Central Campus Residence Hall Handbook
Abuse, Harassment, and Physical Assault [back to top]
The university provides an educational environment where adults must learn to settle their concerns in a non-physical manner. Any resident involved in abuse or harassment, including physical assault, verbal abuse or threats against another person will have their contract reviewed for termination.
Aerials, Antennas, and Cable [back to top]
For safety and security reasons, residents may not extend aerials, antennas or other devices outside of any windows. Damage caused by such items will be assessed to the student.
Alcohol [back to top]
Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by residents under 21 years of age is against state law and university policy. Residents 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages ONLY within their room with the door closed. Common containers (i.e., kegs, party balls, other large containers, or excessive amounts) are not permitted within the residence halls. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas (i.e., lounges, hallways, kitchens, game rooms, porches, etc.) is not permitted. The sale, distribution, or furnishing of alcoholic beverages to minors is prohibited. No home brewing is allowed in the residence halls. Alcoholic beverage containers (cans, bottles, kegs, etc) for decorative purposes, displays, or otherwise are not permitted. Residents who choose to consume alcoholic beverages are responsible for their actions, and should such behavior detract from the living environment they will be held accountable through the discipline process. Residents are also responsible for making their guests aware of the alcohol policy and will be held accountable for any inappropriate actions of their guests.
Appliances [back to top]
Because of health, safety and sanitation considerations, only certain appliances are authorized for use in the residence halls: small electrical appliances that have a completely enclosed heating element and are U.L. approved (i.e. rice steamers etc.) and small refrigerators that meet the residence hall specifications (see "Refrigerators"). "Mr. Coffee" style coffee makers with hot plate bottoms are not permitted.
Because of directive from the fire marshall and the high potential of fires and damage from these items, the following appliances are not permitted in the student rooms: electric skillets, toasters, space heaters, electric blankets, electric grills, and items with exposed heating elements.
Balconies & Roofs [back to top]
For safety reasons, residents are not permitted on the balconies and/or roofs of any residence hall.
Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Roller Skates/Blades, etc. [back to top]
Residents are encouraged to store these items within their room, exterior bike rack, or area designated by the RD/CD. If kept in the student room, any damage caused by storage of these items will be assessed to the resident. To ensure safety within the halls and to avoid damage to the carpet or hallway, these items are to be walked, not ridden, within the residence halls. Fire regulations prohibit storing these items in hallways, stairwells, porch railings, or public areas. Items not enumerated here that are misused within the building may be confiscated at the discretion of housing staff. Students are encouraged to register their bicycles with the Department of Public Safety. Contact your hall director for information.
Check-In/Check-Out Procedures [back to top]
All residents must check-in and check-out of their room at the beginning and end of each semester. When you move into your room, you will have your Bobcat card programmed and be issued a room key, closet key, a room inventory form and be asked to complete appropriate documentation prior to moving into your room. During check-in, you will be required to pay social dues that will enable you to participate in hall programs and activities and use available hall items which may include recreation equipment, games, vacuum, etc.
Check-out takes place each time you change rooms or when you move out of the hall. To check out, you must return your keys and complete an inspection of your room with the RA. Damages incurred between check-in and check-out may be assessed during check-out. Failure to follow established check out procedures may result in a $25 improper check-out charge.
Common Area Computers [back to top]
The common area computers are for the use of the residents in the hall and have been set up to meet the general needs of the students. To ensure continued access to the computers, students are to refrain from activities, including, but not limited to the following:
Failure to follow these and other GCSU acceptable use policies (http://technology.gcsu.edu) will result in possible disciplinary action and/or removal of all common area computers within a residence hall.Do not save anything onto the computer hard drive. Students should save their work on removable storage media. Do not change the configuration of the computers. They have been set up for general computer activities: word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, etc. Do not try to fix computer problems. If you are experiencing difficulty with a computer, contact the residence hall staff immediately; they will contact SERV (445-7378) to begin the repair process.
Compromising Security [back to top]
Residents who choose to endanger other residents by propping open exterior doors, giving their key and/or Bobcat card to a nonresident, granting access to nonresidents or tampering and/or damaging exterior doors, locks or security phones will have their contract reviewed, face disciplinary action and/or be subject to criminal charges.
Computer and Network Usage [back to top]
Access to networks and computer systems owned or managed by Georgia College imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to university policies and local, state, and federal laws. Appropriate use should always be legal, ethical, reflect academic honesty, reflect community standards, and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It should demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individual rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance. Appropriate use of computing and networking resources includes instruction; independent study; authorized research; independent research; communications; and official work of the offices, units, recognized student and campus organizations, and agencies of the university. Authorized users may use computing facilities and resources, including transmission over the network, for scholarly purposes, for official university business, and for personal purposes so long as such use (1) does not violate any law or university policy, (2) does not involve significant use of resources, direct costs, or substantial interference with the performance of data communications networks, or (3) does not result in commercial gain or private profit. All students must abide by the GCSU Acceptable Use Policy located at http://technology.gcsu.edu. Failure of an individual to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy may result in disciplinary actions and/or legal charges.
Cooking [back to top]
For health, sanitation, and safety reasons, the preparation of most foods is prohibited in student rooms. All preparation of food must take place in the kitchen located in your building and/or on your floor.
Darts and Dartboards [back to top]
Because of the potential for personal injury and property damage, darts and dartboards of any type are not permitted in the rooms, hallways and community areas of the residence halls.
Drugs [back to top]
The use, possession or distribution of any illegal stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic or narcotic drugs in or around the residence halls or at hall functions held on- or off-campus violates the law and Student Code of Conduct. University Housing has a "zero-tolerance" policy toward illegal drugs. All violations or suspected violations will be reported to Public Safety. Violations of this policy will result in termination of Residence Hall Contract, trespassing of the individual from all housing facilities, and loss of housing deposit.
Emergency Exit Doors [back to top]
Using an emergency exit in a non-emergency situation will result in a $100 fine and disciplinary action.
Emergency Notification Device/Button [back to top]
In each hall, an emergency notification device/button has been installed on the wall by each bed. It is clearly identifiable with a red and white sticker over its faceplate. This device is For Emergency Use Only. For safety reasons the device is not to be obstructed at any time.
Explosives, Fireworks, and Flammables [back to top]Once activated/pushed, an alarm will sound and a Public Safety officer will be automatically dispatched to the room. The device has been designed so that it cannot be unintentionally activated. Anyone activating the device in a non-emergency situation will be assessed a $100 fine and face disciplinary action.
The possession of fireworks, explosives, gunpowder, ammunition, or any flammables or material which may jeopardize the safety of others is strictly prohibited.
Extension Cords [back to top]
For reasons of safety and fire code, extension cords, splitters and multi-outlet strips are not permitted in residents' rooms (this includes holiday string lights). Failure to follow this policy can result in fines by the State Fire Marshal. Surge protectors are limited to one per student in the room and only for use with a computer.
Fire Safety Equipment [back to top]
The fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire hoses, fire alarm horns, pull stations, and emergency exit signs are critical safety equipment and are provided for the protection of the residents. Tampering with fire safety equipment can result in criminal prosecution, disciplinary action and/or contract termination. Where fire sprinklers exist, all sprinkler heads must remain free of obstructions to allow them to operate properly. Nothing may be attached or placed against any part of the sprinkler system, including piping. Tampering with fire safety equipment will result in a minimum $100 fine and reparations for such items. Evacuation information is posted on the interior of every student room entry door. Residence halls are required to hold a fire drill each semester and all occupants of the building are required to participate. Failure to evacuate when any alarm is sounded will result in disciplinary action.
Gambling [back to top]
The playing of cards or any other game of skill or chance for money or other items of value is prohibited.
Halogen/ Lava Lamps [back to top]
Due to the potential fire hazard, halogen, holiday string lights, paper lamps and lava lamps are not permitted in the residence halls plugged in or not.
Horseplay [back to top]
Due to the likelihood of property damage and the potential for personal injury, ball playing, squirt guns, water fights, and "horseplay" are not permitted inside the residence hall.
Incense/Noxious Odors [back to top]
The burning of incense is not permitted. The odor may be disagreeable to other residents and the live coal is a fire hazard. Any offensive odor which extends outside a room is prohibited.
Insurance [back to top]
The university does not carry insurance to cover loss or damage to residents' personal effects. Individuals desiring such protection must make arrangements for the necessary coverage through their parents' homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance. To ensure the safety of your belongings, remember to always lock your room door when you leave your room.
Keys/ Bobcat ID Cards [back to top]
If you should lock yourself out of your room, the following persons should be contacted in the order listed to obtain assistance:A. Parkhurst, Bell & Foundation Halls
Each student has his/her Bobcat ID card programmed for entry to their room door and main building entrance and designated community areas and closet key upon checking into the hall. The swipe card opens the exterior entrance doors to the building and designated community areas. The exterior building doors are locked 24 hours a day. Students are responsible for carrying their swipe card and room key at all times. For security reasons, students are not to loan or duplicate their key or swipe card. All cards will be cancelled at the end of each semester and reprogrammed at check-in for the following semester.
Report all lost keys and swipe cards to your Resident Director/ Complex Director. You will be issued a temporary key/swipe card. For safety and security reasons, your lock will be changed and/or your swipe card invalidated and a new one issued if you do not return the temporary key/card within three class days. There is a $25 charge for replacing a Bobcat card and a $35 charge for replacing the lock and issuing new keys.
B. Adams, Napier, Sanford & Wells Halls
Each student has their Bobcat card programmed to provide access to the main entrances and certain community spaces to their assigned residence hall and receives a room/closet key. Students are responsible for carrying their Bobcat card and room/closet key at all times. The exterior building doors are locked 24 hours a day. For security reasons, students are not to loan or duplicate their key or Bobcat card. All keys will be collected at the end of each semester and reissued at check-in for the following semester.
Report all lost keys and swipe cards to your Resident Director/ Complex Director. You will be issued a temporary key or card. For safety and security reasons, your locks will be changed and/or your swipe card invalidated and a new one issued if you do not return the temporary key/card within three class days. There is a $25 charge for replacing a swipe card and a $90 charge for replacing the locks and issuing new keys.
1. Your roommate/suitematePlease remember that the building staff consists of students and their schedules do not permit them to be available at all times.
2. Your Student Staff Member
3. Student Staff Member on Duty
4. Your Hall Director
Requests for doors to be opened are restricted to the door of the room belonging to the resident who is making the request. Doors to other peoples' rooms will not be opened for any reason.
Lounges/Community Area Furnishings [back to top]
Public area furniture is provided for the use of all residents and may not be taken to student rooms. A minimum charge of $25 may be assessed for common area furniture found in student rooms. Damage to common area furniture will be charged to the responsible individual(s) or to the community (see Public Area Damages).
Maintenance [back to top]
The university employs a maintenance and custodial staff to keep the public areas of the building in good physical condition. The maintenance and custodial staff provide safety equipment inspections, general maintenance (painting, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, heat, and air conditioning), and custodial services. Custodians clean hallways and the exterior of the building on a regular basis. You are responsible for cleaning your own room and suite bathrooms. Requests for maintenance should be given to a Resident Assistant or the Hall Director. The custodial or maintenance staff will then make the necessary repairs.
Microwaves [back to top]
One microwave oven is allowed in the student rooms of all residence halls and must meet the following requirements:
A. The unit and power cord must be U.L. approved.For the convenience of all residents, microwave ovens are provided in each hall kitchen.
B. Maximum size, 800 watts.
Musical Instruments [back to top]
Acoustic, non-electrically amplified instruments are allowed to be played in student rooms from 10am until 10pm. Courtesy hours would apply. Any instrument that must be attached to an amplifier, non-acoustic instruments, and any instrument determined to be disturbing by the Hall staff will only be allowed in the multi-purpose room.
Open Flames/Candles [back to top]
Because of the danger presented by open flames, candles (with or without wicks) and such items are not permitted in student rooms and, if present, will be confiscated.
Pets [back to top]
While registered service animals for students with disabilities are allowed with written prior approval of the Executive Director of University Housing and the Assistant Director of Equity for Disability Services, pets and therapy animals are not allowed. For health and sanitation reasons, fish in an 10 gallon (or smaller) aquarium are the only animals that are permitted in the residence halls and apartments. If you decide to bring a fish tank, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your fish during semester breaks when all electrical items (including aquarium pumps) must be unplugged. Unauthorized animals will result in a minimum pest control charge per room of $100.
Public Area Damages [back to top]
Vandalism of housing facilities costs all residents. Repairs and maintenance cause increased rental rates. You are, therefore, encouraged to exercise care in your buildings and to be aware of those who do not. To avoid community assessment, students should police their areas and report those who perform acts of vandalism.
At the start of the year, the physical condition of the public areas (hallways, bathrooms, carpet, lounges, etc.) of each floor will be recorded by your Resident Director/Complex Director. Because we believe in the importance of the development of the community in each living unit and each resident's responsibility for that community, any damages to the public areas for which the responsible individual(s) cannot be determined may be assessed equally amongst all members of that community (see "Community Assessment Process," at the end of this document). The process of community assessment is the final option should all attempts by the community to identify the responsible person(s) be unsuccessful. Once assessed, the members of the community must make payment at the Department of University Housing within 10 class days. After 10 class days a $10 processing charge will be added and sent to the Business Office for posting to your student account.
If a resident is found destroying or defacing university property in or around the residence hall, he/she will face disciplinary action and make restitution for the damages. The defacing of university property includes, but is not limited to writing on any room door, wall, or clean surface not meant for this purpose. Writing or carving on public area furniture is prohibited.
Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests in and around the residence halls and will be held financially responsible for all damages caused by their guests. Residents and guests can also be charged by the Department of Public Safety for damage to property.
Quiet Hours - 24 Hour Courtesy Hours [back to top]
Quiet hours are maintained to help provide an atmosphere that is conducive to good scholarship and to promote an environment where individuals can learn and study. The enforcement of quiet hours is the responsibility of each resident.
Quiet hours are in effect daily from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. This is the time when most residents will sleep and study. However, courtesy hours are in effect at all times. You should expect to be able to study anytime. Please observe requests from your neighbor or roommate if they ask you not to disrupt their study time, regardless of the time of day. You would expect them to observe similar requests from you.
One purpose of the residence hall is to provide comfortable living accommodations for all students. Any action which interferes with a student's right to study is a violation of this standard and may be subject to disciplinary action. Stereos, video games, televisions, and voices should be kept at a level which confines the noise within that room. If you wish to turn up the volume, you should use headphones. Failure to do so could result in the removal of the item.
During examination periods at the end of each semester, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day. In the event that a resident violates this regulation, the individual may be required to vacate the residence hall.
Refrigerators [back to top]
Refrigerators are allowed in your room if they meet the following requirements:
A. The unit and power cord must be U.L. approved.Remember, your refrigerator must be unplugged and defrosted during semester break periods.
B. Maximum size, approximately 4.3 cubic feet.
C. Maximum of 2 running amps.
Room Care [back to top]
Residents are responsible for the care and upkeep of their room and suite bathroom. The walls are painted sheetrock. The rooms come equipped with plush traditional furniture and wooden accents which are provided as comforts for each resident.
It is the responsibility of the residents to maintain the appearance of the finishes. Large nails, screws, bolts, wall anchors, and double sided tape are never allowed on the walls. See the section entitled "Decorations (room)" for more information. It is your responsibility to keep the walls free from damage. Small marks can be removed with a clean, damp sponge. Do not soak the sheetrock with water.
All floor tile needs to be mopped on a routine basis. Never use wax on any tile. To clean, use a clean mop, warm water, and a mild detergent or ammonia. Never use a bleach product or a tile cleaner with a bleaching agent. Be very careful not to splash water onto the carpeted areas. Be cautious as wet areas quickly become very slick.
The shower units are fiberglass and therefore scratch and stain easily. Care should be taken in cleaning the shower. Do not use abrasive cleaners or sponges. Showers must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent stains.
Any major damages should be reported immediately to the hall director or your student staff member.
Room Changes [back to top]
Room changes may take place as space is available and after occupancy has stabilized, which is usually two weeks after the start of the semester. You are encouraged to discuss room changes with your roommate. The student seeking the room change should contact his/her Resident Director/Complex Director who will initiate the room change process. You will receive notification if the change is approved. Do not move until you are notified that the change is approved. If you move without prior approval from your RD/CD, you may be assessed a charge, required to return to your original location and/or face disciplinary action.
Room Conditions [back to top]
The condition of each room/suite is checked at the beginning and end of the year. To avoid being charged for damages for which you are not responsible, you should carefully check the Residence Hall Inventory Sheet provided by your Resident/Community Assistant to make certain all existing damages are noted on the sheet (see Check-In/Check-Out Procedures). Any damages which take place in your room will be assessed to you and your roommate.
Residents must maintain their rooms in a clean and orderly manner. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
Room Consolidation [back to top]
Residents who find themselves in a room without a roommate may be required to either rent the room as a private room, move in with another resident who also lacks a roommate, or have another resident move in with them. Charges for a private room begin accruing the day after the resident finds him/herself without a roommate. The consolidation process will continue through the seventh week of classes each semester.
Room Entry [back to top]
The Department of University Housing respects the student's rights for privacy within the group living-learning environment and will strive to protect and guarantee this privacy.
Rooms may be entered under the following conditions:
A. To provide room maintenance inspections, repair service, pest control or safety inspection.Illegal materials or items in plain view will be removed if they are noticed in the course of a room maintenance or vacation inspection, or in response to a violation of university or departmental policy. The resident will receive written notification of this action if confiscation of property is required when the student is absent.
B. When there is reasonable cause to believe that university regulations or laws are being violated.
C. For an emergency situation that requires that the room be entered.
D. When a resident vacates a room for a break period, authorized personnel may enter a room to provide room maintenance inspections, repair service or safety inspections.
A student's room will not be entered without knocking. A sufficient time lapse will be allowed to provide the residents ample opportunity to open the door. If no response is received, the room may be entered under the four conditions listed above. Before entering a room with the use of a key, staff members will identify themselves.
Authorized university staff members who may enter a student's room are administrative housing staff members, resident directors/complex directors, resident assistants and inspection, maintenance, custodial, and safety personnel.
Room Furniture [back to top]
Each student room is provided with one desk, bookcase, chair, dresser, mattress, bed, and lockable closet per student (with the exception of Bell Hall). All furniture provided by the institution must remain in the student room in which it has been placed. Unfortunately, there is insufficient storage space in the buildings to allow us to offer storage of furniture or other items. Under no circumstances can the furniture be removed from the room.
Room Modifications [back to top]
You are encouraged to decorate your room. However, as you decorate, please remember the following guidelines; and to avoid charges check with your student staff member and/or hall director if you are unsure of the correctness of your decorations.
To protect its property and the student, the university has established the following guidelines for personalization to student rooms.State Fire Code Regulations must be adhered to at all times. Use only small nails or tacks to hang pictures and other wall hangings (no glue, large nails, screws, bolts, wall anchors, duct tape, or double-sided tape). Decals cannot be affixed to any university property. Wallpaper or adhesive-backed shelf paper may not be affixed to furnishings or walls. Use only expansion-type rods to hang curtains. Only draperies may be hung in windows, and only white draperies are allowed to be visible from outside the room. Carpet tape is not to be used. Furniture may not be removed from your room or public areas. You may be subject to a replacement cost and disciplinary action if you remove furniture.
PaintingSafety and Security [back to top]
All rooms are currently an off-white color. Students may not paint their rooms.
Decorations
Posters, pictures, and knick-knacks can make a resident feel more at home. Decorations are encouraged as long as they do not create health or fire hazards or damage the walls, furniture, paint, or other parts of the room. Residents can bring additional furniture, but remember all additional furniture and decorations must be made of flame-retardant material and are subject to the approval of roommate.
Wall Hangings
Large nails, screws, bolts, wall anchors, and double-sided tape on the walls, furniture or fixtures are prohibited. Use of small tacks is permitted.
As a resident, you play a major role in the safety of yourself and your fellow residents. You can reduce your risk of being a victim of crime by doing the following:
Each bedroom is equipped with an Emergency Notification Button. When activated, a signal is sent directly to the Department of Public Safety and an officer is dispatched to your hall.If you see suspicious persons or if you feel threatened at any time, contact the Department Public Safety immediately. Always lock your door and take your key and access card, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. NEVER prop open a door. NEVER loan your keys/swipe card to someone else for any reason. NEVER let someone you do not know into the hall or your room. Report lost keys or access cards and/or damaged locks immediately. Report any security concerns to a staff member.
Emergency telephones have been added around the halls and in some parking areas. To operate the emergency phone, simply press the red emergency button. It should connect you directly to the Department of Public Safety. Speak into the speaker.
Residents who choose to endanger other residents by propping open exterior doors; loaning their key or access card to a non-resident; granting access to non-residents or tampering with and/or damaging exterior doors, locks, emergency buttons or security phones will have their contract reviewed, face disciplinary action and/or be subject to criminal charges.
Screens and Windows [back to top]
Screens are not to be opened or removed from windows. For safety reasons, ledges are not to be used for storage, nor are students allowed to walk or sit on ledges. Students will be subject to contract review and will be held liable for damages to property or personal injury resulting from items being thrown from windows or falling from ledges. Removal of the screen will result in a minimum reinstallation charge of $15 and $35 to repair/replace damaged screens. Additional disciplinary action may also be taken.
Severe Weather [back to top]
In case of severe weather such as thunderstorms or tornadoes, you should immediately move to the interior of your building on lower floors. If evacuation is necessary, instructions will be issued through a university staff member. In all severe weather situations, be sure to stay in contact with and follow the instructions of housing staff members and Public Safety.
Sharps/ Syringes and Needles [back to top]
Students who must use hypodermic needles and syringes for medical reasons must dispose of these items properly. Contact your student staff member for more information.
Signs, Pictures, and Posters [back to top]
Georgia law prohibits the removal of traffic and/or street signs. Therefore, traffic or street signs regardless of how it has been obtained are not permitted in the residence halls. Pictures and other materials that may be considered objectionable should not be displayed in areas that may be visible from the hallway and/ or building. Alcoholic beverage signs or containers are not allowed as window displays. You may not hang anything in your windows other than blinds or white curtains. Flags, signs, pictures, and advertisements are not permitted. Writing on windows is defacement of university property and, therefore, is also not permitted.
Smoking [back to top]
All residence halls - and GCSU buildings - are smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited throughout the residence halls, public areas, student rooms, or within 30 feet of a residence hall.
Solicitation and Selling [back to top]
For reasons of resident privacy, safety and security, door-to-door solicitation of any type is prohibited. Report any solicitors to the staff or Public Safety immediately.
Telephone Harassment [back to top]
Georgia state law provides that a person who, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person but with no intent of legitimate communication, makes a phone call, whether or not a conversation ensues, commits harassment (a misdemeanor) and may face prosecution by the university through the courts and disciplinary action. Report all incidents of phone harassment to the hall staff and/or Public Safety.
Theft [back to top]
Any resident found in the possession of another person's property will have their contract reviewed for termination and may face prosecution through the courts and the GCSU Honor Code. An atmosphere in which residents can feel safe and secure must be maintained.
Trash Disposal [back to top]
Residents are to dispose of their personal trash in the manner prescribed in each hall. Personal trash is not to be placed in public area receptacles inside of or at the entryways of the buildings. It is not the custodial staff's responsibility to remove personal trash. A $25 charge and disciplinary action will be taken with students who choose to put personal trash in these receptacles.
Visitation/Guest [back to top]
Visitors or guests are defined as persons who are not contractual occupants of the specific room, suite, or residence hall in question.
Monday through Thursday, residents are permitted, with the consent of the roommate/suitemates, to have guests of the opposite sex in their rooms between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight. From 10:00 a.m. Friday until Sunday at midnight, with the consent of the roommate/suitemates, residents are permitted to have guests of the opposite sex in their rooms anytime.
Overnight guests of the same gender may stay any night of the week for a maximum of three (3) nights within a fourteen (14) day period, with the consent of the roommate/suitemates and approval of the Resident Director/Complex Director.
Consideration for room/suitemates and other floor residents dictates that guests do not infringe on the rights of contracted residents. Therefore, all guests, regardless of gender, must be approved by all residents of the room and suite. Guests must abide by all policies of the residence halls, and hosts are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
The in-room visitation policy exists to protect the rights of the contracted resident to privacy and the opportunity to sleep and study freely. Space for group studying and socializing are available in the floor community room, study room and/or in the hall common spaces.
Visitor Host/Escort [back to top]
All guests must have a resident of the hall as a host and be escorted by the host at all times. Any person without a host will be escorted from the building. Residents are responsible for anyone they escort or allow to enter into the residence hall.
The following guidelines are to be followed:
1. Guest is met at front door by host. (Guest may use house phone at entrance or personal cell phone.)Residents who violate visitation/host policies may face the loss of their visitation privilege. Guests who violate visitation/host policies may lose their privilege of entering the residence halls.
2. Guest must be escorted by his/her host at all times.
3. Guest must use appropriate bathroom facilities.
Water Beds [back to top]
Water beds are prohibited in student rooms.
Water Fights [back to top]
Water fights are prohibited in the residence halls due to the potential for personal injury and property damage. This includes water balloons, water guns, and/or hoses.
Weapons [back to top]
Weapons such as firearms, knives, bows and arrows, as well as any ammunition, are prohibited in the residence halls. Be aware that according to Georgia law (16-11-121.1) it is a violation to possess a weapon within 1,000 feet of campus, except for Public Safety Officers. Arrangements may be made with Public Safety for storage of weapons.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES [back to top]
University Student Code Of Conduct [back to top]
General Statement
Georgia College may discipline a student in nonacademic matters. This normally involves matters which occur on the GCSU campus or at GCSU-sponsored events, but may be extended to off-campus matters which could reasonably be expected to impact the GCSU community. Repeated off-campus arrests generally result in GCSU judicial charges as well as criminal charges. Behavior cited by the university's Public Safety officers will be handled as on-campus incidents whether they were technically committed on campus or off. For the purposes of this section, the term "conduct" shall include acts which knowingly or unknowingly violate federal, state, or local laws, and/or Georgia College rules and regulations, or which the student knew or reasonably should have known, would result in occurrences prohibited by this section. All students are expected to adhere to the stipulations of the GCSU Honor Code, which addresses lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and vandalism. All residence hall students are expected to adhere as well to the contract terms and stipulations listed in this booklet. Students are subject to disciplinary action for violating the following Code of Conduct:
THE HONOR CODE [back to top]Underage possession or use of alcohol, illegal possession, use or sale of controlled substances, or conduct that violates local, state, or federal laws, or GCSU regulations regarding alcohol and other drugs. Conduct which constitutes a danger to the personal safety of others. This may include assault, attempted assault, or the threat of assault. Conduct that obstructs, seriously impairs or attempts to obstruct or seriously impair university-run or university-authorized activities on any university property, indoors or out. Acts that violate the university provisions concerning parking, traffic, ID cards, university keys, smoking in unauthorized places, carrying firearms, unauthorized peddling, unauthorized use of sound amplifying equipment, and other acts which violate local, state or federal laws, or which violate appropriate conduct. Intentional harassment of another person. Harassment includes, but is not limited to threatening, intimidating, verbally abusing, impeding, telephoning, communicating electronically, following or persistently bothering or annoying another person. Harassment may represent, but is not limited to, acts based on sex, race, religion, national origin, handicap, or sexual orientation. Failure to abide by disciplinary sanctions imposed by a GCSU judicial body or authority.
It is presumed that any student who matriculates at Georgia College is willing to conform to a pattern of mutual trust and honor and shall deal honorably with all members of the university community. It must be understood that it is the responsibility of each student, faculty, and staff member to preserve, nurture, and strengthen this spirit of honor. Georgia College students shall at all times refrain from and discourage all attempts at lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and vandalism. When a violation of the Honor Code is detected, a student should take steps to bring the matter to the attention of the Student Judicial Board or the Vice President and Dean of Students.
CONDUCT WITHIN THE RESIDENCE HALLS [back to top]
Policies for the residence halls have been developed to establish an environment in which a large number of residents may live together with maximum freedom while recognizing the rights of fellow residents. Ideally, all residents accept responsibility for their actions in their community living situation and make an effort to be aware of how their actions affect their neighbors. When a resident violates this basic standard of community living by endangering the safety of other residents or violating any of the policies outlined by the university or this handbook, this behavior must be confronted.
Violations of university policies, medical and emergency situations, and property loss or damage are documented on Incident Report forms and forwarded to the appropriate resident director/complex director who will contact those involved within three class days for follow-up and/or referral. Incident Reports can be filed by any resident or staff member.
Residents named on Incident Reports involving policy violations must meet with the resident director/complex director of the building in which the violations allegedly occurred. During this time, the resident will choose a course of action: (1) have the hearing heard at that time; or (2) schedule the hearing to be heard within five class days.
Students are required to attend their hearing. Students choosing not to appear will have their case heard in absentia and be held responsible for the outcomes.
All appeals of the Resident Director's/Complex Director's decisions must be in writing and submitted to the Assistant Director for Residence Education in the University Housing office. Appeals must be submitted within five class days from the date the resident receives written confirmation of the hearing's outcome. The Assistant Director will forward all appeals to the appropriate authoritative body for further consideration.
"YOUR HALL IS YOUR HOME" [back to top]
Community Assessment [back to top]
Welcome to your new home and congratulations on your decision to become a member of our residence hall community. This can be one of your most important decisions, and it will provide you with a world of new opportunities. Among those are the assumption of responsibility for your own actions and your responsibilities as a member of your living community.
This section contains valuable information on the important role that you can play in the care and upkeep of the physical environment in your room and living community.
Your Living Responsibility [back to top]
One of the goals of university housing is to focus students' attention on the need to accept responsibility for the governance of their own community. It is imperative that you be concerned with the safety and treatment of all university property, including property found in your room and the public areas of your floor and residence hall. You have a responsibility in the group living environment to encourage your fellow residents to share in accepting responsibility for ensuring that university property is not damaged or stolen. When you have knowledge of a person or persons who are responsible for specific damages to your community, it is your responsibility to notify the RA/CA or RD/CD.
Your Room [back to top]
When you initially move into your room, you will be required to verify the physical condition of your room on a Room Inventory & Check-Out form with your RA/CA. It is your responsibility to ensure that any existing damage is noted at that time. Any damages existing when you check out that are not noted on the form will be assessed to you.
Room Repair Process
When some aspect of your room needs to be repaired, contact your Resident Assistant or Resident Director/Complex Director and a work order will be prepared. The work order will then be forwarded to Physical Plant where it will be assigned to a maintenance person who will come to your room to make the repair. Maintenance personnel usually address room repairs between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If the repair is the result of damage, the cost will be billed to you and/or your roommate(s).
Community Assessment
In order to:
The fairest way to make restitution for damages which disrupt the community is to bill only those responsible, so each resident is encouraged to accept responsibility for his or her own behavior. With your assistance, every effort will be made to identify the responsible person(s). However, when all efforts fail, the cost of repairs will be assessed evenly among the members of that community.Support and increase the development of community and the importance of one's individual responsibility within a group living setting; Support the university's efforts to maintain the physical environment within the residence halls; Support the educational processes of community responsibility; Discourage and decrease the incidents of vandalism and damage to the University's property; Encourage and promote a quick response to the repair of damage to the public areas; and Help ensure that the public areas of the residence halls look presentable to parents, guests, and official visitors to the university; Georgia College & State University has implemented a program of "community assessment" for damages occurring in the public areas of the residence halls for which the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified through either self-reporting or through identification by the living group.
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT PROCESS [back to top]
When damage occurs to any part of the public area of your community (hallways, lounges, bathrooms, carpet, etc.) all residents of your living community will be notified and informed of the nature of the damage and the approximate time frame that it occurred.
From that point, you and your fellow residents have five business days to assist the staff in an investigation to attempt to identify the person(s) responsible. If the responsible individual(s) comes forward through either self-reporting or as a result of the investigation by the living group members, she/he will be required to pay for the repair and may face disciplinary action.
If the community cannot identify the responsible person(s), the cost to repair the damage to public areas may be equally divided among the members of that living community. You then will have 10 class days to pay the charge at the housing office. After 10 days a $10 processing fee will be assessed and the charge will be placed on your student account with the Business Office. You will need to make payment prior to completing the registration process for the next semester.
Note: Room rates are based upon cost of maintaining the residence halls. No allowance for damages is made. Therefore, any damage that occurs must be paid for over and above the basic room rate.
Definitions
Public Area: Hallways, restrooms, lounges, study rooms, etc. and their furnishings, wall coverings, carpet and ceilings.
Living Unit: The smallest identifiable grouping; usually a floor or wing; can be the whole building in the case of certain situations and/or locations. For clarification on your living unit see your RA.
Damage: The change in the physical attributes of a part of the living unit resulting from non-wear and tear activity which detracts from the item's appearance, usefulness, or presence. Typical incidents historically have been damage to emergency exit signs, burns and tears in carpet, vandalism to restrooms, damage to public area furniture, theft of public area furniture, and writing on or holes in walls.
HOUSING CONTRACT CONDITIONS [back to top]
To be eligible for residence in university housing, an individual must be enrolled as a student at Georgia College for a minimum of five credit hours each semester. If a student is academically dropped from enrollment by the university, the individual is no longer authorized to live in the residence halls and must be properly checked out within 24 hours. The $200 deposit will be forfeited, and room and board charges will be prorated per the housing contract.
If a student withdraws from the university, a prorated refund of fees will be based on the rate of the appropriate contract and the date the student checks out of their room. Students will be charged for housing until they have properly checked out of their room with a university housing staff member. Students will not receive a room and board refund if they leave university housing after the sixty-fifth day of the semester or are released for disciplinary reasons.
Repair Costs (subject to change) [back to top]
| Beds | ||
| Re-set | Amount TBA | |
| Bunk Pins (each) | Amount TBA | |
| Mattress | Amount TBA | |
| Bed End | Amount TBA | |
| Doors | ||
| Remove Residue | Amount TBA | |
| Replace evacuation info | Amount TBA | |
| Replace closet door/ bathroom door | Amount TBA | |
| Walls | ||
| Paint wall | Amount TBA | |
| Windows | ||
| Replace glass | Amount TBA | |
| Rehang screen | Amount TBA | |
| Replace screen | Amount TBA | |
| Replace blinds | Amount TBA | |
| Bathroom | ||
| Replace towel bar/hook | Amount TBA | |
| Clean shower | Amount TBA | |
| Replace toilet paper holder | Amount TBA | |
| Clean toilet | Amount TBA | |
| Replace Toilet seat | Amount TBA | |
| Replace shower curtain | Amount TBA | |
| Replace shower hooks | Amount TBA | |
| Clean sink | Amount TBA | |
| Floor | ||
| Strip and wax | Amount TBA | |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Replace ceiling fixture | Amount TBA | |
| Replace cable/data jack | Amount TBA | |
| Remove trash | Amount TBA | |
| Replace electrical cover | Amount TBA | |
| Personal trash in public trash cans | Amount TBA |