The Office of Student Life coordinates all areas of residence hall management . . . including activities, staffing and enforcement of campus policies.

Residency
All students except those who are married, living with an immediate relative, or are at least 21 years of age are required to live in the residence halls and participate in the University meal plan. In the event of exceptional circumstances, a petition may be filed with the Dean of Student Life to request off-campus living. Petitions are rarely granted to freshman or sophomores. Students who sign a lease or move off-campus without permission will be subject to disciplinary action. Your financial aid will be affected by moving off-campus. If a student is issued a residence hall room and is found to not be residing in the room or is living off-campus, it could lead to loss of on-campus scholarships.

Rights & Responsibilities
Group living in the residence halls is an integral part of the general education of Kansas Wesleyan University students. It provides an opportunity for personal growth and development as students are challenged to create community by assuming personal responsibility for the common good and by celebrating the rich diversity in residence hall life.

Problems arise in any community including inappropriate behavior. Each resident must assume the responsibility of confronting those persons and problems that threaten the community. It is not productive to assume that all threats to positive residence hall life can be handled by Resident Assistants or Resident Directors. Caring about the rights and privileges of residents and the condition of the physical plant of the residence hall is the concern of each and all. Community living is characterized by caring, pride, motivation and involvement informed by the Christian tradition.

Resident Hall Staff
The Dean of Student Life coordinates all functions within the residence halls. Resident Directors (RD) are professional staff who live in the residence halls. They are the people primarily responsible for the daily operation of each hall. In addition, each hall has student staff know as Resident Assistants (RAs). The RA is a resource and program person who works with the residents on a daily basis.

General Residence Hall Guidelines

Appliances
Appliances permitted are UL approved popcorn poppers (without open coils), UL approved refrigerators which do not exceed 4.4 cubic feet, televisions, stereos and computers. Items NOT permitted due to fire regulations are: toasters, ovens, crock pots, blenders, skillets, microwaves, etc.

Athletic Equipment
In-line skates, frisbees, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, etc. may not be used in the residence halls. In-line skates and skateboards are not to be used on any steps, seating areas or ramps on campus.

Bicycle Storage
Students may store their bikes in their rooms. Bicycles are not to be left in hallways, corridors, or public lounges. The University recommends sturdy locks and chains for bicycles and cannot be responsible if a bicycle is damaged or stolen.

Blocking, Propping & Jamming Doors
Blocking, propping and jamming doors represents a potential security risk such as theft, assault and rape. Those who are involved in this action will be subject to disciplinary action and may have legal liability for the safety of the occupants in the residence hall.

Candles & Open Flames
Because of potential fire danger candles, oil lamps, potpourri burners, incense, etc., that have flames or must be ignited with a flame are not allowed in the residence hall because of potential fire danger. Candle warmers are allowed, however, any damage due to spilled wax is the responsibility of the residents. The wick must be removed from the candle.

Christmas Decorations
Live Christmas trees or greenery fiber optic trees and lights (string lights or tube lights) are not permitted due to fire regulations and the risk of overloading circuits. Flame-retardant trees and greenery are allowed without lights. Trees cannot be placed in corridors, which are pathways..

Cooking
Because of fire safety and sanitation requirements, students are not allowed to cook in the rooms. Kitchenettes are available for use in residence hallsl. Cooking is permitted between 7 am to midnight.

Fire Safety
In case of fire:

1.Sound the alarm.
2.Evacuate the building immediately. Exit routes are located in either direction as you leave your room or lobby.
Fire drills are held periodically according to procedures established for each residence hall. EVERY ALARM MUST BE CONSIDERED AN ACTUAL FIRE and the entire building should be evacuated. Everyone in the building at the time of the alarm must leave the building and stay out until the Resident Director or other officials in charge re-open the building.

POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREWORKS ON CAMPUS IS PROHIBITED.

All residents are expected to comply with all fire safety regulations such as fire drills and evacuation procedures. Anyone refusing to comply with these standards or found tampering with any of the fire safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, hoses, alarms, or emergency exits) may be subject to immediate suspension from the University or other appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action.

Furnishing & Decorations
Rooms and lounges are furnished with furniture owned by the University. All furniture present in the student's room must remain in the student's room. Lounge furniture in public areas may not be moved into student’s rooms. There is a $25 fine if lounge furniture is found in a student's room or if a student removes room furniture from the room. Residents may bring extra furniture (i.e. chairs and computer tables), but waterbeds are not permitted. Carpet and rugs may be used but must not inhibit the opening/closing of the door. Additional wiring for electrical equipment or lighting effects may not be used. Blankets, sheets, foil, signs, posters, etc., may not be placed on the window or blinds. Pornographic and alcohol-related posters, paraphernalia and decorations will be confiscated. Alterations to the walls such as paint,contact paper, or wallpaper are not permitted. When hanging items, use only pins, tacks, and small nails. Nothing with a tape-like substance is allowed.

Guests
Students interested in an overnight guest of the same sex need to discuss it with their roommate and then notify the Resident Director. Guests should be aware of University policies and conduct themselves accordingly. The host is also responsible for the behavior and actions of his/her guest. Guests may stay up to three consecutive nights.

Handicap Accessibility
Facilities are available to meet the needs of handicapped resident students requiring specialized housing. Students should contact the Dean of Student Life if special accommodations are required.

Keys
Each resident is provided with a key that permits access to his or her room and to the residence hall. The keys are to be used only by the student they are checked-out to. Keys may not be loaned or carried around by another person. The loss of a key (for any reason) will result in a replacement charge of $30.00. Lost keys that are returned within thirty days will result in a refund of charges. Anyone who discovers a lost key should return it to the Office of Student Life. If a key gets broken, bring in the pieces to the Dean of Student Life and we will replace key for $10. Any person possessing unauthorized keys will be subject to disciplinary action. There is a $5.00 charge for replacing a lost mail box key. Report malfunctions in door locks immediately to the Resident Assistant or Resident Director.

Laundry Facilities
Free washers and dryers are available in each residence hall and apartment facility. These machines are for residents only and any mechanical failures should be reported to the Resident Assistant (residence halls) or Director of Physical Properties (campus apartments). The University shall not assume responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen clothing. Laundry should be attended at all times.

Lobby Regulations
Each residence hall lobby is available for respective residents and their guests for the purpose of studying, group meetings, and watching movies. Quiet hours will still be enforced. Lobby furniture must remain in the lobby.

Maintenance & Housekeeping
The maintenance department completes all repair work in the housing facilities. Reports of needed repairs should be submitted to a Resident Assistant. The housekeeping staff is not responsible for unnecessary messes (made by the residents) in public places. Personal trash should be taken to the outside dumpster and not placed in bathroom or lobby receptacles. For any maintenance emergencies, contact your Resident Assistant or Resient Director immediately.

Pets
Tropical fish are permitted in aquarium tanks that do not exceed 20 gallons. All other animals are prohibited for health and safety reasons.

Property Loss & Damage
The University cannot accept responsibility for destruction, theft, or damage of property in the custody of or belonging to the student. Students are encouraged to carry personal property insurance and follow reasonable security practices. The University also reserves the right to confiscate water dispensers (i.e. water guns), and/or other toys that may pose a threat to housing facilities or other University property. Personal property insurance information is available at registration. It would be in the best interest of the student to write down serial numbers and keep them in a safe place in case of theft.

Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are the same for all residence halls. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm - 10:00 am. The right to study or sleep takes precedence over all other activities in the residence hall. The responsibility for quiet hours is a shared one. It is the student's right and obligation to let offenders know of annoying activities. Quiet hours are a time when noise levels from public spaces to rooms and from one room to another should not be detectable by others. Noise levels at any time which are disturbing to students in the community may be addressed. During final's week, quiet hours are in effect 24-hours a day. Excessive noise fine is $20.

Residence Hall Check-In & Check-Out
At the time of check-in all students will receive a room key, sign a room checklist, sign a residence hall contract and must also have a completed health form on file. Students wishing to check out during the semester must contact the Dean of Student Life before departure. To check out of a room, you will need to clean your room, remove all personal belongings from the room, and arrange to check out with the Hall Staff. Checkout should be arranged with the Resident Assistant and Resident Director. Professional staff check each room in detail after you have completed check-out procedures and may assess additional charges. A student who fails to complete proper checkout procedures will be fined $100. Nothing may be stored in the Residence Halls over the summer.

Residence Hall Restrooms
Restrooms on the floors are to be used by the gender of the residents assigned to that floor only. Anyone of the opposite gender should use the restroom in the front lobby of the hall.

Roommate Changes
Sharing a room with another student can be a GREAT EXPERIENCE but sometimes problems develop. You may have had a room alone for several years - suddenly you are forced to be concerned about someone else's needs or opinions. Before requesting a roommate change, be sure you and your roommate have attempted to communicate and negotiate with one another. Be patient and don't be afraid to ask for help from your Resident Assistant or Resident Director. Generally, no roommate changes are permitted during the first two weeks of each semester in order to prevent students from making a change too quickly.

The following guidelines are used to deal with requests for changes in either room or roommate. All changes must be approved by the Dean of Student Life prior to a move or change. If you are approved to move, you must formally check out of your old room and check into your new room with the resident assistant.

-- Situation One ~ You Want a Different Roommate
Notify your Resident Assistant and the Resident Director immediately. They will assist you in making a change based on your preferences and available situations.

-- Situation Two ~ You Want a Private Room
Notify the Resident Director who, in consultation with the Dean of Student Life, will determine if a room is available and whether you are eligible for it. If you are approved for a private room - a private room charge will be assessed. Your roommate, however, is required to find another roommate prior to your move or accept a private room charge, also.

-- Situation Three ~ Roommate Does Not Show-up
If your assigned roommate does not show-up, another assignment will be made. If no new roommate is available, the student may remain in the single room without an extra charge with the understanding the she/he will accept a roommate when one becomes available. The room must be maintained at all times in a manner which would make it possible for another student to feel comfortable moving in. Belongings are to be kept only in one portion of the room so that the new roommate has space for his/her possessions and will not feel unwelcome. The student must not discourage students seeking a room change from moving into the vacancy; if this occurs, the student will be billed the additional single room charge. Notify your Resident Assistant and Resident Director immediately in order to avoid a private room charge.

Room Inspection
The University reserves the right to enter a student’s room in order to maintain safety, maintenance and policy standards. Residence Life staff, maintenance staff or campus security may make an inspection. An inspection consists of a visual check of the room (and may include a check of the refrigerator and closet). Specific repairs may result from an inspection or an incident report if University policies have been violated.

Room Search
A room search is performed in response to a report of a violation of University standards and policies. A room search is a more thorough check of the room and its contents, including personal belongings. A room search must be authorized by either the Dean of Student Life, VP of Academic Affairs, or the University President. The room search will identify the alleged violation, persons authorized to conduct the search, and identify any items removed from the room. The search will be conducted by at least two persons, one of which must be a Resident Director, Campus Security Officer, or the Dean of Student Life. In the event a violation occurs, an incident report will be filed and appropriate action will be taken.

Tattooing, Body Piercing & Hair Cutting
Under Kansas law K.S.A. 72-2701, which states that unless the State of Kansas Board of Cosmetology licenses a person, it is unlawful to perform tattooing, body piercing and haircutting. Due to this law and potential health risks, KWU prohibits students from providing these services on campus property. Anyone caught performing these services will be immediately turned over to the proper authorities.

Tornados & Storms
Severe weather usually comes in the form of high winds, hail, and rain. There are cases in which severe weather can become a tornado. The following definitions should be understood and precautions followed:

Tornado Watch: indicates that the weather conditions are such that a tornado could form.

Tornado Warning: indicates that a tornado has been sighted which places the area in immediate danger. Radio warnings and public sirens will normally be heard. Seek safety immediately!

-- Outdoors Without Shelter: Lie flat in a ditch or low-place. Protect your head!
-- In a Car or Truck: Leave your vehicle for a ditch or low spot. Don’t try to drive away from a tornado.
-- In a Home: Go to the basement. If a basement is not available, go to an interior part of the structure; try to put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors. Stay away from the window, doors, and outside walls. Get under something sturdy.
-- In Large Buildings: Interior hallways on lowest floors (preferably the basement) offer best protection.

Tornado shelters on-campus are located in the basements of each residence hall, Pioneer Hall, and Peter's Science Hall. Students can also go to the first floor of any residence hall in the hallways. All doors should be shut so that no windows can blow into the hallway.

Visitation
The visitation policy allows for visitors to pay a call on a resident on a temporary basis. Common decency and decorum are expected of both residents and guests. Adequate dress is required in public areas of the residence halls, on floors and in the student rooms when members of the opposite sex may be present. The responsibility of acquainting the visitor with the residence hall policies and regulations is that of the host or hostess. A visitor is required to abide by the policies of the residence halls and to refrain from acts contrary to federal, state or local laws. Overnight guests must be registered and approved in advance by the Resident Director.
Guests are limited to not more than three nights per month unless the Dean of Student Life grants special permission.

NOTE: Visitors under 18 years of age are not permitted in the residence halls unless they are college students with verifiable identification or are children under the supervision of a parent. Baby-sitting is not permitted in the residence halls.

Intervisitation
Visitation is a privilege made possible through social cooperation and a respect for the mission of Kansas Wesleyan University. It does not grant a student the license to have an overnight guest of the opposite sex, to practice cohabitation, or to engage in sexual promiscuity. The Dean of Student Life shall promote, interpret and enforce the visitation policies of the University. Students who violate the visitation policies will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include the suspension of visitation privileges.

Visitation Hours:

Violation of visitation policy: $25 - $100.