Table of Contents
Foreword
Rights and Responsibilities
Residence Life Staff
L3 Opportunities
Facilities and Services
Procedures
Policies
Health, Safety, and Security
Measures
Student Conduct Guidelines
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Residence Life Handbook
Rules (or policies, guidelines, expectations)
are an essential part of any group living experience. The dorms and
apartments at the
School of Mines have rules that are meant to help all students be safer
and more secure while living here. The rules also give us an outline of
what behavior is okay and what behaviors are not okay.
The university has stated that members of our
community need to behave ethically, value a global perspective and accept
the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. Residence Life supports
this.
Each student is responsible for their own
behavior, but within a community setting, all students need to hold each
other responsible as well.
The Board of Regents has specific policies
which are included, but the university and Residence Life have
supplemented BOR policies to ensure the residence halls and apartments at the School of
Mines meet the needs of our students. This Handbook is designed to provide
you the information you need as a student to know what the rules are that
Residence Life has developed to help create an environment that supports
the educational mission of the university.
Alcohol Policy
SD Board of
Regents Policy Manual, Number 3:4, Student Disciplinary Code, Section
2B:16 states that “The manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of
alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances by students (are prohibited)
on any property controlled by the Board of Regents.”
The
SDSM&T Alcohol and other Drug Policy (IV-A-03) was revised in November of
2005 to the following:
SDSM&T and the
South Dakota Board of Regents (4:27 Drug Free Environment) are committed
to providing a drug free workplace. With the exception of policy 4:27:E
1-11, policy strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution,
dispensing, sale, possession, procurement, contributing to a minor, and
consumption or use of alcohol, marijuana or controlled substances by
students and employees on any property controlled by SDSM&T and in
connection with any institutionally sponsored activity. SDSM&T students
and employees are expected to abide by all state liquor laws while on
any property controlled by SDSM&T and in connection with any
institutionally sponsored activity (e.g. possession by consumption for
students under 21 years of age will be enforced).
Furthermore, SDSM&T prohibits the
possession of empty bottles, cans, wine boxes, or other
containers that originally contained alcoholic beverages
and being in the presence of alcohol or other drugs on campus proper or
in the dormitories.
BOR alcohol and other drug policy
violations are cumulative throughout a student’s enrollment at South
Dakota Board of Regents institutions (they stay on the student’s
discipline record and are transferable). SDSM&T alcohol and other
drug policy violations are not cumulative between academic years.
This policy does not
replace nor restrict the student discipline code as established by the
South Dakota Board of Regents (3.4.2.B.16.).
The procedures that accompany this policy
include the following:
Any employee violating this prohibition shall be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment.
Students found in violation of the School of Mines policy for alcohol
and other drugs may or may not also be in violation of BOR policy
concerning alcohol and other drugs (BOR Policy 3.4.2.B.16).
Interpretation is at the discretion of the student conduct administrator
and the Judicial Committee on a case by case basis. In the event a
student is found responsible for a second violation of the School of
Mines Policy IV-A-03 within the same academic year, it will be
considered a violation of BOR Policy (3.4.2.B.16.) automatically.
Recognized student organizations are expected to report underage
drinking at their sponsored events or on their property to the student
conduct administrator for remedial action with individual students.
Failure to report via the campus student conduct process may result in
action being taken against the student organization.
At a minimum, students who violate the SDSM&T
alcohol or other drug policy will be sanctioned as follows:
1. 1st
violation—a $50 fine, completion of the Choices interactive
journal; if under 21, parental notification will include a copy of the
letter of sanction being sent to the student’s parent/legal guardian.
2. 2nd
violation—a $100 fine, completion of a brief alcohol assessment and any
recommended consequences from the assessment, one-year disciplinary
probation; if under 21, parental notification.
3. 3rd
violation—probable suspension for at least a semester; in extenuating
circumstances, student may stay enrolled but must complete an approved
treatment program; if under 21 parental notification.
Automobiles and Motorcycles
Residents who
wish to park and operate a car or motorcycle on the campus must abide by
the regulations established by the university. All vehicles parked on
campus must have a SDSM&T permit.
Residence Hall students are eligible for overnight parking permits (green
and orange). Green permits are available for students who have
completed at least 32 credit hours (changing to 20 credit hours completed
in Fall 2007). Parking permits are purchased on-line from the
Parking WebPages.
Apartment students are eligible for Red permits for parking on-campus,
however, no permit is required for parking at the apartments (if parking
becomes an issue at the apartments, ResLife will issue parking permits for
off-street parking as needed).
Reserved parking spots are provided for the
four ResLife Sr. Staff members who live on-campus. These staff
members are expected to respond to on-campus emergencies at a moment's
notice. Quick access to the residence halls is necessary and
therefore parking spots are reserved for their use. These spots are
designated with Reserved parking signs.
Common Area Damages
Residents of
each wing are jointly responsible for proper use of all common or
community-use facilities (e.g. washrooms, shower rooms, lounge furniture,
corridors, kitchens, etc.). The use of sports equipment (including
snowballing) must be confined to areas away from campus buildings to avoid
broken windows, damage to vehicles, etc. As all residents are jointly
responsible for all common and community facilities, damages made to
common areas that cannot be attributed to specific individual(s) will be
charged back to the wing, the apartment complex, residence hall or specific areas of the hall as
determined by the building’s hall council.
Collection of common area damages will be
through the building's hall council. If a resident does not make
payment to their hall council for assessed charges, the amount due will be
charged to the student's account plus an additional $5 for administrative
costs. For example, if a building's hall council determines each
resident is responsible for paying $2 for common area damages, the hall
council will collect money from the residents for a set time period (as
designated by the hall council). If a student does not make payment
within that time period, the hall council will notify the ResLife Office.
The ResLife Office will then charge the student $7 ($2 for damages plus $5
for administrative costs).
Damage Repairs
Any student
identified as being responsible for damage to residence hall or apartment facilities or
equipment will be assessed the final cost of repair or replacement.
Decorating Guidelines
The use
of tacks, nails, screws, duct tape or cellophane tape is prohibited for
hanging posters, pictures, etc. on any university surface (walls,
ceilings, furniture). Nothing shall be attached to the ceiling in any
room. Nothing used to mount pictures, posters, etc. shall penetrate the
walls. Posters may be mounted with wall saver removable poster tape (3M
makes such products which are available at the University Bookstore).
Occupants are responsible for removing any tape residue from the walls
when the room is vacated. Failure to adequately clean walls, etc. will
result in damage fines. Some seasonal restrictions also apply. For
example, live trees are prohibited in rooms at Christmas time.
Alcohol containers (empty or otherwise) are
prohibited. This includes empties, partially full or full alcohol
containers. Souvenir bottles and cans are prohibited—and will result in at
least a violation of the SDSM&T Alcohol Policy, which is a Level 3
violation.
It is recommended that used furniture be
sprayed for bugs prior to bringing the furniture into the residence halls
or apartments.
Recliners and sofas with unknown histories may have unknown critters
living in them.
Fire safety is the primary factor to be
considered with respect to holiday decorations. Always check with your RA, HD
or AM prior to mounting any decorations. If they are considered a fire
hazard, you will be instructed not to mount them. If they are acceptable,
permission will be given. Live trees or greens are prohibited in all
housing facilities at
Christmas and throughout the year. Residents are responsible to remove all decorations prior to
departing for vacation. Our main concern, and yours, must be to assure
fire safety practices are followed.
Posters, signs, advertisements or notices may
be posted in public areas of the residence halls ONLY with the approval of
the building Hall Director or the Director of Residence Life. Advertising
for profit by off-campus organizations will not be permitted in any of the
public areas of the residence halls without permission of the Director of
Residence Life. Residence Hall Association officers and RAs may post signs
related to residence hall activities. If signs, posters, etc. displayed
outside of a room in the hallway are perceived as offensive by staff or
fellow residents, steps will be take to resolve the situation.
Drug Policy
SD Board
of Regents Policy Manual, Number 3:4, Student Disciplinary Code, Section
2B:16 states that “The manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of
alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances by students (are prohibited)
on any property controlled by the Board of Regents.”
Fire Fighting Equipment
Fire
extinguishers are placed in the residence halls, apartments and other buildings for
your protection. It is against the law of South Dakota to use this
equipment for any other purpose. Individuals involved in such misuse will
be assessed recharging or replacement costs and are subject to
disciplinary action, to include prosecution under state and/or federal
laws. Tampering with any life safety equipment (smoke detectors, sprinkler
heads or heat detectors, etc) is prohibited. Failure to evacuate any
building during an alarm situation will result in disciplinary action.
Institutional Liability
This
institution does not carry insurance covering loss or damage to the
students’ personal property and does not assume responsibility for such
loss or damage. You are encouraged to determine if you have insurance
coverage under the provision of a parent’s household insurance plan or
take action to secure appropriate insurance coverage of your personal
property through renter’s insurance.
Quiet Hours (Noise Policy)
Conditions must be favorable for study at all times. Disturbing noises are
always inappropriate. Students who are playing cards or other games in the
lounges, hallways or cooking rooms are asked to display respect for their
fellow students in keeping noise and other disturbances to a minimum.
Students must keep stereos, radios and TV sets at a low level at all
times. The use of headphones is advised. Your wing or floor community may
establish quiet hours as a measure to provide a quiet atmosphere for
studying or sleeping.
Wing and or floor residents will determine
quiet periods with consideration given to neighboring wings and those
floors above and below. Extended quiet hours will be initiated and
enforced during the days preceding finals and also during the week of
final examinations. Students will need to plan to disassemble bunk beds
and lofts prior to quiet hours or be able to do so without causing a
disturbance in the residence halls.
Consideration hours are always in effect
for the apartment buildings, respect your neighbors and keep noise to a
minimum at all times.
Roller Blading
Prohibited on campus and at the apartment complexes.
Roof Climbing
For your
personal safety and to prevent damage to roofs, access to any roof is
prohibited.
Roommate Bill of Rights
The
Roommate Bill of Rights outlines the basic rights of a
roommate and serves as a reminder that each resident with a roommate has a
responsibility toward their roommate(s). It is recommended that all
residents read the Bill of Rights and complete the Roommate Contract to
establish agreement in several subject areas. Roommates are required to
complete the roommate contract if residing in any hall with extended
visitation (which is all halls at this time).
Roommate Contract
Your RA
will provide a copy for you. All residents with roommates are encouraged
to complete this document. It is a requirement for residents residing in
any hall with extended visitation hours. This document establishes
agreement between roommates in several subject areas.
Scooters (motorized or
not)
Two-wheeled variety for recreational use are prohibited on campus.
Scooters are allowed at the apartment complexes in designated roads or
parking lots.
Skateboarding
Prohibited on campus and at the apartment complexes.
Smoke Free Policy
All
residence hall councils have voted to designate residence hall buildings
as smoke free facilities. In addition, hall councils and the university
have designated smoke free zones around the residence halls. There is no
smoking with 20 feet of entrances or windows. You are prohibited from
smoking in smoke free zones at all times. The apartments are also
smoke free.
Solicitation
Soliciting or sale of articles or services in the residence halls and
apartments is
prohibited. Exceptions may only be made by the Director of Residence Life
and only to on-campus groups with specific outlined goals. If you
encounter outside groups or individuals who are not known to you selling
magazines or other goods or services in the residence halls, report it
immediately to an RA, HD or AM.
Visitation Policy
Each
Hall Council sets visitation hours for their particular building.
Currently all residence halls have 24 hour visitation. Students wishing to
change visitation hours need to work with their respective hall councils
and hall director. Apartment buildings have 24 hour visitation.
All residents are responsible for their
non-resident guests at all times. If you have let a non-student or
non-resident into the building or into your room, you are responsible for
their behavior.
Overnight guests are welcome, if visitation
policy within your building allows for overnight guests.
Additionally, when you have an overnight guest, you must let your RA know
in advance that you have overnight guests. You must ensure that your
roommate is okay with you having overnight guests. And finally, you
need to make sure that your guest is not staying on-campus more than 4
nights within any 30 day period (if they are staying more than 4 nights,
they need to be paying rent).
Waterbeds
Waterbeds are prohibited.
Weapons
Dangerous or deadly weapons are prohibited. Airsoft and paintball guns are
also prohibited within the dorms and apartments. Additionally, students should be
aware of Rapid City Ordinance
9.28.050 Discharging firearms.
It is unlawful for any person to discharge or shoot off any gun, pistol,
rifle, air gun, carbon-dioxide gun or any other firearm, or use for any
purpose any such device for throwing or forcing through the air missiles or
projectiles of any character whatever, within the limits of the city . . .
(Ord. 5017, 2005: Ord. 3907, 2003: Ord. 4000, 2003: prior code § 17-33)
Wing/Area Meetings
All
residents are required to attend meetings as designated and scheduled by
their RA or building staff. RAs will do their best to schedule meetings at
times most suitable to the majority of residents.
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