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RESIDENCE LIFE HANDBOOK 1999-2000 |
Table of Contents
The Residence Life Handbook has been developed to provide you with information that will be helpful to you during your stay on-campus at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. It is filled with basic beliefs or attitudes that we use to guide us. We encourage you to read it at the beginning of your stay in the residence halls and to keep it handy for reference throughout the year. You are responsible for information contained in this guide and in the SDSM&T Student Handbook.
The President, Faculty, Administration, Student Association, and Residence Hall Association welcome you to the School of Mines and Technology. We are available to assist you in any way possible. The variety of opportunities available to you will help in your development as a student and as a person. We urge you to bring your questions and concerns to our attention. Your suggestions and comments regarding residence hall policy are more than welcome.
The following staff members are available for
your assistance and guidance for 1999-2000. Please contact them when
necessary:
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Residence Life staff, including resident assistants and courtesy desk staff, are available to help you get the most out of your time spent living on-campus. Residence hall living is a unique and valuable part of your educational experience. How much or how little you grow will depend largely on yourself and your attitude toward your environment. Make a commitment to succeed at SDSM&T. We are here to help you.
The Department of Residence Life is a key element of the institution and it's success. The department derives it's authority from the part of the institutional mission statement which states "...to prepare men and women for an enhanced quality of life by providing a broad educational environment which fosters a quality educational experience leading to baccalaureate and post baccalaureate degrees emphasizing science and engineering", and from the following goals and objectives of the student services division:
To provide for an environment that encourages student development (self-esteem, autonomy, and tolerance):
All activities conducted in support of the departmental mission shall be conducted within the context of the ethical standards published by the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) and the Equal Opportunity Policy of the institution.
The "Ethical Standards for the Housing Professional",
published by ACUHO-I state:
SDSM&T Equal Opportunity Policy
"The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to
its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color,
creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability,
public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. In adhering
to this policy, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology abides by the
South Dakota Board of Regents policy 4:4; by the Federal Civil Rights Act,
42 U.S.C. 2000e; by the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment
of 1972; by Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; by Executive Order 11246,
as amended; by 38 U.S.C 2012, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment
Assistance Act of 1972, as amended; and by other applicable statutes and
regulations relating to equality of opportunity."
In 1885, Dakota School of Mines was established
as a small mining college. The name was changed to South Dakota School
of Mines in 1889 when Dakota Territory was divided. During the next
forty years, strong curricula in science and engineering fields, other
than mining, metallurgical, and geological, were added and the name was
changed in 1943 by the State Legislature to South Dakota School of Mines
and Technology.
Connolly Hall, named after the late President
Joseph P. Connolly, was completed in 1948. Dake Hall and March Hall
were completed in 1959. Dake Hall is named after the late Professor
Earl D. Dake, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering; March Hall is named
after the late Professor Guy E. March, Professor of Mathematics and Director
of Alumni Relations. Palmerton Hall, completed in 1969, is named
after Dr. L.R. Palmerton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Dean of
Students Emeritus. All four residence halls were financed with legislative
appropriations, entirely from borrowed funds which will be repaid over
a period of years from revenue received for use of the facilities.
Resident Assistants (RAs) are employees of SDSM&T who live on each wing with their fellow residents and receive special training to assist residents in a variety of ways. As SDSM&T employees, RAs have the responsibility and the authority to ensure the safety and security of all residents and the residence hall facilities. Failure to comply with RAs may warrant appropriate disciplinary action. RAs facilitate wing meetings, help initiate and organize programs and activities, are a resource for campus information, and deal with university policy violations. Because RAs may be asked to help with a personal problem, they are selected because of their maturity and concern for you. If you need a good listener, try your RA. RAs are scheduled to be in their halls and available to students. They do, however have academic responsibilities and social interest, just like any student, and will not be available all the time. If you are interested in becoming a resident assistant, applications for the next academic year are available during the spring semester.
Assistant Directors of Residence Life/ Hall Directors
Each residence hall is supervised by a live-in professional who has been selected for the position of Assistant Director of Residence Life/ Hall Director on the basis of educational background (at least a master’s degree), experience in resident life and an interest in and concern for people. The ADRL/HDs are responsible for their assigned residence hall as well as having responsibilities within the Department of Residence Life, including supervision of resident assistants, administration of their hall, and dealing with violations of university policy. Their primary focus, however, is meeting students’ needs, developing student responsibility and the overall welfare of the hall community. The ADRL/HDs are available to help you with personal and group problems, and because they reside in the building, they are available to handle emergency situations.
The College is responsible for the enforcement of rules and regulations as set forth in this handbook for the occupants of the residence halls, and established by the Board of Regents' policies, as well as applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The Director of Residence Life has general responsibility for campus residence halls, and assists students in securing suitable off-campus housing.
Residence Life staff also includes many others—our department secretary, courtesy desk staff, maintenance and custodial staff—whose contributions are equally important. The entire staff works cooperatively to create an environment conducive to personal growth and academic achievement.
Connolly, Dake, March and Palmerton Halls offer
planned accommodations for 534 students. All halls have large general
lounges, and March-Dake and Palmerton also provide study lounges.
Laundry facilities, vending machines, and cooking rooms are also provided
in each residence hall. New this year, each residential room in the
halls now has a LAN connection. In addition, all rooms are also provided
with basic cable TV service included as part of room rent. The Residence
Life Office is located in Palmerton Hall 108.
Activities & Programming
A big part of our living and learning environment
on-campus centers on activities that help us become better people.
Your RAs plan activities (often called programs) with a certain philosophy
in mind. The programming philosophy strives to support the goals
of developing community and encourage and create student personal and academic
success! Residence hall community and student success will be encouraged
using the BASIC (Building A Strong Involving Community) SUCCESS Model.
This model provides programming that encourages social interaction; building
unity within each hall, wing, and floor; awareness of diversity; community
service; alcohol and drug education; spiritual and emotional growth; and
recreational activities.
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
RHA provides a number of services and opportunities to the residents of SDSM&T on-campus housing. RHA was formed during the 1965-66 school year by the students living on campus to help with residence hall administration. All residents are members of the Residence Hall Association and are encouraged to attend all association meetings. Individual hall councils represent the residents of their hall.
The purposes of the Association as promoted
by hall councils are:
Five (5) task forces have been formed to provide residents with the opportunity to plan and participate in programs relating to five topical areas: Alcohol and Drug Awareness, Diversity, Relationships and Sex, Safety and Security, and Wellness. Residents are encouraged to contact their RA or Hall Director if they have any questions or interest in these task force opportunities.
If studying by yourself just isn’t helping
you understand and remember the material, contact Brian Steinberg, March/Dake
Hall Office, x2349. Brian coordinates study groups for any class
or subject that students want or need.
Facilities & Services
Bicycles & Bicycle Registration
Outside racks are conveniently located for bicycle storage near each of the halls. There are no indoor storage facilities for bicycles. Bicycles are not to be parked or stored in lounges, hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens of the residence halls. Students may, with roommate approval, store their bicycles in their room. Bicycles which remain in the area after completion of Spring semester may be considered abandoned and turned in to the Rapid City Police Department. You will be required to register your bicycle with your Hall Director. A registration sticker will be provided to be affixed to the bike. Only bikes with registration stickers affixed may be parked or be locked to racks located near the residence halls. Unregistered bikes may be confiscated. Such registration could be helpful in the event of a theft.
Bunk Beds/Loft Construction Guidelines
Such guidelines have been established for your safety and adherence to all guidelines is mandated. Specific guidelines are published on a separate “flyer” and included in your Residence Life Information Packet. If you do not have or cannot locate a copy, please contact your RA, Hall Director, or the Office of Residence Life. You are responsible to assure that your bunk or loft meets all guidelines You will be directed to disassemble any bunk or loft which inhibits maintenance access, prohibits normal operation of any room equipment, or fails to comply with any guidelines provided. Use care and common sense when you decide to build a bunk or loft.
See “Card Access Information “ flyer included in your Residence Life Information packet and the "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES" section of this handbook. Residents of any hall will have 24-hour per day access to their hall only.
Debit card or coin-operated facilities are provided in Connolly and Palmerton Halls. Coin only machines are available in Dake Hall. Hours are posted in the residence halls for the use of these facilities and observance of such hours is expected to minimize disturbance to residents located near the facilities.
Boxes are assigned in each residence hall, keyed to associated room. Respect the rights of the person(s) with whom you share a box. Do not remove windows or otherwise alter the box. Charges will be assessed against box holders who abuse/misuse mailboxes.
Containers are available throughout the residence halls for collection of aluminum cans. Funds generated from sales of these cans are used to fund recreational activities for all residents. You are requested to dispose of cans in these containers to help support this program. Can crushers are available in the kitchen and laundry areas. Other recycling efforts may be initiated and procedures will be communicated to hall residents. “Blue bag” and paper recycling programs have been initiated. Read the notices posted nearby all “blue bag” and paper recycling collection containers. These notices will list those items suitable for collection.
Contact your RA, a custodian, maintenance worker, Hall Director, or Director of Residence Life regarding room repair or light bulb replacements. Bulbs in the hall or lounge are not to be removed. Notify the Residence Life Office immediately of any serious damage or need for major repairs.
The residence halls will provide you with convenient and accessible lodging while attending classes at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and provide an opportunity for valuable experience in group living. This handbook is designed to provide for the protection of learning activities, the control of behavior that infringes on the freedom and privacy of others, and the orderly operation of the residence halls as college property. The policies and the penalties for the violation of the policies are flexible and thereby allow the maximum consideration for each individual circumstance.
Alcoholic Beverage Containers (Waste or Display)
Probable Cause To Suspect Alcoholic Beverage
Policy Violation
The presence of empty alcoholic beverage cans,
bottles, cartons, boxes, etc., in a student's living area is viewed by
the institution as an indication that a violation of the alcoholic beverage
prohibition policy may be taking place. Based upon such evidence,
an ADMINISTRATIVE ENTRY/SEARCH PERMIT can be initiated authorizing an institution
official(s) to enter and search specifically identified room(s) containing
such articles and the contents therein (e.g., refrigerator, closet, chest
of drawers, etc.).
SD Board of Regents Policy Manual, Number 3:4, Student Disciplinary Code, Section 2B:16 states that “The manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances by students (are prohibited) on any property controlled by the Board of Regents.” This means possession, etc. of marijuana or other controlled substances will result in the incident being reported to the Rapid City Police Dept. Possession, etc. of alcoholic beverages for the first time will result in BIG TIME sanctions and an automatic entrance into the Residence Life Judicial system at Level 3. Being intoxicated on campus, regardless of where the alcohol was consumed, may result in the matter being reported to the Rapid City Police Dept. Alcohol and drug policy violations are cumulative (they stay on your discipline record) throughout your enrollment at South Dakota Board or Regents institutions.
Residents who wish to park and operate a car or motorcycle on the campus are required by the regulations established by the college. See Parking Handbook for details. An annual parking fee is charged to all students and faculty. Parking in yellow zones is prohibited and violators are subject to towing at their expenses.
See "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES...Dangerous/Deadly Weapons Prohibited in Residence Halls." Pay attention to storage requirements!
Coeducational Visitation Policy
See “Visitation Policy” Handout.
See “Residence Hall Damage”.
Any student identified as being responsible for damage to residence hall facilities or equipment will be assessed the final cost of repair/replacement. See also "COMMUNITY DAMAGE" and "RESIDENCE HALL DAMAGE".
See "Alcohol/Drug Policy" contained elsewhere in this document.
The rights of students to be secure in their
person, living quarters, papers, and possessions against unreasonable entry,
search and seizures will be assured. Entry, search, and seizure by
civil officers shall be governed by civil law. Institutions are delegated
authority and responsibility to establish and publish reasonable administrative
entry and/or search and/or seizure procedure for the enforcement of institutional
regulations and facility maintenance. Entry shall occur when:
Room inspections will be graded on a Pass/Fair/Fail basis. Failure to meet satisfactory conditions will result in a "fail". Occupants with “fail” grades will be referred to their Hall Director.
The Director of Residence Life may authorize specific personnel to enter students' rooms to verify occupancy, and for the purpose of performing maintenance and enforcing safety/health standards.
Fire extinguishers are placed in the residence halls and other buildings for your protection. It is against the law of South Dakota to use this equipment for any other purpose. Individuals involved in such misuse will be assessed recharging or replacement costs and are subject to disciplinary action, to include prosecution under State and/or Federal laws. Failure to evacuate any building during an alarm situation will result in disciplinary action.
General Room Decorating Guidelines for All Halls
(Decorations/Posters/Stickers/Labels/etc.)
The use of tacks, nails, screws, duct tape, or cellophane tape is PROHIBITED for hanging posters, pictures, etc. Nothing shall be attached to the ceiling in any room. Nothing used to mount pictures, posters, etc., shall penetrate the walls. Posters may be mounted with masking tape or 3M Scotch Wallsaver Removable Poster Tape (the latter is preferred) available at the College Bookstore. Occupants are responsible to remove any tape residue from the walls when the room is vacated. Failure to adequately clean walls, etc. will result in a $25 fine. Some seasonal restrictions also apply. For example, live trees are prohibited in rooms at Christmas-time. Publicity concerning room decorations will be disseminated. See also "POSTERS AND SIGNS" and “HOLIDAY DECORATIONS”.
Your sixty dollar ($60) guarantee deposit is assessed to insure proper care of the property the College places in your trust. No refund will be made until all rooms have been checked by the Residence Life Management. Please refer to the College Catalog for a full explanation of the guarantee deposit.
See “Visitation Policy” Handout.
See "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES...Dangerous/Deadly Weapons Prohibited in Residence Halls". Pay attention to storage requirements!
See "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES" section.
Fire safety is the primary factor to be considered with respect to holiday decorations. Guidelines will be posted as we approach various holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). Always check with your RA and/or Hall Director prior to mounting any decorations. If they are considered a fire hazard, you will be instructed not to mount them. If they are acceptable, permission will be given. Live trees/greens are prohibited in rooms at Christmas. Residents are responsible to remove All decorations prior to departing for vacation.
This institution does not carry insurance covering loss or damage to the students' personal effects and does not assume responsibility for such loss or damage. You are encouraged to determine if you have insurance coverage under the provisions of a parent’s household insurance plan or take action to secure appropriate insurance coverage for your personal property.
The charge for a lost room key will be $15. A Connolly, Dake, or Palmerton security key will be charged at $25.
See 'HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES...Dangerous/Deadly Weapons Prohibited in Residence Halls". Pay close attention to storage requirements!
Conditions must be favorable for study at all times. Disturbing noises are always inappropriate. Students playing cards or other games in the lounge, hallways, or cooking rooms are asked to display respect for their fellow students in keeping noise and other disturbances to a minimum. Students must keep stereos, hi-fi's, radios, and TV sets at a low level at all times. The use of headphones is advised. Quiet hours may be established by your wing or floor community as measure to provide a quiet atmosphere for studying and sleeping. See also “Quiet Hours”.
Students may paint their rooms only if their request is approved by the Hall Director. Approval will be given only in unusual circumstances. When approved, paint will be supplied by the college. Color will be selected by the Director of Residence Life. Presently, only an off-white color has been approved for use in resident rooms.
Payment Schedule – Room and Board
Charges for room and board are to be paid in advance for each semester at the time of registration. All questions regarding these charges are to be presented to the Business Manager in the Administration Building.
No posters, signs, advertisements or notices may be posted in any public areas of the residence halls (lounges, hallways, doors, stairwells, or bathrooms, etc.) without the approval of the Director of Residence Life or Hall Director. Advertising for profit by off-campus organizations will not be permitted in any of the public areas of the residence halls without permission of the Director of Residence Life. Posters may not exceed 18"x24" in size. Residence Hall Association officers may post signs related to residence hall activities. Signs, posters, etc. displayed outside of a room in the hallway must be in good taste and not offend anyone. If anyone expresses offense to such displays, they must be removed. See also "GENERAL ROOM DECORATING GUIDELINES FOR ALL HALLS".
Guidelines for seasonal decorations will be posted as each holiday or event approaches (e.g., Halloween Thanksgiving, Christmas). Our main concern, and yours, must be to assure fire safety practices are followed. Also, such decorations must not be offensive to anyone.
Wing and/or floor residents will determine quiet periods with consideration given to neighboring wing on same floor and those floors above and below. Quiet hours will be initiated and aggressively enforced during the week preceding finals and also during the week of final examinations. You must plan to disassemble bunk beds and lofts prior to quiet hours or be able to do so without causing a disturbance in the residence hall.
Residence Hall Advance Payment
Your one hundred-dollar ($100) advance residence hall payment is applied to your room rent at registration. It is separate from the guarantee deposit described herein. As stated, it is applied to your rental obligation at registration. Applications for rooms for the Fall term will be taken in the Spring semester, usually after the Spring vacation. If you are interested in a single room, your priority is determined by the date of your advance payment, and, as necessary, accumulated credit hours. You may make such payment at the cashier window as early as you wish. Submit your paid receipt when your application is submitted. When a single room is available and offered to any student and is declined, that student is removed from the prioritized lists for a single room. If such student wished to be added to the list for future consideration, he/she must submit written request and be placed at the bottom of the prioritized lists for single rooms.
Each resident is required to read and sign a contract at such time as he/she receives a key to an assigned room. The contract requires the resident to reside in an assigned room for the full academic year or any portion thereof remaining or for such length of time as the student is enrolled as a full time student in the institution for the current academic year as of the date of contract signing. For full contractual details, refer to your contract copy. Always read the fine print!
Residents of each wing are jointly responsible for proper use of all common or community use facilities ( e.g., washrooms, shower rooms, lounge furniture, corridors, and kitchens). The use of sports equipment (including snowballing) must be confined to areas away from campus buildings to avoid broken windows, damage to vehicles, etc.
The Judicial Board will be composed of representatives from Connolly, Dake, March, and Palmerton Halls. Membership will include three representatives from each building plus an ex-officio advisor. The ResLife J-Board is an appellate board as well as a hearing and sanctioning board. Students responsible for Level 1 or Level 2 violations of policy may appeal their cases to the ResLife J-Board. Students involved with a Level 3 violation of policy may choose to have their case heard before the ResLife J-Board. In such cases, the J-Board will hear the case, make a decision of responsibility and, dependent on determination, recommend sanctions to the Director of Residence Life for imposition. The J-Board is a standing committee of the Residence Hall Association.
Roller Blading & Skateboarding
Prohibited on campus.
For your personal safety and to prevent damage to roofs, access to any roof is prohibited. If you are caught on any roof, a $50.00 fine will be imposed.
Room/wing assignments are made by the Hall Directors. Preferences you expressed when applying for a room have been given full consideration. Room assignments need not be permanent and sometimes changes are advisable. Application for a change in room must be made with your Hall Director and must be agreed upon by the students involved. Changes in room assignment may be necessary to accommodate single room applications.
Prohibited without prior approval of Residence Life Office. If you desire a change, you should first contact your RA or Hall Director to be informed of proper procedures to be taken before a change can take place.
As you occupy your room, room contents and conditions are inspected and listed. You will be held responsible for all furnishings and equipment and are expected to exercise care in their use as you would in your own home. It is not permissible to move furnishings or other equipment out of any common areas or lounge or rooms, or to move these furnishings from one room to another without permission of the Hall Director. Residents are expected to report room or equipment damage or need for repair promptly to the Hall Director or the Director of Residence Life.
Your Resident Assistant will provide a copy for you. This document outlines the basic rights of a roommate and serves as a reminder that each resident with a roommate has a responsibility toward their roommate. It is recommended that all residents read this "Bill of Rights" and execute the "Roommate Contract" to establish agreement in several subject areas. It is a requirement for residents residing in an extended visitation hall (Palmerton Hall). See "ROOMMATE CONTRACT".
Your Resident Assistant will provide a copy for you. All residents with roommates are encouraged to complete this document. It is a requirement for residents residing in an extended visitation hall (Palmerton Hall). This document establishes agreement between roommates in several subject areas. See also "ROOMMATE BILL OF RIGHTS.”
See "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES" section.
See "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES" section.
Single rooms will be made available on a space
available basis after all double room assignments have been made each semester.
A premium rate will be charged for single rooms. Residents who are paying
double room rate, but have not had a roommate assigned or whose roommate
has left the room for some reason, will not be permitted to reside as singles.
Such residents will be allowed two weeks to do one of the following:
Skateboarding & Roller Blading
Prohibited on campus.
All residence halls have been designated as "limited smoking" facilities by the Board of Regents. Smoking is prohibited throughout these buildings except in individually occupied rooms with the approval of the occupant(s). The following rooms have been designated as smoke free: Connolly Hall 102-106; 130-142; 208-242; Dake 100-109; 200-209 and 300-309; March Hall 150-159, 250-259, and 350-359 ; and Palmerton 101-117; 201-204, 212-222; 301-322; 416-422, and 516-522. You are prohibited from smoking in these rooms at all times.
You may only smoke in your room and you are encouraged to use a small air-purifier or “smoke-eater” ashtray to assist in smoke odor control. If problems occur or persist, the Director retains authority to require smokers to purchase and use air cleaning/purification devices or to direct a smoker or smokers in a specific room or rooms to cease smokng in such room(s). The full cooperation of smokers will help assure that this privilege for smokers continues. Lack of cooperation and/or smoke odor problems could result in the withdrawal of the privilege and designation of entire halls as non-smoking facilities.
Solicitation or sale of articles or services in the residence halls is prohibited without permission of the Dean of Students Office. Hall Directors must be notified when approval is given. The only exceptions are candy-bake sales sponsored by campus groups and ticket sales by Residence Hall Association, the Student Association, or other college organizations.
The college has no facilities to offer for the storage of personal belongings. Hallways, stairwells, lounges, and kitchens are not to be used for storage. "Excess" furniture in single rooms must remain in the room.
Telephone lines and jacks are installed in each room of the residence halls, with local service charges included in the room rent. Telephone instruments are provided by residents and must operate on a pulse tone line. Residents may make arrangements for Student Telephone Services (STS). Other long distance services/carriers may be used and individual residents must make arrangements for such services.
(END OF SEMESTER / VACATION PERIODS)
Individual residents must vacate their room
by noon on the day following completion of their last final examination
for a given semester unless permission has been received from either the
Hall Director or Director of Residence Life for an extension of departure.
Additional rental charges may apply. During extended stays, residents
remain liable for individually caused or community area damages.
Before the end of each semester or vacation period, all residents will
be notified of planned door closings and given the opportunity to make
any special arrangements.
See “Visitation Policy” Handout.
See “Visitation Policy” Handout.
See "RESIDENCE HALL DAMAGE".
See "HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY MEASURES...Dangerous/Deadly Weapons Prohibited in Residence Halls." Pay close attention to storage requirements!
All wing residents are required to attend meetings of their residence hall wing as scheduled by the Resident Assistant. RAs will do their best to schedule meetings at times most suitable to the majority of residents.
A student withdrawing from school must move
from the residence hall within 24 hours of his/her withdrawal. Turn
in your key to the Hall Director or Residence Life Office. A student
is not officially checked out of the halls until all personal property
is removed from the room, the room has been cleaned by the student and
is inspected by a member of the Residence Life Staff.
Health, Safety, and Security Measures
See “Explosives/Fireworks”. Only small quantities may be stored. The Residence Life Office and any Hall Director retain the authority to refuse to store any and all ammunition.
The burning of candles or incense is a potential fire hazard and is not permitted in the residence halls. Any damage to furniture, floors, or carpet, resulting from the smoking of cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, will be assessed against the room occupants.
For the safety and security of all students, a card access system is being utilized. Adherence to established guest/visitor policies and leaving doors locked will enhance resident security. Do not hold doors open with rocks, sticks, etc. for personal convenience. Such actions permit non-residents access and can result in property losses.
Nothing may be attached the ceilings in Dake, March, or Palmerton Halls. Never attempt to clean textured ceilings.
Cooking is not permitted in resident rooms. Microwaves are prohibited. The use of toasters and hot plates is prohibited. Closed-unit coffee percolator/closed unit coffee makers (maximum 8-cup capacity) or popcorn poppers may be used in the individual resident rooms. Any violation of this regulation will result in confiscation of the utensil and the filing of an Information Report. Examples of appliances permitted for use in rooms are radios, record players, portable televisions, clocks, hair dryers, and razors. If you have any question about the use of a particular electrical appliance, please ask your RA. Irons may be used in lounges and in the laundry rooms only. Only small-unit refrigerators (6 cubic foot or less) may be used. The college has a limited number of compact refrigerators available for rental on a first-come, first-serve basis. These refrigerators are college property and must not be removed from the residence halls.
Cooking rooms are available in each hall for limited food preparation. Only closed-unit electric cooking appliances are permitted for use in these areas. Small microwave ovens are available. Toasters are available. Sinks are available for washing. Students utilizing the cooking rooms are expected to maintain them in a sanitary manner. Bathroom sinks/showers are not to be used for washing/cleaning such utensils. Violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action. Additionally, cooking rooms will be closed for indefinite periods of time if policy abuses occur.
Dangerous/Deadly Weapons Prohibited in Residence Halls. South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 22-1-2(10) defines such weapons and reads as follows:
“Dangerous weapon” or “deadly weapon” (is) any firearm, knife or device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which is calculated or designed to inflict death or serious bodily harm, or by the manner in which it is used is likely to inflict death or serious bodily harm.”
Such weapons will be surrendered to your Hall Director for secure storage. When removed from storage, they must be taken from the campus immediately. They must never be taken to a residence hall room. Due to limited secure storage space, the Residence Life Office and any Hall Director retain the authority to refuse to store weapons.
See “General Emergency Information” on back cover of this handbook and the “Campus Emergency Procedures” booklet separately provided to you in the Residence Life Information Packet provided to you when you moved in.
Explosives/fireworks prohibited in residence halls. Ammunition to be used for hunting must be surrendered for secure storage. Fireworks are prohibited in all cases and will not be stored.
Flammable liquids prohibited in residence halls. No gas, oil, or similar flammable liquids may be kept in a residence hall.
Food kept in the rooms must be kept in closed containers for health reasons. Food, bottles, and cans must not be left between the screen and window. Trash removal should be regular and frequent. Dumpsters are conveniently located near all halls.
Use is prohibited.
Prohibited.
Note: The only exception is the use of a very
limited number of “Microfridges” available as rentals from the Residence
Life Office. These special units have a built-in electrical use-limiting
device.
Repair, painting, or cleaning or motor vehicle parts are not permitted in the residence halls. Heating devices may not be connected from vehicles to any residence hall outlet.
Pets are not allowed in the residence halls with the exception of small aquarium-sized fish, pending approval by a housing official. Additional exception has been made for Hall Directors who reside year-round on campus.
Radio transmitters drawing in excess of 100 watts or involving outside antennas may not be used in the residence halls. Operation and licensing must conform to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and Regulations. Transmitter operation must not interfere with other licensed stations, nor interfere with reception in the residence halls. Outside antennas of any kind are not to be used in the residence halls.
Only compact units of 6 cubic foot capacity or less are permitted.
Refuse should be removed from your room on a regular basis. Large dumpsters are available near the halls. Take your refuse directly to a dumpster regularly. Do not leave trash bags in hallways or lounges or other public use area(s).
Occupants are responsible for cleaning their assigned room. Vacuum cleaners are available for checkout. Occupants who cause other than normal soiling in common areas will be expected to clean up such messes; for example, vomitus in hallways or restrooms.
Security demands that students lock their rooms when away. The college is not responsible for money or other valuables stolen from rooms. ALWAYS REPORT ANY LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS AND SUSPICIOUS PERSONS TO CAMPUS SECURITY (X6100) AND YOUR HALL DIRECTOR.
You may only smoke in your room with your door closed and you are encouraged to use a small air-purifier or “smoke-eater” ashtray to assist in smoke odor control. If problems occur or persist, the Director retains authority to require smokers to purchase and use air cleaning/purification devices or to direct a smoker or smokers in a specific room or rooms to cease smoking in such room(s). The full cooperation of smokers will help assure that this privilege for smokers continues. Lack of cooperation and/or smoke odor problems could result in the withdrawal of the privilege and designation of entire halls as non-smoking facilities.
Residence hall windows must be kept clear of drawings, pictures, signs, lettering, bottles, cans, etc. unless the Hall Director or Director of Residence Life has given approval. Special instructions will be issued regarding holiday decorations.
The unauthorized removal of windows and screens from any residence hall window will result in appropriate penalties/charges. Windows must be in place and operative so that they may be closed to help contain fire if such an emergency situation occurred. Screens must remain in place, particularly during warmer weather to reduce the number of insects entering the building. Screens also prevent drafts from damaging curtains and drapes that can be blown through the opening when a screen has been removed. If any window or screen is found removed, room occupant(s) will be charged/fined $25. A minimum charge of $10 will be assessed whenever a ladder must be erected to replace a March-Dake screen. Nothing must ever be thrown from any window.
Residence Life Judicial Guidelines
The central purpose of these judicial guidelines
is to enhance the living and learning environment for all residential students.
The guidelines provide students with a decision-making and conflict resolution
process, which, in turn, augments the judicial process outcomes of maximized
freedom and necessary order. The guidelines incorporate actions that
support the precept of promoting student success through personal growth
and understanding while not primarily focusing on penalizing students for
misconduct.
The Residence Life Judicial Guidelines are
an effort to merge the judicial process with the educational process; the
guidelines are designed to help students practice behavior that is appropriate
in the residence hall community. The system works toward the objective
of incorporating members of the community into the judicial process as
an appellate board and as a hearing and sanctioning board. The procedures
do not have the sophistication of civil law, but do provide the students
with basic civil rights, including a fair hearing before a judicial board
comprised of their peers. Appropriate due process safeguards have
been incorporated including appeal procedures.
Depending on the nature of the violation or
inappropriate behavior, the student will be subject to disciplinary sanctions
as determined through the judicial guidelines. Through the disciplinary
process, actions are taken to support student success, to promote student
growth and understanding and to develop behaviors that are appropriate
to our living and learning community. The disciplinary process consists
of four levels.
1. Verbal Warning
2. Written Warning
3. Referral to the Residence Life Judicial
Board or Hall Director
4. Referral to the Associate Dean of Students
At all levels the accused student has the right to appeal. Appeals from Levels 1 and 2 go to the Residence Life Judicial Board. Appeals from Level 3 go to the Associate Dean of Students. Level 4 appeals go to the Vice President of Student Affairs/ Dean of Students. The accused student must make his or her appeal in writing. The letter of appeal must be submitted to the appropriate person(s) within five (5) working days (excluding holidays) of receipt of notification of disciplinary action. The written appeal must state specific criterion explaining why the student believes he or she should not be held accountable.
If a residential student violates a residence hall or university policy or regulation, or exhibits inappropriate behavior and if the violation or behavior is not of a serious nature (serious violations include, but are not limited to, drugs, assault, visitation, thefts, arson, tampering with fire equipment, physical or verbal abuse, et cetera), Residence Life staff will issue the student a verbal warning. This warning will be documented on an Information Report and in the residence hall’s discipline logbook.
Examples of this level policy violation include
a first offense of the following:
If a residential student violates a residence
hall or university policy or regulation, or exhibits inappropriate behavior;
if the violation or behavior is not of a serious nature; or if the student
has been involved in a previous Level 1 violation, Residence Life staff
will issue the student a written warning and complete an Information Report.
The violation will be recorded in the residence hall’s discipline logbook
Examples of this level policy violation include
a first offense of the following:
Level 1, 2 or 3.
Level 3—Referral to the Hall Director
If a residential student is involved in additional
violations of residence hall or university policy or inappropriate behavior
or if the incident is of a serious nature, responding Residence Life staff
will complete an information report and refer the student to the Hall Director.
Examples of this level policy violation include
a first offense of the following:
1. A hearing before the Residence Life Judicial
Board, or
2. Admit involvement and responsibility, waive
a hearing and resolve through mutual consent with the Hall Director.
If the student chooses a hearing before the
Residence Life Judicial Board, the following procedure will be adhered
to:
The accused student has the right to appeal the sanction determined through mutual agreement with the Hall Director or the decision and sanction assigned by the Residence Life Judicial Board to the Associate Dean of Students.
Violations of certain policies will automatically be referred to this Level. These include, but are not limited to, policies pertaining to first offense alcohol policy violations, extreme disregard for quiet hours or the visitation policy.
The Hall Director, in certain situations, may deem it necessary to automatically refer the student(s) to the Associate Dean of Students.
Level 4—Referral to the Associate Dean of Students
If a residential student violates a residence
hall or university policy or regulation or exhibits inappropriate behavior
in an extremely serious nature or has been involved in a Level 3 violation,
the reporting Residence Life staff member will complete an information
report and refer the student to the Associate Dean of Students through
the Hall Director. The Associate Dean of Students will determine
appropriate actions, per Board of Regents policy.
Examples of this level policy violation include
a first offense of the following:
The listed sanctions for each Level are a minimum and additional actions can be taken at any level if deemed appropriate. The university may, in addition to action it takes, turn the information over to the civil authorities. Referral of a matter to law enforcement will not require suspension of disciplinary proceedings nor delay imposition of discipline.
In order for the Residence Life Judicial Guidelines to work effectively, students and staff must cooperate and fulfill their responsibilities. A student who fails to appear before a member of Residence Life staff or other judicial agency in a situation involving the investigation or processing of an alleged violation of university policy after clear and repeated notice may be subject to severe disciplinary action as determined by the Associate Dean of Students. Failure of a student having pertinent testimony regarding a disciplinary matter to provide such information (except as it may incriminate them) may likewise result in severe disciplinary action.
Residence Life staff will record documented violations of policy in a discipline logbook kept by the Assistant Director of Residence Life / Hall Director of each building. The logbook will be used to determine a student’s status within the Judicial Guidelines system of levels. The Dean of Students Office will have access to information contained in the discipline logbooks.
If a student wishes to appeal at any level, he or she may do so for any reason. The following are possible reasons for appeal:
1. Unfairly Charged
If a student has evidence that he or she was unfairly charged and found in violation due to lack of evidence on the part of the complainant, personal bias, or circumstances beyond his or her control, then he or she may appeal. Appeals based on this criterion would be appropriate for all Levels. Level 1 or 2 appeals are addressed to the Residence Life Judicial Board. Level 3 appeals are addressed to the Associate Dean of Students. Level 4 appeals to the Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students according to guidelines set forth in Board of Regents policy.
2. Inappropriate sanction.
If a student is of the belief that one or more sanctions imposed on him or her for a violation committed are unjust, unfair, or unreasonable, then he or she may appeal Level 3 sanctions to the Associate Dean of Students. Level 4 sanctions may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students.
3. Failure of the Residence Life Judicial Board to adhere to proper procedure as outlined in the Residence Life
Judicial Board Manual and Board or Regents
policy.
If a student is of the belief that proper
procedures of the Residence Life Judicial Board before, during or after
his or her violation was heard were not followed (for example, notification
of violations was not given, acknowledgement of violations was not made,
confidentiality was not adhered to, presence of Board members or students
who should have been excluded), the student may file an appeal to the Associate
Dean of Students. This criterion is only applicable in the event
of a Level 3 violation heard before the Residence Life Judicial Board.
4. Other
Unusual conditions, new information or evidence
may warrant appeal.
All appeals must be made in writing, addressed
to the appropriate person(s) and submitted to the designated person within
five (5) days of notification of responsibility for a policy violation
or imposition of sanctions.
Residence Life Staff Phone Numbers
Director of Residence Life
Art Alleger Palmerton Hall 108 x2348
Residence Life Office
Gayla Schlei Palmerton Hall 108 x2348
Connolly Hall
Jed Padilla 106 x2723 1st South RA
Josh Sletten 116 x2756 1st West RA
Cody Jackson 136 x2742 1st East RA
Kyle Schofield 216 x2744 2nd West RA
Steph Hummel 236 x2714 2nd East RA
BJ Misterek 316 x2767 3rd West RA
Brent Peterson 334 x2735 3rd East RA
Reeny Wilson Apt x2340 Hall Director
Dake Hall
Krystal Kubas 109 x2938 1st West RA
Lindsy Christensen 111 x2931 1st East RA
Josh Sting 209 x2904 2nd West RA
Erika Fitzgerald 211 x2954 2nd East RA
Mark Muirhead 309 x2948 3rd West RA
Matt Fechter 311 x2958 3rd East RA
Brian Steinberg Apt x2349 Hall Director
March Hall
Steve Roe 159 x2974 1st East RA
Ed Loranger 161 x2960 1st West RA
Clint Bohnet 259 x2977 2nd East RA
Jason Israelson 261 x2794 2nd West RA
Eric Johnson 359 x2982 3rd East RA
Jeff Krueger 361 x2968 3rd West RA
Brian Steinberg Apt x2349 Hall Director
Palmerton Hall
Jennifer Nelson 103 x2824 1st Northwest RA
Nancy Morris 205 x2881 2nd North RA
Jayme Zimprich 216 x2875 2nd South RA
Victor Mwaba 305 x2840 3rd North RA
Kevin Jordahl 316 x2894 3rd South RA
Richard Liggett 405 x2821 4th North RA
Nick Vosberg 416 x2898 4th South RA
Jon Busby 505 x2828 5th North RA
Zak Ngoma 516 x2879 5th South RA
Cece Sharum Apt x2700 Hall Director
Dial 9-911
Fire
Police
Ambulance
Poison control
Maintenance Emergencies
Residence Life Office x2348
After hours, contact your RA, Hall Director
If no contact, dial x6100
See “Campus Emergency Procedures” booklet provided to you in the Residence Life Information Packet for information about
Fire Evacuation
Bomb Threat
Tornadoes
Also, be familiar with emergency procedures
and evacuation plans posted in all halls
Follow directions provided by hall staff or
campus security in all situations.