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Michigan Tech | Housing http://www.housing.mtu.edu/housing/residence_hall_handbook.html

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Housing - Residence Hall Handbook 2007-08

Table of Contents

Welcome

Housing Contract

University Residency Requirement

Fees and Contract Termination

Conditions of Assignment

General Conditions

Services & Policies

12 Month Living Area

Alcohol

Alcohol-Free Living Areas

Break Periods

Campus Café & Vending

Chalking Policy

Community Governed Living Area

Community Standards Agreement

Computer Information

Computer Science Learning Community

Contract Release - Residence Halls

Counseling Services

Converted Room

Dining Dollars


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Disabilities Services

Disciplinary Procedures

Duct Tape

Electrical Equipment

Elevators

Explosives/Chemicals/Flammable Liquids

Fire Evacuation and Equipment

Fire Prevention

First-Year Experience

First-Year Student Residence Hall Waiver Request

Forest Resources and Environmental Science Learning Community

Furnishings

Gambling

Guest Parking Pass

Guests

Hall Council

Harassment

Health Center

Healthy Living House

Hostile Intruder(s) in a Residence Hall or Apartments

House Damage Charges

Illegal Substances

Immunizations

Insurance

International House

Keys / Door Locking

Kitchenette Guidelines

Laundry Facilities

Learning Communities

Lofts

Lost Articles

Mail Service

Meal Card / Tech Express ID

Meal Plan

Meal Plan Release Request

Mentor Network

Michigan Tech ID Card (Tech Express)

Musical Instruments


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Outdoor Games

Parking - Automobiles / Motorcycles / Snowmobiles/ATV's

Pets

Phone Service

Postings / Bulletin Boards

Quiet & Consideration Hours

Reception Desks

Recreation & Equipment

Refrigerators

Relief Services

Repairs / Damages

Ride Boards

Room Appearance

Room Changes / Room Swap

Room Consolidation / Reduced Occupancy

Room Dollar

Room Entry

Roommate Conflict

Saunas

Screens

Sick Trays

Single Rooms

Sledding/Snowball Fights

Smoke Free Residence Halls

Soliciting & Advertising

Staff

Storage Areas

Student Property Removal

Study Areas

Table Tents

Tornado Procedures

Tri-Hall Weight Club / Fitness Rooms

TV Cable

Visitation

Weapons Policy

Welcome


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topWelcome to Michigan Tech residence halls, a place where you can live in a community that values friendship and academic success.

The nature and quality of your living-learning environment plays an important part in your University education. In planning, staffing, and operating our residence halls, we seek to meet your needs in every way possible and, with your hall council, provide additional amenities that make the halls an even better place to live. The staff is here to help you with questions or challenges associated with college life. If you need assistance, please ask.

We urge you to read all information included on this site carefully in order to become familiar with your place of residence. It provides information about your room, services, safety and policies.

An understanding of and respect for the rights of others is of utmost importance in making residence hall life successful for all. We have designed an environment to provide individual freedom, limited only by regulations essential to building a successful community. Your cooperation, participation, and helpful contributions are necessary for the success of your hall.

Should you have comments, questions, or a request for an exception to a policy or procedure, please feel free to ask by contacting 906-487-2682, email at [email protected], or visit us in the Housing & Residential Life office located in 153 Wadsworth Hall.

Beth L. WagnerAssistant Vice President, Housing & Student Life

Housing Contract

University Residency Requirement

topAll single undergraduate students are required to live in University housing facilities during their first full year at Michigan Technological University. This does not include commuting students living at home with their parent(s)/guardian, transfer students or graduate students.

The Board of Control waives the requirement that second year students and transfer students be required to live in University housing facilities so long as consistent with housing conditions.

For more information about this Board of Control policy, visit their website at this link.

Fees and Contract Termination


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topA. THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR. The contract will be terminated only upon completion of the academic year, graduation, withdrawal from the University, or granting of special permission to break the residence hall contract. In all cases, room and board charges will continue until the student checks out in accordance with established University procedures.

B. Contracted students deciding not to enroll at the University must inform the AdmissionsOffice in writing by May 1, and their housing contract will be cancelled. The Enrollment Deposit is nonrefundable if cancellation is received after May 1.

C. Re-contracted students deciding not to enroll at the University must inform the StudentRecords & Registration Office by June 1, and their residence hall contract will be cancelled. A $50.00 fee will be charged if cancellation is received after June 1.

D. The University reserves the right to terminate this contract and take possession of a roomfor violation of this contract or University policies or regulations.

E. Room and board rates are established in the early summer each year for the followingacademic year. Students agree to make room and board payments to the Cashier's Office of the University in accordance with the current University payment schedule.

F. When a resident properly checks out of a residence hall, all advance payments on room andboard charges in excess of the charge for actual weeks in residence will be refunded. Residents who fail to check out of their room properly will be assessed a $25.00 improper checkout fee. Exception: No refunds are made to students leaving the residence halls during the final two weeks of any semester.

G. Applicable room and board rates are prorated on a weekly basis.

H. The University reserves the right to adjust room and board charges during the year if, in itsopinion, such adjustments are necessary. In establishing board rates, consideration has been given to expected absenteeism and no allowances can be made for meals missed.

I. Residents are assigned their room rate based on their current occupancy. Room rates areincreased when the room occupancy decreases at any time during the academic year.

J. Residents with extreme and unusual circumstances may wish to be released from theirresidence hall contract. In view of its own obligations, the University is limited in its ability to release students from the housing contract. Thus, the University considers only those requests where residents have incurred a significant change in circumstances beyond their control since the date their contracts became effective. A $100.00 administrative fee will be assessed if release is granted.

For more information about this Board of Control policy, visit their website at this link.

Conditions of Assignment

topA. Submission of this contract does not guarantee accommodations in the residence halls. Should the University have more applicants than it has regular rooms available, it reserves the right to assign applicants without prior notice to temporary accommodations until regular


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accommodations become available.

B. It is the policy of the University not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or ethnicbackground in the assignment of residence hall rooms.

C. Students do not have a residence hall room assignment until notified. The Universityreserves the right to make and adjust room assignments as necessary.

D. When the demand for housing exceeds the number of regular accommodations available,residents are assigned to converted accommodations. Converted accommodations are regular student rooms with one additional resident assigned over the normal capacity (i.e., three residents to a regular two-person room, four residents to a regular three-person room, etc.). Residents in converted rooms will be assigned to regular accommodations as vacancies occur.

E. Failure to occupy your assigned room before the end of the first day of regular instructionin any semester, without giving prior notice of delayed arrival may result in the loss of assigned accommodations. Such loss of assigned accommodations shall not relieve the student of the responsibility of accepting other available residence hall accommodations.

General Conditions

topA. The resident agrees to comply with all University rules, regulations, and procedures. Residents will be held accountable for any violations of these regulations.

B. No resident shall sublet or assign his or her assignment to another person. No unauthorizedpersons are allowed to reside in the rooms.

C. The resident shall not use the residence hall rooms or public areas in a manner which isdetrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the hall community. No pets are allowed in the residence halls.

D. The University staff may enter residence hall rooms according to established Universitypolicy.

E. The University is not liable for the loss of and/or damage to money, property, or valuablesbelonging to the residents or guests. The resident is responsible for acquiring any liability and property damage insurance, if so desired.

F. The resident accepts full responsibility for the condition of the assigned room andfurnishings and to pay any charges for damages that may result from lack of care. The University reserves the right to assess residents for damages to community areas of the residence hall.

G. The University may require residents to vacate University housing accommodations if theyfail to maintain full-time student status (12 credits), or if they are not making satisfactory academic progress.

Services & Policies


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12 Month Living Area

topLiving in the 12 month living area means you are able to register and stay during semester breaks. Residents staying in their room during the summer or semester break will be assessed an additional fee that is not included in their regular contract. Please note that during the semester break, dining services are not provided.

Alcohol

topThe possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in University housing facilities by persons at least twenty-one years of age is permitted in individual student rooms that are officially approved and assigned by the University, and currently occupied by, one or more twenty-one-year-old student(s), except in Alcohol-free living areas.

Eligible hall residents must request an alcohol permit for their room by presenting proof of age at the Residence Life Office located in 155 Wadsworth Hall. If approved, the office will issue the permit. Only one permit is issued per room and must be visible when the room door is open. Falsification of records will result in disciplinary action.

Residents under the legal drinking age may not display collections of alcohol bottles/cans. Empty bottles/cans may be considered evidence of illegal possession, consumption, or both.

Legal possession of alcoholic beverages in sealed containers is permissible anywhere so long as a resident is in the active process of transporting it to a resident room. Possession of alcoholic beverages in unsealed containers is not permitted in any area other than a designated and approved resident room.

Intoxication due to the consumption of alcohol is not permitted in any University building or property.

Alcoholic beverage containers shall not have the capacity of more than one gallon.

All alcoholic beverages and containers confiscated because of illegal possession and/or consumption will become the property of the University. All confiscated items will be disposed of at the University's discretion.

In order to accommodate residents who request to live where intoxicants are not possessed or consumed, the University will, when administratively feasible, assign residents with similar requests to the same area.

Alcoholic beverage containers and alcohol-related posters, signs, lights, etc. are not permitted in resident room windows or on doors.

Alcohol-Free Living Areas

top In designated areas of the residence halls, an alcohol-free living area is provided where the use or possession of alcohol by anyone, regardless of age, is strictly prohibited. Room assignments in this area are given to residents who do not use alcohol at any time in their room. Displaying empty alcohol bottles/cans is prohibited. To see a list of the alcohol-free housing rooms, you can download an excel document here.

Break Periods


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topDuring the Thanksgiving and Spring breaks, residents may occupy their room by registering at the reception desk. Please note that the Dining Halls are closed during break periods.

During the three-week semester break, the halls are closed and residents are required to vacate the buildings. Residents living in the 12-month living section may register to stay in their room during the semester break and summer for an additional charge. If residing in a Wadsworth room with a private bath or in the West Wads Suites, the custodial staff will enter the room to clean the bathroom during the three week semester break.

Campus Café & Vending

topThe Campus Café is a quick service restaurant located on the ground floor of Wadsworth Hall.The Campus Café provides a convenient place to relax away from the books as well as a latenight dining option. Dining Dollars can be used to purchase menu items such as pizza, burgers, fries, and convenience items like 12 packs of soda, chips, fresh vegetables sticks and more.

Vending machines are located in the public areas of all halls for convenience.

Chalking Policy

top http://www.sa.mtu.edu/dean/judicial/policies/chalking.html

Community Governed Living Area

topThe Community Governed Area is a living option offered in East Wadsworth Hall to residents who are 21 and over or entering their third year of college. Residents living in this area will have an opportunity to assist in determining some policy guidelines, like quiet hours, through the development of a Community Standards Agreement. An option for a 5-meal plan and a monthly room and board payment plan is also available. Kitchenette and laundry facilities are located in the area.

Community Standards Agreement

topThe Community Standards Agreement is an opportunity for house members to develop their own standards by clarifying, furthering, defining, or exceeding those set by the University. The agreement is a living document that is written by house members at the beginning of the year and revised at the start of Spring semester. This process empowers residents to share responsibility and accountability for the standards collectively determined. It is also a tool to provide residents an avenue for input concerning their living environment. The final copy is judicially binding and will be signed by all residents of the house and displayed in the house.

Computer Information

topNetwork connections in resident rooms are available and monthly fees are included in the room and board costs. ResNet (ethernet) is a high-speed network connection offered from Information Technologies Telecommunications Support. Call Telcom at 906-487-2000 or go to


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www.tc.mtu.edu for more information.

For information regarding Michigan Tech computer policies, go to http://sa.mtu.edu/dean/judicial/policies/.

Networking between residence hall rooms is not permitted. No string or any type of wiring or cables can be placed from room to room.

Wireless access “hotzones” are available in many academic buildings and study lounge areas.Residents with laptops or PDAs that include a WiFi certified 802.11 b/g network card canaccess the wireless network. Wireless routers and hubs are not recommended for residentrooms because of the high likelihood of interference and security concerns. For a complete listof wireless locations see www.rovernet.mtu.edu.

For more information, go to www.tc.mtu.edu, call 906-487-2000 or email [email protected].

Computer Science Learning Community

topHow would you like to enhance your computer science degree? It is as easy as joining the Computer Science Learning Community (CSLC). This community consists of students, staff, and faculty who share academic interests in the field of computer science. The CSLC is specifically for students majoring in computer science, software engineering, and computer systems science. As a first-year CSLC member, you will be enrolled in a group of academic courses together. These courses are tied to the computer science major and include a college success course. CSLC is located on the third floor of East McNair Hall.

Contract Release - Residence Halls

topThe residence hall contract is a legal and binding document. Housing realizes, however, that circumstances may have changed since moving into the residence halls, and for this reason, the following guidelines have been established in the event that you wish to apply to be released from your contract. If the request is granted, a $100.00 fee will be assessed for breaking the contract. You may be released from your contract for medical, financial, or serious extenuating circumstances.

An application for release may be obtained from the Residence Life Office located in 155 Wadsworth. The completed materials, including a completed application, a letter stating the circumstance surrounding the request, and supporting factual information should be returned to the Office of Residence Life. Under no circumstances should off campus living arrangements (i.e. sign a lease) be made until a decision has been received.

In cases where contract release requests are denied, the resident may appeal the decision to the Director of Housing & Residential Life. This appeal must be submitted to the Director in writing, and must be submitted within 5 business days. The appeal letter should contain all additional information you would like to be considered. All appeal decisions are final.

Converted Room


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topConverted room status means that your room has been assigned one additional person. Rooms are assigned based on the completion date of your housing contract. This date will be used to assign a priority number to your room. Once everyone arrives in the fall and vacancies are identified, the priority number is used to offer you or one of your roommates the opportunity to move to regular room assignment. Each room has all the necessities for the added person. Converted rooms will be given a reduced room rate until you are no longer in converted room status.

For more information on converted rooms, please visit this page.

Counseling Services

topThe staff in the Counseling Services Office can assist with personal issues that may interfere with the effective use of your talents. Counselors can help make decisions, manage stress, improve your communication skills, and foster self-awareness. Any concern you may have, including depression, pregnancy, anxiety, loneliness, substance abuse, or problems with a relationship, can be discussed with a counselor in a confidential setting. Visit www.counseling.mtu.edu for more information.

Dining Dollars

topDining Dollars add flexibility to the board plan. They are a part of each meal plan and allow a resident with class conflicts to eat at times and places that are more convenient.

Dining Dollars can be used in the Memorial Union Building Food Court, the Campus Café, theAftermath in Fisher Hall, Ripley Ski Hill, Sports concessions, or in food and beverage vending machines. Unused Dining Dollars are transferable from Fall to Spring semester, however Dining Dollars left over at the end of the Spring semester are nonrefundable.

Residents or parents can add money to a Dining Dollars account online at www.techexpress.mtu.edu/ or at the Tech Express Office located in the Memorial Union Building. These additional Dining Dollar funds can be refunded, at the contributor's request, at the end of the academic year. A $5.00 fee is assessed on any refund.

Disabilities Services

topThe University is committed to assisting students with documented physical and learning disabilities. Services and accommodations may include extended time for exams, select adaptive technology, priority scheduling, special housing and parking arrangements, or other reasonable assistance. If you have a disability and feel you may need accommodation, please call Student Affairs at 906-487-2212. For more information, visit www.studentaffairs.mtu.edu.

Disciplinary Procedures


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topResidence Hall and University policies have been established to insure that each resident can be successful in their educational endeavors within prescribed community standards. Residents that fail to comply with these policies and other policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, may be subject to disciplinary action. Sanctions range from disciplinary warning to expulsion and may include but are not limited to fines, removal from the hall, community service and educational projects. It is each residents responsibility to become familiar with the rules and regulations if they are to be successful as residents of their hall and students at Michigan Tech University. To view the Code of Conduct, go to www.sa.mtu.edu/dean/judicial/policies/code/.

Duct Tape

topThe use of duct tape is not permitted in resident rooms, due to the intensive labor required to clean adhesive residue. Residents will be charged for all necessary clean-up.

Electrical Equipment

topElectrical clocks, radios, stereos, televisions, blankets, razors, microwaves, George Foremans, personal computers, and small refrigerators may be used in resident rooms. The only cooking appliances permitted are coffee makers, microwaves, and appliances with self-contained heating units. Each hall provides kitchenettes for extensive cooking. Possessing or using hazardous electrical appliances such as those with exposed heating elements is not permitted in residence hall rooms.

We recommend the use of surge protectors for all electrical equipment.

Residents may not alter the electrical systems or equipment in their rooms.

Elevators

topElevators are for the convenience of the residents and essential for disabled students and guests who may not be able to use the stairs.

If an individual tampers with elevators, such as ringing the emergency alarm, overloading with passengers, or creating situations that cause the elevator to malfunction, they are subject to a fine, cost of repairs, and disciplinary action.

Should an elevator become stuck between floors, do not open the doors and help people out. The elevator may begin working again at any time, potentially causing injury. Individuals need to remain in the elevator, while either Housing Facilities (during business hours) or the Management Assistant (MA) (after hours) are called. The appropriate person will turn off the power to the elevator so that there is no danger.

Explosives/Chemicals/Flammable Liquids


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topThe possession and use of any harmful chemicals, flammable liquids/lighter fluid, firecrackers, and/or other explosives in the residence halls or immediate vicinity is prohibited.

Incense, candles, oil lamps, and other open-flame objects are not permitted in residence hall rooms or living areas.

Fire Evacuation and Equipment

topFire fighting equipment and evacuation route postings are located throughout the residence hall.

Fire drills will acquaint residents with fire evacuation procedures. Residents will be given information regarding the fire alarm and evacuation procedures for the hall during their first house meeting. Failure to evacuate during fire alarms will result in disciplinary action.

Fire drills are held eight times per academic year. The first drill of each semester must becompleted prior to the end of the first week of classes. DURING ALL FIRE DRILLS, ALL RESIDENTS AND STAFF OF EACH BUILDING MUST EVACUATE THE BUILDING.

Resident Evacuation Instructions

Turn on Ceiling Light and Open Draperies.Reason: This allows the Fire Department to check the rooms from the outside for smoke. Also, no lights in an area would indicate trouble in that area.

Close Windows.Reason: By reducing drafts in the building the spread of smoke and fire will be slowed.

Touch inside of door to test for heat. If warm. Do not open.Reason: If the air in the hall is hot enough to heat through the door, one breath of thisair would kill you.

If you are trapped in your room by fire, keep your door and window closed tightly and stand in full view in the window until help arrives.

Open door only if not warm. Brace yourself against the door and crack it slightly open to check the incoming air at the top of the door with your hand.Reason: The pressure from superheated air is usually strong enough to force open thedoor. The door may not have had time to become heated.

Exit Immediately. Wear shoes; take your coat, room key, and Michigan Tech ID. Closeand lock the door and walk away from the building by your assigned route. Do not talk.Listen for directions. Do not use elevators as an emergency exit. Stay low to theground.

When you leave the building, move to your assigned meeting area which will be at least 100 feet away from the building.


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Reason: This will allow fire-fighting equipment and personnel to move freely in thisarea. Move further away from the building if instructed by Housing and Residential LifeStaff, the Fire Department, or Emergency personnel.

Do not return to your room or re-enter the building. Wait for instructions. You may re-enter the building when the alarm is silenced OR after the all clear has been given by the Fire Department.

It is against state law to use fire equipment for a purpose other than it's intended use. Individuals tampering with life support, fire alarms, smoke detectors or fire-fighting equipment are subject to immediate dismissal from the University.

Nothing is permitted to obstruct or be hung on the Residence Hall fire sprinkler system or plumbing at any time. This includes piping, sprinkler head, and valves. Also, nothing can block the resident's windows at any time.

Fire Prevention

topPlease keep posters and other combustible decorations to a minimum. Incense, candles, oil lamps, and other open-flame objects are not permitted in residence hall rooms or living areas.

Do not cover your desk or floor lamps with any clocth type materials.

Check electrical cords and appliances to insure they are in proper working order. When purchasing cords and appliances, look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal. Do not run extension cords under rugs, mattresses, etc.

First-Year Experience

topYour first year in college can be both exciting and daunting. Start your time off at Michigan Tech right by selecting to live in First-Year Experience (FYE). As a member of FYE, you are given the opportunity to live with other first-year students and begin to experience Michigan Tech together. FYE helps to make the transition to life as a college student easier by providing the support of specially-trained staff, including mentors. Mentors are upper-class students committed to making your first year successful. As a member of FYE, you will participate in leadership activities, a college success course, and much more. FYE is located on the fifth floor of East Wadsworth Hall.

First-Year Student Residence Hall Waiver Request

topThe Michigan Tech Board of Control Policy states that all single undergraduate students are required to live in the residence halls during their first full year at Michigan Tech. This doesnot include commuting students living at home with parent(s)/guardian(s). The Board has given the Director of Housing & Residential Life, authority to release students from this obligation if they request to live locally with a blood relative, 21 years or older.

The requirements for consideration are:


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A letter from the student requesting release to live with a blood relative over the age of 21. The letter must include the name, address, and phone number of the relative.Please include your name, Michigan Tech M-ID number, address, phone number, and email address.

A letter from the relative stating their concurrence with the student’s intention to residewith them. This letter should state that the student will be living at their home, withthem, for the entire academic year.

You will be informed of the decision within seven business days after your letter is received.

Please mail letters to:

Housing & Residential Life1400 Townsend DriveHoughton, MI 49931

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 906-487-2682.

Forest Resources and Environmental Science Learning Community

topSome of the fastest-growing fields of study are in natural resources. The Forest Resources and Environmental Science (FRES) Learning Community is a dynamic combination of academics and appreciation for the natural world. The FRES Learning Community is specifically designed for students seeking degrees in forestry, applied ecology and environmental sciences, and wildlife ecology and management. First-year FRES Learning Community members are enrolled together in a group of academic courses, including a college success course. FRES Learning Community is located on the fifth floor of West Wadsworth Hall.

Furnishings

topThe average room measures about 12 feet by 15 feet. A typical double room includes a bunk bed or loftable beds, chest of drawers, two desks, two study chairs, waste basket, and carpeting. Triple and quad rooms are furnished accordingly. If you live in West McNair Hall, you may request to add or remove furniture from your room by contacting your RA. However, bed springs and bed ends must remain in your room at all times.

Since we do not furnish bed linens, you are encouraged to purchase linens prior to arrival. The standard mattress size is 36 inches by 80 inches. Extra-long twin sheets fit best. You are responsible for laundering your own linens. You may purchase linens online at www.rhl.org/linens.aspx.

Provided furnishings cannot be removed from the resident room. Residents are responsible forreplacement cost of missing room furniture. Storing or placing room furniture in the hallway or in an off-campus location is prohibited. Prior to checking out of the residence hall, furniture should be placed back to the original locations.

Please remember that dressers and book shelves are not supports for bed springs. The


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springs will cause damage to the furniture.

Public area furnishings moved to resident rooms will be returned, and the residents responsible will be charged with violating university policy.

Gambling

topIt is illegal to conduct any organized gambling activities unless authorization from the State of Michigan has been received.

Guest Parking Pass

topGuest parking passes are available from each residence hall reception desk for family and friends of hall residents.

Guests

topResidents are permitted to have overnight guests any night of the week provided they: (1) obtain permission from their roommate(s), (2) register their guest at the hall reception desk, and (3) inform their Resident Assistant (RA). Guests must carry a guest registration card with them at all times. Housing guests should not be confused with visitation (see visitation policy).

Guests who have not registered or have stayed more than four consecutive nights without first obtaining permission from the Residence Life staff will be required to vacate the building. Hosts of such guests face possible University judicial sanctions, and will be held responsible for any policy violation and/or damage charges related to their guest's stay.

Guests are always welcome to dine at University residence hall facilities. The Michigan Tech ID card can be used to treat a guest at any residence hall dining center by swiping your card and deducting a meal. Residents must be present to treat a guest to a meal. If residents have used all of their weekly allotted meals, they can use dining dollars to treat a guest to a meal in any hall.

Hall Council

topHousing has delegated much of the governing authority in appropriate spheres to residence hall councils. The hall councils act as organized representatives of resident opinion and have, over the years, attained a tradition of significant accomplishment and hosted many social and academic events.

The councils, Douglass Houghton Hall Council (DHHC), McNair Hall Association (MHA), and Wadsworth Hall Student Association (WHSA), have an office located in their respective hall. Ask your Resident Assistant (RA) for more information about meeting times, office location and upcoming events so you can get involved.

Each year, elections are held for hall council representatives. All residents are eligible to


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become representatives of the hall council. The hall councils use the social fees paid by each resident to sponsor activities and provide services of academic, athletic, and social nature.

In addition to the individual hall councils, the Inter Residence Hall Council (IRHC) is a representative body of the combined halls. It is composed of officers from all halls. IRHC administers those functions that are of common interest to all residents, such as broomball. IRHC is the recognized voice of the residence hall student councils and provides leadership to the governing bodies.

For more information about the residential hall councils, you can go here.

Harassment

topCreating a condition that endangers or threatens the health and safety of any member of the University community is not allowed. This includes engaging in a course of conduct or committing acts with intent to cause harm or threaten another person or engaging in threats of violence or violence because of a person's race, ethnicity, national origin, religious or cultural identity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. Any unwelcome verbal and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature, willfully and repeatedly contacting another individual without permission, or reckless cause of physical or mental harm to any person is not permitted. If you feel you have been harassed, please see a Residence Life staff member or RA for assistance.

Health Center

topConveniently located on Michigan Tech's campus, the Houghton Community Health Center and Apothecary Pharmacy constitute a miniature health system with the services needed for students and the local community. This health center is owned and operated by Portage Health System and is located at the Student Development Complex (SDC). Patients are seen by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. The center will make every effort to schedule residents if you need medical care on short notice.

After-hours care is provided by on-call staff in the walk-in clinic and emergency room at Portage Hospital in Hancock, about a five-minute car ride. Houghton Community Health Center and other area pysicians and hospitals may be found at www.uphcn.org, the Upper Peninsula Health Care Network.

Healthy Living House

topWellness of mind, body, and spirit culminate in Healthy Living House (HLH). HLH is designed to enhance your healthy personal and academic environment through focusing on good habits and exercise with a great community of friends. Members of HLH participate in wellness seminars, a wellness plan, and a college success course to help achieve their goals. HLH is located on the fifth floor of East McNair Hall.

Hostile Intruder(s) in a Residence Hall or Apartments


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topIf a hostile person(s) is actively causing deadly harm or the imminent threat of deadly harm within the residence hall or apartments, here are recommend the following procedures be followed:

Lock yourself in your room.

If communications is available, call 911.

If away from your room, join others in a room that can be locked.

Do not stay in the open hall.

Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants in the rooms to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to exit.

Barricade yourself in your room with desks, beds, or anything you can push against the door.

Lock your window and close blinds or curtains.

Stay away from the window.

Turn all lights and audio equipment off.

Try to stay calm and be as quiet as possible.

If you are caught in the open such as hallways and lounge areas, you must decide what you are going to do. This is a very crucial time and can possibly mean life or death depending on your actions.

You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building looking for more victims.

If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Keep any objects you can between you and the hostile person(s) while in the building. Once outside, do not run in a straight line.

If the person(s) are causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are unable to run or hide, you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.

The last option you have if caught in an open area may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.

If you are caught by the intruder and are not going to fight back, obey all commands and do not look the intruder in the eyes.

Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being made to put your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.

House Damage Charges

topAt the end of each semester, residents residing in a house that has received damage charges will be billed a percentage of those charges. Residents will be notified of the cost/fee due for the damages and have the opportunity to pay the damage due amount at the reception desk by a specified date. If residents have not paid the damage due amount by the specified date, a University bill will be generated at a cost not less than $5.00. If the damage due is less than


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$1.00, then that cost will be rolled over to the following semester. At the end of spring semester, if the cost is still less than $1.00, no damage due amount will be processed. Concerns about billing should be directed to the Housing Facilities office located in DHH G044 or at 906-487-2740 or [email protected].

Damage repair costs are based on the cost of the material needed, added to the cost of the labor required to complete the repair. Labor costs are based on the prevailing wage for regular custodial and/or maintenance personnel needed to complete the repair. Examples of damages may include but are not limited to corridor damages such as, broken light shades, broken fire alarm glass, damaged furniture or in bathroom damages such as broken soap dispenser, broken toilet tissue holder, etc.

Illegal Substances

topThe use, possession, or distribution of any illegal substance is strictly prohibited in University housing.

Immunizations

topIt is recommended that residents have the following shots before coming to school:

Meningococcus vaccination

Tetanus/Diphtheria (a primary series and a booster within the last ten years)

Two doses of measles vaccine or Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Varicella vaccine (two doses if you have not had chicken pox)

Hepatitis B series (three doses)

In addition, it is recommended that residents get flu shots in October or November. Flu shot clinics will be available on campus. For more information on immunizations, see the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov.

Insurance (Property/Health)

topThe University does not assume responsibility for or carry insurance covering the personal property of residents. Residents are advised to check the coverage provided by existing family policies or make arrangements to purchase personal policies.

The University offers a group health insurance plan for any full-or part-time student. This plan covers basic medical care and hospitalization. Enrollment information is sent in early August. If you are not covered under another insurance plan, you may want to consider enrolling in this plan. If an international student, you must provide proof of medical health insurance; otherwise, you must subscribe to the policy offered by the University. Information regarding the Student Health Insurance program, sponsored by the Michigan Tech Undergraduate Student Government (USG), is available from the USG Office in the Memorial Union Building. Call 906-487-2406 or visit www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/stud%20insurance/index.shtml.


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International House

topDuring your college career, you will come face-to-face with the reality that we are living in a global society where appreciating diversity is essential for personal and professional growth. International House (I-House) offers you a chance to begin expanding your appreciation of diversity by living with a student from another culture. Members of I-House work together to adjust to living at Michigan Tech, share their own cultures through Coffee houses and Parade of Nations, and create a strong community. I-House is located on the second floor of West McNair Hall.

Keys / Door Locking

topWhen moving into a residence hall, residents will be issued a key that opens their room and mailbox. Housing has worked diligently to provide a secure environment for residents while minimizing any inconveniences.

Residents are required to keep their room doors locked, keep the exit doors secured, escort their guests at all times, and report any unusual circumstances to the residence hall staff immediately.

Residents are advised to lock their room whenever they leave to safeguard personal belongings and all University equipment for which you are responsible.

Exterior doors are opened by using your Tech Express card.

There is a $30 charge for lost keys. This will cover the cost of changing of the core and 2 replacement keys. If the original key is found, a $5 refund will be issued.

Report anything suspicious or of concern to you and/or your community to your RA or to Public Safety (7-2216 or 911 emergency).

Lost Keys –Core Changes:DHH Housing Facilities 487-2740 G044 DHHMcNair Housing G03 487-2730 McNairWadsworth Housing 487-2687 153 Wadsworth

After hours and weekends, call the duty phone.7-3889 or 7-DUTY

All entrances into the residence halls are locked from midnight to 7:00 AM daily.

Unauthorized possession of keys to University housing facilities will be subject to disciplinary action, termination of the resident's contract, or both.

Phones at main entrances are in place if residents forget their room key and for guests who arrive during the secured period.

Delivery personnel are not permitted in the residence hall living areas.

All deliveries must be made in the reception desk lobbies.

Charges for unlocking a doorThe first two weeks of the academic year will be considered a grace period for all residents.During this time, no resident will be charged for key-ins done by the RA as a result of theresident locking themselves out of their room. After the initial two weeks, there will be acharge of $1 each time an RA has to unlock a resident’s door. This fee applies to residentswithin an RA’s house and to residents outside the house.


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The fee will be collected by the RA unlocking the door and deposited into the house funds of the RA. The money may only be used for house activities.

In order to unlock a door, the RA must check the resident’s ID and verify that it is theresident’s room.

Kitchenette Guidelines

topPlease be a responsible community member and follow these guidelines:

Never leave baking/cooking items unattended

Turn off stove/oven immediately after cooking/baking

Immediately clean up and put away all items after usage

Mark all items kept in the refrigerator with name, room #, and date

Mark all items stored in cabinets with name and room #

Do not borrow other residents’ items without permission

Do not leave dishes soaking overnight

Wipe tables/counters/microwave/stove/oven after each use

Always run water when using the garbage disposal

Immediately vacuum/mop the floor if something is spilled

Do not cut directly on counters or tables, always use a cutting board

Do not place hot items on the counters or tables

Please close the door when quiet hours begin

Be considerate of others who are utilizing the room to study

Clean up after yourself

Laundry Facilities

topLaundry rooms are conveniently located in each hall. Housing provides and maintain washers free of charge for you and dryers are provided at a cost of twenty-five cents per load. Any mechanical difficulties with the washers and dryers should be reported by completing an online form at www.housing.mtu.edu/housing/online_forms.html. The University is not responsible for damage to clothing caused by the appliance or theft of clothing from the laundry room.

Learning Communities

topLearning Communities are unique residence hall living areas specially designed to enhance your time at Michigan Tech. This experience blends unique programming with additional peer staff to provide you with academic and personal support.

Learning Community staff include Program Coordinators (PC) who organize the goals,


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activities and programs of communities. PCs also supervise the mentors and work with the Resident Assistant (RA) of their house to provide a quality living and learning environment.

Mentors are upper-class students that live in the learning community and support residents of the house. Mentors serve as a great source of information and assistance regarding the University community.

If you'd like to join, you'll be expected to

participate in events and complete the requirements of your Learning Community agreement

be a positive member of your residence hall community and willing to live in a co-ed environment

be willing to meet new people, learn new things, and have a great time at Tech

pay a $30.00 per semester fee which is used to support additional programming, activities, and staff

Learn more about Michigan Tech's Learning Communities at Michigan Tech COMPASS.

Lofts

topLofts may only be built in McNair Hall by returning residents who have approved loft permits from the previous year.

Incoming or current residents in the three residence halls may not build new lofts.

Wadsworth Hall, Douglass Houghton Hall, and East McNair Hall are equipped with loftable furniture that may be arranged to the resident's choosing. West McNair Hall will receive the new furniture in fall 2008.

All provided furniture must be kept in the room. There is no storage for loftable furniture.

The following guidelines apply when arranging the loftable furniture:

Damage: Residents of the room are responsible for any damage caused by the installation, use, or removal of furniture.

Assembly: Rubber mallets are available at the reception desks when you reassemble the loftable furniture. It is advisable to use a rubber mallet to prevent damage to the furniture.

Height: The highest point of the assembled furniture must be 18" below the sprinkler on a horizontal plane that spans the entire room.

Mattresses: Top of the mattress must be 18" below the sprinkler heads in your room.

Windows: No furniture shall obstruct the window at any time. Furniture must be 18” orgreater away from the windows and framing to allow for exit above or below.

Heating Units: No furniture shall obstruct the heating units. Maintenance staff must beable to have access to heating units. Furniture must be 18" or greater away from theheating unit covers and 6” or greater from the heating pipes.

Doors: No furniture shall obstruct the opening of a doorway.


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Electrical material: No modifications of existing outlets, light fixtures, etc., will beallowed.

Hallway safety: Do not obstruct the hallway with furniture or personal belongings whenassembling the furniture. It is up to the RA’s judgment what constitutes an obstruction.If asked to remove items from the hallway residents are required to do so.

Returning residents with approved loft permits from the previous year may reconstruct their lofts until Sunday, September 16, 2007. Residents must see their RA prior to construction to obtain their loft permit. The guidelines for the loftable furniture and the following apply to residents reconstructing their loft:

1. Enclosure: All sides of the loft should be open and no partitions are allowed.

2. Width: The loft may not extend more than 4’ in width from the wall.

3. Main assembly joints: Joints must be attached with lag screws or bolts. Nails will beallowed in other areas.

4. Bed springs: It is strongly encouraged that you incorporate your bed springs into your loft. Bed ends and springs may not be removed from the room.

5. Removal: All lofts must be dismantled and removed two weeks prior to finals weekof spring semester or after the last final of the semester. Failure to remove the loft will result in a $25.00 fine and labor charge.

Once the loft has been re-constructed, the RA must approve the loft for safety. If approved, the RA will sign the loft permit. The permit must be posted on the loft and be visible from the doorway.

Returning residents with approved loft permits from the previous year will be able to keep their loft in their name until they leave McNair Hall. Residents must re-register the loft each year at the McNair Housing Office if they wish to keep it for the following year. Lofts or loft permits cannot be transferred to another person.

Lost Articles

topResidents are encouraged to engrave your Michigan Tech ID Number on possessions and lock room doors when absent for any period of time. It is also suggested to bring a personal lock box to store small valuable items. A Resident Assistant (RA) should be informed immediately of property loss or damage. Lost and found items are located at the reception desk of each hall, and donated to charity at the end of each semester if unclaimed. Expensive lost and found items will be given to Public Safety.

Mail Service

topMail is received and sorted Monday through Saturday at the reception desk in each hall. Each room has its own locked mailbox. An ID must be shown to pick up packages at the reception desk. Stamps may be purchased at the reception desk. Packages may be mailed at the Tech Express office located in the Memorial Union Building. To ensure speedy receipt of mail, the following addresses should be used:


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Douglass Houghton Hall

Resident's NameRoom #___ Douglass Houghton Hall1700 Townsend DriveHoughton, MI 49931-1194

McNair Hall

Resident's NameRoom #___ East McNair Hall1801 Townsend DriveHoughton, MI 49931-1195

Resident's NameRoom #___ West McNair Hall1801 Townsend DriveHoughton, MI 49931-1195

Wadsworth Hall

Resident's NameRoom #___ East Wadsworth Hall1701 Townsend DriveHoughton, MI 49931-1196

Resident's NameRoom #___ West Wadsworth Hall1703 Townsend DriveHoughton, MI 49931-1193

Meal Card / Tech Express ID

topThe Tech Express ID card grants residents access to the dining room in any hall, based on the chosen meal plan. Encoded on the Tech Express Card are the Dining Dollars associated with the meal plan chosen. To provide a guest meal in any Residence Hall Dining Hall, swipe your Tech Express Card and deduct a meal from the card for the guest's meal. Both the residentand the guest(s) must be present together in the dining hall during the meal. Residents maynever lend their Tech Express Card, nor may they swipe in a guest and leave the guest unattended in the dining hall.

Meal Plan

topIn establishing the board rate, consideration has been given to expected absenteeism. If not for this absenteeism, meals would cost much more.

Meal plans run from the Sunday brunch meal through Saturday Dinner meal. Any


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unused meals do not carry over to the next week.

Meals are deducted each time a resident enters the dining room.

Meal plans can be changed only during the first two weeks of each semester and the last two weeks of the fall semester for the following spring semester.

Michigan Tech Residence Halls serve nineteen meals per week. Meals offered are: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

The 19-Meal Plan allows residents to participate in all meals offered and includes $90 dining dollars per academic year or $45 per semester.

The 14-Meal Plan allows residents to participate in up to 14 meals per week and includes $180 dining dollars per academic year or $90 per semester.

The 10-Meal Plan (for returning residents only) allows residents to participate in up to 10 meals per week and includes $240 dining dollars per academic year or $120 per semester.

The 5-Meal Plan allows residents who are 21 and over or entering their third year of college to participate in up to 5 meals per week and includes $250 dining dollars per academic year or $125 per semester.

Meal plans may be used in any of the dining halls. Meal hours are posted throughout all halls and located on the web at the dining website. Residence Hall Dining Service provides continuous dining from the beginning of breakfast to the end of the dinner meal.

In the case of a class, lab, or work schedule conflict arrangements can be made to obtain a sack lunch for the meal period that will be missed. The sack lunch request must be made at least 24 hours in advance and a Michigan Tech ID must be presented.

Food and food service equipment may not be removed from the dining room. Residents must bring from home or purchase locally items such as glasses, cups, and silverware for use in their rooms.

Meal Plan Release Request

topAll residents are required to contract for dining service if they reside in university residence halls. Release from the board contract will be considered if a resident has, because of medical reasons, special dietary requirements which the University is unable to satisfy. A request for release from the board section of the contract must be submitted through the Contract Release procedure.

For additional information about dining, visit www.housing.mtu.edu/dining_services.html, email [email protected] or call 487-2664.

Mentor Network

topThere are several academic mentoring communities in the residence halls. In these houses, an upper-class academic mentor will lead study groups, provide academic guidance and information, support the house community and work with the Resident Assistant (RA) to ensure an academically-supportive environment. Communities selected to have an academic


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mentor are predominantly home to first-year students. Residents don't have to reside in an academic mentoring community to ask an academic mentor for help.

For more information go online at: www.firstyear.mtu.edu/mentornet/.

Michigan Tech ID Card (Tech Express)

topThe official student identification card is the Tech Express card. It will be issued when you first arrive on campus at the Tech Express Office located in the Memorial Union Building (MUB).

Your ID card should be in your possession at all times and must be presented or surrendered to any authorized University representative upon official request.

Unauthorized possession and/or use of University ID will be subject to disciplinary action.

Lending or borrowing a Tech Express ID card is not permitted.

An ID card is needed to access the residence hall between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

If lost, another card can be made at the Tech Express Office for a fee.

For more information on Tech Express Cards, see www.techexpress.mtu.edu.

Musical Instruments

topDue to the Consideration and Quiet Hours policies, the playing of amplified musical instruments within residence hall rooms is not allowed. Non-amplified instruments are permitted only if the volume is respectful to consideration and quiet hours. However, each residence hall provides a music room in which instruments can be played.

Outdoor Games

topNo individual or group games are permitted in the parking lots or streets. Snowball fights are not permitted on campus. When playing group games in the immediate vicinity of the hall, please remember to be respectful of people, property, and quiet/consideration hours as not to cause injury to others or damage to facilities or equipment.

Parking - Automobiles / Motorcycles / Snowmobiles/ATV's

topThe staff lots prohibit the parking of resident vehicles between 2:00 AM and 5:00 PM seven days a week. The staff lots include: Douglass Houghton Hall lots 7E and 7W, McNair Hall lot 16, and Wadsworth Hall - lot 15, front and back. See www.housing.mtu.edu/facilities/parking.html for more information.

Resident parking lots are restricted to assigned parking only, at all times, seven days a week. The student lots include McNair Hall lot 4, Wadsworth Hall lots 17 upper and lower, all halls lot 10 and 21. If you have questions about parking, you can speak with your Management Assistant (MA), stop by the Housing Facilities Office located in G044 DHH, call 906-487-2740


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or email [email protected].

All residents with motor vehicles must become familiar with all traffic regulations and residence hall requirements.

All new, transfer, and returning residents should register their automobiles / motorcycles / snowmobiles / ATV's online and will receive their parking decals in their check-in packets. To register online, visit www.aux.mtu.edu/recontract/.

Residents who DO NOT register online should visit the Housing Facilities office, G044 DHH upon arrival.

Motorcycles / snowmobiles / ATV's will be assigned to designated locations available on campus.

There is no indoor winter storage for motorcycles.

The are no outside electrical outlets available for engine heaters.

Snow vehicles are not permitted to be operated on campus except for the assigned parking location and trailering to and from the approved trails. Limited space is available for parking snow vehicles. Snow vehicles must be registered through the same process as other vehicles.

Pets

topFor health and sanitation reasons animals are not permitted in the living areas of the residence halls. Fish in an aquarium are permitted with a 20 gallon size limit. For information concerning assist animals, please contact the Housing & Residential Life Office at906-487-2682 or [email protected].

Phone Service

topEach residence hall room includes a single phone line. Residents will need to provide their own room phone.

Upon arrival, just plug into the jack. On-campus, local, and domestic long distance calls can be made from the room at no charge. Canada and some island nations are included. Any number that uses the North American number plan, i.e. xxx-xxx-xxxx will be a free call.

Calls that require the international access code of '011' will still require a calling card.

For International calling, a TechConnect card can be obtained from Telcom. For information on how to get a card visit www.tc.mtu.edu/voice/voiceservices/techconnect.htm or stop by Telcom Customer Service in B12.

On-campus calls are made by dialing the last five digits of the telephone number.

Voicemail is available at no cost if desired. With multiple residents per room, voicemail trees can be set up to have a private voicemail box. See www.tc.mtu.edu/voice/voiceservices/voicemail/students/index.php.

For telephone service questions contact TelCom at 487-2000, or visit the website at www.tc.mtu.edu/voice/voiceservices/techconnect.htm.


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Michigan Tech has partnered with Cellular One to provide an on-campus retail outlet for cellular service. Cellular phones are an optional service and plan rates vary. See www.tc.mtu.edu/mtucellular/ for details.

If, in case of emergency and a resident cannot be reached, the caller should contact the University switchboard operator by dialing 906-487-1885.

Nuisance calls should be reported to the residence life staff immediately.

Postings / Bulletin Boards

topThe postings/bulletin board policy is as follows:

Bulletin Board System

1 advertising/event bulletin board per building section - East McNair, West McNair, North Wads, West Wads, East Wads, and DHH. A total of 6 boards.

Open to ALL University registered Student Organizations and University departments.

Posters will be brought to the Residence Life office, located in 155W Wadsworth Hall, to be reviewed, approved, and then residence life staff will post.

Maintained by the Community Coordinator

1 general posting bulletin board per building section - East McNair, West McNair, North Wads, West Wads, East Wads, and DHH. A total of 5 boards.

Open to ALL University students, staff, faculty and the community.

Maintained by Desk and Assistant Desk Coordinator.

No approval needed but must follow the posting policy regulations listed below.

Post your own items on appropriate bulletin board listed below.

Weekend Event posters that list all events in the halls, apartments and on-campus will be posted in every residence hall house, apartment main office, and on each advertising bulletin board. Residence Life will review announcements, advertising, calendars, and communications for information to include on the poster.

The Calendar of Events produced by Student Activities will be posted in every residence hall house and in the main lobby area of the Michigan Tech Daniell Heights apartments.

The weekly Student Activity News Brief will be sent to all Resident Assistants(RAs) who will post it in every residence hall house and forward as email to all residents. It will also be sent to all apartment residents in email format. To be included in the News Brief, the event must be open to the public. Email your event info to [email protected] by Thursday of each week for Friday distribution.

2 bulletin boards per residence hall house1 for RA use specifically for RA educational, informational, or social information.

1 for Housing/Facilities/Residential Life/Student Life and Hall Council information, and emergency procedures.

Maintained by RA.

1 Hall Council bulletin board per building (McNair, Wads, DHH) and 1 IRHC Board.


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Maintained by Hall Council and IRHC

1 Housing Facilities bulletin board per building. (McNair, DHH, Wads).

Posting Policy Regulations:

Bulletin Boards are conveniently located in the residence halls and apartments designed for specific postings.

These regulations must be followed when posting materials:

Must be approved by the Residence Life office or materials will be removed, except on general posting boards.

One-time event postings may be posted up to one week (7 days) prior to the event and will be removed the day after the event.

Must indicate sponsorship directly on the posting.

Only one poster per event on any one bulletin board at anytime is permitted.

Cannot exceed the size of 12" x 18".

Cannot promote the use of alcohol or illegal substance.

Cannot be discriminatory in regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, disabled veteran status, veteran status, arrest record, or disability.

Cannot be posted on the exterior of residence hall or apartment facilities, on entrance doors or structures, unless specifically approved by the Director of Housing & Residential Life.

Cannot use the color lime green. This color is reserved for important Residence Hall information.

Residence Hall Bulletin Board Locations:

Each bulletin board will indicate designation.

DHH

DHH Adv/Event Board Main Lobby across from Reception Desk

DHH General Posting Main Lobby outside the Center Lounge

DHH Council Main Lobby across from Center Lounge

DHH Facilities Main Lobby by Reception Desk

McNair

East McNair Adv/Event Board Outside East Dining Hall entrance

West McNair Adv/Event Board Outside West Dining Hall entrance


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East McNair General Posting End of East breezeway

West McNair General Posting West Lounge by pool table

McNair Hall Association Main Lobby

McNair Facilities Main Lobby

Wadsworth

East Wads Adv/Event Board First floor Reception Desk Lobby

West Wads Adv/Event Board First floor by West elevator

N Wads Adv/Event Board Ground floor East elevator

East Wads General Posting First floor by Residence Life office

West Wads General Posting First floor by west elevator

Wadsworth Hall Student Association Grounds floor across from WHSA office

Wads Facilities First floor Reception Desk Lobby

Inter-Residence Hall Council Ground floor across from Game Room

Quiet & Consideration Hours

topQuiet hours begin at 8:00 PM and extend through 7:00 AM. Exceptions are Friday, Saturday, and evenings preceding holidays, when quiet hours begin at midnight and extend through 9:00 AM. Audio systems must be kept at low volume or turned off. Noise that disrupts other members of the community is in violation of this policy. During times of rigorous academic requirements, such as final exams, quiet hours may be extended to twenty-two hours per day.

Consideration hours are provided to respect others' rights to study and sleep twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. Careful attention must be paid to control the noise of even normal activities because of the density of residence hall living. High noise levels of audio systems, voices, or activities are never acceptable in residence halls.

Reception Desks

topReception desks are centrally located in each hall and operate daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The reception desk has many functions, including:

Board game checkout

Campus information

Campus maps and phone books


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Check cashing

Cleaning supplies

Faxing and copying services

Guest parking permits

Lost and found

Mail delivery

Package pickup

Pop bottle refunds

Recreation equipment checkout

Stamp sales

Vending machine refunds

The reception desk phone numbers are:

Douglass Houghton Hall 483-9500

McNair Hall 483-9000

Wadsworth Hall 483-8400

Recreation & Equipment

topRecreation areas, located away from study areas and student rooms, are provided in each hall. It is imperative that noisy activities be restricted to these areas in order not to disturb the study and rest of other residents. Pool, ping-pong, and group games are restricted to these areas.

Various kinds of recreational equipment purchased by the residence hall student council, such as ping-pong paddles, foosballs, footballs, and basketballs are available at the reception desks. Each hall has its own fitness rooms. See www.housing.mtu.edu/facilities/thwc.html for information about the Tri-Hall Weight Club.

Refrigerators

topAt the beginning of fall semester, refrigerators (4.0 cubic feet) are first offered to returning residents, and then to new residents on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $52.00 per year, or $26.00 per semester. Residents may bring their own refrigerator from home, but they must not exceed the following outside dimensions: 25 inches wide by 25 inches deep by 35 inches high. All non-University-owned refrigerators must be removed from the hall at the end of the academic year. To request a rental refrigerator, please see the form here.

Relief Services


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topIn any emergency, there may be persons who have been hurt or otherwise victimized by the circumstances. Our first priority is to provide a safe environment where we can care for theneeds of people, and assure that no others are hurt.

Provisions with local agencies to provide relief services, including food, shelter and clothing, to the victims of disastrous emergencies will be made. Should any resident be left homeless asthe result of fire, tornado, or similar situation the Director of Housing and Residential Life or designee will make necessary arrangements.

Repairs / Damages

topDuring the first week of occupancy, a room inventory and inspection will be completed by all occupants with your Resident Assistant (RA) to confirm the condition of the room. If any damage occurs, other than normal wear and tear, it will be noted and the confirmation of responsibility for the damages will be determined. All final room inspections and damage charge assessments for checkout will be determined by Housing Facilities. The charge will be shared equally among the occupants of the room if the responsible individual cannot be determined.

The use of nails, tacks, and tape of any kind can be particularly damaging to finished surfaces; please refrain from using.

Room wall paintings/murals are not permitted, nor altering the existing color pattern in the room, on the door, or door trim. Charges for such damages will be made accordingly. Paint and supplies are not available to residents for end of the year "touch-up".

To request a repair in your room, please see the form here.

Ride Boards

topA ride board is located in each building on the ground floor to assist in finding available rides or riders.

Room and Door Appearance

topSince Housing does not provide room cleaning, residents must keep their room in good order for health and sanitation reasons. Rooms left unclean or the misuse of furnishings will result in a maintenance service charge. Cleaning supplies are made available for use; see your Resident Assistant (RA) or floor Custodian.

Giving rooms a personal touch can be fun, however, discretion must be used to protect the rights and safety of all residents. Decorations should be a credit to the individual, the hall, and the University. The appearance of the hall to the public, from the outside, is very important.

Anything displayed in the window or on walls must be non-discriminatory and comply with all campus policies. The housing staff maintains the right to remove posters, signs,


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or other items from room windows or corridor walls. Dry erase boards are provided for each room. In Douglass Houghton Hall each room is provided a cork strip to display items. In McNair Hall and Wadsworth Hall the door frames are metal and magnetized items are permitted for displaying purposes.

It is not permitted to string any type of wiring or cables from room to room.

Air conditioners and TV Satellite Dishes are not permitted.

The removal of screens or having any type of outside fixture on or outside your window is prohibited.

Room entrance floor mats are not permitted in corridors.

No posters, papers, etc. can be attached to the room door surface inside or outside.

Room door viewers are installed for security reasons and cannot be removed, covered, or altered in any way.

Room Changes / Room Swap

topRoom and roommate assignments are carefully made. It is possible, however, that residents may wish to make a change. Action on room changes at the beginning of each semester will be delayed for one week to determine exact vacancies due to dismissals, normal attrition, or new resident accommodations.

Residents wishing to make a room change must see their Resident Assistant (RA) to discuss issues and proposed changes. Once approved, a room swap card will be given and swap procedures outlined. Available spaces or further information can be found at the HousingOffice, 153 Wadsworth Hall.

Room Consolidation / Reduced Occupancy

topFrom time to time, students living in and paying for a double, triple, or quad room will find themselves without a roommate for a variety of reasons. The roommate may have moved from the room, never shown up, or graduated from Michigan Tech. As these situations occur, it is important to consolidate the rooms whenever possible. The reason for this consolidation procedure is so all residents receive a comparable level of service for the money they are paying. For example, it would be unfair for one resident to pay for a single room while another resident is paying for a double, but "receiving" a single room because their roommate moved out.

Room Consolidation begins one week after hall opening fall and spring semester and closes after week twelve of each semester. A room freeze is in effect the last two weeks of every semester. A waiting list of residents wishing to move will be kept by Housing. Each week the housing situation is reviewed. If you have a vacancy in your room, you will receive a reduced occupancy letter.

If you have a space become open in your room during the first and/or last two weeks of each semester (the room freeze period), this space will be held open by the Housing office in order to place incoming students. If this space is not used for a new student, you will be notified to begin the consolidation process if in a non-converted state at the end of the room freeze period.


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Except during the freeze period and if the residence halls are not in a converted room status, you can choose to

Keep the reduced occupancy status and be billed for a single.

Find a roommate or move in with someone else. If you want a roommate, youwill be provided with a list of students who would also like a roommate. It is your responsibility to initiate and implement this process.

Stay in your room at current occupancy with no extra fees, with the condition that the Housing Office reserves the right to move another resident into the empty space in your room at any time throughout the semester without prior notification if needed.Incoming students will be assigned to ALL open spaces prior to and during the holiday break period for spring incoming residents. Residents with a space in their room are required to clear a space for a new student prior to leaving for break. The custodial staff will clean this space over break so it is prepared for the new resident. We will not give single status until all incoming students have arrived and are placed in residence hall rooms.

A deadline of no more than one week will be given for this decision to be made and implemented.

If the residence halls are in a converted room status, the first person, or the room resident that would like to move, on the priority status list will be assigned to the open space. If you or the other residents do not want that space, your room will go to the bottom of the priority list. If you have a space in your room, you will not be able to choose the roommate; a roommate from a converted room will be assigned to you.

If there are no requests or needed moves and a nonempty room is available, a person from the single room waiting list will be offered the room as a single room. This room will not be classified as a single room for the housing recontracting process for the following year. Singles are available on a system-wide basis, which means there will be only one priority list kept for all three halls. See single rooms for more information.

If you have any questions visit the Housing office located in 153 Wadsworth Hall, call 906-487-2682 or email [email protected].

Room Dollar

topThe State of Michigan does not appropriate tax dollars to University housing or dining service facilities, operations or services. The money to build the residence halls, purchase needed equipment, staff the buildings, and operate all residence halls on Michigan Tech's campus was raised through the sale of bonds. Payments plus interest were made on a regular basis similar to a home mortgage, and the current operation of our residence halls is funded solely by the room and board dollars, as well as, profits from the Campus Café, refrigerator rental, banquetincome, and summer programs. Every effort is made to offer the best service possible at the lowest possible cost.

Room Entry

topIn the residence halls, the University respects the right of the student to privacy while simultaneously being concerned about health, safety and welfare of all residents, both as


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groups and individuals.

Authorized University staff will enter residences at reasonable times to inspect the condition of the premises and furnishings and to perform necessary maintenance and custodial services.

For the purpose of this policy, the term "authorized University staff" is defined as any employee issued a passkey under the auspices of the University Housing & Residential Life Office.

Entry of Public Safety officers into University residences is governed by state and federal law and not by this policy.

Authorized University staff will enter student residences when they have information that would cause a reasonable and prudent person to believe that conditions exist which:

Represent an immediate threat to the safety, health or welfare of students.

Represent an immediate threat to property.

Represent a violation of University regulations requiring action.

Authorization to search premises and possessions under conditions not covered above may be granted only by the Director of Housing & Residential Life, the Dean of Students, or designated representative. An application must be made by authorized University staff, specifying the reasons for the search and the objects or information sought, prior to a search being conducted. A reasonable attempt will be made to provide the residents with an opportunity to be present during the search.

Roommate Conflict

topRoommate conflicts should first be discussed with the roommate to try to solve the conflict. If it cannot be resolved, see the Resident Assistant (RA) for assistance.

Saunas

topPublic, coed saunas are available for use in each residence hall. Appropriate attire, including bathing suit and flip-flops must be worn at all times. Hours for use are posted in the respective halls.

Screens

topThe removal of window screens or having any type of outside fixture on or outside of a residence hall window is prohibited. Residents will be charged $10 for screen replacement.

Sick Trays

topIf unable to dine in the dining hall due to illness or injury, please contact your Resident Assistant (RA) to assist in obtaining a sick tray from dining services.


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Single Rooms

topContact the Housing & Residential Life Office, located in 153 Wadsworth Hall, to place your name on the single room waiting list. When a single room opens, residents on the waiting list will be contacted. Single rooms are assigned based on a priority of how many terms lived in the halls, then by how many credits completed. Residents have the option of accepting the single room or staying on the priority list for another available space. If more than one single space is open at a time, then they will be offered at the same time on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sledding/Snowball Fights

topSledding and snowball fights are not permitted on campus. Please contact your Resident Assistant (RA) for information on off-campus sledding locations.

Smoke Free Residence Halls

topThe residence halls at Michigan Tech are smoke free. Smoking is not permitted in any residence hall area. This includes residents' rooms, hallways, restrooms, lobbies, lounges, elevators, stairwells and enclosed entrance foyers.

Exterior smoking locations are available in designated areas that are in close proximity to the residence halls. These locations can be found by visiting www.housing.mtu.edu/facilities/smoking_entrances.html.

Soliciting & Advertising

topResidence hall rooms are for student living only, and all residents or outside agencies are strictly prohibited from using their rooms, the building, or University-owned grounds for any commercial purposes.

In order to protect residents' right to privacy and their need for undisturbed study, door-to-door solicitation or recruitment of any type is prohibited without prior approval from Housing & Residential Life, 153 Wadsworth Hall.

Advertising of any type is not permitted in residence halls other than on designated bulletin boards permitted in the residence hall posting policy. (see postings and table tents)

Notices are not permitted in resident mailboxes unless they are postmarked and addressed with the student's name and room number, or approved by the Director of Housing & Residential Life.

Recognized University organizations may sell tickets or goods at tables displaying the name of the organization in the residence hall public areas, after receiving approval and filing a reservation form in the Housing & Residential Life office, 153 Wadsworth Hall.

Staff


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topEach residence hall has professional and paraprofessional staff to assist all students in living and participating in the residence hall community. Staff members strive to provide an environment and opportunities for you to excel in academics, leadership, and service while building lasting friendships.

Live-on Professional Student Life Staff

There are five Student Life staff members that devote time to the development of the community in the residence halls. McNair, Wadsworth and DHH each have their own Live-on Professional Student Life staff who addresses operational issues and advise the Hall Councils. Each of these Student Life members also hold responsibilities in other areas including Student Activities, Greek Affairs and COMPASS. In the Residence Life Office, an Assistant Director focuses primarily in the areas of staff development, programming, judicial issues, and operations.

Community Coordinators (CC)

Each of the six residence hall areas are managed by a CC who is a full-time student. The CC's supervise the Resident Assistants (RA) and Community Assistants (CA) in their roles, support community development, address roommate concerns and assist with any questions or suggestions residents may have to make the residence halls a better place to live. CCs are seasoned staff members who have a great deal of experience regarding Michigan Tech and life in the residence halls.

Resident Assistants (RA)

Each house has a RA to assist in the development of the community. Some of their responsibilities include:

creating programs for all residents

encouraging participation in house, hall and campus activities

serving as a resource for questions and concerns

helping with roommate issues and room changes

supporting an academic environment

upholding the community standards agreement and policies of the house and hall

Management Assistant (MA)

Each building has two MAs to assist with residence hall facilities issues. Some of their responsibilities include minor maintenance repairs inside the building after business hours and on weekends and residence hall parking lots surveillance.

Residence Life Office

The Residence Life Office, located in 155 Wadsworth Hall, is the central support office for residence hall concerns including roommate concerns, judicial issues, staff issues, residence hall programming suggestions, alcohol permits, and much more. The office is open from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday during the academic year.


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Storage Areas

topLimited storage areas are available for use in the hall living areas.

The University assumes no responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of personal property.

Residents should arrange for your their insurance.

Items placed in storage must be tagged, showing name, room number, date, and home address.

No end of the year indoor storage for large furniture items like couches, lazy boy chairs, lofts, etc. is available.

Items left in storage for the summer must be packed in sealed boxes or cartons acceptable for shipment.

Items not properly packaged and tagged, or items left in storage for more than one year from last date on the tag, will be donated to local charities.

Due to limited space, residents not returning to the residence hall for the following fall semester may not store belongings over the summer months.

Due to limited staff availability, residents will not have access to their belongings until they return in the fall if items are stored in residence hall storage.

Student Property Removal

topIn cases involving disciplinary action for the violation of University policies, the residence hall staff has authority to remove such items as but not limited to stereos, radios, candles, weapons, and illegal cooking equipment from resident rooms for a period determined through a disciplinary hearing. All items removed will be returned at the conclusion of the academic year or earlier. Items confiscated because of violation of University alcohol or illegal drugs policy will be disposed of at the discretion of the University.

Study Areas

topEach residence hall has areas that are designated for studying. These areas are equipped with desks, chairs, and wireless internet. A quiet environment should be observed in these locations at all times. Please be considerate when passing through these areas.

Table Tents

topTable Tents are permitted in the dining halls following the approval of the General Manager of Dining Services. They are intended to be announcements for current campus events.

Prior to printing, bring one copy of the table tent to the Dining Services Office located in 136 W Wadsworth Hall for approval.

Once approval has been given, the organization that is sponsoring the table tent must place these tents in the Dining Halls on the approved day.


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They may be placed in the dining halls for a two-day period.

Cannot be discriminatory in regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, disabled veteran status, veteran status, arrest record, or disability.

Cannot use the color lime green. This color is reserved for important Residence Hall information.

A limited number of table tents per day is set for each residence hall dining hall. The number of table tents per hall is:

Wadsworth Hall: 97 table tents

McNair Hall: 50 table tents

Douglass Houghton Hall: 35 table tents

Tornado Procedures

topMichigan law states that there must be (2) tornado drills per academic year in the residence halls. These drills will be initiated by Residential Life.

Procedure for Residence Halls

When a tornado warning is issued, Public Safety will contact the Residence Life Office during office hours, who will then initiate the phone tree. If after office hours, Public Safety willcontact the Community Coordinator (CC) On-Duty who will initiate the phone tree. Residence Life will also initiate all drills using the same procedure.

The MAs will contact Dining Halls and evacuate public spaces and elevators.

The RAs will go door to door in their house and/or other assigned areas informing the residents of the tornado warning and instructing them to:

Leave any room with a window.

Shut room door.

Do not use the elevators. Do not use hall fire alarm.

Move as quickly as possible to an evacuation location listed below.

Sit quietly and wait for the all clear to be announced.

Once the all clear has been announced students may return to their room if no damage has been sustained. If there has been damage to the hall, wait for further instructions.

East McNair

Ground, 1, 2 – Remain in hallway with the doors shut.

Floor 3 evacuate to ground floor hallway

Floor 4 evacuate to first floor hallway

Floor 5 evacuate to second floor hallway

West McNair


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1 & 2 - Go to first floor interior hallways.

East and North Wads

Ground, 1, 2 – Remain in hallway, away from lounges, shut doors

Floor 3 – Evacuate to ground floor hallway away from lounges.

Floor 4 – Evacuate to first floor hallway away from lounges.

Floor 5 – Evacuate to second floor hallway away from lounges.

West Wads

Ground, 1,2 – Remain in hallway away from lounges and windows, shut doors.

Floors 3 & 4 – Evacuate to first floor near guest rooms.

Floor 5 – Evacuate to second floor away from lounges.

DHH

Floor 1- Remain in hallway with doors shut.

Floors 2 & 3 – Evacuate to ground floor laundry and game room.

Procedure for Apartments

When severe weather occurs, listen to the radio or watch TV for important weather alerts and warnings.

If you are:In an Upper Heights second floor apartment: Go into the downstairs hallway and move into the corner nearest apartment 'C'.

In an Upper Heights downstairs apartment: Go into the bathroom and shut the door.

In an Lower Heights apartment: Go into the mechanical/storage room and shut the door, or into a windowless room (i.e. most bathrooms).

If caught outdoors: Go to a low ditch or ravine and crouch or lie flat in the lowestpart of the ditch or ravine.

Stay away from glass as much as possible. Crouch with your knees on the floor, coveryour head with your hands, and bend forward until your chin touches your knees.

Remain in shelter until the warning has been cancelled or the tornado has passed.

Tri-Hall Weight Club / Fitness Rooms

topThe Tri-Hall Weight Club (THWC) is a residence hall student organization that updates three facilities. In Wadsworth Hall there is a variety of weight machines and free weights and aerobic equipment which includes several treadmills, stationary bikes, steppers, etc. McNair Hall's facility is primarily a fitness room with several aerobic machines and a small amount of free weights. The Douglass Houghton Hall facility has a moderate amount of weight lifting equipment and a treadmill.

TV Cable

topResidence hall rooms have cable TV service provided by Michigan Tech. Included in the channel lineup is the Husky Movie Vision channel, which shows student-selected movies. Premium channels are also available by subscription. For a channel lineup and more information go to www.tc.mtu.edu/video/videoservices/mtucable/.

Visitation

topVisitation is interpreted as a social visit of relatively short duration. This should not be confused with housing guests. Considerate use of the visitation privilege is the most important factor contributing to the success of the visitation policy.

Visiting should not interfere with the rights of roommates and other residents in the hall.

Residents shall assume strict responsibility for their guest or guests and for adhering to these guidelines.

Guests must be escorted at all times. Violations of the visitation policy will be handled through the existing University disciplinary channels.

Individuals present in any residence hall living area who are not residents of that hall or invited guests of a resident may be treated as trespassers. (See Guest policy)

Housing & Residential Life906-487-2682

[email protected]

Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.


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