Student housing at Adrian College offers far more than just a place to sleep. All living environments are tobacco-free and offer a variety of opportunities to explore a full range of activities and interests that develop practical skills. More information can be found at housing.adrian.edu.
Residence life staff
Residence Life staff members are available to help you and your fellow residents build a positive atmosphere that fosters community, creativity, diversity, personal responsibility, innovation, and adjusting to college.
HCs (Hall Coordinators) are professional staff members who reside in the Freshmen Quad and are responsible for the total operation of the residential buildings. These staff members provide direction to the RAs, oversee the physical condition of the building and provide leadership and support for programs.
RAs (Resident Assistants) are undergraduate, para-professional staff members who have been trained to help with your day-to-day concerns and help with community development in the hall. They report directly to the Hall Coordinator.
Room assignments
First year students are assigned to one of the freshmen residence halls after receipt of their enrollment deposit and their completed Adrian College Residence Hall Room and Board Agreement at housing.adrian.edu. Housing priority is based on the date the student’s payment is received, their preference of hall and roommate, and the availability of rooms in the halls they have requested. Any specific roommate request must be mutual in order to insure matching.
Returning students are permitted to remain in the same room if they so choose and space is available. If students choose to move to another room, they are assigned a randomly selected housing number based on class status; this number determines access to available space.
Room changes
If you are not getting along with your roommate, discuss this concern with your roommate. If you are unsure about how to approach the discussion, talk with your Resident Assistant (RA) or Hall Coordinator (HC). If your initial conversation does not resolve your concerns, consult your RA or HC about other strategies. Occasionally, a change in roommates is required. If a solution cannot be found with your RA or HC, please contact the Housing Office for further assistance.
A resident wishing to change rooms should first contact the Housing Office to check on space availability and secure approval. Room changes are not allowed during the first two weeks of each semester. If approval is granted, a check out time will be established. The Housing Office reserves the right to deny a room change request. Moves may only take place after the 2nd week of each semester and before housing sign-up begins for the following semester. Students must live in the room that they are assigned.
Consolidation of Vacancies
When a vacancy occurs in a student room, the remaining resident has the option to:
1. reserve the room, when space permits, as a single room and pay the additional charge;
2. remain in the room and choose or be open for a new roommate; or
3. move to another vacancy with a new roommate.
Room inspection
The College reserves the right to enter a student’s residence in the following instances:
1. In an emergency situation such as fire or when there is reason to believe that an occupant may be endangered;
2. When there is reason to believe that a college policy is being violated;
3. For occupant-requested maintenance;
4. For emergency maintenance such as heating, plumbing, or door lock repair;
5. When other community members’ rights are being violated and entry cannot be gained by normal means;
6. When the College closes for breaks;
7. Safety and health inspections will be conducted on a regular basis in residence halls, apartments, and houses with prior notice to residents.
The Residence Life staff may enter a room any time it is deemed essential to the operation of the student housing unit or to the safety of the residents. The college may assume possession of a student’s room or apartment at any time for violations of college regulations or for health, safety, or financial reasons.
Room search
When a Residence Life or Campus Safety staff member enters a student room for the reasons noted above, the staff member is authorized to conduct a visual search of the room, but may not open drawers, refrigerators, etc. without the resident’s permission. The staff member may request a student to open these items.
In rare circumstances, College staff members may be authorized to conduct an administrative search of a student’s room and all items in the room. Administrative searches are those conducted with justifiable cause that a College rule or regulation has been violated and that evidence of the violation will be found. Examples of items or circumstances prompting an administrative search include weapons, stolen property, illicit drugs/paraphernalia, or imminent harm (including self-harm) to a student. Authorization is given in writing by the Dean of Student Life (or designee). In extreme emergencies a verbal authorization may be given. Authorizations, which are in the form of an Administrative Search Authorization, shall include the time, date, place, purpose, and scope of the search. The student should be present, if possible, and may have a witness present at the time of the search; however, College officials may conduct an administrative search in the student’s absence and without the student’s consent. Authorized searches will be conducted by at least two staff members, at least one of whom will be a member of the College’s professional administrative staff. At the conclusion of the search the student will be notified in writing by the person authorized to conduct the search of what was found, and the names and titles of all persons conducting the search. Administrative searches will not be conducted under the direction of police or on their behalf.
Room occupancy
Due to building code requirements, only one person may reside in a small single room, only two persons may reside in a standard double room, and only three students may reside in a triple room.
Students with disabilities
A number of services and housing options are available for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations should notify the Director of Academic Services, who will discuss the range of services and coordinate needed accommodations for the student.
Davis and Powell Halls have accessible floors for first-year students, while Cargo and Pellowe Halls have accessible floors for upper-class students. There are no elevators in any of our residence halls. Since laundry facilities are located in the basement of most residence halls, students with disabilities may need to arrange for assistance with laundry. There are also College-owned apartments that are accessible. Additional information on disability accommodations in regards to academics is also available in the Academic Services section of this handbook.
Residence Life Policies, Rules, and Regulations
The Residence Life Office has established the following policies that apply to residence halls, apartments, and houses. These policies are in accordance with United Methodist tradition, student development theory, the College Policy on Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, and our desire to create a safe, clean, educational atmosphere. The following policies do not address every issue. If a situation pertaining to residence life arises that is not addressed within this handbook, the Residence Life Office reserves the right to exercise professional judgment to make a determination.
Alcohol And Drug Use
The illegal use or abuse of alcohol or drugs can be hazardous to students’ health and safety as well as an impediment to academic and personal success. The College is, above all else, concerned for the safety and well-being of all members of our community; therefore, the College addresses all reported violations of the College’s alcohol and drug policies, including notifying the parents of undergraduate students of alcohol and drug-related incidents, if necessary.
Alcohol (see alcohol policy)
Consumption of alcoholic beverages may take place only within the privacy of a student’s room or apartment by students 21 years of age or older. Students under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol at any time.
A number of students will choose to live on the third floor of Estes Hall for a substance-free environment. Alcohol, no matter what the age of the person possessing it, may not be present in, or consumed on, the third floor of Estes Hall.
Alcohol consumption and open containers are never permitted in residence hall public common areas, including hallways, basement areas, restrooms, lounges, and lobbies. Administrative exceptions can be made to this policy. Houses and apartment spaces are not considered public common areas in regard to alcohol consumption.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for students who withdraw from Adrian College during a semester will be based on the Financial Aid Refund Policy. Students who move off campus after the 1st week of classes will not receive a refund of their housing and board payments. Students not returning to campus housing after the fall semester must remove all possessions from their rooms and officially check out before the end of the fall semester in order to avoid paying spring semester housing charges. Resident students who are suspended or removed from campus housing for disciplinary reasons will receive no special refund consideration.
Candles, InCense, and open flame
Due to fire safety, residents are not permitted to burn candles, incense, potpourri or tart burners (with either flame or electric outlet) or create any “open flame” situation at any time. Fireplaces in residence halls and houses may not be used.
Damage/Vandalism Policy
In order to promote a more positive living environment, vandalism is not tolerated. Each resident is responsible for the condition of his/her room as well as all common areas within the living unit where he/she resides.
Repair costs for vandalism are charged to the individuals responsible whenever possible. When the individuals responsible for damages cannot be identified, these common area damages may be charged collectively to residents of the living unit where the act of vandalism occurred.
The rationale for billing a specific floor, corridor, or hall is based on the assumption that those community members (1) have a responsibility for creating an environment where this behavior is discouraged, (2) know the perpetrator and have a responsibility for divulging that information, or (3) have a responsibility for engaging in activities that will result in the perpetrator coming forward or being discovered. It is the hope of the College that each student will actively participate in preserving and improving the quality of the residence hall environment.
The College reserves the right to charge all residents for common area damages when the responsible person(s) is not identified. Damage charge appeals must be in writing within thirty days of billing date.
Residents are not permitted to modify a student room or apartment except as permitted by the loft policy.
Room decorations are encouraged as long as they do not create health or fire hazards or cause damage to the room or furnishings. When decorating, the use of nails, screws, or tacks in walls, doors, furniture, or fixtures is prohibited. Painting of rooms is prohibited.
Vandalism is defined as any willful and/or malicious action, which results in damage to property. Accidental damages not reported are also considered acts of vandalism.
Drug Policy
The use and/or possession of illegal/controlled drugs is prohibited at Adrian College, including all campus housing. All students are to observe all local, state, and federal laws.
Electrical Appliances
All electrical appliances must be UL APPROVED. In addition, due to the extreme risk of fire, halogen lamps are not permitted in campus housing. When additional electrical outlets are needed in a student room, FUSED POWER STRIPS MUST BE USED INSTEAD OF STANDARD ELECTRICAL EXTENSION CORDS.
Following is a list of appliances which may be used in a student room: blenders, clocks, coffee pots, electric blankets, fans, hair dryers, curling irons, hair curlers, hot pots, irons, popcorn poppers, radios, compact microwave ovens 800 watts or less, compact portable refrigerators under 4.0 cubic feet, sewing machines, shavers, stereo equipment, televisions, computers.
Firearms, Weapons, flammable Liquids, and Fireworks
Possession, keeping and/or use of firearms, weapons, fireworks, ammunition, flammable, or incendiary devices is prohibited on all Adrian College properties (including all campus facilities, athletic facilities, and parking lots) and at all Adrian College events, regardless of location. This includes martial arts weapons and any device that may be used to propel a projectile such as BB guns, air guns, etc.
Fire Drills and Safety Equipment
Fire drills are scheduled on a regular basis. When a fire alarm sounds, all residents must vacate the building and follow staff instructions. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Tampering with a safety system such as fire extinguisher, fire alarm, or smoke detector may result in suspension from campus housing as well as a substantial monetary fine and possible criminal prosecution. Fire retention doors are to remain closed.
Guest policy
Guests visiting in campus housing are required to observe all College and Residence Life policies. The resident is responsible for the guest’s behavior and safety and should escort the guest at all times. Overnight guests are expected to register with a staff member. Students with guests are to respect their roommate’s right to use their room. No guest may stay more than three nights in Adrian College housing. Cohabitation is not permitted in College housing.
Child Visitation: No children under eight years of age are permitted to stay overnight in College housing. Visitation hours for children under eight years of age are 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. A parent, guardian, or resident must accompany all children at all times. Note: Exceptions are made for Sibs ‘n’ Kids Weekend.
Loading/Unloading Policy
All loading and unloading shall be done from the curb area of the streets and parking lots. Students and/or parents are not allowed to drive on sidewalks or grass areas. The Department of Campus Safety enforces this policy with citations of a $50 minimum fine.
Loft Construction Policy
Lofts are permitted in campus housing. Adrian College accepts no responsibility for the safety of a loft. It is constructed and used at students’ own risk. For your convenience, Residence Life has partnered with Campus Lofts to rent lofts to students for a fee. More information is available at their website at www.campusloftsinc.com (code:ADCO). For more information please see http://housing.adrian.edu.
Loft Policy
Lofts are permitted in campus housing. Adrian College accepts no responsibility for the safety of a loft. It is constructed and used at students’ own risk. For your convenience, Residence Life has partnered with College Products to rent lofts to students for a fee. More information is available at their website at www.collegeproduts.com (code:ADCO). For more information please e-mail, housing@adrian.edu
Noise Policy
No person shall cause or otherwise contribute to unreasonable noise within, or in areas immediately surrounding, residence facilities. Quiet hours are in effect from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday in campus housing. On Fridays and Saturdays, quiet hours are in effect from midnight to 10 a.m. in all buildings. When quiet hours are in effect, there should be no loud noise (able to be heard one door down) in student rooms or building common areas. Quiet hours may be extended if the majority of residents in a hall so desire, and it is approved by Student Life.
Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day in all student housing. Any resident or Adrian College community member may request that any other resident or group of residents cease any activity that is interfering with their ability to study, rest, or quietly enjoy the community. During the week of finals (fall/spring) 22 hour quiet hours are strictly enforced.
Pet policy
Due to health standards, fish in an aquarium are the only pets permitted in student campus housing. Service animals, which assist students with disabilities, are not considered pets. Students who require service animal assistance must register their service animal and comply with service animal policy guidelines which are available in the Housing Office.
Roofs and Ledges
At no time are residents permitted on roofs or ledges of any student housing unit.
Soliciting/Selling
Unauthorized soliciting and selling is prohibited at all times in all student housing. Only recognized student organizations may secure approval to sell goods in campus housing. Students should report unauthorized vendors to Campus Safety. The College does not allow students to operate a business or sell products or services for personal profit from housing facilities.
Student Code of Conduct/Student Handbook
In addition to Residence Life policies, all students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the Student Code of Conduct and all policies in the Student Handbook. Ignorance of these policies may not be used as a defense for noncompliance with College policies.
Window screens
Screens are to be left in windows at all times.
Residence Life A - Z
Air Conditioners/Heat
Window air conditioners are prohibited in student rooms. The Housing Office will consider exceptions to this policy upon review of medical documentation. For more information contact the Housing Office. If you have any problems regarding your heat, please contact your RA.
Addresses
The Student Business Service Center is the official depository for student address information. The College requires students to promptly report any change of address and expects that students will check their mail on a regular, frequent basis. Obtain, complete, and return a Change of Address form to the Student Business Service Center.
ATM Machines
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are located in the Caine Student Center and the Arrington Ice Arena. These machines are owned and operated by ATM Network. Terms and conditions are set by ATM Network and are subject to change. For additional information or questions regarding the ATMs, please contact Campus Safety.
Bicycles, In-line Skating, Mopeds, Motorcycles
Students may keep a bicycle either in their student room or in a designated area in the basement of each residence hall or house at their own risk. Mopeds and motorcycles are not permitted inside any student housing at any time.
Cable Television Service
Cable television can be installed in any student room. “Tapping” into existing lines is not permitted and is a felony under federal law. Violators may also be subject to disciplinary action through the College Student Code of Conduct. Students are to contact Comcast to set up their cable.
Check In/Check Out
Upon moving into a room, the resident must contact a Residence Life staff member to secure keys and sign a room condition form. When the resident is ready to vacate the room, he/she is responsible for scheduling a checkout appointment with a staff member. The student is expected to remove all personal items, return all stored College furniture, and clean the room appropriately before checking out. The staff member will check the condition of the room, have the resident sign the room condition form and, collect all keys. Students who do not follow this procedure are subject to a minimum fine of $25. Please note: items left behind will be considered abandoned and will be discarded and any associated costs will be charged to the resident, floor, or building.
Computer and Internet Use
Students may use their personal computers in their room to connect to the Adrian College computer network. All rooms have wireless signal to connect to the College network. Some wireless adapters may not be strong enough to reliably connect to the network. In those cases, students must have an Ethernet card or have Ethernet built into their computers in order to connect. There is one Ethernet outlet in each room and is designated by the blue jack on the bottom of the phone jack face plate. The College bookstore has both Ethernet cards and switches available for purchase. Use of routers is not permitted. Students are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws regarding internet use and the Adrian College Computer Use Agreement.
Furniture Removal and Storage
A very limited amount of storage space is provided in residence halls for students to store college-provided student bed frames if a student chooses a loft. If the room does not have a complete set of furnishings at checkout, the student will be held financially responsible for the cost of replacement. There is no storage provided for furniture in the apartment or Pellowe Hall.
Incident Report
Incident reports are filed when an infraction of Residence Life policies or the Student Code of Conduct occurs. The incident report is a description of the event and its details. Determination of responsibility occurs at a judicial hearing or meeting with a college administrator. See Adrian College Student Code of Conduct for more information.
Keys
Key(s) are issued upon check-in and must be returned upon check-out. Duplicating or loaning your key(s) to anyone else is strictly prohibited. In the event that a key is lost, the resident should report the loss as soon as possible to a staff member in the building. The resident will be billed for the cost of changing the lock and creating new keys. No student may add additional locks or mechanisms to their rooms.
If a resident is locked out, he/she must contact the RA on duty in the building to get his/her door opened. A fee may be charged.
Mail is distributed Monday through Saturday in the Caine Student Center during the academic year. Mail to on campus students should be addressed as follows:
Student Name
_______ Caine Student Center
1325 Williams St.
Adrian, MI 49221-2563
Off-Campus Living
All students are required to live in campus housing unless they:
1. commute from within 45 miles of Adrian College from the home of a parent or adult relative (parent or legal guardian must verify this by letter to the Housing Office) 2. are married 3. are registered for less than 12 hours now and after drop/add week 4. have already lived on campus for 4 years 5. are 23 years or older All students requesting exceptions must fill out an appeal form and be approved by the Housing Committee. Students who move off campus after the first week of classes will not receive a refund of their housing and board payment. Registered students who do not qualify for the above exceptions will be billed for a double room and a 14+ traditional board plan. The Dean of Student Life has the final decision on any appeals to this policy.
On-Campus Living
Students living on campus are required to register for and maintain 12 or more credit hours. A student dropping below 12 hours must contact the Housing Office for special permission to remain in campus housing.
Security
All residence hall entrance doors are kept locked 24 hours a day. Student room doors should be kept locked at any time the room is left unoccupied. In the event of a theft, the Campus Safety Department and a Residence Life staff member should be notified. Students are encouraged to secure insurance for personal belongings, as this is not provided by the College. The College accepts no responsibility for theft or damage to the personal property of a student. Students may not prop the exterior doors to, or any fire doors within, a student building at any time.
Telephone
Each room is equipped with a private telephone line and voice mail services. Students are expected to set up and use their voice mailboxes. Their phone number will be published in the student directory made available to faculty, staff, and other students. Students must provide their own phone. Local phone service is available at no cost to students.
Trash
All trash must be placed in appropriate receptacles located in the basement of each residence hall and designated areas of houses. Student room trash should not be placed in restroom or common area trash containers. Students who leave trash in the common areas will incur a minimum $25 fee for trash removal.
Vacation Periods
All residence halls with the exception of Davis, Deans, Pellowe, and College View South are closed over Thanksgiving break, semester break, and spring break. Students who are staying in halls open over break must inform their RA of when they will be in the building. Limited housing may be provided over these breaks on a first-come, first-served basis, for a charge of $10 per night if space is available.