted disturbances. Soliciting on the wings of the hall (residential areas) is strictly prohibited. Residents should report all solicitors to the hall office or Baylor Department of Public Safety at Campus organizations or individuals desiring to post notices or sell items in the residence hall lobbies must receive written permission from the Student Activities Office and then submit the related paperwork to the Campus Living & Learning office for approval. ENTRY AND SEARCH OF STUDENT ROOMS The University reserves the right to enter residence hall rooms to check general conditions, to perform custodial service, to make repairs, to clear a space for a new resident, to handle emergencies, to ensure compliance with University rules and regulations or if there is reason to believe that a health or fire hazard exists. Entry under the above conditions will not be used as a means to search a room for prohibited items. Where there is legitimate reason, however, University officials will search a room with the consent of the occupying student or with the written authorization of the President of the University or the Vice President for Student Life. When possible, it is desirable for the student to be present when a search is made. During official close-down periods, residence hall staff members will check all rooms prior to closing the building to make certain that rooms are secured and proper closedown procedures have been followed. Campus Living & Learning staff members or appropriate University officials reserve the right to confiscate items which they deem to be offensive, harmful, or violate Campus Living & Learning or University policies. REFRIGERATORS Refrigerators may be brought from home, or rented from the preferred vendor, Mustang Rentals. During the week of check-in at the beginning of each semester, rental booths will be set up in various locations. Mustang Rentals will deliver the refrigerator and return to pick it up at the end of the rental term. The following regulations govern the use of refrigerators in residents rooms: a. Only one refrigerator is permitted in a residence hall room. b. The maximum amperage allowed is 2.5. c. A refrigerator may be connected to a power strip. d. Refrigerators must be unplugged, and all contents must be removed between semesters and during certain holiday breaks. e. Refrigerators must be placed on the floor and remain there at all times. f. The owner or named lessee of a refrigerator is solely responsible for decisions made concerning the status of the refrigerator if one roommate moves. g. If the University alcohol policy is violated, the owners or lessees of a refrigerator and each occupant of the room may lose the privilege of having a refrigerator in their rooms and, in addition, will be subject to University discipline, regardless of the extent of the individual s involvement in the alcohol policy violation. h. Baylor University may confiscate a refrigerator in the event of a refrigerator policy violation. A moving fee may be assessed. If a personally-owned refrigerator is confiscated, the University is not responsible for any damage or loss of the property. 13

14 i. Baylor University has the right to access a residence hall room in the event a lessee is unavailable for a pick-up appointment at the end of the lease period. The leasing company has the authorization to remove the leased refrigerator at that time. GENERAL POLICIES (Apartments) ENTRY AND SEARCH OF APARTMENTS The University reserves the right to enter University-owned property to check general conditions, perform custodial service, make repairs, assist in extermination, handle emergencies, distribute information flyers, clear a space for a new resident, ensure compliance with University regulations or if there is reason to believe that a health or fire hazard exists. Entry under the above conditions will not be used as a means to search for prohibited items. Where there is legitimate reason, however, University officials may search with the consent of the occupying student or with the written authorization of the President of the University or the Vice President for Student Life. When possible, it is desirable for the student to be present when a search is made. For holidays, apartment staff members will check all rooms prior to closing the complex to make certain that rooms are secured and proper closedown procedures have been followed. Such closedown procedures include: All lights are off, The thermostat is in the HEAT position and set at 55 degrees. The apartment door and all windows are locked. Campus Living & Learning staff members or appropriate University officials reserve the right to confiscate items which they deem to be offensive, harmful or violate Campus Living & Learning or University policies. COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY (Residence Halls) Each resident can help keep the residence halls safe and secure by following the regulations provided in this section. All roommates are mutually responsible for keeping room doors and windows locked for the security of persons and property. ENTRANCE/EXIT DOORS In an effort to provide a secure environment in the residence halls, most doors are locked twenty-four hours per day. Residents who exit the building should always make certain that doors secure behind them. Entering through locked doors by means other than authorized ID access, assisting others to do so or propping exterior doors open compromises the security and safety of all residents. This type of behavior is reason for administrative and/or disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the University. Unauthorized entry to secured or restricted areas such as attics, basements, custodial closets, mechanical rooms, offices and roofs is prohibited. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Use of electrical appliances is permitted in the residence halls within certain guidelines. Generally, appliances should require no more than one thousand (1000) watts. Appliances used in the residence halls must be U.L. approved and should be properly maintained. (All Halogen lamps are prohibited.) In general, residence hall rooms are not equipped for cooking full meals. Cooking appliances are limited to hot pots, popcorn poppers and pop-up toasters. Microwaves, electric skillets, George Foreman grills, deep fryers, toaster ovens and other cooking appliances with exposed heating elements are prohibited in residents 14

15 rooms. Kitchens are located in each residence hall; and most kitchens have an oven, refrigerator and microwave. In addition, microwaves are located in the lounges and other public areas for residents use. Before leaving for breaks and holidays, residents must unplug all electrical appliances to guard against fire hazards. ELECTRICAL CORDS AND OUTLETS Multi-plug outlets and the use of electrical cords create fire and safety hazards. Baylor's policies regarding the use of this equipment are as follows: a. The outlets in each room are designed for either one or two appliances. Multi-plug covers (e.g., 3-way plugs,) extension cords or other splitters to increase the number of appliances on one outlet are prohibited due to fire and safety hazards as well as possible circuit overloads. However, a ULapproved multi-plug power strip is permissible. Power strips cannot be connected in a series. b. Electrical cords placed in or through doorways, or put in areas where they may be walked on, create a risk of shock or electrocution. Therefore, electrical cords are not allowed through doorways or across walkway areas. c. Draping electrical cords over metal objects is a fire hazard, and increases one s risk of shock or electrocution. d. The use of extension cords is strictly prohibited. This is not a complete list of problems that can be caused by improper use of cords and outlets. Please contact your hall office if you have questions. FALSE ALARM Every effort will be made to identify the individuals who cause a false alarm. When such persons are identified, they will be subject to administrative action, and may be referred to the Associate Dean for Judicial and Legal Services for disciplinary action. FIRE POLICIES AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES Floor plans are posted on each floor in Residence Hall. Residents should be familiar with this information. Baylor University considers fire safety extremely important, and students have an obligation to adhere to University regulations as well as city and state statutes. Baylor residence halls are required to conduct periodic fire drills. Failure to respond appropriately to fire alarms will necessitate the scheduling of additional drills and administrative and/or disciplinary action against the resident(s) involved. FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS The following are prohibited in the residence halls because of their potential as fire hazards: a. Candles b. Open flames such as candles, incense, matches, lighters, etc. c. Appliances with exposed heating elements d. Disabling room entry door closures e. Doors and walls in rooms that are over one-half covered with paper, posters, etc. f. Use or possession of fireworks or firecrackers g. Use or possession of combustible paints or liquids h. Mopeds or other equipment with internal combustion engines. i. Items left in hallways Fire Suppression Systems If your residence hall is equipped with a fire suppression system (fire sprinkler) it is essential that these systems are never tampered with in any way. DO NOT hang any objects from or attempt to cover up a fire suppression device. 15

16 FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES WHEN AN ALARM SOUNDS YOU SHOULD: 1. Check immediate area for any obvious indications of a fire or other cause for the alarm, 2. Use common sense and do not panic, 3. If you are in your room at the time of the alarm, knock on the doors of the rooms to your right and left as you leave to exit the building. 4. Begin an immediate and orderly evacuation through the closest stairwell and building exit doors. Exit the building and wait for instructions or permission to reenter the building. PLEASE STAND AT LEAST THIRTY (30) FEET AWAY FROM THE BUILDING, 5. Do not use an elevator, 6. Take your room keys, The residence hall staff will signal that the building is safe and ready for reentry. No one is to reenter until this signal is given. Personnel authorized to give reentry are: a. The Residence Hall Director or a Baylor University executive, b. An officer of the Baylor Department of Public Safety. (Note: Fire officials may tell you the building is safe; however, they cannot give permission to reenter the building.) Any individual who fails to evacuate a building after a fire alarm has sounded may be subject to appropriate administrative and/or disciplinary action and may be charged a fine of $ MISUSE OF FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Any individual who misuses or tampers with fire protection equipment (smoke detectors, pull stations, fire alarms, fire extinguishers or automatic door closers) may be subject to University administrative and/or disciplinary action, plus the cost or repair or replacement of misused or damaged equipment, cleaning of the facility and damage to other property. In addition, tampering with fire protection equipment is a felony offence under State law and may be prosecuted as such. KEYS Room keys or keycards are issued to the residents of each room at the beginning of the school year. The key is the responsibility of the resident and should be carried at all times. Students should never leave their rooms unlocked. A student should not loan his/her key to an individual who is not an occupant of the room. A resident who is locked out of his/her room may check out a temporary key from the hall office by presenting his/her picture ID. The key must be returned and signed back in within 15 minutes. A key to a room will be issued only to a resident of that particular room. A lost key should be reported immediately to the residence hall office. A new key will be issued and a replacement charge of $10 will be billed to the resident s account. If the lost key is found, it should be returned to the hall office; and a $5 credit will be issued to the student s account. When a lock change is necessary due to a lost key, the resident will be charged for the lock change service. Students must not duplicate University keys or tamper with locks. When checking into or out of a room or when changing rooms, a student must follow proper check-in and check-out procedures. (See Room Changes and Check-Out Procedures. ) PERSONAL PROPERTY INSURANCE Baylor University does not provide insurance coverage nor take liability for personal property losses or damages. Therefore, students should obtain personal property insurance through agents of their choice. SAFETY HOURS A Safety & Security Education Officer is on duty for an area of residence halls from 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. daily, in an effort to protect students and to keep unauthorized persons out of the residence halls. Residents of a building are free to leave their residence halls through any exit door, but must utilize card reader entry access to return to the building. Residents should enter through the card-access doors and must use a valid ID for re-entry. Propping the doors open compromises the security of all the residents in the residence halls and is reason for administrative and/or disciplinary action. 16

17 Visitors of residents are welcome in the public areas of each residence hall anytime. Only residents and their pre-approved, registered guests are allowed in the residence halls overnight. Special hours, known as visitation, are designated as times the opposite gender may be in the resident s room. SETTING A FIRE Any individual who sets a fire (commits arson) in or near a University building is subject to immediate suspension from the University, and may be charged for repairing any damage caused by the fire. In addition to being subject to University penalties, any student who starts a fire, damages or tampers with evacuation alarms or misuses fire safety equipment also may be subject to prosecution in criminal court by the Waco Fire Department in accordance with the Waco Fire Code. SEVERE WEATHER EVACUATION PROCEDURES During severe weather alerts (watches and warnings), residents are encouraged to monitor television and radio reports and should take reasonable precautions. Windows should be closed during thunderstorms or severe weather alerts. Each resident should have a flashlight accessible in case of power failure. In the event of a tornado sighting which threatens the Waco area, the City of Waco Tornado Alert Siren will be sounded. (NOTE: This siren is routinely tested at 10:00 a.m. the first Friday of each month.) All persons in the building should move immediately to the basement or to the interior hallways of the lowest possible floor away from windows. Baylor Department of Public Safety is equipped to monitor up-to-the-minute conditions during all weather watches and warnings. Communication of that information is made to the Campus Living & Learning staff as quickly and completely as possible, and each hall staff is prepared to notify residents and/or take appropriate precautions as needed. However, in a critical situation such as a tornado threat, time may not allow staffs to conduct a floor-by-floor or room-by-room alert. Persons who fail to respond to a tornado alert siren or who choose to leave safer areas of the building before an alert siren ceases do so at their own risk. STOLEN PROPERTY Possession of stolen property is illegal and can result in administrative and/or disciplinary action and criminal charges. Traffic equipment, building signs, dining hall trays and utensils, etc., are examples of stolen property not permitted in the residence halls. Removal or attempted removal of the contents of any vending machine by improper or illegal methods constitutes misdemeanor theft and will be treated accordingly. THEFTS Any theft should be reported on discovery to Baylor Department of Public Safety at and to the Resident Hall Director. There are several things residents can do to lessen the possibility of theft: a. Room doors should be locked anytime the residents are not in the room. Residents should keep their keys with them at all times, even when going to the shower or going to eat - even if a roommate is in the room and is not expected to leave during this time. b. Room doors should be locked when residents are asleep. (Some thieves, knowing that many students are sound sleepers, may be brave enough to enter rooms while the residents are asleep.) c. Valuables should be kept locked and out of sight. d. Residents should practice being their neighbor s keeper. This can be done by knowing the other residents on the hall and by immediately reporting to Baylor Department of Public Safety at and to hall staff members any suspicious person(s) seen wandering in the residential areas. e. Lost keys should be reported to the hall office immediately. 17

18 Apartment SAFETY AND SECURITY (Arbors/Baylor Plaza) Each resident can help keep the apartment safe and secure by following the regulations provided in this section. All roommates are mutually responsible for keeping apartment doors and windows locked for the security of persons and property. FIRE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Baylor University considers fire safety extremely important, and students have an obligation to adhere to University regulations as well as city and state statutes. FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS The following are prohibited in the apartments and in the complex because of their serious potential as fire hazards: Candles Open flames such as matches, lighters, etc. Use or possession of incense Use or possession of fireworks or firecrackers Use or possession of combustible paints or liquids Doors and walls that are over one-half covered with paper, posters, etc. Mopeds, motorcycles, motor-scooters, or other gas combustible engines within the apartment Appliances with exposed heating elements Smoking Charcoal and Gas Grills are STRICTLY prohibited in apartments and within the general proximity of the apartments. These items must be at least 20 feet from the building at all times. Violations of any of the above create the potential for a serious fire hazard and may result in the violator being removed from the apartment and/or University housing. MISUSE OF FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Any individual who misuses or tampers with fire protection equipment (smoke detectors, pull stations, fire alarms, fire extinguishers or automatic door closures) will be subject to University and administrative/disciplinary action plus the cost of repair or replacement of misused or damaged equipment, cleaning of the facility and damage to other property. In addition, tampering with fire protection equipment is a felony offence under State law and may be prosecuted as such. KEYS Apartment and mail box keys are issued to each resident of an apartment at the time of check-in. These keys are the responsibility of the resident and should be carried at all times. North Village residents can be issued an emergency unlock code from the front desk assistant if locked out. Arbors/Baylor Plaza residents who are locked out can sign for a temporary key at the apartment office during office hours by providing positive identification. Temporary keys must be returned within15 minutes. Failure to return the key within this time period will result in disciplinary action. If an Arbors/Baylor Plaza resident is locked out during a period when the apartment office is closed, contact an apartment staff member. Emergency information is always posted on the apartment office door or in the bulletin board just outside the office. A key will be issued only to a resident of a particular apartment. A lost key should be reported immediately to the apartment office. A new key will be issued and a $10 replacement charge billed to the resident s account ($5 of which will be credited in the event the lost key is recovered, provided the lock has not already been re-keyed.) 18