HANDBOOK. Living on Campus

Transcription

1 HANDBOOK Living on Campus

2 Welcome! Welcome to your new home on the beautiful campus of Louisiana State University. It s an exciting time to live on campus, and you re a part of it! Living on campus lets you focus on what matters as you transition into and through college - academic success and personal development. All of our residential communities are purposefully designed to support you throughout your college career. Whether it s entertaining community programs or engaging study groups, take advantage of all the services and support staff your community provides. I hope you will get involved, influence your living environment, and truly get connected to LSU. Your involvement is the key to your success and will only enhance your experience at LSU. This handbook presents important information you need to know about the services, policies, and procedures for residential communities at LSU. Familiarize yourself with the information in this handbook and contact a Residential Life staff member with any questions or concerns. You can also connect with us online at Facebook.com/LSUResLife or tweet Again, welcome and best wishes for a successful year! Geaux Tigers! Steve Waller Executive Director Residential Life & Housing Table of Contents Mission, Vision, and Values 2 Commitment to Community 3 Inclusive Communities 4 Community Living 5 Safety 9 Policies 11 Procedures 18 Services 20 Important Phone Numbers 24 Appendices 26 Index 29 Updated

3 Department of Residential Life Mission Statement, Vision and Values MISSION Provide dynamic student-focused learning communities that support development and academic success in clean, safe, and sustainable facilities that meet the needs of the campus community. VISION Be a premier residential life program that embodies the highest standards of campus housing Mission Statement VALUES Community - Create spaces for residents to be connected, comfortable, and empowered through a transformational experience Courage - Exhibit confidence and tenacity to make bold decisions despite challenges or difficulties and accept full responsibility for the outcomes Inclusivity - Establish a respectful community that seeks multiple perspectives and embraces individual differences Integrity - Abide by the highest standards of our profession to instill trust with community members by creating an environment of mutual respect, openness, and truthfulness Stewardship - Utilize resources responsibly and creatively to benefit present and future members of the community Teamwork - Collaborate to achieve common goals through communication, commitment, and support 2

4 Commitment to Community Louisiana State University is an interactive community in which students, faculty, and staff together strive to pursue truth, advance learning, and uphold the highest standards of performance in an academic and social environment. It is a community that fosters individual development and the creation of bonds that transcend the time spent within its gates. To demonstrate my pride in LSU, as a member of its community, I will: Accept responsibilities for my actions; Hold myself and others to the highest standards of academic, personal, and social integrity; Practice justice, equality, and compassion in human relations; Respect the dignity of all persons and accept individual differences; Respect the environment and the rights and properties of others and the University; Contribute positively to the life of the campus and surrounding community; And use my LSU experience to be an active citizen in an international and interdependent world. The continued success of LSU depends on the faithful commitment by each community member to these, our basic principles. Adopted as a Statement of University Position on behalf of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College Community on the fifth of May in the year

5 Inclusive Communities Inclusive Housing The Department of Residential Life is committed to providing a community that is accepting of students and staff of different backgrounds, racial and ethnic identities, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical abilities or other aspects of identity. We shall serve as an advocate for diverse interactions of our residents, guests, and staff. All members of our community are responsible for supporting an atmosphere that appreciates individual differences and recognizes each person s unique contribution to the university. We believe that our students can only achieve their full development as citizens with an environment that supports and promotes the ideas of an inclusive community. Residential Life takes a proactive approach to protect our diverse community by providing educational programming that addresses topics of diversity and social justice. Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the gender of students and employees of educational institutions that receive federal financial assistance. In accordance with Title IX and other applicable law, Louisiana State University ( LSU ) is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual misconduct which includes sex discrimination, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and retaliation. LSU prohibits sex discrimination and sexual misconduct. This policy applies to all persons without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Inclusive Communities We partner with you and other campus offices like the Office of Disability Services, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Dean of Students, the Student Health Center and more to meet students needs and connect them with appropriate resources. Visit for more information about inclusive housing. Sex discrimination and sexual misconduct violate an individual s fundamental rights and personal dignity. LSU considers sex discrimination and sexual misconduct in all of its forms to be serious offenses. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy establishes a mechanism for determining when rights have been violated in employment, student life, campus support services, LSU programs and/or an academic environment. Visit for more information about reporting a violation. 4

6 Community Living Know your responsibilities and rights as a resident in your community. Being a member of a community brings a set of rights as well as responsibilities. We encourage you to seek active roles in your community as a leader, student, and peer. Community Standards LSU s residence halls and apartments have established community standards, which are intended to promote the well-being and rights of all community members as well as maintain the facilities and physical surroundings in which the community exists. Resident Assistants (RAs) lead their communities in upholding community standards within the residence hall and apartment communities. Programming The Department of Residential Life is committed to enhancing your total college experience. The purpose of programming is to promote your personal and academic growth. We provide a variety of opportunities for you to get the most from the time you spend outside the classroom. The overall goal is to help you succeed academically and personally while in college and to prepare you for life after graduation. Programming in the residential communities offers you several opportunities to meet people, expand your cultural and educational horizons, and have fun. In the residential colleges and Honors House, we connect curricular studies to the residential living experience. For more information on programs in your community or information on how to get involved with programming in your community, contact your GRD or RLC. Roommates / Suitemates Making the most of living in your new residence hall or apartment community starts with getting settled in and getting to know your roommate. Begin by discussing with your roommate your ideas, feelings, backgrounds, and opinions on sharing responsibilities in the room. Be clear about what you want and work on compromising. Establishing healthy roommate relationships is the first step in becoming part of the larger residence hall or apartment community. Roommates are required to complete a Roommate Agreement during the first week of classes each semester. Roommate Agreement forms are provided by your RA who will assist you in the process. These agreements serve as a conversational starting point and should be revisited frequently as relationships with your roommate grow. Sustainability Residential Life is committed to being good stewards of all resources. As one of the department s core values, stewardship guides decisions to use resources responsibly and creatively to benefit present and future members of the community. Through promoting stewardship of resources, the department seeks to support global environmental sustainability, reduce the students own personal carbon footprint and, consequently, increase the university s contribution to conservation of resources and energy efficiency. For your convenience, recycling bins have been provided in residence hall common areas and the apartment activity centers. Please rinse out all recyclable items before depositing them in the recycling bin. These recycling bins are managed and emptied by the custodial staff in the halls. 5

7 Meeting the Staff The Department of Residential Life employs many full-time and student employees who work to provide a comfortable and pleasant living environment. Staff members help you in your personal and academic endeavors by providing opportunities for growth and development, mentoring, and support. The staff directory and organizational chart may be viewed at lsu.edu/housing. Resident Assistants (RAs) These students are assigned to individual floors/buildings/stacks. RAs serve as leaders and focus on individual and community goals as they relate to academic, social, and community growth. RAs are the primary contact for discussing resident questions and concerns, addressing problem resolutions, and establishing community atmospheres. RAs hold floor/building meetings, distribute information, help plan programs, work at the front desk, and enforce policies. Graduate Residence Directors (GRDs) These are graduate students who assist the RLC within the daily operations of the community. GRDs are available as resources for personal and group concerns. GRDs support the RLC in his/her management of the community and often serve as the main contact when the RLC is unavailable. GRDs may also assist in the advisement of the Community Council. Office hours vary; contact the front desk to set up an appointment. Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) Full-time professionals that reside in each community. The primary responsibility of each RLC is to oversee all daily operations of the community, including but not limited to community building, assignments, facilities, business operations, and resident communication. RLCs supervise Graduate Residence Directors (GRDs), Resident Assistants (RAs), and Desk Assistants (DAs). RLCs are available as resources for personal and group concerns. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Desk Assistants (DAs) These individuals work at the front desk. DAs provide customer service to residents through general desk duties, such as entering work orders. Custodians These individuals maintain the clean facilities including the hallways, common areas, and restrooms. Custodial Supervisors These individuals supervise building custodial staff and coordinate maintenance and repairs. Tiger Bridge Coordinator The Tiger Bridge program is collaboration between Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) and LSU. The Tiger Bridge Coordinator is responsible for supporting the academic success and the social integration of Tiger Bridge Students at both institutions. This is done through the coordinated collaboration of multiple departments at both institutions in conjunction with direct student support. The Tiger Bridge Coordinator also supervises the Tiger Bridge Community Council. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Faculty-In-Residence These two faculty members are engaged and motivated LSU faculty members who are invested in directly impacting students residential experiences through interactions that promote social and intellectual development, academic support, and advising in the residential setting. They live in specially designed apartments within or adjacent to on-campus residence halls to share the on-campus experience with residents and seamlessly blend student learning and development inside and outside the classroom. Faculty Friends The Faculty Friends program brings together students and faculty outside the typical teaching experience in the classroom. These faculty are involved in various ways, including discussion groups, eating with residents in the dining halls, attending hall programs, holding study sessions, and participating in campus events. LSUPD Adopt-a-Hall These are officers that volunteer to be in the halls getting to know residents and maintaining a positive visibility through informal settings in the community. Through regular interaction, students may feel more comfortable approaching and utilizing officers as resources. Policy and Process Coordinator The Policy & Process Coordinator (PPC) is a full-time professional staff member that oversees the department s advocacy processes, including the C.A.R.E. Team, Academic Intervention Team and Beacon Alert Team. The PPC acts as a hearing officer for the student conduct process, advises the Student Conduct Board, and provides residents with the resources that may best serve them while promoting student success and empowerment. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Associate/Assistant Directors These full-time professionals are responsible for the administration of residential areas. Associate/Assistant Directors supervise the RLCs and may be reached at their offices, which are located in Grace King Hall. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Central Office Staff These university employees serve under the executive director of the Department of Residential Life and are responsible for management, administration, and support functions of the department. Some of these functions include room assignments, budget, payroll and personnel management, renovation and repairs, and computer networking. Community Living 6

8 Getting Involved Getting involved in your community is a great way to meet new friends, learn valuable skills, and contribute positively to your living environment. Here are a few available leadership opportunities... Residence Hall Association - rha@lsu.edu The Residence Hall Association (RHA) represents all students living in residence halls and campus apartments. RHA acts as a governing body by reviewing and recommending changes in regulations, policies, and physical facilities pertinent and beneficial to students living on campus. RHA also organizes and sponsors educational, social, and leadership activities of benefit and interest to on-campus residents. RHA is composed of student officers elected by on-campus students. The president, vice president, and elections commissioner are elected at the end of the spring semester, and the president and vice president appoint an executive staff, which serves a term that spans one calendar year. On-campus residents are automatically general members of the RHA and are entitled to cast one vote in all general elections. Community Council Community Councils reflect the interests and concerns of residents by planning and implementing social and educational programs. Each residence hall and apartment complex is represented by a Community Council, which is comprised of a representative from each hall and a number of officers. Volunteers are always needed to help with these programs and leadership opportunities within the community councils. No matter what your interest or talents, community council will help you use them to make your community your own. The officers are elected at the beginning of the fall semester by residents of the community. Any resident, including freshmen, may run for Community Council positions. To learn more about your Community Council and how you can get involved visit pool table, etc.). By purchasing a Community Council Activity Card, a resident takes their first step in supporting their living experience. National Residence Hall Honorary - nrhh@lsu.edu The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is an honorary student organization made up of the top 1% of student leaders in the residence halls. NRHH focuses on four main aspects - recognition, leadership, service, and scholarship. To be considered for NRHH, a student must have lived on campus for at least one academic year, maintained a 2.5 GPA, and contributed in excellent ways to your residential community. Each semester students are nominated and inducted into NRHH at a special ceremony in their honor. Of The Month - One of the main recognition programs coordinated by NRHH is the Of the Month or OTM program. Throughout the year, students, faculty, and staff nominate outstanding programs or individuals for an Of the Month award. To submit a nomination, visit These nominations compete at the campus level and have the opportunity to be considered for both regional and national awards in a variety of categories. University Hearing Panel - rlstudentconduct@lsu.edu The University Hearing Panel exists to provide students with the opportunity to be actively involved in the University Accountability Process. Through the University Hearing Panel, violations of LSU policies (academic, behavioral, Residential Life) may be addressed by students, faculty members and staff members. What makes the Community Council so successful is that a group of volunteer student leaders takes initiative to make a difference for the community by lobbying for change and offering creative activities. Community Councils, with assistance by the Residence Hall Association, conduct their annual fund raiser at the beginning of the year with their Activity Card sale. 7 Activity Cards - When residents move into their community in the fall semester, they are asked if they would like to buy a Community Council Activity Card. The funds are then used by the Community Council to hold community activities and enhance the living environment. This card identifies that the resident is a stakeholder in the Community Council account; and, depending on the community, the resident will be able to use various items when they present their activity card at the front desk (e.g. vacuum, board games,

9 Return to Housing from Medical or Behavioral Treatment or Care In the event that a student is transported, voluntarily or involuntarily, to a medical or behavioral health treatment center, the student will be required to provide information to Residential Life in order to return to his/her on-campus housing assignment. Residential Life reserves the right to deny permission to return to campus housing at the sole discretion of the department. The student will be fully responsible for his/her own living arrangements and expenses off-campus, including all financial obligations, until all review actions are completed by LSU and the student is approved by LSU to return to on-campus housing. Student Accountability Process The mission of the student accountability process for the Department of Residential Life is: To provide an accountability process that holds students accountable for unacceptable behaviors that occur within an on-campus residential community or that involve oncampus residents To protect the rights of all members of the university community To educate students regarding the responsibilities inherent in an on-campus residential community, including abiding by policies that are established for the safety and welfare of the community To provide students serving on the University Hearing Panel with an opportunity for leadership and service to the on-campus residential community and university Documented is the term used by most people in the university community when they are referring to the process that occurs when a staff member or resident witnesses and reports an alleged violation of university/housing policies, as outlined in the LSU Code of Student Conduct, housing contract, and this handbook. In some instances law enforcement may become involved. In most cases when a student is observed potentially violating a university policy, a Residential Life staff member will identify himself or herself, communicate which policy has been violated, and request identification from the student. If you find yourself in such a position, you should remember that the conduct system is part of the total educational process and is protective of your rights. Always cooperate, be honest, and produce your LSU ID immediately upon request. When writing an incident report, the Residential Life staff member will include every detail that was observed before, during, and after the incident. The incident report is reviewed by staff members and makes the best educational decision as to the next course of action. If it is decided that the incident warrants follow-up, a meeting will be scheduled with you by appropriate university staff. At this meeting, you will be allowed to present your side of the story. You will also be allowed to review the incident report when appropriate. When a resident s behavior endangers the life of a person, threatens the functionality of a safe and comfortable community, or a resident has a history of conduct violations, the Department of Residential Life may review the resident s contract for housing. During this process, a decision to terminate the housing contract, relocate to another on-campus location, or allow the resident to remain in his/her current location is made. A copy of the LSU Housing Application and Contract may be obtained either online at lsu.edu/housing or from the receptionist in Grace King Hall, and is also provided in Appendix A of this handbook. Students with questions about the conduct or contractual process should contact the Residential Life Student Conduct Office, or their RLC. Community Living 8

10 Safety: A Shared Responsibility Annual Security and Fire Safety Per the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the annual Clery Act security report is available on the LSU Police Department web site. Go to click on Jeanne Clery Act/Crime Information, click on Annual Reports, and then click on the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report link. Emergency Preparation Save the numbers in the yellow box below in your cell phone now in case you ever need them. Also, post them in a convenient and visible location at your residence. By saving a few minutes during an emergency, you could save a life. NUMBERS TO KNOW LSU Police Department B.R. Police Department Campus Transit (5:30 p.m. 3:00 a.m.) Emergency Communication In the event of an emergency, LSU s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated. The university has multiple ways of communicating emergency situations to students, faculty, and staff: EMERGENCY TEXT MESSAGING SYSTEM If you have not already done so, sign up for the university s emergency text messaging system by visiting BROADCAST VOICE MAIL Anyone with voice mail capability on their on-campus phone will receive broadcast voice mails. BROADCAST Anyone with a university address will receive broadcast s. LSU WEBSITE Access the university web site at for information. Personal Safety What can you do to protect yourself? Don t feel safe walking at night? Call Campus Transit at from 5:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. every day. If you are coming in late to your residence and do not want to park in the remote lots and walk by yourself, stop by the Public Safety Building on South Stadium Drive and come inside. A driver will follow you to your lot and pick you up and bring you to your residence hall or apartment. You can also call the LSU Police for an escort after 3:00 a.m. Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary. When walking, keep to well lit, commonly traveled routes. Familiarize yourself with campus. Avoid taking shortcuts and dark, isolated areas, especially at night. Walk purposefully, know where you are going, and project a confident image. If you feel threatened, locate an emergency phone or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it. Have your room and car keys ready; carry them in your pockets or have them easily accessible. Lock your doors and windows when you are not in your room or are sleeping. Do not post personal contact information such as phone numbers or your on-campus address on public web sites. Community Safety What can you do to protect our residence hall and apartment communities? If you see suspicious persons in or around your residence hall or apartment or feel threatened at any time, contact the LSU Police Department ( ) immediately and report it to the front desk of your residence hall or apartment. Never prop open a door. Never let someone you do not know into a building. Observe all policies and procedures. Report any security concerns to a residence hall or apartment staff member. 9

11 Severe Weather Procedures In case of severe thunderstorms or tornados, you should immediately move to the interior of their residence hall or apartment, away from windows. In the event of a hurricane, the university will provide instructions via the LSU website, emergency text messaging system, and the Residential Life staff. In all severe weather situations, be sure to stay in contact with and follow the instructions of Residential Life staff members. During emergencies, such as severe weather, the Department of Residential Life works with the EOC to determine evacuation procedures. Once the EOC has been enacted, all members of the LSU on-campus community are required to abide by EOC directives. Prior to an emergency, such as severe weather, you should determine your personal evacuation plan. Call Boxes Emergency telephones have been added to some parking areas and at the entrance of most residence halls. To operate the emergency phone, simply press the red emergency button. It will connect you directly to LSUPD. Speak into the speaker. You may call other on-campus numbers from the phone by pressing the black call button and dialing the telephone number. Evacuation Procedures The following locations will be used in the case of an evacuation, such as a fire alarm. Please find the nearest exit and stand at your community s assigned meeting area and wait for further instructions. Outside evacuation locations are also listed. If weather or other circumstances are not favorable for assembly outside, residents and staff will go to the indoor location listed. When a fire alarm or evacuation alarm is activated, you are required to immediately evacuate the building. Residential Community Acadian Hall Annie Boyd Hall Blake Hall Outdoor Location Field south of Acadian Hall Behind Evangeline Hall Field south of Acadian Hall Indoor Location Blake Hall Evangeline Hall Acadian Hall Broussard Hall Pentagon Courtyard WCA Activity Center Cypress Hall Hart parking lot Kirby Smith Hall East Laville Hall ECA Evangeline Hall Southeast corner of Evangeline Hall Parking lot/eca Activity Center Behind Evangeline Hall Evangeline Hall ECA Activity Center ECA Activity Center Herget Hall Herget parking lot Miller Hall Highland Hall Green space between Evangeline Hall Louise Garig Hall & Highland Road Kirby Smith Hall Hart parking lot WCA Activity Center / Broussard Hall Louise Garig Hall McVoy Hall Grassy area between Louise Garig Hall & Highland Road Parking lot west of McVoy Hall Evangeline Hall Blake Hall Miller Hall Miller parking lot Herget Hall Pentagon Halls Pentagon Courtyard Broussard Hall Residential Courtyard Broussard Hall College One - Faculty in Residence Building Residential Courtyard Broussard Hall College One - North Hall Residential Courtyard Broussard Hall College One - South Hall Residential Courtyard Broussard Hall College One - West Hall WCA Kirby Smith parking lot/wca Activity Center WCA Activity Center/Broussard Hall West Laville Hall Southeast corner of Evangeline Hall Evangeline Hall Safety 10

12 Policies LEGEND r A This symbol indicates the information only applies to residence halls. The residence hall information also has gold shaded boxes behind the information. This symbol indicates the information only applies to apartments. The apartment information also has purple shaded boxes behind the information. The rationale for all policies is that every student has the opportunity to take advantage of the academic and co-curricular opportunities offered at LSU. In order to ensure this basic right for all residents, we need cooperation. Rules - whether they are state and federal laws, city ordinances, university regulations, or departmental policies - are created for the purpose of clarifying the rights and responsibilities of each individual. Residents are expected to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities (outlined in the LSU Code of Student Conduct) so the on-campus experience will be of greatest benefit to all. By assuming joint responsibility for these policies, we are able to work together as a community to build a great place to live. Alcohol The Department of Residential Life is committed to maintaining an academic and social environment that promotes the intellectual and personal development of students. Only those residents who have attained the legal drinking age of 21 can possess and/ or consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their own assigned room. When alcohol is present, all persons present in the room must be 21 or older. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol is limited to resident rooms and is not permitted in hallways, balconies, lounges, stairways, courtyards, community bathrooms, parking lots, activity centers or any public area within the residential community. Alcohol is not permitted in any of the residential colleges, the Honors House, or Tiger Bridge, regardless of age. All alcohol transported through public areas must be unopened. Beer kegs and other common source alcohol containers are not permitted. Animals The Department of Residential Life allows residents to have fish in aquariums of a 20-gallon capacity or less. Visiting pets are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. Residents found with animals other than fish in a 20-gallon capacity or less aquarium must remove the animal immediately and will be assessed a fee for the cleaning and/or flea treatment of all areas where the animal was present within the on-campus community. Service and Assistance Animals In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are allowed in all parts of residential communities on campus. Assistance animals, in accordance with the Fair Housing 11 Act, are only allowed in a student s dwelling. Both service and assistance animals must be registered with the Office of Disability Services and Residential Life. Contact the Office of Disability Services at or disability@lsu.edu for more information and the registration process. Appliances The following items are not allowed in residence halls and apartments: 2.4GHz cordless phones Air-conditioning units Candle/wax warmers Ceiling fans that are not already installed Coffee makers without automatic shut-off Dishwashers that are not already installed Halogen lamps and lava lamps Microwaves over 1,000 watts Multi-headed lamps or Medusa lamps Refrigerators larger than 5 cubic feet Space heaters Toasters, convection toaster ovens, or any other appliance with an exposed heating element Washers and dryers that are not already installed Wireless Internet routers a Appliances for Apartments Only Residents are expected to keep all provided appliances clean and in good condition. If a problem arises at any time with provided appliances, please contact the front desk in the activity center to report the problem. Residents are permitted to bring the following items in the apartments, provided they are used properly. These items are not allowed in the residence halls: Hot plates Indoor grills with automatic shut-off Rice cookers Toaster ovens and Toasters Waffle irons a Balconies & Porches - Apartments Residents are welcome to place small plant containers on balcony and porch areas, so long as the items do not impede ability to safely exit the apartment building. A 36-inch clearance should be maintained from doorways, on breezeways and stairs. In general, balconies and porches are not to be used as storage areas.

13 Bicycles Baton Rouge city law requires bicycles to be registered. This will assist law enforcement officials with recovery should a bicycle be stolen. Visit the LSU Police Department on South Stadium Road to register your bicycle, or find more information at Bicycles are to be parked in established bike racks located outside each residential area. A resident may store bicycles in his/her room but first must make certain his/her roommate agrees to this. Per fire regulations, bicycles may not be attached in any way to any part of a building. This includes trees and other plants within a community. Throughout the year, if a bicycle is left attached to or within a Residential Life building or stairwell, it will be removed and impounded by Parking & Transportation Services. Please walk or carry bicycles when transporting the bicycle in a residential community. At the end of the semester, please remember to take all bicycles home. If a bicycle is left attached to a bike rack, or attached to or within a Residential Life building at the end of the spring semester, it will be removed and impounded by Parking & Transportation Services. Candles & Incense Candles, incense, and/or candle/wax warmers are not permitted in the residence halls and apartments. Potpourri, oil scented reed diffusers, room sprays, and scented electrical plug-ins are examples of items that are allowed within residence halls and apartments. Please contact your RA to determine if an item is allowed within your community. Cleaning your Room or Apartment Residents are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of his/her room or apartment. Custodial staff cleans only the suite-style bathroom areas once a week. If the custodians are unable to enter the bathrooms due to clutter, the resident will opt out of the provided cleaning for that week. Regular vacuuming and general cleaning are expected of all residents to maintain the room or apartment. When cleaning the vinyl wood and tile floors, never use wax; instead, use a clean mop, warm water, and a mild detergent. Never use a bleach product or a tile cleaner with a bleaching agent. Be careful not to splash water onto the carpeted areas and be cautious as wet areas quickly become slick. Any major stains or damages should be reported to the front desk immediately. Cooking Students are authorized to cook in the following areas on campus: r Residence halls Personal rooms with microwaves, hall kitchenettes, and grilling areas (see Grills & Grilling section). a Apartments Apartment kitchen, personal rooms with microwaves, and grilling areas (see Grills & Grilling section). For fire safety reasons, all cooking with grease, such as frying, is not allowed in on-campus residential areas. Residents are responsible for maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of the cooking areas. Decorations All residents are encouraged to decorate their living space. While decorating, remember to follow the guidelines to ensure that any creative efforts do not cause hazards. State Fire Code Regulations must be adhered to at all times. Door Decorations When decorating room doors, residents are not allowed to cover the room number or peephole. Decorations should allow residents access to the locking mechanism and doorknob. Exterior doors are public space. If decorations do not comply with Residential Life s mission or values they may be removed at the discretion of the university. Food and Beverage Containers as Decorations Empty food and beverage containers may not be used as decorations within on-campus communities due to the fact that they pose a health and safety risk by attracting insects, animals, and mold. Hanging Decorations When hanging decorations on the walls, doors, or other surfaces remember to use only reusable, non-adhesive putty. Glue, nails, screws, duct tape, carpet tape, or double-sided tape will damage surfaces and residents will be responsible for repair costs. Mounting televisions or other electronics is also not permitted. Stickers, wallpaper, or adhesive-backed shelf paper cannot be affixed to any university property for the same reasons. Nothing should be hung on or around sprinkler system heads or windows. Residents are responsible for damages incurred by hanging items in their room or apartment. Holiday Decorations All holiday decorations must be in compliance with the policies outlined in this handbook. Live trees and wreaths are not allowed in on-campus residence halls and apartments. Contact the community s staff for questions. Policies 12

14 Windows It is not permissible to hang or place anything in or on the windows that may be viewed from outside the building other than blinds or curtains. all university provided furniture must remain in the room or apartment during the school year. Room dimensions can vary. For more information on the specific layout of your residence hall room or apartment, visit Distribution of Advertisement Only university departments and LSU registered student organizations may present items to be posted within the residence halls and apartments. If a student organization would like to present items for posting, those items must be brought to Grace King Hall room 210 for review and approval. The name of the department or registered student organization must be on the advertisement. Please visit lsu.edu/housing for more details about advertising in the halls. Doors Tampering with, forcing or disabling a door s locking mechanism, or propping open a main entrance or locked door and leaving it unattended, is prohibited. Drugs Illegal use, possession, or distribution of drugs or controlled substances is not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. Possession or use of drug related paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, grinders, and pipes is prohibited in and around the adjacent property of the residence halls and apartments. Suspected violations will be reported to campus police. Elevators Tampering with elevator safety systems, placing furniture in the elevators, or engaging in activities that may damage or interfere with the operation and safety of the residence elevators is prohibited. The Department of Residential Life utilizes the LSU system for communicating with residents. Residents are responsible for all material sent to their LSU account by Residential Life, and should check it at least once every 24 hours. Extension Cords With the many personal items residents bring to campus today, we understand that residents may need to use extension cords. For safety concerns, use caution and adhere to the manufacturer s instructions. All extension cords must have the UL label approval, have a minimum conductor size of 16 AWG copper, and be three-pronged (three-conductor). There is a limit of one extension cord per electrical outlet. Do not plug in multiple extension cords together. Residents may not run cords under rugs or mattresses, over sinks, through doorways, or through windows. Furniture All rooms have beds, desks, desk chairs, and closet space. Residents are welcome to bring in extra furniture, however 13 Use care when adjusting or moving any of the furniture in your room. Residents are responsible for all furniture and its condition upon checkout of their space. Water beds are not allowed in the residence halls or apartments. Furniture in public areas such as lounges, lobbies, and activity centers is for the use of all community members. Furniture located in common areas may not be removed. Lofts/Bunking of Beds Lofting of beds is raising or lowering a bed utilizing the provided bed frame within a residence hall room or apartment. Beds are allowed to be lofted in all communities on campus. Bunking of beds is to stack one bed on top of another bed utilizing the bed frame provided by the Department of Residential Life. Bunking of beds is allowed in all of the residence halls, except for Annie Boyd, Blake, Cypress, Herget, McVoy, Miller, East & West Laville Halls and Residential College One - South, West, and North Halls. (The beds in the aforementioned halls are designed to be lofted between 12 57, but are NOT designed to be safely bunked.) Residents wishing to bunk their bed, should contact their community s front desk for assistance. Bed risers are not allowed within on-campus communities. a Beds are not allowed to be bunked in the apartments. Bed Rails Raising or Lowering of Beds If you would like your bed raised or lowered or would like a bed rail, contact your community s front desk for assistance during normal business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Garbage Removal Residents are responsible to place their garbage in trash barrels available on each floor or in the dumpsters located outside of the residence hall and apartments. Large items must be taken outside to the dumpsters. Garbage may not be kept in the hallways, stairwells, or balconies. Grills & Grilling Residents may grill on university grounds outside residential areas. Grills are required to be at least 25 feet away from the building. Residents are responsible for cleaning and clearing all debris and trash utilized for grilling, and ensuring that flames and embers are extinguished completely. Storage of flammable materials (including charcoal and lighter fluid) is not permitted anywhere inside or near a residence hall or apartment. Grills may be stored inside of a residence hall room or apartment only if they

15 have been properly cleaned and cooled down. We recommend single-use grilling materials and utilize grilling stations provided in the residential or apartment community. Guests & Guest Visitation The privilege to have guests in a residence hall, room, or apartment is based upon mutual respect and balance between and among roommates/suitemates. It is expected that students who live in shared living spaces will be respectful and courteous to one another, communicate with one another, show willingness to compromise, and act in good faith in the matter of guests. The presence of a guest in a residence hall, room, or apartment must not compromise the personal or academic well-being of roommates, suitemates or other building residents. Guests are welcome in a resident s room, suite or apartment only upon agreement of all roommates/ suitemates. A roommate/suitemate has the right to ask a guest to leave at any time. Guests may be present in common areas within a community as long as they are escorted by a resident of the community and it is within visitation hours. Guests will be asked to leave the building or community by Residential Life staff members if they are found to be disrupting the community or in violation of Residential Life or LSU policy. Consequences for violating the guest policy for LSU students range from Disciplinary Probation to removal from on-campus housing. r Guest Visitation Hours Residence Halls 10 a.m. 1 a.m. Days class is in session 10 a.m. 3 a.m. Days class is not in session a Guest Visitation Hours Apartments 24-Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Guest Type LSU Student Guest: Guests who are LSU students must be escorted to the room/apartment by the resident host. Guests must be escorted at all times within the community. LSU students must provide LSU ID to University staff members (including RAs) upon request of the staff member. Non-LSU Student Guest: The host is expected to come to the lobby to meet their guest at the front door, sign in their guest, and escort their guest at all time. The visitor will present identification (state or federal issued ID) to the front desk. Guests must be escorted by their hosts at all times. At the end of the visit, the host must escort the visitor back to the front desk for check out. Escort Policy All guests are required to adhere to visitation hours and to be escorted by their resident hosts/hostesses at all times while in the residence halls and apartments. Guests must also use the gender appropriate restrooms in the community; these facilities may be located in the lobbies. Bathrooms located within suites are designated to the gender of the occupants of the suite. Guests cannot be left in the building, residence hall, or apartment when host is not present. In all residential areas, residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests. Cohabitation Cohabitation exists when a person who is not assigned to a particular residence hall room or apartment uses that room or apartment as if he or she were living there. Cohabitation is a violation of the housing contract and is not permitted. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, accessing the room or apartment while the assigned residents are not present, utilizing a key to enter a room or apartment to which one is not assigned, keeping clothing and/or other personal belongings in the residence hall or apartment, sleeping overnight in the room or apartment on a regular basis, and using the bathroom and shower facilities as if they lived in that room or apartment. Overnight Guest Registration Overnight guests must be registered with the community s RLC and all roommates/suitemates must consent to the overnight guest. Guests must be the same gender as the resident and must be 13 years of age or older. Guests are allowed to stay for a maximum of three (3) consecutive nights, limited to five (5) nights per semester. Due to the high stress nature of the final exam period, residents are strongly encouraged not to host overnight guests during that time. Overnight guest forms are available for residents from the RLC. a Guest Policy for Apartments Residing within East Campus Apartments and West Campus Apartments provides residents with slightly more privileges yet additional responsibilities. All roommates are required to complete and adhere to a Roommate Agreement. This agreement allows roommates to share their limitations and areas of comfort with one another. Although visitation hours in the apartments are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the Cohabitation and Overnight Guest Registration policy remains consistent throughout all residential facilities. It is imperative that the host escort the guest at all times. Guests should not be left in the residential community or apartment when the host is not present. Policies Apartment Guest: Guests may proceed directly to the apartment door of the host they are visiting and wait for them to be escorted inside the apartment. 14

16 Harassment Activity (verbal, written, graphic, and/or physical) that is threatening in nature or any form of harassment is prohibited. This can include, but is not limited to: posting or distributing material and/or behaving in a manner that is offensive and may contribute to a hostile environment; putting offensive posters/ pictures in areas available to public views, including windows or common areas; using or other electronic messaging, voice mail, message boards, mail, computer networks or other mediums to convey obscene or otherwise objectionable messages or materials; writing graffiti in residence buildings or encouraging or engaging in offensive acts or behavior; and repeatedly following or attempting to make unwanted contact with another person. Any resident who directly witnesses or experiences harassment (or finds evidence of or hears about past harassment) in an LSU residence hall or apartment community should file a report with a member of the Residential Life team; the team member will complete an incident report and will provide a list of offices that can give support and guidance to anyone who has experienced or witnessed the harassment. The resident filing a report may elect to keep his/her identity confidential. Keys and Locks For the safety of all residents and their personal belongings, residents must lock the doors to their rooms when not present. Students are not permitted to install their own locks in their rooms and apartments. Picking Up Your Keys Keys are issued to a student upon completing the check-in process. The key to a resident s room is to be used only by the resident. The proper use of keys and locks helps to insure a safer residence hall environment. Failing to lock one s room, leaves both the resident s and their roommate s belongings at risk of theft or vandalism. Residents will be responsible for all keys issued to them upon check-out. Residents of Annie Boyd Hall, Blake Hall, Cypress Hall, East Laville Hall, West Laville Hall, or Residential College One - South, West, and North Halls, will not be issued a traditional key for their room. These halls utilize the resident s LSU Tiger Card, along with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unlock the room door. Residents should not share their PIN with others. Lost and Damaged Keys Immediately report a lost or damaged room key to the front desk for proper replacement. A lock and key replacement charge will be billed directly to the resident s fee bill. Residents will be liable for fees to replace any key not turned in at check-out. Lock Out Policy Residential Life strongly encourages residents to keep their key(s) and LSU ID on their person at all times. Sometimes residents may find themselves accidentally locked out of their room or apartments. If this occurs, residents may speak to Residential Life staff at their front desk or activity center to gain access to their room. Repeated lockouts may result in a charge to a resident s fee bill. Suite Bath Lock Outs For residents living in suite-style residence hall rooms, remember to keep the bathroom door unlocked when not in use. Per Fire Marshall regulations, the bathroom doors may not be locked from the bedroom. Copies of Keys Copying keys or key cards issued by Residential Life is prohibited. Littering Please help us maintain clean and well maintained facilities. Residents and visitors to the residence halls and apartments are required to keep hallways, public areas, stairwells, and landscaping clean and free of trash. Trash left outside of living areas (in hallways, balconies, outside of front doors, in stairwells, etc.) will incur charges. 15

17 Noise & Quiet Hours The Department of Residential Life supports the mission of LSU and in those efforts aims to create academicallysupportive environments for all residents. All residents are expected to respect the rights of other residents to sleep and study. Courtesy hours are in effect 24-hours a day. This means stereos, radios, TVs, musical instruments, and all noise must be kept to levels that will not interfere with the study or sleep of other residents. Sound carries easily throughout a residential community, and even activities such as stomping or bouncing balls on the floor can often be heard by other members of the community. It is each resident s right as well as responsibility to let others being disruptive know when their noise levels and activities are disruptive. First contact that resident to lower the volume level; if the resident is not responsive to the request, contact the RA or the front desk for assistance. Residents should also be considerate and flexible with their own noise level. Loitering Residents and non-residents are not to cause disturbances around buildings or in lobbies. Disturbances caused by residents and their guests may be considered loitering; loitering is defined as remaining in an area for no obvious reason. If a staff member determines that loitering is occurring, the staff will ask the involved parties to leave. Quiet Hours Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Quiet is defined such that sound cannot be heard in another room with the door and windows closed. Concentrated Study Hours At the end of each semester, the university concentrated study period takes place before and during final exams. During this time, 24-hour quiet time is maintained to support the academically intensive period during finals. Stress levels often peak during these times so be considerate and flexible when asked to lower volume levels. Personal Safety Items Residents are allowed to possess items such as pepper spray and mace for personal safety within on-campus residential communities. These items may only be used for personal protection. Items may not be used to intimidate or harm another person within on-campus residential communities or on the LSU campus. Private Enterprise Residents are not permitted to operate a business from their room or in any residential area. Doing so is considered private enterprise and is not permitted. Personal solicitation for tickets, apartments, books, etc. is prohibited. Property Misuse & Damages Vandalism Vandalizing university property or other residents personal property is prohibited. Please respect fellow community members as well as the facilities so that everyone can have an enjoyable living experience. Residents experiencing vandalism of any kind, should contact Residential Life staff members immediately. Damages Residents are responsible for damages incurred accidentally, carelessly, or maliciously to their room and apartment. Appropriate damage charges will be assessed. Room/Apartment Entry by Staff Residential Life staff members make every reasonable effort to respect the privacy of all residents. There are times, however, when authorized personnel may enter a room or apartment. This occurs under the following circumstances: When either student in a room provides permission when there is an immediate threat, or reason to believe that there is a threat, to the health and/or safety of residents or property. When it is necessary to preserve campus order, security, or discipline. During fire drills, alarms, or severe weather evacuations for purposes of routine maintenance repairs or inspections. To shut off unattended loud stereos, radios, persistently ringing alarm clocks or telephones, or other noiseproducing devices, after attempting to contact the residents of a room. To open doors for suite-style bath lockouts. To conduct semester health and safety inspections after receiving at least 24-hour notice. To conduct quarterly pest control treatments. To conduct end of the semester room inspections. To conduct room inspections after a resident moves out of a space. By search warrant issued by a university official pursuant to the LSU Code of Student Conduct or agency of the law. Please be advised that Residential Life staff members will lock any unsecured doors (front doors only in the apartment communities) found during the room/apartment entry process. Please review the Key and Locks policy for further information regarding room or apartment lock-out procedures. Custodial staff members will enter rooms to clean bathrooms within communities and apartments with private or suite bathrooms, and to change air filters in heating/cooling units once per month. Maintenance staff members will enter rooms to make requested or needed repairs when needed. Policies 16

18 The Department of Residential Life may conduct periodic unannounced safety inspections of rooms to ensure that fire-safety equipment is operational and that smoke detectors have not been covered or disengaged. If a resident has reason to believe that his/her room has been entered, inspected, or searched under conditions not consistent with the above statements, the resident should contact their RLC and/or assistant director of their community. Safety Equipment Safety equipment including sprinklers, smoke detectors, heat sensors, fire exit signs, fire extinguishers, pull stations, hoses, alarm bells, and any other safety equipment is necessary to safeguard residents. Activating, handling, using, or interfering with any fire or safety equipment for any reason other than an emergency is prohibited at all times. Examples include but are not limited to discharging fire extinguishers, touching fire alarm pull stations or fire hoses, hanging objects from sprinkler heads, tampering with EXIT signs, or striking safety equipment with an object. Residents are required to immediately evacuate buildings in the event of a fire alarm or other emergency. Solicitation For the safety of all residents, commercial solicitation is prohibited. No one is allowed to solicit door-to-door. This policy applies to vendors and organizations seeking funds, services, or membership. For on-campus groups wanting to advertise in the residence halls or apartments, visit lsu.edu/housing for details. Sprinkler System All rooms in the residence halls and apartments have a sprinkler system. Do not tamper with the heads protruding through the ceiling or wall. If the red glass cylinder is broken, a large amount of water will flow through this head and damage everything in the area, possibly including other rooms. Do not hang anything on the sprinkler head, as it could cause the glass to break and start the water flowing. If a sprinkler head is broken from resident negligence, the resident is responsible for all damages incurred. The sprinkler system is also tied into the LSU central system, which notifies the police that there is a fire in the building and activates the building alarm. If a resident notices any leaking from the sprinkler system contact the front desk immediately to report the problem. Student Privacy Rights Information regarding LSU policy about disclosure of student information can be found in Policy Statement 30/FERPA. Subleasing /Extra Residents Individual rooms may be occupied only by the residents assigned to that space by the Department of Residential Life. Residents who allow people to move into their room may face removal from campus housing and disciplinary action. Subleasing/ 17 contracting is not permitted. See the Guest & Guest Visitation section for more information on cohabitation. Tobacco To support the rights of all residents and in compliance with university policy, residential communities are tobacco-free, including cigarettes as well as smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes). The use of tobacco products is prohibited in both individual rooms and in public areas within the halls and apartments. The use of tobacco and tobacco related items is also prohibited on campus. Students must move to off-campus locations or a personal vehicle with closed windows for the use and storage of tobacco products. Transportation Residents who want to use roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, scooters, or bicycles are asked to use the designated recreational trails around campus for these activities. These activities are not permitted in and around residence hall or apartments areas in an effort to protect the safety of other residents. Bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters must follow traffic rules and are not permitted on sidewalks. Scooters must be stored at the bike racks/motorcycle parking area and are not to be stored inside or immediately outside of residence halls or apartment buildings. Bicycles, motorcycles, or scooters that are improperly stored will be ticketed or towed. Trespassing Within each community, there are areas that residents are not allowed to enter such as the roof and maintenance closets/ hallways. Please contact the RA, GRD, or RLC for questions regarding which areas are off-limits in each community. Weapons Possession of firearms (including but not limited to air pistols, BB guns, and paint guns), facsimile weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives (other than kitchen utensils), or dangerous weapons is prohibited in the residence halls and apartments and may result in immediate termination of a resident s housing contract. Windows Not all communities have windows that are able to be opened. The buildings with windows that open are as follows: Beauregard Hall* Jackson Hall* Broussard Hall LeJeune Hall* East Campus Apartments Louise Garig Hall Evangeline Hall Taylor Hall* West Campus Apartments Highland Hall* *Only bathroom windows are able to be opened Residents are not allowed to throw anything from their window. Screens must stay on windows at all times. Please see the Decorations section for information about window decorations and coverings.

19 Procedures Check-In/Check-Out Procedures All residents must properly check-in and check-out of the residence halls and apartments. Check-in occurs when residents pick up their room key. At that time residents will be issued a room key and a room inventory. Residents will also be asked to verify the room inventory within 48 hours of moving into their assignment. Check-out is held at the end of each academic year or when a resident moves out of their residence hall or apartment. To check-out residents must return their key and complete an inspection of their room with an RA. Damages incurred between check-in and check-out may be assessed after check-out inspections have been completed. During the check-out process, residents must remove all of their personal property. Residents who fail to remove their property will be charged and their property will be disposed of by the Department of Residential Life. r Closing Procedures for Fall Semester Residence halls close at the conclusion of the fall semester. Prior to the end of the fall semester, residents will be informed of closing procedures through community meetings conducted by RAs and by s sent by the Department of Residential Life. Prior to leaving campus for the fall semester, residents are required to complete the following steps: Secure belongings/valuables being left in the room for the break Move all belongings in the room off the floor Clean room and remove all trash Close and lock all windows Close window blinds Set thermostat to 72 degrees or place window air conditioner on medium cool Leave ceiling fans on Unplug, defrost, and clean personal refrigerators Unplug all electrical devices, except fish tanks Make arrangements for the care of your fish and plants during the break; take fish and plants home Turn off all lights Lock door(s) Turn in Department of Residential Life-issued key(s) to front desk as required Residents who fail to properly follow the fall semester closing procedures may be charged for improper check-out and/or lock change. Closing Procedures for Spring Semester Prior to the end of the spring semester, residents will be informed of closing procedures through community meetings conducted by RAs and by s sent by the Department of Residential Life. Residents must vacate their spring assignments within 24 hours of their final exam, unless other arrangements have been made with the community s Residence Life Coordinator. Graduating seniors should contact Residential Life for more information about spring check out. Contract Release Request for Severe Allergies The Department of Residential Life Academic Year Contract states, The terms of this contract is the academic year. Exceptions may be made for those students who have a significant and documented medical reason. One of the more common medical problems presented for consideration for release is allergies. Students, as well as family physicians, make the assumption that the residence halls or apartments aggravate allergies (i.e., the halls are dirty ). In addition, almost every person has some form of allergy, even though it may be minor. For the department to recommend living off campus, the allergies must be significant and documented. There are three methods used to treat allergic respiratory disease: (1) environmental control procedures; (2) management of symptoms with drug therapy; and (3) immunotherapy (allergy shots). Drug therapy and immunotherapy are not in any way related to where a person lives. An environmental control procedure is the condition that many students believe prevent them from living in the residence halls or apartments. Therefore, it is the opinion of the staff physicians at the LSU Student Health Center that allergies are not adequate reasons to live off campus. However, those individuals who have significant and documented allergies (i.e., those who are under the care of a physician or an allergist, have significant sensitivities to appropriate allergens, and are on an appropriate medical regimen) will be reviewed. If an individual has not seen a physician or an allergist and undergone allergy testing and been diagnosed with allergies, the allergies will not be deemed to be significant. All other requests for living off campus for medical or other reasons will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Procedures 18

20 Payments for Housing Residents are charged on a semester basis for residence hall and apartment space. Housing payments are due along with all other charges at the university fee bill deadline. Rental rates are set for each academic year and must be paid by the appropriate deadline to avoid removal from university housing. Fee bills are not mailed by the university and are to be accessed online through the mylsu portal. Room Changes Based on space availability, residents will be given the opportunity, during a specified time frame at the beginning of each semester, to request an assignment to another residence hall or apartment room. After this period, all students must meet with an assignments staff member in Grace King Hall or their RLC to discuss their requests for room changes. Rates increase on an annual basis due to utility increases, increase in costs of services, and maintenance of facilities. Student representatives from RHA assist the Department of Residential Life in determining the amount of the annual standard increase. Visit for a list of current rates. Reapplication Process The housing contract is an academic year contract for the fall and spring semesters. Students who are interested in returning to campus housing for subsequent years are invited to participate in our online housing contract renewal process (Campus Housing Contract Renewal or CHCR). This process occurs during the spring semester and allows students to renew their housing contract for an on-campus assignment (residence hall or apartment), with the option to invite others to share a room or apartment. Information regarding this process will be made available via the Residential Life website closer to the reapplication process dates. For more information about this process, please contact a Residential Life staff member. 19