Housing and Residential Life Handbook

2007/2008

Welcome to the Office of Housing & Residential Life!

This document is intended to help answer questions about life on campus and to serve as a general collection of guidelines relating to residential living.

On-campus accommodations at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth are more than just places to eat and sleep. Complementing the academic classroom environment, the Office of Housing & Residential Life staff strives to provide an environment for students to grow, mature, be responsible, fulfill their academic goals, and develop socially and emotionally. Opportunities are available and encouraged for community involvement in a variety of educational, leadership, cultural, recreational and social experiences. As is true in any community of people, concern and respect for others is an important component. On-campus living provides two different options; traditional residence halls and apartment/suite style halls. Students should be aware that policies and procedures differ according to the location of one’s residence. All policies and procedures contained herein may be subject to change at any time in accordance with existing and hereafter adopted University policies and procedures.

Philosophy

The Residence Life program promotes a living-learning philosophy that encompasses community living in an educational and cultural setting. Community living fosters personal growth and development.  The residential life philosophy at UMass Dartmouth incorporates the following concepts:

• A safe and comfortable environment where students are held accountable for their behavior and actions
• Diversity and inclusion
• Community living
• Student development

All students are responsible for obtaining, reading, understanding and following the regulations governing personal conduct and policies for the University as set forth in the UMass Dartmouth Student Handbook, which can be accessed on the web at: http://www.umassd.edu/studenthandbook

Student conduct that violates community standards and policies may result in administrative and/or disciplinary action and the imposing of sanctions as authorized and detailed in the Housing Contract Terms and Conditions and/or in the UMass Dartmouth Student Judicial Policies and Procedures located under Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Student Handbook.  Any damages occurring in a residential area where the responsible individual(s) cannot be identified will be assessed to the community and all members of that residential area will be held responsible and fiscally accountable. 

All Residents are expected to be responsible members of both the residential and campus community; be respectful of others rights and privacy and the diversity others bring to the richness of the campus; act and speak with civility; honor and follow the rules and policies of UMass Dartmouth community; assist in the safety and security of the residential community and contribute to the overall positive living and neighborhood community environment that will provide a positive living/learning experience for all campus residents.

Housing & Residential Life Staff

Housing & Residential Life staff members are available to offer assistance and service to students. Students are encouraged to become acquainted with the following staff members:

Director

The Director of Housing and Residential Life is ultimately responsible for the overall operation of the department. The Director’s office is located in Elmwood Hall.  The Director supervises the Associate Director of Residential Life, Director of Residential Education, Programs & Assessment, Associate Director of Housing Facilities Operations & Services, and Associate Director of Business & Administration.

Associate Director of Residential Life

The Associate Director of Residential Life oversees the Residential Life component of the department and provides leadership to the Assistant Directors, Resident Directors, and the paraprofessional staff of the department.  The Associate Director’s office is located on the second floor of Oak Glen Hall.

Assistant Directors of Residential Life

There are two Assistant Directors of Residential Life.  Each Assistant Director acts as the direct supervisor to the Resident Directors (RDs), and provides leadership for the paraprofessional Assistant Resident Directors (ARDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs).  Community Development through programming and implementing strategic initiatives is the focus of the Assistant Directors.   There is an Assistant Director for first year and second year students and another Assistant Director for the junior and senior year students.  Both Assistant Directors offices are located in Oak Glen Hall on the second floor.

Resident Directors are professional full time, live-in staff members. RDs are responsible for supervision of the RA staff, acting as a resource for students in such areas as campus information, counseling, University and residence hall policies and procedures, and developing activities and events. Resident Directors develop and manage the community to which they are assigned. The Resident Director maintains office hours and is available to residents for consultation or assistance as needed. An RD is on duty 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Resident Assistants and Assistant Resident Directors are paraprofessional staff assigned to a particular apartment, house or floor and live with the students of that area. Major responsibilities of the RA position include: (1) getting to know each person in the area, (2) serving as a resource agent for the many questions that arise, (3) helping students find ways of fulfilling goals that match their particular needs and interests, (4) familiarizing students with University regulations and helping them maintain an environment conducive to learning, and (5) assisting in referring students to various campus offices which can be of assistance with their academic and social pursuits. The RAs are strategically located to respond to student needs. RAs are also responsible for planning activities that are of social, educational, and cultural interest to students in their living area. Your RA is able to provide you with information, refer you to professional staff on campus, and discuss things with you when you need to make decisions.

Assistant Resident Directors have additional administrative responsibilities and are an excellent resource. ARDs are assigned to a residential area and serve as an informational resource regarding University policies, procedures, and programs.   In addition to performing the Resident Assistant duties as described above, ARDs assist the Resident Director and the Office of Housing and Residential Life by implementing programs, and participating in recruitment, selection, and training of new staff.

Desk Attendants are students hired and trained to work at the front desks located in the residence halls and each apartment center office. Desk Attendant responsibilities include: greeting individuals as they enter the lobby, answering questions, and enforcing the guest and other campus policies to help ensure a secure community. Desk Attendants are expected to provide quality customer service. Concerns or compliments regarding the Desk Attendants should be addressed to their direct supervisor, the Resident Director of that building. Hours of operation for each desk area are posted at the front desk of each building.

UMass Dartmouth and the Office of Housing and Residential Life do not accept responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal property. The best protection against personal property loss is a locked door. It is strongly recommended that each student obtain and provide insurance coverage for all personal property. It is possible that your family’s current homeowner’s or rental insurance policy provides you coverage in your campus residence. Residents are advised against keeping large sums of money and other valuables in their rooms. Students should report any theft directly to Public Safety.

Please contact the Office of Housing & Residential Life at 508-999-8140 if you are interested in obtaining information regarding personal property insurance.

Issues of safety and security are of primary importance to the staff and residents of on-campus housing. Intrusion by uninvited persons can be a source of problems to residents. In an effort to protect residents and to guard against theft or intrusion, efforts are made to keep the residence halls locked and these areas are monitored 24 hours a day. All individuals entering or exiting any building must do so via designated entrances/exits except during emergencies. Residents should carry their UMass Pass card at all times. ID must be shown upon request to gain entry to any residence hall during hours when the building desk is staffed.

Students in the residence halls receive an access card (UMass Pass) and keys to the building and room to which they are assigned. Access cards permit building entry through designated main entrances only. It is each resident’s responsibility to keep their room locked at all times and to also not allow others to enter with them (tailgate) through the exterior entrances to their building. Cards and keys may not be loaned to anyone for any reason. When seeking access to any other residence hall, residents are considered visitors and must comply with the requirement to enter via the designated main entrance/exit. All other exit doors are alarmed for emergency use only.  

The Office of Housing and Residential Life (OHRL) is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The Central Office is located in Elmwood Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.  Students seeking information or who have inquiries pertaining to Housing and Residential Life should stop by the Central Housing Office or call (508) 999-8140, or consult the website for all information related to housing operations and services at: housing.umassd.edu.

The Residential Life Office is located on the second floor of Oak Glen Hall and includes offices for the Associate Director and Assistant Directors for Residential Life, an Administrative Assistant, and Health Education Coordinator.  The Housing Facilities Operations & Services office is located on the first floor of Oak Glen Hall.  This office is open from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Students may report facilities related concerns to this office by stopping by or calling:  508.910.9691.

During normal business hours, if assistance is needed and a Resident Assistant (RA) is not available, residents should contact the Central Office in Elmwood Hall by calling 508.999.8140. After 5:00 p.m. residents should seek assistance from the RAs in their area, or the Resident Director. Residential Life staff members are on duty each weekday evening from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. the following day. On the weekends, staff members are on-duty throughout the day. The “on-duty” staff member can be reached by calling the telephone number posted at the front desk of each hall. Public Safety can be contacted in the event of an emergency at 508-999-9191 (x9191 on campus) or for regular business call 508-999-8107.

Air conditioning units are not permitted for use in student rooms and/or apartments. Limited exception is made for health related concerns documented by a medical professional and pre-approved through ADA accommodation.  For additional information, refer to:  http://www.umassd.edu/housing/adareasonableacc.pdf

Refer to the student handbook section titled Alcohol & Drug Policy at:  http://www.umassd.edu/studenthandbook/studentrights/alcoholpolicy.cfm  for complete alcohol policy information.

Alcohol use is permitted in Aspen, Birch, Cedar Dell, Hickory, and Ivy Hall apartments for those students who are 21 years of age or older as long as all residents who live in the apartment are also 21 years of age or older. 

Alcohol use is prohibited in all other residence halls and apartments.

Due to potential hazards from electrical storms, antennas or wires may not extend outside rooms or doors. 

All resident students and their guests are subject to bag checks by Desk Attendants, Resident Assistants, Public Safety Officers or any other official UMass Dartmouth designee, upon entrance to the residential facilities. Students who refuse to comply with this policy will be turned away from the building and may face judicial action.

Roberts and Chestnut Halls have balconies located in the common areas of each house. Balconies will remain open provided students adhere to safety guidelines. Student rooms that open onto balconies will remain locked. Furniture, trash, or other items may not be placed on or over the balcony. Failure to adhere to appropriate uses will result in permanent locking of the balcony.  

The Office of Housing and Residential Life reserves the right to require resident students to sign and comply with a behavioral contract as a condition of their continued ability to live in residential facilities. These contracts may include clauses requiring the student to sign Consent to Disclose Form, meet regularly with staff from the Counseling Center, Academic Advising, Heath Office, Judicial Affairs, or Housing Office, etc.  Behavioral contracts will be developed by the Resident Director and Assistant Director of Housing and Residential Life for the student in question.  Failure to follow-through with the contract once it has been signed may result in the student’s housing contract being terminated without a refund.

Residence Halls: Bicycles may be stored only in the student’s bedroom.

Apartments: Bicycle storage is allowed only if it does not interfere with access to or egress from all areas within the apartment and if all roommates agree that the bike is not in the way of every day living.  Motor bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles or any gas powered equipment may not be parked inside any residential facility under any circumstance.

A number of Cable TV channels are provided free to students in the residence hall rooms and apartments. Due to the terms of the cable contract, potential for damage to the system, and possible loss of signal, it is illegal to split the cable signal from point of origin at each location. Any evidence of illegal cable splitting may be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action. The remote hookup of a cable signal is prohibited.

Each room has its own cable hook up, which is supplied by Campus Tele-video. You must supply your own co-axle cable to use with a cable ready television. If you experience any difficulty with your cable TV, please fill out a work order form.

The following is a listing of available channels:

When a student checks out of his/her room, the following steps must be completed:

• Schedule in advance a check-out appointment with your Resident AssistantRemove all personal belongings from the room (including common areas and hallways)
• Sweep/Vacuum the floor
• Take out all trash and place in trash receptacles located outside if buildings
• Return your room key, mailbox key, and elevator key (if applicable)
• Sign out on the Room Inventory Report with your Resident Assistant. 

Students who move out of our residential facilities before the end of the academic year due to withdrawal, leave of absence, dismissals, or termination of the housing contract as well as students who leave at the end of the fall semester or at any point in the middle of their academic studies, are responsible for scheduling a check-out meeting with their RA/RD so that the housing office is officially aware they will not be returning and to avoid improper check-out fees and/or continued billing.  Students who choose to withdraw or take a leave of absence must complete the official University process at the Enrollment Center in the Foster Administration Building; otherwise, students will be billed for housing for the entire academic year.

Students who are notified over the Intersession that they are being academically dismissed from the University for the spring semester must notify the Central Housing Office immediately at 508.999.8140 to schedule an appointment to come back and officially check out and return their keys.  This process must be completed no later than 72 hours prior to the opening of the residence halls for the spring semester.  Failure to follow this policy may result in a fine for improper checkout procedures and for the use of the room as storage since the individual is technically not a student.

Students moving out of their rooms as a result of a judicial hearing must comply with all judicial directives in terms of a departure time line and should work with their RD to facilitate this process.

Personal belongings remaining in a room more than 48 hours after the student has been reassigned, withdraws, or at the end of the contract period, become property of the University and will be removed and disposed of by Housing staff.

Lobbies and multi-purpose areas are cleaned periodically during the week. Bathrooms within each wing are cleaned at least twice each week. The cleaning of student rooms is the responsibility of the students who reside there. This includes proper placement of refuse in the receptacles provided, bagging of all trash, and prompt removal of trash to a designated trash room or dumpster located outside the residence hall/apartment building. In the Woodland and Cedar Dell Communities, students are responsible for cleaning their living quarters, including the bathrooms and common areas of their apartments.

Students may not run commercial activities or any ‘for profit’ activities from or in their campus residences.  Commercial entities may not solicit business within the residences.

Each common area/lounge is furnished for the use of all residents of the floor/apt. These items are to stay in the common area/lounge area and should not be moved into student rooms. Removal of items for repair or replacement due to student misuse will result in billing to students for the cost of the furniture. Students may also be charged judicially. Replacement of damaged items is at the discretion of the Housing Department and will include replacement cost of the item(s), and/ or fees to cover purchasing, repair, associated labor, and administrative costs.

Damage or loss of University property outside of the student room in common building areas or common outside grounds areas that cannot be directly billed to an individual(s), will be assessed and all residents of a suite, floor, house, apartment, building, or group of buildings/apartments will be billed a community damage fee.  In some instances there will be flat rates charged to each resident charged for extra cleaning and other services required to fix or clean the facility. 

The Office of Housing and Residential Life reserves the right to confiscate any item from a student room or apartment which is deemed prohibited, in violation of a UMass Dartmouth Housing policy, or can be considered dangerous to any student or community member’s safety or well-being. Any confiscated items will be tagged and documented with notification left for the student with the proper follow-up procedure guidelines. Students will be required to meet with their Residence Director immediately. Following a disciplinary hearing, students may claim their confiscated items provided they are immediately removed from the residence hall or apartment.

During fire alarms and safety inspections, University officials may confiscate prohibited appliances or other prohibited/illegal items. Residents will be given a receipt for any item taken in this manner.

A room and board contract is for the entire academic year (two semesters) and may not be cancelled unless a student:

• Officially withdraws, takes a leave of absence,  transfers, or is officially approved for leave of absence from the University;
• Is released from the contract by the Office of Housing and Residential Life;
• Is dismissed by the Office of Housing and Residential Life or Judicial Affairs.

When a resident student wishes to withdraw from the University, he/she must go to the Office of the Registrar to initiate the withdrawal/leave of absence and contact the Office of Housing and Residential Life to terminate the housing contract. Refund rates are provided in the OHRL Housing Contract Terms and Conditions.

Students who request contract termination must submit their written request and required documentation (Please refer to:  http://www.umassd.edu/housing/life/contractreleaserequestform.pdf)  to the Director, Housing & Residential Life, UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747 or via E-mail: housing@umassd.edu.

The student may request termination of the contract and/or the University may terminate this contract if one or more of the following criteria are met and verifying documentation is provided: a) Withdrawal from the University, b) Participation in an approved academic program which requires off-campus residency, c) The existence of a documented, serious, medical problem which cannot be accommodated within the residence hall system, d) Marriage after entering into the contract, e) The student does not enroll and maintain a minimum of at least 12 credits each semester, f) The student has an unpaid balance to the University and/or Housing on July 15 prior to the beginning of Fall Semester, or an outstanding balance due two weeks prior to the beginning of Spring semester, g) The existence of severe financial hardship which cannot be alleviated by the Financial Aid Office, h) The University deems it necessary to terminate a student's contract for violations of the UMass Dartmouth rules and regulations or other conduct that constitutes in any way a risk to the health, safety, or general well-being of the University Community.

No refund of housing fees will be given to individuals removed from the residence halls by the University for disciplinary reasons.

A student withdrawing or withdrawn from the University must vacate his/her room within forty-eight hours of the date of withdrawal. Students who fail to vacate and complete a proper check-out will be subject to financial penalty and eviction.

Personal property remaining in the residence hall after the term of this contract has expired shall become the property of the University.

Resident students will be held financially responsible for any and all damage to, or loss of, University property within his/her room including any related sanctions, including remuneration associated with vandalism. In the case of multiple persons in a room and when individual responsibility cannot be determined, damage charges will be assessed to all room occupants on a basis determined by the University.

Residents found responsible for deliberate vandalism or tampering with any life safety equipment (including fire alarm systems, smoke/heat detectors, pull stations, fire extinguishers) and building security equipment (including door locking hardware, door exit hardware, electronic door monitoring equipment including cameras or other safety equipment) will be charged for any repairs, municipal fines, and may be immediately dismissed from on campus housing.

Highly combustible materials used for decorations present a serious fire hazard. In order to prevent fires, the following safety standards are applicable:

• Flammable devices such as candles and incense burners are not allowed in student rooms.
• Wall surfaces and doors must be kept at least 25% clear of posters and decorations.
• Window surfaces should be kept 25% clear of all opaque material such as aluminum foil, posters, signs, etc.
• Hallway and exit lights must be on at all times.
• Materials may not be placed over exit signs, fire doors, or any electric light fixtures.
• All inside decorations using highly combustible materials must be flame retardant.
• Displays and/or decorations of paper, dried vegetation, corrugated cardboard or light plastics, which cannot be effectively flame proofed, must be limited to outdoor use and must not be within 25 feet of a building.
• All electrical wiring used in setting up displays must have an insulated, heavy-duty, UL approved cord. No bare conductors may be used. All wiring should be properly supported with insulated tacks or other approved hangers.
• Decorations or displays that block or obstruct an exit, hallway, circuit breaker panel, fire hose cabinet, fire extinguisher, or fire alert box are prohibited.
• Flammable liquids may not be stored or used in student rooms or residential areas. Devices that produce smoke, fog, or similar substances are prohibited.
• No cloth, tapestry, papers, or other decorations may be placed to cover the ceiling or act as a canopy over any section of a room. Nothing may cover the ceiling, fire detector or lights. Cloth decorations and/or banners must meet fire resistance standards.
• Ovens, toasters and other sources of ignition should not be placed near curtains, posters, or other flammable materials.
• Firearms, ammunition, chemical explosives, fireworks and other lethal weapons are prohibited.
• No natural trees or boughs, hay, straw, and other flammable decorations may be brought into any University building. Artificial trees that are flame proofed may be used.
• Bathrooms must be clear of all decorations at all times. Personal items should not be stored in community bathrooms; as such items hinder personal safety and the thorough cleaning of bathrooms by custodial staff.
• Hallways must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times to facilitate quick exit from student rooms.
• Due to potential fire from overheating, ultraviolet (black) lights may not be used in University lighting fixtures.

Health and Safety inspections will be conducted periodically by Residence Life staff to ensure that health, fire, and safety regulations are maintained (see Health and Safety Inspections). The local fire chief or any authorized individual may inspect any room at any time.

Residential areas shall be defined as all Residence Hall buildings, Cedar Dell and the Woodland Apartments and community areas; consisting of both interior and exterior portions of the buildings.

The dining services program at UMass Dartmouth is based upon the belief that what, where, and how a person eats plays an important part in that individual’s well being.  In keeping with this philosophy, the dining service department’s goals are to provide wholesome and nutritious food, well prepared and served attractively in comfortable surroundings – in sufficient quantities and at reasonable costs.  Recognizing that taste preferences and eating habits vary extensively, selective menus are served regularly.  Numerous buffet-style meals are served throughout the year using seasonal, area or ethnic food, or in observance of holidays and special occasions.  UMass Dartmouth’s dining service personnel are sensitive to the needs and desires of the campus community.  Their aim is to respond accordingly.

Unlimited portions are available for each entree in the Resident Dining Hall.  Sampling is encouraged, as a diner may desire a small portion of an unfamiliar item to try it.  There may be times when some items cannot be offered in unlimited quantities, but adequate substitutes are always available on such infrequent occasions.

ATTENTION:  STUDENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO BE ON A MEAL PLAN SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ROOM & BOARD APPLICATION FOR THE RESIDENCE HALLS, AS OCCUPANCY IN THE TRADITIONAL HALLS REQUIRES PURCHASING A MEAL PLAN.

Meal Plan:  All residence hall students are required to purchase a meal plan option.   Students have the opportunity to choose their Meal Plan Option of choice:

Meal Plan Options:                   

___19 Meal Plan + $190 Snack Plan @ $3,174.00 (includes 10 guest meals)

___17 Meal Plan + $250 Snack Plan @ $3,174.00 (includes 10 guest meals)

___16 Meal Plan + $280 Snack Plan @ $3,083.00 (includes 8 guest meals)

___14 Meal Plan + $300 Snack Plan @ $3,083.00 (includes 8 guest meals)         

___ 12 Meal Plan + $280 Snack Plan @ $2,762.00 (includes 6 guest meals)

___ 10 Meal Plan + $300 Snack Plan @ $2,762.00 (includes 6 guest meals)

___ 7 Meal Plan   + $170 Snack Plan @ $2,636.00 (includes 4 guest meals)

___ 5 meal Plan   + $200 Snack Plan @ $2,636.00 (includes 4 guest meals)

A commitment for any meal plan is for a full year.  Meal plan changes are accepted the first two weeks of the first semester only.  Change of on-campus residency (from traditional Residence Halls to other on campus housing) does not constitute a release from the meal plan.  Prospective students are urged to give thorough consideration to their planned weekend activities before making selections.

Each student is issued a University identification card by the UMASS PASS Office which bears the student’s photograph, name, student identification number and status.  This card is permanent and is valid as long as a student is registered for classes at UMass Dartmouth.  The card must be presented to the Dining Hall checker at each meal.  The card may be used exclusively by the person whose photograph appears on it.  Students who loan their card to another person are subject to a $5.00 fine and disciplinary action. The UMASS PASS OFFICE is the place where University identification cards are made, UMASS PASS deposits are received, meal plan contracts accepted, meal plan changes made and lost identification cards replaced.  Lost University identification cards will be replaced at a cost of $25.00 by contacting the UMASS PASS office in the Campus Center.

If a student is ill and confined to a University residence, a light meal may be authorized and picked up at the Resident Dining Hall.  The ill student’s meal card must be presented to the supervisor on duty by the person taking the meal.

Refunds on pre-paid board are considered only if a student officially withdraws from the University, or is absent from residency for ten or more consecutive days due to illness which is verified in writing by University Health Services or a physician.  A resident who withdraws from UMass Dartmouth will be granted a refund of dining charges according to the following schedule, based on the day of withdrawal notice and room keys are received.

1^st Semester:        By October 1, 2007 – Pro-Rated/Daily Rate

                            After October 1st – No Refund

 2^nd Semester        By February 26, 2008 – Pro-Rated/Daily Rate

                              After February 26^th – No Refund