Residence Life Guide to Living On-Campus

About this Guide:

The Residence Life Guide to Living On-Campus was created with the residential student in mind. It provides important information about living on campus, our policies and procedures, housing contract terms and conditions, and general community standards for all resident students at NSU. We urge you to familiarize yourself with this material as soon as you arrive on campus.

Our Community

Mission:
The Housing and Residence Life Department's mission is to providing students with a safe, comfortable and well-maintained living space in an academically and socially enriching environment. We are engaged facilitators educating the residential student population to challenge and support students towards academic and personal growth and development.
Vision: Housing and Residence Life at Northeastern State University will provide comfortable and safe living environments where students are individually and collectively challenged and supported on the path to become mature, contributing citizens in a dynamic, diverse, and global society.
Values: Care We value care as the foundation of how we approach our work and how we treat others, including residents, guests, fellow employees and campus partners. Included is the safety and security of our facilities and services.
Community: We value opportunities for impactful learning, growth, and innovation through active and intentional development of the community.
Inclusion - We all share the responsibility of being respectful and welcoming to everyone we encounter to support cross-cultural understanding and diversity for our student population.
Leadership: We value residents personal growth through leadership and seek to develop responsible leaders committed to the common goo

Learning: We value academic and personal success for all students. This value is exemplified through our emphasis on engagement and education outside the classroom and ensuring a dynamic residential setting where discovery, innovation, challenge and support, and respectful debate are foundations to the on-campus experience of the student.

Collaboration: We value the exchange of ideas and solutions through internal and external partnerships. This value is exemplified through the enhancement of the residential experience through training, community building, policy development, and integration of services.
Housing and Residence Life Staff
The Office of Housing & Residence Life and Residence Life staff team consists of students, paraprofessionals and professionals who are here to assist residents, students and guests. Our team consists of the Assistant Director of Residence Life, Information Systems Manager, Residence Area Coordinators, Student Hall Directors, Resident Assistants, secretaries and student assistants.

Directory Information
The office of Housing & Residence Life is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm for questions, concerns or assistance regarding resident applications, student accounts, room changes, etc. Any of the office staff members and the professional staff members of the Residence Life team may be reached by contacting the Housing Office at:
Office: 918-444-4700
Email: housing@nsuok.edu
Each residence hall has a front desk or office that is open Monday-Thursday, 1:00pm-12:00am & Friday-Sunday, 1:00pm-5:00pm. A resident assistant or desk attendant will be available to assist residents or guests as needed. Each residence hall or area has a Resident Assistant on Duty for assistance or in the event of an emergency Monday-Friday, 12:00am-8:00am & 24 hours a day on weekends. The residence hall front desks and on duty staff may be reached at:

• Cobb Hall
  • Front Desk: Not applicable
  • Mobile Duty Phone: 918-207-5492
• Haskell Hall
  • Front Desk: Not applicable
  • Mobile Duty Phone: 918-457-0669
• North Leoser Hall
  • Front Desk: 918-444-7110
  • Mobile Duty Phone: 918-207-2171
• Seminary Suites
  • Front Desk: 918-444-5620
  • Mobile Duty Phone: 918-457-0669
• South Leoser
  • Front Desk: 918-444-7310
  • Mobile Duty Phone: 918-207-2679
• Wyly Hall
  • Front Desk: Not applicable
  • Mobile Duty Phone: 918-207-5533

Residence Halls Association:

Residence Halls Association (RHA) is comprised of residents from all residential facilities. RHA works closely with Housing & Residence Life to plan events, parties, and programs for the entire on-campus community. RHA also works on services and projects that are related to residential living. RHA is the on-campus student government which makes recommendations to Housing and Food Services. RHA is supervised by an Executive Board. The Executive Board is elected for a one-year term. RHA attends national, regional, and state conferences. RHA can be one of the best ways to get involved on campus and all residence life students are encouraged to become involved. Stop by the RHA office in Leoser Center or call Ext. 4707 for further information.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The essence of the FERPA is to give a student the right to inspect his or her education records and to protect the privacy of these records. We have provided for you general information about FERPA, NSU's FERPA policy, and answers to questions that are frequently asked by students, parents, faculty and staff.
The online Consent to Release Student Records form is the preferred and easy way to submit your consent to disclose educational records maintained by Northeastern State University.

1. Go to go.nsuok.edu, login with your NSU username and password
2. Click on Students tab
3. Look for section titled Requests and Forms
4. Choose Consent to Release Student Records
5. Complete all required information
6. Click Submit

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Housing & Residence Life has several residential facilities that are ADA compliant to help students with disabilities. It is the student's responsibility to request assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) through the Office of Student Affairs prior to enrollment or at the start of each new semester. Students must meet the federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) for a qualified disability, which defines a disability as the following: A cognitive, physical, or emotional impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as working or learning. Any student requesting accommodation must submit a written request to Housing & Residence Life and the Office of Student Affairs. Students must also be able to provide valid documentation from an appropriate expert, professional or agency that:

1. States the disability and methods used to arrive at a diagnosis.
2. Describes the diagnostic criteria and/or instruments used.
3. And in the case of a learning disability ADD, or ADHD, is reasonably current and describes the current functional limitations.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The dean of student affairs, a chief judicial officer, or a designee administers the student conduct process, which includes investigating all complaints against university students, rendering appropriate decisions, and ensuring its proper implementation. The Student Rights and Responsibilities area has the delegated authority from the dean of student affairs for the overall execution of the Northeastern State University Student Conduct Code and the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents Judicial Process. The dean of student affairs, a chief judicial officer, or a designee, may also serve on the academic standards committee of the academic departments on campus and is available as a resource for questions related to policies and procedures affecting students and campus life.

Complaints may be filed by any member of the university community through Student Affairs, Public Safety or university administrators for non-academic matters, or from academic faculty or the dean's for academic integrity matters.

For more information on the Northeastern State University Student Conduct Code or the Student Rights and Responsibilities area, please contact the Coordinator of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Services Available to Residents

Residential Common Areas: Each residence hall has common areas available to residents. These areas may include TVs with cable, pool tables, ping pong tables, foosball, or video gaming equipment. Furniture and other furnishings must not be removed from these locations. Removal of furniture is considered a Residence Life policy violation.

Front Desk: Each residence halls staffs a front desk as a resource for residents and visitors. Each desk provides a variety of services from general assistance to equipment available for checkout. IDs are required when checking out any equipment from your halls front desk. Residents should utilize the front desk if they have a question, concern or emergency.

NSU Fitness Center: The Fitness Center is designed to provide NSU students, faculty, and staff with opportunities for recreation and fitness. As a resident, you are automatically granted access to the Fitness Center without an additional cost. The FIT offers state-of-the-art equipment, services, and programs to fit individual needs, as well as an indoor pool.

Parking and Traffic: All vehicles parked on campus are required to be registered with the Office of Parking and Traffic. It is important that you purchase your parking decal before the first day of classes. Students living on campus have specially designated parking areas; look for the orange residence hall parking signs. Parking and Traffic is located in the basement of the UC. Contact ext. 2444 if you have any questions.

Drop Zone (Mail Services): Mail service for the residence halls is provided by the Drop Zone, located in the basement of the University Center. Your mail will not be delivered. If you receive mail or a package, a notice will be emailed to your NSU account. It is your responsibility to pick up your mail/package at the Drop Zone. The Drop Zone also offers FAX, stamps, envelopes and full UPS service.

RiverHawk Shoppe: Located in the University Center, the RiverHawk Shoppe and bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, offers student many convenient supplies, textbooks and RiverHawk gear. The RiverHawk Shoppe also offers several textbook options which include rentals, e-books, new or used selections.

Northeastern Activities Board (NAB)

The mission of the Northeastern Activities Board (NAB) is to enhance the college experience by opening the door of opportunity to get involved on campus through student activities and entertainment. NAB plans and produces a wide variety of special programs and events for students by students allowing for a hands on experience, working with diverse groups of people, expanding creative horizons, challenging life knowledge, and leadership skills development. Please contact the Student Activities Office - University Center B01 or call 918-444-2526.

Northeastern Student Government Association (NSGA)

The Northeastern Student Government Association (NSGA) is the governing body for the NSU student population and consists of student leaders and organizations from across campus. NSGA is located on both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. NSGA is a primary outlet to address campus-wide student needs and desires. NSGA actively participates in NSU traditional events such as Homecoming and Big Event. They also support institutional priorities such as sustainability and service.

RiverHawk Food Pantry

The RiverHawk Food Pantry officially opened on September 9, 2013 on the Tahlequah campus. The pantry is currently 132 sq.ft. with six heavy duty shelving units that on average store 10,000 plus lbs. of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products. The pantry is open to any current NSU student. These students may visit the pantry once a week to receive nutritional assistance for themselves and any dependents they may have. The Pantry is open Tuesday's 8am-12pm and Friday's 2pm-5pm. Please contact 918-444-2644 for more details or questions.

HawkReach Counseling Services

HawkReach Counseling Services offers free confidential counseling to all enrolled students. Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please call (918)-444-2042 for more information. HawkReach Counseling Services is located in the Leoser Complex just north of the Housing office.

Student Financial Services

The Northeastern State University Office of Student Financial Services is dedicated to informing and educating you on options regarding federal student aid. The NSU Office of Financial Aid staff adheres to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) code of conduct. Our main purpose is to provide you with the opportunity to reach your educational goals by ensuring you receive all eligible federal aid. The Office of Student Financial Services is located on the Tahlequah campus in the red brick building (Seminary Bath House), which is directly behind Seminary Hall. Please call 918-444-3456 for more information.

Emergency Procedures

All residents are required to follow the Residence Life emergency procedures. Awareness of your environment and taking precautions is necessary for your personal safety and the safety of your fellow residents. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the emergency and evacuation plans.

Fire Safety:

Here are some tips to make your room safe from fire:

• Do not overload your electrical circuits.
• Turn off heat bearing appliances (e.g., irons, curling irons, etc.).
• Keep room exits clear including windows.
• The use of candles, incense, oil lamps, etc., is prohibited.
• Toaster/broiler ovens, bottled gas appliances, or flammable liquids are not allowed in residential facilities.
• Do not hang cloth from ceilings or over your lights.

If you see defective equipment or someone tampering with equipment, notify your RA.

Fire Alarm Evacuation

NSU takes every precaution to prevent fires in residential facilities. If you hear the alarm or see a fire, remain calm. Act fast, but do not panic.

Hall Evacuation Locations

Cobb Hall Front exit: Business & Technology sidewalk; Fire escapes - Baseball Bleachers

North Leoser Hall: NWL- 2nd century square; NL/NEL- Baseball bleachers

Seminary Suites: Redman Heritage Wall or sidewalks or Optometry bldg. sidewalks

South Leoser Hall: SWL/SL- 2nd century square; SEL- Baseball bleachers

Haskell Hall: West side of the Redmen Heritage Wall and sidewalks

Courtside: Tennis courts

Wyly Hall: West exit- CCF sidewalks; East exit- Baseball bleachers

Your Resident Assistant (RA), Student Hall Director (SHD), and Area Coordinator (AC) will be helping to evacuate the building while UPD notifies the fire department. Report any missing person to your hall staff. Failure to evacuate will result in disciplinary action. Causing a false fire alarm will result in disciplinary action and assessment of any fines incurred by the University as a result of the false alarm.

Tornado & Severe Weather Policy
When severe weather approaches, UPD monitors meteorologist reports, civil defense information and the local radio. UPD will contact residence hall staff if the determination is made that students need to begin to take cover.

If you are in the residence halls and hear the civil defense sirens or are asked by a residence hall staff member to begin taking cover, you need to make sure that you are wearing shoes, have your ID and keys with you, secure your room and move to the lowest area in your building. Residence hall staff members will direct you to the shelter area in your hall. There are several shelter areas on campus if you are between buildings. The University Center and

Business and Technology all have basement shelters.
UPD will notify the campus community that severe weather has passed and that it is safe to leave the shelters by making an all clear announcement over the public address system. Please follow these guidelines and procedures if severe weather occurs. Obstruction of staff ability to perform duties will result in disciplinary action

Shelter in Place:
Shelter in Place is the practice of evacuating students to a safe location within the residence hall or building in the event that a storm, tornado or other natural/man-made disaster presents a danger to students that prevents them from safely moving to a designated shelter. The Shelter in Place location should be identified within each building and should have the following characteristics:
Be on the first floor or basement,
Be free of windows and other glass structures,
Have doors or other mechanisms for sealing or closing off the area and
Be accessible to students with disabilities.

Hall Shelter in PLace

Cobb Hall: First Floor Suites

North Leoser Hall: Central Hallway Mile of Tile

Seminary Suites: First Floor Apartments

South Leoser Hall: Central Hallway Mile of Tile

Haskell Hall: First Floor Hallway

Courtside: First Floor Apartments

Wyly Hall: First Floor 101 Quad

Resident Safety:

University Police Department:
The Northeastern State University Police Department is made up of certified police officers who have the same powers of arrest and law enforcement authority as municipal and county officers. There are always officers on duty who can be reached through our 24-hour dispatch by calling extension 2468 or 918-444-2468.

Our jurisdiction includes all NSU owned facilities and the adjacent public property. We encourage everyone in the community to report any offense or disturbance promptly. Other services offered include:

Operation ID:
Residents are highly encourage to insure and inventory your belongings. UPD offers a free service called Operation ID. At the beginning of the semester, you may take your items to UPD office and staff will help you engrave valuable items.

Escort Service:
Avoid walking alone. The officers from UPD will escort you to or from your vehicle at your request. Please do not hesitate to call the UPD and ask for an escort.
Motorist Assistance- Our officers can assist with lock-outs and have battery packs for jump-starting your vehicle.

RAD Rape Aggression Defense classes:
The RAD system is offered to as few as five people at a time. Any group may request a class and you can earn one P.E. credit hour.

Stolen Property: We highly encourage you to report any stolen property to Hall staff and the UPD. Filing a police report will help log the item and facilitate the property's return if it is located.

Hall & Room Safety

Residents are encourage to familiarize themselves in their new surroundings. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and your fellow residents safe:
Never prop hall, suite or quad doors open. This is a violation of hall security and can result in disciplinary actions. The hall/quad and floor doors must remain locked for your safety.

All residents are required to keep their room/suite doors locked at all times.

• Carry your keys at all times.
• Do not give anyone your room key.
• Do not mark your key with your hall and room number.
• If you receive obscene or irritating phone calls, contact UPD immediately.
• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Never leave your belongings unattended in public areas or the laundry area.
• Keep money, ID card and other valuables concealed.

Residence Life Procedures

Abandoned Room & Unclaimed Belongings
If hall staff ascertains that you are no longer living in your room, an attempt will be made to contact you. After 48 hours, your belongings will be packed and all non-perishable items will be placed in storage at your expense. You will be charged for the cost of packing and storing your belongings, key charges and any other charges that result from an improper check out. If your belongings are not claimed within 15 days, they will be discarded or donated.

Assignments

Priority for room assignments is based on the date that your housing application is received. The application reserves space, not specific halls or rooms. Room requests cannot be guaranteed. An early contract is the best security for a specific space. All rooms are assigned as double occupancy with the exception of Seminary Suites. Requests for room changes are accepted at any time but are not fulfilled until space permits. Those requests are available in the Housing Office.

Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to alter room assignments and/or special interest floors at any time. If the semester has begun, Housing will give five (5) days written notice. If you do not occupy your assigned room on or before the first day of classes, the space may be assigned to another student.

Banners & Posters

Recognized student groups and organizations may submit posters, flyers, and/or banners to the Housing office to be distributed and hung by residential life staff with approval from the Office of Student Affairs and Housing & Residence Life. Posters placed in residential facilities cannot advertise alcohol, drugs or illicit material. Posters not submitted to the Housing Office are subject to removal and the responsible student or group may lose privileges to post material in the residence halls.

Breaks & Vacations

Beginning with the 2013-2014 Housing Contract all breaks, with the exception of Winter Break, are now included in your contract. To stay on campus, at an additional charge during Winter Break, you must be enrolled for the following Spring semester in order to be eligible to stay on campus.

To stay in the halls over a break, you must register online prior to the beginning of break. Residents will have their card access to their buildings shut off during days they are not going to be in the building over break. Dining services are extremely limited and, on occasion, not available during breaks. Signs indicating available food services will be posted prior to each break. Break residents are to follow all regular hall policies and break policies. Break policies include:

1. For security reasons, no visitors are to enter any of residential facilities during break without prior authorization.
2. Any student found staying in the halls without authorization will be charged accordingly and could face other disciplinary action.

Complaints

Any person may file a written complaint against any student for violations of Residence Life policies. Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Housing Office. All complaints should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place or as soon as the complainant becomes aware of an incident, preferably within 48 hours.

Equipment

Equipment is available for personal or public use and can be checked out at the front desk in each hall. The equipment may vary from hall to hall. You must leave your ID at the front desk while using the equipment. All equipment must be returned before the desk closes. Vacuum cleaners will not be loaned out after 10:00 p.m. due to the quiet hours policy. Any replacement costs of damaged equipment due to mishandling will be charged to the student. Failure to return equipment will result in replacement cost charges and/or other disciplinary action.

Improper Check-Out

Proper check out is defined as removing all possessions, cleaning the room, returning room and mailbox key(s), completing a forwarding address form and a survey, and signing the inventory card. Failure to check out of your room properly will result a fine of $50 with an additional charge for a lock change if the keys are not returned within 48 hours of the check out.

Internet Black Boxes

Each room is equipped with a University provided internet black box. If you have a black box that is faulty or broken, contact your halls front desk or the Housing Office to exchange for a working unit (bring the malfunctioning black box with you). If your room does not have a black box, submit a work request for a replacement. If you damage the black box, contact your RA to request a new one. Housing will have to purchase the unit and the responsible student will be charged for the cost of the replacement.

Lock Outs

If you are locked out of your room, floor or building, contact an RA or the Housing Office. You will need to show identification, and your residency will have to be verified. You must present staff with your keys once staff allow you into your assigned room. Your first lockout is free. Any additional lock out after your first will result in a charge of $10 per lockout. If you accumulate 5 or more documented lock-outs per semester, disciplinary action will follow. Staff are not authorized to unlock or key into rooms where students are not assigned regardless of the reason for entry.

Lounges

Each residence hall has a main lounge area which can be used for hall activities or just visiting with family and friends. Most lounges are equipped with cable television, study areas, lounge furniture and recreational equipment. All housing policies are in effect in lounge areas. Residents may reserve a hall lounge for meetings, social gatherings, or activities with approval by the Area Coordinator. Housing reserves the right to deny the use of the lounge to individuals who do not followed these guidelines.

Pest Control

All residence halls are sprayed periodically to control pests. Residents will be notified in advance of the spraying. You are to prepare your room by storing food in air-tight containers or in refrigerators, picking up everything off the floor, and moving items away from walls. If you are allergic to insecticides, you must have a doctor's statement on file with the Office of Student Affairs. They will notify the Housing Office and a note will be posted on your door instructing that your room not be sprayed. We ask for complete cooperation with this service so that the halls will be clean, healthy and pleasant places to live. Failure to prepare your room for pest control or failure to allow entry without a doctor's statement on file will result in disciplinary action.

Pregnancy

Students who are pregnant are afforded certain rights but are required to contact the Assistant Director of Residence Life for information on appropriate accommodations.

Room Changes

If you need to change rooms or halls, contact the Housing & Residence Life Office. Room change requests are accepted through the first 6 weeks of classes. Room changes will not be acted upon until space is available. After the first 6 weeks of classes, room change requests are not accepted unless an emergency arises. If available, you will be notified and given 48 hours to complete the move to your new room. After 48 hours, you will be charged rent for both rooms until you complete your move and turn in the keys from the old room. Any resident who demonstrates consistent inability to get along with their assigned roommate will be subject to disciplinary action and/or paying for a private room.

Room Consolidation

In order to reduce the number of rooms or suites that are not at full occupancy, assignments will be consolidated when vacancies occur. This may require a student to move from an originally assigned space. This policy will be in effect through the first 6 weeks of classes or as deemed necessary by Housing & Residence Life or Administration. The University reserves the right to consolidate residents onto different floors of a building, if it is in the best interest of building occupancy and safety considerations. The University will make a reasonable attempt to accommodate room requests for double occupancy, but reserves the right to assess additional fees for single room occupancy if you refuse to accept a new room or new roommate. Housing & Residence Life also reserves the right to deny double occupancy to you if, after repeated attempts, you cannot be placed with a roommate. Depending on the demand for space during each semester, you may be given an opportunity to switch to private occupancy if you are without a roommate. The private room rate will be pro-rated and charged to your account. If you do not find a roommate on your own by the deadline given, you will be placed in a lottery to determine your new roommate(s) and who will be required to move. Housing & Residence Life does not require your permission to assign a roommate to you.

Room Entry

NSU understands a student's desire for privacy and takes reasonable steps to protect this privacy. It is, however, occasionally necessary for the University to exercise its contractual right to room entry. A preventative safety inspection for each resident's room will take place at least once each month. The emphasis of these inspections is the verification that students are not actively contributing to any condition that would put their health or safety at risk. Residents will, to the extent practicable under the circumstances, be given advance notice that Health and Safety Inspections will be conducted during the semester. The established procedures are designed to ensure reasonable, restrained use of the right of entry.

Authorized university personnel may enter a student's residence hall room or suite without permission for the following reasons:

1. To provide routine maintenance
2. To provide routine inspections to ensure that residents are following health, fire, and safety regulations
3. To turn off an alarm, stereo, television, or other item that has been left unattended and is causing a disturbance
4. To respond to emergency situations; e.g., situations which threaten the health and/or safety of room occupants, and situations which require immediate maintenance to prevent property damage or immediate action to correct the health, fire and/or safety risk
5. When there is reason to believe that a violation of university policy is taking place in the room and occupants in the room do not open the door when requested to do so.

Authorization to enter a student's room under this policy does not constitute authorization to conduct a search of the room. Authorized university personnel indicated above include but are not limited to:

1. University Police.
2. Full-time members of the Housing and Residence Life staff, including maintenance and custodial personnel.
3. In non-emergency situations, prior authorization must be received from a full-time professional staff member in the Office of Housing & Residence Life.
4. Unless circumstances prohibit, two staff members should be present when using the master key to enter a student's room.

Student Holds

Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to place a hold on your NSU student account including but not limited to the following circumstances:

• Outstanding balance
• Abandoned room
• Failure to turn in keys upon check out
• Disciplinary action or incomplete sanctions
• Failure to provide documentation requested for determination of residence status

Withdrawal from the University

If you withdraw from the University, you must vacate your room within 48 hours of the official withdrawal. You must turn in your room keys and check out properly. Otherwise, room charges will continue until these requirements have been met. It is imperative that room keys be turned in before you leave.

Residence Life Conduct Policies

Housing & Residence Life strives to keep you informed of all current residential life policies. If a policy changes during the academic year, notices will be sent to all residents. Residents must also abide by the Student Conduct Code which is available on the NSU website.

Additional Locks

Supplemental locks (chains, bolts, etc.) are not allowed on the doors in residential facilities since these devices can be a safety hazard if emergency entry or exit is needed.

Alcohol

See Student Code of Conduct

Bicycles & Motorbikes

Bike racks are available near most halls. You are encouraged to keep your bike securely locked. Bicycles may be stored in bike racks or in your room (with the consent of your roommate). Bicycles parked in inappropriate areas will be removed and turned over to University Police. No motorcycles, mopeds, or devices with a gasoline engine are allowed in the residence halls. NSU is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Card Access

All traditional residence halls are equipped with electronic card access. Residence hall access is limited to the students residing in that residence hall only. Do not loan your ID to anyone.

Children & Babysitting

Non-students under the age of 18 are not allowed in residence halls unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Regardless of the reason, visits from young children are to be short, 1 hour or less, even when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Babysitting is not allowed in residence halls.

Cleanliness Standards

When checking in, the University agrees to provide, and the resident agrees to maintain, the assigned space and all public areas on the immediate floor, suite or quad in a clean, safe and sanitary condition (this includes personal hygiene). You are responsible for keeping your room in a clean and sanitary condition after you move in. Failure to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness in your room and your person can result in cleaning charges, possible disciplinary conduct, and/or possible termination of your housing contract.

Drugs and Paraphernalia

See Student Code of Conduct.

Electrical Appliances

The only appliances allowed in the residence halls are low-wattage microwave ovens (1000 watts or less), compact refrigerators (3 cu.ft or less.), appliances with self-contained heating elements (coffee makers, crock pots, rice cookers, scentsy warmers) and other appliances such as irons and hair styling tools. All appliances must be UL-approved. Appliances not allowed in the residence halls include, but not limited to, space heaters, lava lamps, halogen lamps, toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman Grills, hot plates, or any appliance with an open heating element. Any appliance that causes a false fire alarm will be subject to removal as well as the resident facing disciplinary action.

Failure to Comply

See Student Code of Conduct.

Fire Alarms & Equipment

The halls are equipped with a fire alarm system consisting of alarm pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and/or sprinkler pipes. Tampering with safety equipment (including AED stations) is a violation of State law. Hanging any item from a sprinkler head or pipe is also prohibited. Smoke detectors will be inspected periodically by residence life staff. Removal of the unit batteries or the unit itself or tampering with the detector in any way will result in disciplinary action.

Fire Drills

In compliance with state fire laws and for your own safety, fire drills will be conducted each semester in each residence hall. You will be given instructions on fire safety before drills are performed at your first floor meeting. It is mandatory that all residents participate in a fire drill. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Please refer to the Emergency Procedures section for information on evacuation locations.

Fire Safety (Appliances)

When using appliances in the residence halls, please follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Be sure to unplug appliances when you are not using them. Do not overload circuits or extension cords.

The following items are prohibited because of a potential risk of fire and life-threatening injury to others:

Fire Hazards: No materials, liquid or otherwise, of an explosive or combustible nature shall be kept in the residence halls. Candles, Oil Lamps, Incense, Gas/Fuel or other substances is not permitted in residence halls. Fireworks/firecrackers are not permitted on campus in any form. Halogen, Neon, and Lava lamps are not permitted in the halls. Only artificial, flame-retardant Christmas trees are permitted. Electric Christmas lights must be UL-approved.

Ground Regulations: In accordance with fire safety regulations, stairwells, and hallways must be kept free of furniture, bicycles, trashcans, debris or other obstructions at all times. Keep breezeways and entries uncluttered at all times. Do not store personal property in the breeze ways or entries at any time. The path of egress (from any residence hall door to the emergency exit) must be kept clear at all times. Do not place cords or wires under rugs. Do not hang items from the sprinkler pipes, heads or smoke detectors in your room.

Food & Waste Disposal

Leftover food should be disposed of in the trash cans or dumpsters where provided. Disposal of food items in sinks or toilets is not permitted as it may cause clogged plumbing, flooding or facility damage. Any items left in the bathrooms or sink areas are subject to removal. Dirty dishes will be disposed of in the trash if left in public areas. Students who fail to uphold the cleanliness standards of community living will be subject to disciplinary action. All student rooms are subject to random and scheduled Health and Safety inspections.

Furniture

While additional pieces of furniture may be brought into residence halls as space allows, university-owned furniture may not be removed from the room, lounge, or suite for any reason. If the furniture is lost, you will be charged the cost of replacement. If you are found responsible for removing university-owned furniture and it cannot be recovered, you will be charged for the cost of replacement. Community furniture must remain in the community area and should never be in residents rooms. Residents found with community furniture in their room will have disciplinary action taken.

Guest & Visitation Policy

A guest is defined as a person who does not live in the residence hall room, quad, wing, suite, or residence hall they are visiting. This includes other students, residents, friends, parents, siblings, or other relatives of the residents of that room. Violating a roommate's or suitemate's right of entry into the room, or hindering a roommate s/suitemate's ability to study and/or sleep in their room, or feel safe in their room (because of a guest's presence) is considered a violation of guest privileges. Residents are expected to respect each other's reasonable request for privacy and must have the expressed permission of their roommate(s) before presenting their case for an overnight guest.

Host Responsibility: Hosts are responsible for the activities and behaviors of their guest(s) at all times and are obligated to inform the guest(s) of all University and residence hall rules and regulations. Any violation of any rule or regulation by a guest may result in disciplinary action being taken against both the host and guest. Visitors under the age of 18 will only be allowed under limited circumstances (see the Children and Babysitting clause).

Escorting Guests: For safety and security purposes, guests in a residence hall must be escorted at all times by a resident of the building (host). Residents must escort all guests into and out of the building. Residents must remain with all guests at all times. Guests left unattended or found to be unescorted may be documented and escorted out of the building. Residents should never agree to escort a person they do not know personally. This includes opening the door to allow unknown visitors to enter a residence hall.

Overnight Guests/Co-Habitation: Arrangement for all non-resident overnight guests must be approved. Co-habitation is defined when a person who is not assigned to a particular residence hall room or suite but uses that room or suite as if he/she were living there. Co-habitation is not permitted. You are limited to nine (9) guest nights per contract period (academic year). Guests are limited to no longer than a three-day stay. Guests may not room hop throughout the semester. If you allow an unregistered person to occupy your room disciplinary action will be taken. Any guest found staying in a resident's room for longer than the designated time may be banned from visiting that hall and the resident may lose guest privileges. Anyone found to be squatting will face disciplinary and/or legal action.

Keys

You will be issued keys when you check into your residence hall. In most cases, this key will work in your room door and your mailbox. Residents in some areas may be issued a second key which will open the floor door or mailbox. Housing & Residence Life encourages you to keep your room locked at all times and to always carry your keys. Do not loan out your keys to anyone. Do not duplicate your keys for any reason.

Lasers: Laser sights and laser pointers are prohibited in or around residence halls.

Laundry: Laundry services are included in the cost of living on campus. Residents are responsible for maintaining a clean and working laundry facility. Please report any maintenance issues to the hall front desk. Use by non-residents is strictly prohibited. NSU is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise unattended items. Laundry left after 15 minutes will be removed by staff. These items will be stored for 30 days then donated if not claimed.

Loitering: Loitering is not permitted around entrances and other public areas, including the front desk area, or under residence hall windows.

Misuse of Residential Facilities and Equipment

Public restrooms, computer labs, laundry room machines, swimming pool & volleyball court in Seminary Suites must be used in the fashion for which it was intended and residents are expected to follow the rules for these facilities. Removal of university property from designated areas is not permitted.

Offensive Odors

An offensive odor is any odor or aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent and is offensive to others. Some examples are: perfume, air freshening spray, poor hygiene, smoke, large amounts of dirty laundry, or decomposing trash or food products. Similar to the cleanliness policy, you are responsible for keeping your room in a clean and sanitary condition after you move in. Failure to maintain a reasonable level of cleanliness in your room and your person can result in cleaning charges, possible disciplinary conduct, and/or possible termination of your housing contract.

Passive Participation

See Student Code of Conduct.

Pets

With the exception of fish, no pets are permitted in residence halls. Aquariums may not exceed 10 gallons. Anyone found with a pet that is not a fish can face disciplinary action which may include charges for any damages caused by the pet. The animal may also be confiscated and turned over to animal control or the animal shelter. For Service Animals or ESA regulations, please visit the Housing website or contact the HawkReach Counseling Services.

Quiet Hours & 24 Hour-Consideration Policy

Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. daily and apply to all residence life public areas and rooms, including indoor and outdoor public areas outside of residence facilities. During quiet hours, noise should not be heard outside of your room. Hours are extended to 24 hours a day during finals week. The residence halls have courtesy hours 24 hours a day. Noise should be kept at a level that does not infringe on the rights of others to sleep or study in their room.

Room Personalization

We encourage you to make your room as comfortable as possible and to decorate it so that it reflects your personality while keeping your roommate's taste in mind. To avoid damages to the room and/or furniture, there are guidelines to be followed when personalizing a room. Any damage, even minor paint damage, will be charged to the resident for repair. Detailed guidelines are available on the Housing website but here are some basic guidelines to follow:
Check with your RA for guidelines on how to hang posters, pictures and wall decorations.
Because of the extreme weight and the potential for water damage, waterbeds are not allowed in residential facilities.

Beds may not be placed on cinder blocks; cinderblocks are not allowed in the halls.
You must use existing furniture; you may not use University provided lounge furniture in your room; however you can bring in personally owned furniture such as a coffee table, small entertainment center, etc.

Safety policies do not allow residents to hang flags, nets, banners, etc. from the ceiling.
Due to the difficulty in removal, wallpaper and contact paper are not allowed.
If your room is in need of painting, please submit a work order. Students who paint their rooms without authorization will be charged for the cost of restoring the room to its original color.

Running & Roughhousing

Running, roughhousing, scuffling, wrestling, spitting, and throwing, bouncing, or kicking of objects in the residence halls, stairwells, and other common areas are not allowed for safety reasons. Such behavior is not allowed or tolerated.

Soliciting

Door-to-door solicitation is not permitted in the halls, public areas within the halls or areas immediately outside the halls. Fliers, coupons or any other type of advertisement may not be placed in residents mailboxes, in brochure racks, on bulletin boards, or at front desk areas (See Banner/Poster Policy). Student Organizations wishing to hang flyers must get them approved with Student Affairs and submit them to the Housing Office to be posted.

Sports & Recreation Equipment

Metal tipped darts and dart boards and exercise equipment, and other items typically used in a fitness setting are not allowed in the halls because of the damage they can potentially cause. Weights under 25lbs may be used and/or stored in your room. No more than 50lbs is allowed in a room. As a resident you have a membership to the Fitness Center, which you are encouraged to use, as it has a variety of free weights and Nautilus equipment. Use of other items such as jump ropes, kiddie pools, bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, go karts and/or scooters are not permitted in residence halls.

Tobacco

Northeastern State University is designated as a tobacco-free environment. Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are prohibited. Tobacco "use" is prohibited in personal vehicles and all vehicles owned, leased, or under the control of Northeastern State University, the State of Oklahoma and all its agencies and instrumentalities including those that provide public transportation. Possession of tobacco products does not constitute "use". Tobacco use includes, but is not limited to, the carrying by a person of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other lighted smoking device or the use of smokeless tobacco including snuff, chewing tobacco, smokeless pouches, or any other form of loose-leaf, smokeless tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery devices. Littering the campus with the remains of tobacco products or other disposable products is prohibited.

Trashing

Each residence hall has one or more trash receptacle located within a short walking distance from the hall. These receptacles or dumpsters are for residence use only. Residents are encouraged to remove their personal trash daily to eliminate any possible odor issue or pest situation.

Trashing includes but is not limited to:

• Throwing anything out of a window.
• Leaving trash anywhere in or outside residence hall (except in a trash receptacle).
• Sweeping out a room and leaving the debris in the hallway.
• Water and shaving cream fights/throwing of water balloons.
• Leaving personal items or trash in restrooms and lounges.
• Inhibiting custodial staff from cleaning the public areas.

Unauthorized Moves

Changing rooms with another resident without going through proper channels, moving into another room without authorization or subletting a room to a non-resident can result in disciplinary action and additional room charges. If the unauthorized move occurs, you will be required to move back to the original room assignment.

Violation of Hall Security

The State Fire Code stipulates that quad doors, suite doors and floor doors must remain closed at all times. Anyone who props open a floor/quad door, suite door, exterior door, fire escape door, unlocks an entrance or floor door without authorization can face disciplinary action. Anyone who allows someone to gain entrance to the building through a window, who purposely leaves a window or door open for exit or entry, or who gives their key or ID card to another is violating hall security. Use of fire escapes, except under emergency conditions, is prohibited.

Weapons

The possession of firearms, fireworks, explosives, weapons or imitation of weapons including but not limited to bows, knives, or guns by faculty, staff or students is prohibited on campus, in any student residence, sorority, fraternity, approved private housing or university operated facility. No activity will include firearms unless specifically approved by the University President.

Window Air Conditioners & Water Coolers

Window A/C units or water coolers may not be installed in any room. Violation of this policy can result in disciplinary action including removal of the appliance.

Residence Life Conduct System

Any residential student potentially involved in any residence life or student code of conduct violation, will be subject to the disciplinary procedures outlines in the current NSU Code of Student Conduct, Article III.

Sanctions

Disciplinary sanctions used by Housing & Residence Life include, but are not limited to, warnings, residence life probation, restitution, incidental charges, community service, visitation restrictions and other privilege restrictions, referral to the Dean of Student Affairs, referral to Department of Public Safety and delayed or immediate removal from the halls. The sanctions may be used in conjunction with each other. They are listed in no particular order and no warning is required before any sanction.

Administrative Room Change: The respondent is reassigned to a new room and/or residence hall and the student's privilege of choosing their room is revoked. The student is then banned from the building/room from which they were removed. Notification of the new room assignment will be made in writing and the respondent granted at least 48 hours to complete the move.

Behavioral Contracts: As a condition of continued residency, students may be required to sign and abide by a contract outlining specific behavioral expectations for that student.

Restitution/Incidental charge: A resident may be instructed to make payment for financial injury to an innocent party in cases involving theft, destruction of the property or deception. The assessed costs to be paid may be in addition to any other sanctions.

Community Service: A student may be required to complete a specific number of hours of community service in addition to other sanctions. The type of community service must be approved by the Director of Housing. The resident may also be required to perform community service specified in a specific project, service, or presentation.
Reflection/Research Paper-Residents may be required to complete a paper in reflection of the policy violation.

Removal from Residence Life/Facilities: The University reserves the right to terminate a contract or to impose disciplinary reassignment upon reasonable notice and with good cause. The student must vacate his/her room and is ineligible to live on campus for a specified time period. Upon eviction, residents lose all on-campus housing rights previously granted. Notification will be made in writing and the respondent will normally be granted at least 72 hours to complete the move. Should the respondent's continued presence in the halls pose a substantial threat to the hall community, the student may be required to vacate immediately.

Residence Halls Review and Probation: Residence Hall review and/or probation is a specified period of observation and review. The student may continue to reside on campus but is notified in writing that his/her behavior was unacceptable. In addition, a student is ineligible to hold an elected or appointed office in any affiliated residence hall organization. Future violations of the University or residence hall policies could likely result in eviction from housing.

Right of Privacy & Investigation of Student Conduct

It is the policy of NSU that university officials, agents, or employees are permitted to enter a student's room and/or to search the room and personal possessions of a student and/or to use the results of such a search as evidence in any proceedings against the student if one of the following applies:

• A valid search warrant is obtained by a law enforcement officer.
• There is probable cause and/or reasonable grounds for university officials to believe that the room in question contains evidence of the commission of a crime. Residence life staff is authorized to enter a room to inspect for violation of university rules or policies, but they must have reasonable grounds to do so.
• There is reason to believe that the resident is in danger and needs assistance.
• Entry for visual inspection of rooms for fire, health, safety and security standards or general maintenance and inventory may be permitted by the Assistant Director of
• Residence Life or his/her designee as deemed necessary.

Conduct Conference Process

As a student at NSU, you have both rights and responsibilities. A student's most essential right is the right to learn. The University has a responsibility to provide for that right, and you have a responsibility to respect the rights of others. Housing policies are developed with this premise in mind. When a resident is documented for a residence life violation, they will go through the student conduct process where your rights and responsibilities will be conveyed. For many potential violations, there are one of three methods by which to hear the case:

Letter of clarification: clarification of policy
Administrative Hearing: to be heard by a Residence Life staff member
Referral to Student Affairs

Appeals

Hearings are heard by the Assistant Director of Residence Life. Grounds for appeal include:

• New evidence that was not available at the time of the hearing
• Sanctions were excessive for the violation
• Right to due process was violated
• Please note that all appeal decisions are final.

Housing & Residence Life
622 N. Lewis Ave
Tahlequah, OK 74464

p. 918-444-4700
f. 918-458-2321
housing@nsuok.edu

Gather here, go far. Live here, go further.