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HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2012-2013UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE LIFEVISION STATEMENT UTC Housing and Residence Life partners with students to enhance their college experience by providing:
We are all Members of the Community! MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY
As a MOC “I Shall Achieve” RESIDENCE LIFE STAFFHousing and Residence Life employs full time live-in staff known as Assistant Directors and Resident Directors. The ADs and RDs supervise a team of Senior Resident Assistants (SRA) and Resident Assistants (RA). Their primary objective as a team is to assist residents in any way possible. Resident Assistants (RA) RAs are student staff members, employed by Housing & Residence Life, who assist students in their acclimation to the residence halls and the university. RAs provide information about activities, events, policies and also assist students with roommate conflicts, homesickness, and academic concerns. Each RA also plans educational and social programs for students on his/her section.
If your RA is unavailable, there are staff members available for general assistance, maintenance concerns & emergencies. Senior Resident Assistants SRAs are senior level RAs who have at least one year experience as an RA. They provide all the responsibility of an RA as well as serve as assistants to the Resident Directors. They generally help build community within the complex and provide support to the RAs in programming. Resident Directors Each residence hall has a Residence Director who are full-time professionals with at least a bachelor degree living in each complex. The RD manages the day-to-day operations of an apartment complex, supervise RAs, and oversee all programming and discipline. Assistant Directors Assistant Directors are full-time professionals who live in each neighborhood. Assistant Directors are educated in student life issues and are responsible for maintaining safe and friendly residence halls. They have master’s degree in counseling, student development, or a related field or experience. Assistant Directors are responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of either North or South Campus. They train and supervise resident directors, counsel students with personal or behavioral problems, implement discipline, oversee building operations, and support programming activities throughout the area. RESIDENCE COMPLEXES NORTH CAMPUS Boling Apartments Corner of Douglas and Vine Street Boling Apartments is very conveniently located near the McClellan gymnasium, racquet center, tennis courts, and the UTC McKenzie Arena. These facilities help provide a healthy balance of physical activity, entertainment and academic studies for the residents living in Boling Apartments. Boling residents also enjoy the proximity of the campus favorite eating joint “UNIVERSITY PIZZA & DELI.” Another convenient feature, unique to Boling, is the mini shopping market located in the heart of the complex. The staff also hosts many programs during the year. Lockmiller Apartments provide double occupancy bedrooms in an apartment setting. The spacious living/dining areas allow ample space for entertaining friends or quiet study. Residents enjoy the convenient location of Lockmiller with easy access to the Fine Arts Center, the Guerry Center and the library. Traditionally, Lockmiller provides an environment for the academically oriented person. Many of the students are very active in campus organizations, programming, clubs, and extracurricular activities. Lockmiller is an exciting place to live during events such as fraternity and sorority rush, Oak Street Roast and various volleyball tournaments and cookouts. The resident staff also provides opportunities for residents to enhance their college experience through programming. Johnson Village Apartments is one of the largest housing complexes. It offers the most modern facilities with the appearance of a private resort as opposed to a typical apartment complex. A central courtyard allows residents to socialize, hold activities, or just enjoy the pleasant Chattanooga weather. The quiet and friendly environment provides the right setting for the pursuit of academic excellence. This pursuit of excellence also includes the occasional break for fun and social interaction. Stagmaier Apartments Corner of Campus Drive and McCallie Stagmaier offers its residents a unique opportunity ~ the chance to live in a traditional residential hall but with a little more privacy. The complex is conveniently located on Baldwin Avenue near Hunter Hall, Crossroads dining services, and the Lupton Library. The combination of traditional living, convenient location (within a 5 minute walk to most classes), and surrounded by clusters of resources and educational facilities, makes Stagmaier an ideal community to begin laying the foundation for academic success. Many programs are hosted throughout the year to provide students with opportunities to get involved on campus and socialize, creating an environment where students can learn and grow into independent adults and prepare for their upcoming futures. SOUTH CAMPUS Guerry Apartments 8th and Douglas Guerry Apartments, which were also referred to as the 1000 building, is comprised of two bedrooms, one bath and three bedrooms, two bath units. All units have their washer and dryers located inside the apartment. The Guerry building has parking on both sides of the buildings. Decosimo Apartments, formerly known as the 2000 building, is designed around a beautiful courtyard that has permanent tables, benches, and charcoal grills. While the majority of the Decosimo building is four bedrooms, two bath units; there are also several one bedroom studio style units for 2 residents. Although washer and dryers are not located inside the units, they are conveniently located inside the complex. Two South Campus parking lots are located behind the building. Stophel Apartments, formerly known as the 3000 building, is the largest South Campus complex. It is composed of four bedrooms, two bath units and two bedroom, one bath units. All units in this complex have washer and dryers located inside each unit. The Stophel Apartments are located in the center of South Campus and encompasses a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Stophel Apartments contain a two level parking garage. Walker Apartments, formerly known as the 4000 building, is primarily reserved to house freshman students. The complex is composed of only of four bedrooms, two bath units. All units in this complex have washer and dryers located inside each unit. The top floor of this complex is reserved for the Emerging Leaders Living Learning Community. UC Foundation Apartments, formerly known as the 5000 building, is primarily reserved for Upper-class students. The complex is entirely four bedrooms, two bath units. All units in this complex have washer and dryers located inside each unit. UC Foundation complex contains a workout facility and activity room that has pool tables and meeting space. RESIDENCE LIFE’S COMMUNITY ACTIVITIESRESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION (RHA) RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA Important Numbers (423 area code)
General Information Application There is a $25 non-refundable Application Fee that is due upon completion of the Application. Reservation After completing the application, the student will make a $225 Reservation Fee payment. After student pays all fees, then they are eligible to reserve a bedpace during designated period. Contractual Agreements When a student agrees to the electronic housing contract, the agreement covers occupancy for an entire academic year, unless specifically indicated otherwise on the contract itself. A student, who for any reason wishes to alter the terms of the contract, must apply in writing to the Housing Office at least thirty days prior to the anticipated change. If their contract is modified, notification will be sent to all parties concerned prior to the action. Unless written exception is received by the student, (s) he is liable for the full extent of the original contract. Students will not be able to check-in before the beginning of the contract period and are expected to check-out by the contract end date. Failure to do so will result in additional charges. When a student ceases to be enrolled at UTC he/she may be required to vacate the premises within 24 hours of withdrawal from the University. Contract penalties will apply, please see your contract for details. All residents must be enrolled as a full-time student unless exempted by the Housing Office.
Check Ins and Outs When checking into a room you will be given a Room Condition Report (RCR). This RCR form is very important when charges are assessed at the end of the year. When you are filling out or agreeing to the condition of the room, it is your responsibility to maintain the current condition. Please inspect your room carefully. You are responsible for listing any present damages on the card. Any new damages not on the card will be billed to you and your roommate(s). When vacating your room, all residents must complete an official checkout with a member of the housing staff. Before a resident can be checked out of his/her room, it should be clean and all personal belongings removed. During a checkout, the condition of the room is evaluated and noted on a Room Condition Report. The resident is given the opportunity to review and comment on this evaluation before being asked to sign it. A final walk through of the apartment is done by the Resident Director after all residents have checked.
Contract Release If you will not be returning to campus housing after the winter break, you must request permission to break your contract with 30 days advance notice and you must also complete an official room checkout with a member of the housing staff before leaving. Be aware that if you do not follow the above steps for checkout, you will be assessed charges in additional rent. Students may be charged a penalty for breaking contract early.
CONSOLIDATION Housing reserves the right to make any changes in the accommodations it deems proper or necessary. Apartments are to be occupied by maximum allowable number of residents. In case one of the roommates moves, the Resident(s) who remains agrees to accept an assigned roommate(s) or to move to another room upon request. When available, a Resident may request a double room to be occupied privately at a higher rate.
Keys Residents are issued keys to their apartment/bedroom. Misuse of keys, such as loss or lending to others, jeopardizes safety and may be grounds for disciplinary action. Loss of a key or damaged key should be reported to the Resident Director. If lost keys are not found, the locks will be changed at the resident’s expense.
Locked Out When students are locked out of their room, they should visit the Complex Office in order to reach the RA on duty who will let them back into their room. After two lockouts in a semester, a service charge will be assessed.
Lost keys In the event that a resident loses his or her key, the student should report it to the Resident Director. The student may be given up to 24 hours to find their key before changing the core. If the resident knows where their key is, the Resident Director may choose to give the student up to 72 hours to recover the key and notify their RD. In the meantime, a loaner key may be issued. If the resident doesn’t know where their key is, the Resident Director will request a lock core change. It is expected that cores will be changed on the same business day. Loaner Keys If a student has lost his or her keys, but is reasonably certain that they know where their key(s) are located and the keys can be retrieved within three business days. It is up to the Resident Director to determine if there is a reasonable chance that the key(s) will be returned within three business days. If the Resident Director deems appropriate then a loaner key will be released to the residents. If the resident fails to return loaner key then the a core change will occur at the residents expense.
Room assignments and Room changes The University expects students to continue residency in the room to which they are assigned. However, it realizes that changes are sometimes mutually beneficial. Through regularly scheduled procedures, room changes may be made. A $25 fee will be assessed the first time a student is allowed to move and $100 for each consecutive room change. Failure to obtain the written prior approval of both the Resident Director and Housing Office will result in a minimum $25 assessment for administrative costs and also could result in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.
Security Residents are able to leave belongings in their rooms during the holiday break, but UTC will not claim responsibility for these items. Campus security will continue to be on duty during the break. For security reasons, please remember to close and lock windows, lower blinds, and lock and dead bolt all doors.
When to Leave Housing expects all students to leave within 24 hours of their last exam. However, upon request, residents can wait until noon on the day after all exams end. Graduating seniors are required to check out by noon on the day after graduation. Students moving into summer campus housing assignment may be consolidated until their summer assignment is available. Students who cease to be enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are required to vacate the premises within 24 hours of withdrawal from the University. Contract penalties may apply, please review your contract for full details. All residents must be enrolled as full time students unless exempted by the Housing Office.
Care oF Room Custodial services are provided by the housing to clean public areas. Residents have the responsibility for hanging up and putting away their clothes, making their beds, and generally keeping the rooms neat. No one may remove screens from windows or move furniture from room to room. Misappropriate furnishings will be the responsibility of the residents of the room or apartment and they will be billed immediately for either recovery or returning the articles to their original place.
Decorations Residents are encouraged to decorate their living space. We hope that you and your roommate enjoy working together to create a mutually satisfying living environment. Hanging Decorations When hanging decorations on your walls, doors, or other surfaces remember to use only reusable, non-adhesive putty for North Campus and small nails for South Campus. Glue, large nails, screws, duct tape, carpet tape, or double-sided tape will damage surfaces and you will be responsible for repair costs. Stickers wallpaper, or adhesive-backed shelf paper cannot be affixed to any University property for the same reasons. Nothing should be hung on or around sprinkler system heads or windows. Residents are responsible for damages incurred by hanging items in their room or apartment. Door Decorations When decorating your room door, you are not allowed to cover the room number or peephole. Decorations should allow residents access to the locking mechanism and doorknob. Exterior doors are public space and if decorations do not comply with Housing and Residence Life’s mission they may be removed at the discretion of the University. Windows It is not permissible to hang or place anything in the window that may be viewed from outside the building other than blinds or curtains. Damages Residents are responsible for the condition and care of the accommodations to which they are assigned and shall reimburse the University for any damages to the room. Charges for damages and cleaning will be assessed to the student and should be paid promptly. Please refer to information regarding your Room Condition Report (RCR) card for damages assessed.
Fee Assessment After a checkout each room condition report is reviewed. If deficiencies or damages are evident, the resident may be assessed a fee for replacements, cleaning, or repairs. Students will also incur fees for failing to return their keys or to complete an official checkout. These fees will be placed on the students University Account and should be paid in a timely fashion.
Work Orders If something in a resident’s room, apartment, or complex community is not working properly, then the resident may complete a work order online at www.utc.edu/housing click on manage my housing. A work order provides important information about a repair that is requested and the date that the request was made. Every attempt will be made to complete repairs in a prompt manner. Work orders are distributed to the maintenance staff every weekday morning and repairs are completed with priority going to more pressing repairs. Emergency situations, regardless of the date they are filed, will be handled first. Routine repairs will follow emergencies in the order that the work order was filed and according to the availability of materials. Service repair persons with legitimate work orders for an area are allowed access to that area. If the occupant is not in, the maintenance worker will enter for the stated purpose only and the privacy of the resident will be respected.
Lost and Found UTC Housing is not responsible for property which is found after a resident checks out. Residents cannot store items in their rooms, even if they plan to return to the same assignment after fall. Any items left in a resident’s room, either intentionally or accidentally, will be removed and discarded.
Property Insurance and University Liability The University is not responsible for loss of or damage to personal property due to fire, water, theft, or mysterious disappearance. All students are urged to identify their property with the permanent inscription of their ID number. Services for marking valuables are available through Campus Security. The University suggests that student protect their belongings through an insurance company policy (We suggest that you check your parents homeowners policy for possible coverage).
Telephones For on campus calls, you need only dial the last four digits of the telephone number. Off campus calls require that you first dial 9 to get an outside line. Local calls are free and unlimited. One phone is provided in the common area of each apartment on-campus. We also have private lines available in each building for your convenience. These lines are an additional fee per semester and may be purchased by calling Telecommunications at 425-4784.
Long Distance Calls Long distance calls can only be made with use of a regular calling card or by setting up an account with Telecommunications and receiving a personal identification number (PIN). These UTC long distance accounts can be billed either to the student’s campus or home address. This service offers reasonable rates at 10 cents a minute. No calls can be billed to campus telephones and collect calls cannot be accepted. For more information contact Telecommunications @ 425-4784.
Mail Services UTC residents are assigned a mailbox in their building, which will be shared with all roommates. Mailbox combinations/keys can be obtained from the receptionist or desk workers in your building. Mail will be delivered to each complex Monday through Friday. Mailboxes for outgoing mail are located throughout the campus. Stamps may be purchased at the Ikon location inside the Lupton Library. Upon checking-out of your complex, please complete a forwarding address form. This will allow your mail to be directed to the appropriate location.
Housing Policies Alcohol UTC is a DRY campus. “Use, possession, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages on University-owned property” is forbidden. This includes alcohol containers whether empty or decorative.
Animals The only pets allowed in residence halls or apartments are fish, which can be contained in an aquarium of ten gallons or less. Cleaning and damage fees will be assessed for the presence of other animals.
Bed bugs The staff at the Housing Department and the Department of Safety and Risk Management is committed to an effective and efficient response to residents who suspect they may have bedbugs. If residents suspect they may have bedbugs, they should immediately contact the main housing department to place a Maintenance Service Request. The resident’s first call should be to the main housing department at 423-425-4304. After hours and on weekends contact RA on duty.
Bicycle Storage Students are encouraged to use the bicycle racks provided for the students’ convenience located near each residence hall. When keeping a bike in one of these racks, the student should always keep it securely locked. Bicycles may be stored in apartment but may not be hung from the ceiling, walls, or elsewhere. Storage of bicycles in hallways and stairwells is not permitted. Any bicycle stored or chained in an unauthorized area inside or outside the halls will be removed or ticketed. In addition, bicycles must never block or interfere with an exit or obstruct flow of traffic. At no time are motorbikes permitted anywhere inside the residence halls.
Decorations All residents are encouraged to decorate their living space. We hope that you and your roommate enjoy working together to create a mutually satisfying living environment. As you decorate, remember to follow the guidelines to ensure that your creative efforts do not cause hazards for you or others. State Fire Code Regulation must adhere to at all time.
Drug Policy Unlawful use, manufacture, possession, distribution or dispensing of drugs or alcohol on university property or during university activities is forbidden.
False Fire Alarms Any person who willfully causes a false fire alarm and is convicted will be fined no less than $10 and no more than $500 and is subject to imprisonment for a period of no more than six months, or both.
Fire Drills Each community will have at least one fire drill each semester. Anytime a smoke detector/fire alarm is sounded in a University building, every occupant must evacuate immediately. No one will be allowed to reenter the building until a campus police officer evaluates the situation. Anyone who is responsible for a false alarm may be subject to disciplinary action as well as arrest and other fines and penalties. Tampering with fire safety equipment is a violation of the state and local fire safety code. Fire Hazards Possession of items not allowed in the residence hall apartment, rooms and/or public areas, to include heaters/heating units, hookahs, halogen torchiere lamps, lamps with plastic shades, fog machines, candles (with or without wicks), outside antennae, flammable fluids, candles, candle warmers, oil burner, or incense. Due to fire regulations, hot plates, microwaves, and other cooking appliances may not be used in bedrooms. Students should instead use the kitchen area provided
Gambling Gambling is not allowed on campus. GARBAGE REMOVAL AND LITTERING As a resident, it is your responsibility to place garbage in the trash shoots or dumpsters located in each complex. Garbage may not be kept in the hallways, stairwells, or balconies. Please help us maintain clean and well maintained facilities. Residents and visitors to the communities are asked to keep hallways, public areas, stairwells, and landscaping free of trash and cigarette butts. Any type of trash left outside of living areas (in hallways, outside of front doors, in stairwells, etc.) will incur charges.
HAll Sports Participation in any type of sport activity in the hallways, balconies and/or any indoor area of the residence halls is prohibited.
Health & Safety Regulations Health and Safety Inspections are a necessary part of on campus housing to help in maintenance and ensuring a safe environment. Health & Safety Inspections will be announced via fliers, email, and/or banners 24 hours in advance, so that the residents can be at home if possible. The following steps must be taken to ensure the health and well being of the on-campus community. 1. Fire extinguishers should be in proper working order and should not be blocked by any items. Exits and hallways should be unobstructed. 2. Smoke detectors should not be tampered with (which include removing battery, disconnecting, or covering it). 3. All trash must be properly disposed of in a timely manner. 4. Extension cords must be Underwriter Laboratory approved. Do not put cords under rugs, clothing, trash, books, or near heat sources. 5. Storage of gasoline, fuels, or vehicles containing them is prohibited.
Residents are responsible for following all safety rules promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Housing Department. 1. Students should take extra care to insure that their entrance doors are secured/locked at all times and that common doors are not propped.
Incident Reports Incident reports are used by an RA to communicate the facts of an incident to the Resident Director and the Housing Office. Incident reports are used to document rule violations, theft, damage, or other emergencies. If you are named in an incident report, you may be asked to speak with your Resident Director or someone from Student Development. Students found to be responsible for the behavior described in a report will be assigned sanctions. Inspection and Search Policy Entry by University authorities into occupied rooms of residence halls is divided into three categories: inspection, search, and emergency.
Missing Persons In compliance with the Missing Student Notification Policy (20 USC 1092 C-Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), it is the policy of Housing and Residence Life, Student Development, and the Department of Public Safety to actively investigate any report of a missing student currently enrolled at the university. Students have the option to provide an emergency person/number to be contacted if they are believed to be (a) missing for more than 24 hours and/or (b) in potential danger.
Overnight Guests Residents may have guests of the same sex provided that they obtain the permission from the roommates and Resident Director at least one day in advance of the visit. A registration card must be completed and signed by the host, the guest, and all roommates. Guests are subject to all of the University guidelines and are not allowed to stay more than 3 days per visit.
PATIO Residents are welcome to place small plant containers and outdoor patio furniture on the balcony and porch areas, so long as the items do not impede ability to safely exit the apartment building. A clearance should be maintained from doors, breezeways, and stairs. In general, balconies and porches are not to be used as storage areas. Due to safety regulations, the following items are not permitted on balconies and porches: · Indoor furniture · Bicycles, scooters, or mopeds · Boxes · Flammable liquids · Garbage bags, containers · Grills or grilling accessories, such as charcoal lighter fluid, charcoal, propane · Laundry · Recycling bins · Final decision rest with RD Quiet Hours Quiet hours have been established in each community. The following hours are in effect seven days a week. From 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. Courtesy quiet hours are 24 hours a day. This means if asked by another resident to lower noise volumes, please do so out of respect.
Smoking Policy Smoking is prohibited inside all residence halls including bedroom, common area, and kitchen. Smoking is permitted outside 25 feet away from entrances.
Solicitation Policy Commercial publicity or solicitations are not allowed on campus. No person or groups are allowed to solicit in residence halls. If someone comes to your door, ask for identification and notify the Resident Director of your complex immediately.
theft In the event of a theft, contact the RA on duty or campus police at 423-425-HELP.
Unauthorized Surveillance In accordance to the state law, making unauthorized video or photographic images of a person in a location in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, shower/locker rooms, residence hall rooms, and restrooms is prohibited. Also prohibited is the storing, sharing, and/or other distribution of such unauthorized images by any means.
Vandalism Vandalism is a crime. When it occurs, everyone pays through damage to facilities, renovation delays, and ultimately higher housing costs. If you see vandalism occurring, report it immediately to a staff member.
Visitation Residents may have overnight guests of the same gender only if prior arrangements have been made with roommates All overnight guests must be registered at the complex office and approved by the Resident Director. Guests are limited to three days. Visitation options are listed below: Freshmen – Sunday-Thursday 12pm - 12am (each day) and Friday & Saturday 12 pm - 2 am. Limited to living room and kitchen for opposite sex. Upperclassmen – As desired, but no overnight guests of opposite sex. (Limited to living room and kitchen for opposite sex).
Weapons, Explosives, Fireworks, Waterguns, and Soft Airguns The possession of firearms, knives, fireworks, or other types of weapons and explosives is not allowed in the residence halls or other University buildings and will be confiscated by Campus Police. STUDENT SERVICESSTUDENT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE - UC THIRD FLOOR - 425-4301 AREA ATTRACTIONS
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