Expected Conduct in Residential Living
Students are expected to comply with policies set out by Residential Living and the university. Outlined in this section are some of the general Residential Living and university policies. For more specific information, please see your Residential Living Policy Book or the Code of Student Conduct in the Student Handbook. Violations of policies may result in disciplinary action.
Cohabitation
The visitation policy is set up to allow students the ability to bring friends into their living environment. However, students allowing guests of the opposite gender to sleep in their room is prohibited. The only people allowed to live in a room are the people assigned to live there.
Guests
All guests, regardless of gender, must be escorted at all times by a resident. Residents are responsible for the actions, behavior and conduct of their guests at all times.
Overnight Guests
An overnight guest is a non-resident of the same sex who is visiting a residence hall. All guests, regardless of gender, must be escorted at all times by a resident. Residents are responsible for the actions, behavior and conduct of their guests at all times.
Noise
Each resident is responsible for keeping noise levels to a minimum at all times. In order to provide an environment conducive to positive group living, studying, and sleeping, certain hours have been established as “Residence Hall Quiet Hours.” These hours are 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. Regardless of the time, “Courtesy Hours” are always in effect. Courtesy Hours are defined as residents being considerate of all others and the demands of living in a group environment. Noise should not exceed a reasonable level at any time. In a communal living situation, a certain amount of background noise is commonplace and should be expected.
Helpful tips for reducing noise where you live:
- Close your door to minimize sound travel.
- Locate stereo speakers, radios, and TV to reduce the amount of sound that travels through the floor and walls. It is helpful if one does not place these items directly upon the floor or up against the wall. Using an outer wall, or a piece of foam rubber behind the speaker can cut down on the sound that can disturb your neighbors next door.
- Put a piece of tape on the volume control that indicates the maximum volume for residence hall living. Confirm this with your next door neighbors and RA.
- Do not place speakers or radios in your windows.
- Use headphones if you enjoy listening to loud music.
- Discuss with your roommate appropriate times to watch TV, listen to music, etc.
If you feel that your rights to quiet time are being infringed upon, you should:
- Speak to the person/persons causing the disturbance and politely ask them to modify the noise level. (If you are asked to lower your noise level, please respond courteously and appropriately.)
- If this action does not produce satisfactory results, contact your Resident Assistant, the RA on duty, or any residence hall staff member.
Solicitation
Unauthorized sales and solicitation in the residence halls are prohibited. Student groups interested in selling items in the residence halls must obtain and complete a “Solicitation Application” from the director of the University Center in room 130 of the Hinds University Center. The application will be considered after it is returned. The process may take up to two weeks to complete.
Decorations
Holiday Trees - Residents may have artificial trees, but live holiday trees (either cut or with root ball) are not allowed. Plastic or metallic– plastic trees must be clearly labeled that they are constructed of slow burning plastic, and metal trees should have indirect lighting only. Please avoid setting trees near any source of heat (radiators, curling irons, irons, etc.). Residence hall staff will approve location of holiday trees in resident rooms after careful examination of possible fire hazards.
- All tree trimmings (i.e., bulbs, garland, candy canes, cranberries, icicles, etc.) should be of noncombustible material.
- Placing holiday trees in stairwells and hallways is prohibited.
General Decorations All decorations, pumpkins, and trees must be disposed of properly immediately following the holiday or event (prior to December break for holiday decorations). Harrill and Walker residents should follow the guidelines listed for “hallways” when decorating suite space. Please refer questions to residence hall staff.
Candles/Open Flames/Incense
Candles and incense may not be burned anywhere in the residence halls. They present a fire hazard and also produce an odor that may disturb other residents.
Pets
The only pets allowed are fish. A resident may have fish in a tank not larger than ten gallons.
Screen Opening/Removal
Screens have been installed in all room windows to improve security and comfort. Please do not tamper with or remove screens from any windows. Residents are not permitted to personally replace damaged screens or broken windows. Residents who find a screen missing upon check-in should request screen replacement by filling out a Maintenance Request Card.
Smoking
Unless designated as a “Smoking Area,” all public areas in the residence halls are non-smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted in non-smoking areas (e.g., elevators, bathrooms, TV lounges, hallways, study rooms, and lobbies). However, smoking is permitted in residence hall rooms on designated smoking floors with the door shut and the permission of both roommates. There are wings/floors that have been established for residents who do not smoke. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on these wings/floors.
Damage
Residents are responsible for the condition of their rooms, and will be charged for damage other than normal wear and tear. The condition of public areas is the responsibility of all students. Please help maintain public areas by treating them with care. Damages occurring in public areas will be charged to those persons doing the damage. If the responsible person(s) cannot be determined, it is possible that the cost of cleaning, repair or replacement will be charged to members of the community. Residents can help keep costs down by encouraging others to respect public areas and assume responsibility for their actions.
Evacuations
Fire Alarm ProceduresWhen a fire alarm sounds, all residents should begin evacuation immediately. Residents should dress quickly, close windows and close and lock room doors as they evacuate. Everyone should to the right and proceed to the outside of the building through the nearest possible exit. If smoke is present, stay low, near the floor, cover face, and move as quickly as possible to the outside the building. Elevators should not be used during any fire alarm situation. Reenter the building only when directed by staff.
Fire Drills
Each residence hall will conduct one planned fire drill each semester. Residents will not be notified of the time or date of this drill. All persons in the building are expected to evacuate the building when the alarm sounds.
