Residence Hall Policies (General)
ALCOHOL
Only those residents who are 21 years old and older may consume or be in possession of 3.2% alcoholic beverages in the residence halls. Consumption of any other alcoholic beverages is not permitted in the residence halls or on university property.
Open containers are prohibited in all residence hall stairways, elevators, lobbies, and general public areas.
The use of alcohol does not circumscribe your responsibility for the consequences of your behavior under the influence of alcohol and/or other prohibited substances.
BICYCLES
You may store your bicycle in your residence hall room with the permission of your roommate(s). Please contact your residence hall staff for a bike storage form. Bicycles may not be hung from pipes. The pipes will not support bikes and will break causing major building damage. Bicycles should not be ridden inside the residence hall.
Bicycles may be parked only in the bike racks outside each residence hall. Please do not chain bicycles to the front steps or any sign posts. Bicycles that are chained to permanent fixtures (i.e., light posts, trees, etc.) will be removed and impounded at the owner's expense.
You are expected to abide by all the regulations for bicycles on campus. More information about campus bicycle regulations is available from Parking Services 785-532-PARK. All bicycles must be registered with the campus police.
DAMAGES
If you accidentally or intentionally damage residence hall property, you will be expected to make restitution for the cost of repair or replacement. You may not alter or make repairs yourself to any university property.
Charges for room damages are divided equally between the room residents, unless one of the residents accepts or is found individually responsible.
The cost of damages to residence hall public areas is charged to the hall governing board's programming funds, unless a resident accepts or is found individually responsible.
Hall governing board funds are used to support programs, activities, and special events for hall, floor, and wing residents. Damages to public areas affect the entire residence hall community, as well as decreasing HGBŐs ability to sponsor and pay for more activities.
DRUGS
It is a violation of the law as well as published university and residence hall policies to possess, use, or sell any drugs or other controlled substances.
We report all incidents of suspected possession, use, and sale of illegal drugs to the police. Because the use of illegal drugs is also a violation of published university and residence hall policies, incidents may also be referred for university disciplinary action.
ELEVATORS
Elevators are provided for the convenience of residents and to ensure that buildings are accessible for students with mobility impairments. As a matter of safety and courtesy to those living around you, elevators are to be used only as they were intended and in accordance with posted regulations.
FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Tampering with fire safety equipment or falsely setting off a fire alarm is a violation of the law and published university and residence hall expectations. Violators will be reported to the campus police, referred to the residence hall judicial board, and may also be referred for university disciplinary action.
Open flames and open heating elements of any kind are prohibited in the residence halls. This includes candles, incense, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, etc.
Fire safety in the residence halls is a very serious matter. You are expected to learn the fire safety policies and guidelines. In the event of a fire it is important that you know about the fire safety equipment around you. When the fire alarm sounds you are expected to evacuate the building using the stairs, not the elevators, and to comply with the staffs' instructions.
FIREARMS/WEAPONS
Firearms and weapons are not allowed in the residence halls for any reason. It is a violation of the law, as well as university and residence hall expectations, to possess a firearm or other weapon on campus.
Weapons prohibited in the residence halls include, but are not limited to, firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, air rifles, knives, switchblades, swords, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, fireworks, explosives, bows, and arrows.
Residents wishing to have a firearm accessible for hunting must make arrangements for storing their firearm off campus.
FURNITURE
Furniture may not be removed from individual rooms or common areas (lobbies, lounges, etc.). No furniture is permitted outdoors. Removal of furniture from public areas creates an inconvenience for other residents who utilize these areas, and is reported as theft of state property. If furniture from lobbies is found in your room, you will be required to move it back to the lobby, and you will be charged a minimum of ten dollars.
The furniture in your room has been designated for use in your room only and is inventoried both when you move in and when you move out. You are financially responsible for any missing furniture. Furniture from rooms cannot be stored.
GUESTS AND VISITORS
Residents have the ability to host guests and visitors any time during a 24-hour period. The resident host must have permission from his/her roommate(s) before a guest or visitor is permitted; resident's rights take priority over those of a guest or visitor. Discuss your plans for hosting guest(s) with your roommate(s) in advance.
Cohabitation by a guest or visitor is not permitted under any circumstance. It is a resident's responsibility to notify staff of cohabitation infractions.
A guest is a nonresident of the same sex as the host who stays overnight in a resident's room or suite. The guest may not stay for more than three consecutive nights. At no time should the number of sleeping occupants exceed the number of residents assigned to that room.
A visitor (not gender specific) is a nonresident who does not stay overnight. Visitors may not stay for the entire 24-hour period.
The host is responsible for the behavior and actions of their guest and/or visitor. The host is also expected to inform their guest and/or visitor of university and residence hall policies and guidelines. Guests and visitors must abide by all university and residence hall policies and guidelines.
At the beginning of the year, each hall may determine its own policy regarding when members of the opposite gender may visit student rooms. Floors and wings may further limit the hall policy.
LEDGES AND WINDOW SCREENS
For safety reasons, it is a violation of university and residence hall expectations to remove window screens and climb on ledges or roofs.
PETS
Pets that normally live in a contained environment (gerbils, hamsters, harmless snakes, white rats, birds, and fish) are permitted, but only with the prior approval of your roommate and residence life coordinator.
Because of health risks involved, pets not accustomed to containment, those with strong odors, and those not in good health are not permitted in the residence halls. KSUARH has worked with the College of Veterinary Medicine in identifying suitable pets. Do not bring your pet prior to approval.
You must fill out a pet registration form. This form is available through your front desk, resident assistant, residence life coordinator, or assistant residence life coordinator.
Housing and Dining Services is not responsible for the health or safety of pets. Please consult the KSUARH Pet Policy, page 17, for more information.
ROOM REMODELING/CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
Residents who wish to remodel their residence hall rooms may do so only under the following conditions:
- All materials must have a flame spread number no greater than 75 (class A or B materials). A label or manufacturer's statement to this effect must be available for fire inspectors. Draping materials (such as a parachute from the ceiling) may not be used.
- Carpeting and rugs may be used, but floors may not be elevated. Carpeting may not be used on walls.
- Regular beds may be bunked only to the height of 70" (to the top of the mattress). Sleeping lofts will not be permitted. (A sleeping loft is any bunking made out of wood, etc. that is larger than a 4 feet x 8 feet platform.)
- Doors or passageways which limit progress shall not be permitted.
- Additional wiring, tie-ins, or modifications to electrical equipment, lighting, or outlets are not permitted.
- Construction may not obstruct air circulation through the convector units, which must be easily accessible for maintenance. This regulation pertains to all heating units. No construction will be allowed 1 foot to either side or 3 feet directly in front of the convectors.
- Each room must be left in the same condition as prior to the construction. Any damage to the room will be the responsibility of the residents.
- Resident is responsible for disposal or removal of materials at the end of the year. Storage of materials in the hall will not be provided.
- Smoke detectors should have free ventilation.
SALES AND SOLICITATION
Solicitation is defined as any uninvited contact, generally involving distribution of literature or request for money. No soliciting, whatsoever, is allowed in the residence halls.
This policy was created to ensure a resident's right to privacy, study and sleep. Do not hesitate to confront solicitors and ask them to leave your community, or contact the staff on duty.
WATERBEDS
Waterbeds are permitted in the residence halls, but only with the prior approval of your roommate and residence life coordinator. Please complete a waterbed registration form at your hall's front desk.
Due to extremely limited space in the residence halls, beds that are provided in the rooms must be stored within the rooms. Beds may not be stored elsewhere within the building or removed from the building.