I've included our two policy statements that govern entry into student
rooms as well as our campus search policy.  It's important for us to
distinguish between room entry and room search since we have need for
staff to enter student rooms that would not involve a search (ie,
entering to repair college furnishings).  We are a small, private
college and our Security Officers are not commissioned, though we work
very closely with the local police on various matters.  Hope this
helps,

Denise
 

ROOM ENTRY
The right to privacy is of paramount importance and should not be
violated. However, entry into or search of student living quarters may
be conducted by the following persons as detailed below:

1. Law enforcement officers performing of statutory duties in
accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure.

2. Authorized College personnel to insure that health, fire and safety
regulations are maintained. The College gives at least 24 hours prior
notice that inspection is being made unless conditions do not permit
prior notification.
3. Authorized College personnel or agents to make improvements and
repairs and to provide routine maintenance and housekeeping services.
4. Authorized College personnel in emergency situations to protect the
health and welfare of students or to make emergency repairs to prevent
damage to student or College property.
5. Authorized College officials when there is probable cause to believe
a violation of College or civil regulations is being committed.
Probable cause means reasonable grounds for suspicion supported by
circumstances sufficiently strong to warrant a cautious person's belief
that a party is committing an illegal act. Refer to the Lycoming College
Student Handbook for the complete search policy.
Authorized College personnel indicated above are: members of the
residence hall staff, members of the Buildings and Grounds staff,
College personnel or their agents contracted to perform maintenance or
repair services on behalf of the halls, and Safety and Security staff.
Other members of the College staff may enter under conditions prescribed
only when accompanied by authorized personnel or their agents. There
should be two staff members present, if at all possible. In all
instances, such entry is made only for the purposes set forth above.
Observed possible violation of College policy, rules, or regulations
will be referred to the Residence Life staff for follow up.

SEARCH POLICY

Lycoming College respects the privacy of members of the college
community. However, the College reserves the right to conduct searches
if reasonable cause exits to believe that (1) activity is taking place
in a student's room or on College premises which is detrimental to the
health, safety, or welfare of individuals; or (2) substances are
contained in the room or on the property of the College or on a person
which would constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct. A search
involves the close physical examination of all areas identified by the
Dean of Student Affairs, Assistant Dean/Director of Residence Life, or
Director of Safety and Security, and may involve going through an
individual's personal belongings (i.e. suitcases, boxes, locker, car,
contents of dressers and desks, pockets of clothing, closets, etc.).
Determination of what constitutes "a reasonable cause to believe" that a
search is necessary will be made by the Dean of Student Affairs,
Assistant Dean/Director of Residence Life, or Director of Safety and
Security. Reasonable effort will be made to ensure that the student
whose room or property is being searched is present. If not present, the
student will be notified in writing of the search and its outcome.

>>> Steve Miller <miller_s@hocking.edu> 10/09/00 12:01PM >>>
I am interested in learning of the room search policies that are in
place at other institutions. Specifically, under what conditions would
residence life or campus safety enter a student room.
Some cases have campus safety or campus police enter under probable
cause. Our campus police are law enforcement officers and our courts do
not want them searching rooms without a warrrant. Other campuses seem to
have administrative search warrants that allow them to enter rooms. I
would like some help in formulating our campus policy on this.  Thanks

Steve Miller,
Dean of Student Life
Hocking College
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Fax: 740-753-2217
PH: 740-753-3591 ext.2238
 

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