"The Green Pages" Student Handbook '07-'08

Residential Life

Residential Life Information and Policies

Jacksonville University and the Office of Residential Life are committed to the holistic development of students.  Jacksonville University has established a two-year residency policy, requiring first-time college students to live on campus during their first two years.  Living on campus provides students with the opportunity to share experiences with peers and take full advantage of the learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom.  The Office of Residential Life is responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy as well as the enforcement of this policy.

As a residential campus, we require that first-time college students live on campus during their first two years, and share in the development of our living and learning communities.  Students are exempt from this requirement if they:

  1. Reach 21 years of age prior to the drop/add date of the semester/term.
  2. Are legally married, as defined by the state of Florida.
  3. Are members of a branch of the armed services on active duty.
  4. Reside with an immediate family located within reasonable commuting distance of the University in Duval County, Florida or a neighboring county while enrolled at the University.

Requests for exemption from the Residency Policy must be made in writing to the Office of Residential Life at the student’s time of first enrollment with the University, and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation, as prescribed by the Office of Residential Life.

Resident students should maintain a minimum load of 12 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters and six credit hours during the summer terms.  Failure to enroll for a full academic load does not alter the residency requirement.

Residential facilities close for recesses and vacations published in the academic calendar. Notices of closings are posted prior to each period.

Policy on Village Apartments Eligibility
The Village Apartments serve as a mature and independent living environment, intended for students who have previously lived in on-campus housing for at least two years.  When vacancies occur in the Apartments, the Residential Life office will work with the current residents to find satisfactory roommates, but reserves the right to fill any vacancies in the apartments as deemed necessary.  Residential Life may make exceptions to this policy in order to keep vacancies to a minimum.

Statement on Liability for Losses or Thefts
The University does not accept responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal property of students.  The University assumes no responsibility for items lost or stolen from student rooms, student automobiles, storage areas, etc.  The University strongly recommends that all students carry insurance coverage for all items of property.  Residential students are advised against keeping large sums of money or other valuables in their rooms.

Students are encouraged to guard against theft by recording serial numbers of all their personal property and marking all with their name.  The best guard against property loss from a student’s room is a locked door.  Report any property loss immediately to the Public Safety Office and the Residential Life staff.

New Student Living and Learning Community (“LLC”)
The New Student Living Learning Community (“LLC”) is the residential life program for new students at the University.  All new incoming students residing on campus are housed together in the LLC in the residence hall complexes.

Aviation Living and Learning Community
The Aviation Living and Learning Community (LLC) is housed in the Village Apartments and provides a support network for students who make up the largest academic unit at the University.  The Aviation LLC increases the availability of classmates to one another, helping them to establish connections with students who have similar interests and goals.

The application process for the Aviation LLC will be open to students in the Aviation Management & Flight Operations program. A committee of faculty, administrators, and peers will coordinate the selection process. To be eligible for the Aviation Living and Learning Community a student must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and cannot be on any form of disciplinary probation. A student must illustrate a commitment to the field of aviation by being involved in campus aviation organizations such as Alpha Eta Rho, the American Association of Airport Executives, or the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

Wellness Living and Learning Communities
The Wellness Living and Learning Communities supply an atmosphere for students who choose a substance-free living and learning community that promotes healthy choices, academic success, and social responsibility.  These communities are specified areas for students who do not smoke, use or possess alcohol and/or drugs.  Students can be certain that this community will be free of alcohol and other drugs regardless of individual choices made outside of Residence Halls by their fellow students.  This is a supportive community for students and their guests, who, for clinical, medical, or personal reasons choose not to smoke, use tobacco products, consume alcoholic beverages, use other illegal drugs, or misuse prescription drugs. Residential Life staff will continue to promote activities and programs for these students to ensure a healthy social setting and to discourage them from attending events where alcohol and drugs are present.

Residential Life Staff
Director of Residential Life: Provides administrative oversight and overall supervision of the Residential Life program.
Assistant Director of Residential Life:  Assists with the administration and management of the on-campus student residential community and also provides support to the Director of Residential Life.
Coordinator of Residential Life and Wellness Programs:  Assists with the administration of the on-campus student residential community, advises the New Student LLC, and guides wellness programs that address student needs in diverse areas, including fitness, nutrition, substance use and other relevant concerns.
Coordinator of Residential Life and Campus Activities:  Assists with the administration and management of the on-campus student residential community and also works with campus activities.
Community Leaders:  Community Leaders are members of the Residential Life leadership team who serve as advisors to Community Advisors and provide direction within their specific residential community.
Community Advisors and Peer Mentors:  Community Advisors and Peer Mentors are responsible for maintaining and promoting academic, personal and social growth in the residential community by serving as resources and mentors to students who live on campus.

General Residential Life Policies and Information

Alcohol Consumption
The full University Alcohol Policy can be found in the “University Policies” section of this handbook.

  1. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in public areas of residential communities, including, but not limited to, hallways, breezeways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, balconies, or public areas adjacent to a residential facility.
  2. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in moderation by students who are at least 21 years of age is permitted in individual rooms.
  3. Possessing, storing, dispensing, or consuming alcoholic beverages in the presence of anyone who is under the age of 21 is prohibited.
  4. Students of legal drinking age may not permit students under the age of 21 to possess, store or consume alcoholic beverages in the legal students’ rooms.
  5. Kegs are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments.  Kegs and associated paraphernalia will be confiscated—and not returned to—students.
  6. “Drinking games” and other activities which promote excessive consumption are prohibited, and any paraphernalia associated with such activities, including but not limited to beer pong tables and beer funnels, will be confiscated—and not returned to—students. Sheets of plywood and rectangular tables decorated in such a way as to indicate a beer pong playing surface will be confiscated.
  7. Non-residents may not bring alcoholic beverages into the residence halls or Village Apartments.
  8. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Village Apartments balconies.
  9. Those of legal age may possess only reasonable quantities of alcohol for their personal use in their rooms. Students may not possess large quantities (greater than one 6-pack per person) of beer or its equivalent on university-owned property.
  10. When underage students and alcoholic beverages are present at a gathering, all student attendees will be held responsible for violations of the alcohol policy.  All alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and not returned to students.

Alcoholic Beverage Containers and Displays
Students of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages should dispose of all alcoholic beverage containers promptly and appropriately.  Alcoholic beverage containers should not be stored, displayed or collected for any reason.  Promotional signs or posters for alcoholic beverages may not be displayed in windows, external doors, or balconies.

Apartment Balconies
In order to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the Village Apartments and to ensure the safety of students, the following rules apply to the apartment balconies:

  1. No university-provided furniture may be located, at any time, on the balcony.
  2. No more than six (6) people may be on the balcony at any one time.
  3. No throwing of objects off the balcony or excessive leaning over the balcony is permitted.
  4. No grills are permitted on the balconies.
  5. No items should be hung from balcony rails (including, but not limited to: towels, rafts, signs, clothing, and flags).
  6. Balconies may not be used for storage of students’ personal belongings, including bicycles.

Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Scooters
Bicycles must be stored in designated areas and may not be stored in common areas of residence halls or storage rooms.  Designated areas for bicycles are located adjacent to Botts and Oak Halls, and underneath select stairwells in the apartments. Bicycles are allowed in resident’s rooms as long as both roommates agree to store them there.  Bicycles abandoned in or near residential facilities at the close of the spring semester will be confiscated.

Vehicles with combustion engines may not be stored in or around residential facilities. Motorcycles and scooters should be parked in an appropriate complex parking lot. Vehicles found in violation of this policy will be removed by the University, and all cost associated will be charged to the responsible party’s student account.

Changing Rooms and Roommates
Room and roommate changes will typically be permitted only during designated periods.  Unauthorized room changes will result in an immediate fine according to the charges and fines schedule and possible disciplinary action.  A student who wants to change rooms should follow these guidelines:

  1. All students involved must complete a Room Change Request Form and obtain all necessary signatures.
  2. All students involved must check out properly with their Community Advisor and the CA must complete a Room Condition Report (RCR).
  3. Students must exchange keys appropriately with the Residential Life Office.

Closing of Residential Facilities
Residential facilities close between academic semesters.  Students are expected to check out within 24 hours of their last exam, or by the posted closing hour at the conclusion of each semester.  Failure to be checked out by the appropriate time will result in an immediate fine according to the charges and fines schedule.  Students should return rooms and apartments to the condition in which the room was found upon move-in or be subject to fines for cleaning and damage charges.

Cohabitation
Cohabitation exists when a person who is not assigned to a particular residence hall room or apartment uses that room or apartment as if he or she were living there. Cohabitation is not permitted.  Examples of this may include‚ but are not limited to‚ accessing the room or apartment while the assigned occupants are not present‚ utilizing a key to enter a room or apartment to which one is not assigned‚ keeping clothing and other personal belongings in the residence hall or apartment‚ sleeping overnight in the room/apartment on a regular basis‚ and using the bathroom and shower facilities as if they lived in that room/apartment. When a guest’s continual presence hinders a roommate’s ability to study‚ sleep‚ and/or occupy their room‚ this will be considered a violation of this policy as well.

Community Living Standards
All resident students are expected to comply with established standards for community living.  The following are violations of these standards:

  1. Failure to maintain adequate standards of personal hygiene or room cleanliness such that it interferes with the general comfort, safety, security, health or welfare of the residential community.
  2. Forcing, or attempting to force, resident students to move out of a room, suite or apartment.

Trash and other items left behind when students vacate rooms will result in cleaning and damage charges being applied to the students’ accounts.

Consolidation of Rooms
Should a vacancy occur in a shared room or apartment, the remaining student(s) will either be assigned another resident, agree to the appropriate increased rate for a single room, or be assigned a different room.

Cooking Appliances
Due to problems involving health and sanitation, as well as fire hazards, the only cooking permitted in residence hall rooms is that which can be done in a microwave oven (600 watts or less). Cooking appliances not permitted includes, but is not limited to, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, George Foreman grills, etc. Students are permitted to have electric coffeemakers and electric kettles equipped with automatic shut-offs. Toasters are permitted in the Village Apartments, however, George Foreman grills are not permitted in the Village Apartments.

Dangerous and Disruptive Activities
Activities that endanger students and/or the college community are strictly prohibited in and around residential facilities, including, but not limited to:

  1. Being on roofs, climbing from windows and scaling or rappelling outside walls.
  2. Releasing the security code for doors to unauthorized persons, improper use of security doors, or interfering with the locking of any door.
  3. Throwing objects from windows.
  4. Playing sports in the hallways and breezeways.
  5. Roller-skating, rollerblading, or skateboarding.
  6. Throwing/bouncing/hitting balls or Frisbees.

Elevators
For the convenience of students and JU personnel, Oak Hall is equipped with passenger elevators. Use of the elevators is a privilege and students are expected to make use of them in a responsible, safe and respectful manner. In keeping with this expectation, tampering with the alarm, misuse or defacing of the elevators, or entering the elevator shaft is prohibited. Note: Availability of the elevators may be limited on occasion in order to accommodate residents or guests with a disability, the moving of belongings, or for emergencies.

Flammables
The following items are not permitted in the residential facilities:

  1. Candles:  Candles with no wick may be displayed for decoration purposes only.  University officials may confiscate candles that appear to have been lit.
  2.  Incense, used or unused.
  3. Flammable liquids, such as propane gasoline and oily rags, are not permitted in residential facilities.
  4. Halogen lamps.
  5. Potpourri pots (including electric).
  6. Use of live Christmas and holiday decoration trees.  No trees of any type should ever be placed in corridors or stairwells. 

Furnishings
Furnishings in the common areas of the residential facilities, including apartment common areas, are provided for the use of all students and may not be taken to individual rooms.  Protection of public areas and equipment is the shared responsibility of all students.

Individual room furnishings must remain in students’ individual rooms.

Grills
Grills (charcoal, gas, electric, George Foreman, etc.) are prohibited from being used or stored on university property or in university buildings and will be confiscated. Students may use the community grills that are located in each residential complex.

Guests (Non-Students) in Residential Facilities

  1. All residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests while they are in the residential facilities.  They are expected to insure that their guests observe all Residential Life regulations, University policies, and the Code of Conduct.  JU students will be held solely responsible for the conduct of their guests, and violations will be referred for appropriate disciplinary action.
  2. Guests must be signed-in appropriately and escorted at all times while in the residential facilities.
  3. Guests are permitted to stay for up to three (3) days at no costs.  After three days, the host/hostess is responsible for notifying Residential Life that the guest is staying. There is a nightly charge for the guests.
  4. Guests visiting students of the opposite sex must use the restroom facilities in the lobby unless the resident being visited has a private bath.
  5. At no time may a resident or a resident’s guest deny a roommate access to his/her room or behave in a manner that causes the roommate to become uncomfortable.
  6. Cohabitation is prohibited.
  7. Guests may not bring pets in or around the residential facilities.

For information and policies on JU student guests, see “Visitation”.

Health Care for Residential Students
Residental students participate in the University Infirmary Plan. The fee for this plan is included in the residence room charge. A doctor at the university’s designated health care provider can see students enrolled in the Infirmary Plan who become ill during the semester. The University provides transportation through a local taxi service to and from the infirmary for students without their own transportation. In an emergency, rescue is always called. The Infirmary Plan does not cover emergency medical needs. Students will need to file individual insurance claims for these services.

As advised by community health professionals, students diagnosed with a communicable disease, such as measles, mumps or chicken pox, will be quarantined in their room or in an unoccupied residence hall room when available. They will be asked to remain in their room as much as possible during the period in which they are contagious. Arrangements will be made to bring them their meals. All efforts to stop the spread of the disease will be made. Remember that your best protection against such diseases or common infections like the flu is a current immunization.

Hurricane and Severe Weather Procedures  
When Jacksonville University is threatened with severe weather, or other natural disaster, it may be possible to forecast such an occurrence in advance, and implement precautionary measures.  When such an occurrence is forecasted, the President, or designee, will activate the University’s Disaster Preparedness Team.

In the event of severe weather, the Disaster Preparedness Team will assess whether changes are necessary in the University’s normal operating schedule.  If a schedule change is mandated, announcements will be made via the University home page, campuswide e-mails, the voice mail system and local media outlets.  Any decisions to cancel classes will be made by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, in consultation with the Disaster Preparedness Team.

Due to Jacksonville’s immediate proximity to the Atlantic coastline, the University is subject to the effects of hurricanes.  A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics.  The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface.  The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 until November 30 annually.

A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher is expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less.  In the event of a hurricane warning, all non-essential personnel will be advised, if possible, to leave the University campus.  All residential students will be encouraged to evacuate and remaining students will be consolidated to Oak Hall.  Students who choose to leave campus must notify their Community Advisor or Peer Mentor of their travel plans before leaving campus.  The Office of Residential Life will devise and coordinate procedures for housing all remaining students.

Keys, Lock Changes and Lock-Outs
All residential students are issued a key upon move in.  If a student is locked out, he/she may visit to the Residential Life Office during normal business hours or contact a Community Advisor/ Peer Mentor on duty after hours. An ID card is required before a student will be allowed back in their room.  If a key is lost, there will be an immediate charge, according to the charges and fines schedule, to change locks and supply new keys.  Students who duplicate a room key or do not return their room key at the end of the academic year will be assessed a lock change charge.

Loft Beds
Loft beds are provided by Residential Life for some designated rooms in the residential facilities. Safety rails are available for lofts, upon request from Residential Life.  Only loft beds provided by Residential Life are permitted in the residential facilities. Residents are not permitted to construct or install lofts.

Noise and Quiet Hours
Based on the principle in the Student Code of Conduct regarding “respect for others,” the residential facilities must be reasonably quiet at all times.
Designated quiet hours are:
Sunday – Thursday from 11:00pm – 9:00am
Friday-Saturday from 1:00am – 10:00am
Residents of individual halls may vote to add additional quiet hours.  Students who violate quiet hours will be referred for appropriate disciplinary action.  The playing of musical instruments is to be confined to designated practice rooms reserved through the music instructors.  The use of electrical instruments and amplifiers is not permitted in the residential facilities.

Courtesy Hours
Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week both inside and outside the residence halls. Consideration for others is a primary component of community living and students agree to uphold this expectation when they choose to become residents. Residents must observe reasonable quiet at all times. The volume of stereos/TVs/voices/etc. must be kept at a level that cannot be heard outside the room with the door closed or outside the building. Noise level must not deter students who want/need to study or sleep at any time. Speakers may not be placed on or played from windowsills/balconies. Amps of speakers must be appropriate to room size and volume kept at a conversational level of sound. Students must comply with any student or staff member's request to be quiet.

Pets
All pets, other than service animals and harmless varieties of fish stored in tanks of 15 gallons or less are prohibited in
and around residential facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, all courtyards, breezeways, common spaces and parking lots within the residential communities. Any student observed with a dog, cat or other prohibited animal – visiting or residing – on residential premises will incur an immediate fine. If the pet is not removed within 24 hours, students are subject to increased fines and further disciplinary actions, such as removal from the residential facilities without the refund of fees paid. Exceptions will not be made for any temporary keeping of pets.  Faculty and full-time professional staff members who live on campus are allowed to keep pets when approved by the Director of Residential Life.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)
“RHA” is the Residence Hall Association and all residential students are members of this governing and programming organization.  The purpose of this organization is to enrich the lives of residential students by promoting events designed to create unity and community spirit, while stimulating cultural, intellectual, athletic, and social growth.  Involvement opportunities are also available by becoming a floor representative of your living unit.  Please contact the Residential Life staff for additional information.

Smoking
In accordance with the 1992 Florida Clean Air Act, all residential facilities, including student rooms, balconies and breezeways are smoke-free.  Smoking of tobacco products is permitted only in areas at least 25 feet from any residential facility.  Violation of the Clean Air Act by a student results in a fine being directly assessed to the student’s account and may result in other disciplinary sanctions.  The fine escalates for repeated offenses as follows: first offense $100, second offense $300, third and additional offenses $500.  “Hookahs” are not permitted in the residential facilities. Possession and/or use of a hookah will be considered a violation of this policy and will result in confiscation of the hookah.

Solicitation and Sales
Salespeople and solicitors are not permitted in the residential facilities at any time.  Unauthorized salespersons should be reported to the Residential Life staff and Public Safety immediately.

Trash Disposal
Residence hall students are expected to remove any and all trash from their room immediately and dispose of it in designated refuse containers located in trash collection rooms on each floor of Oak Hall (A and D wings only) or in the community bathrooms on each floor of the older residence halls. Dumpsters are available adjacent to the residence halls for larger items or quantities of trash.

Village Apartments residents should dispose of all trash and other refuse in one of three dumpster areas located adjacent to the apartment complexes. Trash, or other refuse, may not at any time, be placed in hallways, breezeways, on doorsteps or in other public areas of the residential facilities.

Excessive trash in the residential facilities or failure to properly dispose of trash will result in immediate fines being placed on students’ accounts as well as possible disciplinary action for repeated offenses.

Vacuum Policy
Residents may check out vacuums for their personal use at the front desk of the residence halls between 5:00pm and the start of quiet hours. Between 8:30am and 5:00pm, students may check out vacuums from the Residential Life office. Residents must present their JU ID to the Desk Assistant who will hold the ID until the vacuum cleaner is returned. Residents will be responsible for any damage to the vacuum cleaner while in their possession. There is a one hour time limit when renting the vacuum cleaners.

Visitation (JU Student Guests)

  1. All building guests who are Jacksonville University students and hold a valid JU ID card may enter a residence hall unescorted if they are visiting a resident of the same gender.
  2. If a JU student is visiting a resident student of the opposite sex, he/she must be signed-in appropriately and escorted at all times within the residential facilities.  This applies to all areas of all floors.
  3. Guests visiting students of the opposite sex must use the restroom facilities in the lobby unless the resident being visited has a private bath.
  4. At no time may a resident or a resident’s guest deny a roommate access to his/her room or behave in a manner that causes the roommate to become uncomfortable.
  5. Cohabitation is prohibited.

For information and policies on JU non-student guests, see “Guests”.

Withdrawal from Housing Process
A student who has decided to leave the residential facilities must follow these procedures:

  1. Inform the Residential Life Office of his/her intent to leave.  The office will give the student a “Housing Cancellation” form.
  2. Coordinate a time with a Community Advisor or Peer Mentor to complete the “Room Condition Report”.
  3. Return the key and “Room Condition Report” to the Residential Life Office, and initial their check-in registration card.

Students who cancel their housing are eligible for a refund based on the refund schedule in the housing contract. Students who are removed from the residence halls or apartments for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible for any room or board refunds.

Damage Policies
Damage to residential facilities shall be classified as either accidental or malicious.  Accidental damage is damage occurring through unintentional, chance happenings.  Malicious damage is disruptive behavior resulting in damage.  Disciplinary action will be taken and restitution assessed to students involved in malicious damage.  Restitution will be assessed for accidental damage.  Fines and charges for cost of repairs or replacement can be found in the charges and fines schedule.  Repeated occurrences of damage by an individual or group will be investigated to determine whether further disciplinary measures are warranted, including dismissal from university housing.

Individual Room Damage
Room and apartment damage will be assessed for cost of repairs or replacement and charges as follows:

  1. To any individual who accepts responsibility or is found to be responsible for the damage.
  2. To occupants of a room where the damage was done and direct responsibility cannot be determined.

Common Area Damages
Common Areas are defined as any space other than individual student rooms in the residential facilities, such as bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, lounges, elevators, lobby areas, etc.  Common areas also include the grounds surrounding residential facilities, which include outside lights and the irrigation systems.

  1. In Common Areas where excessive damage occurs and direct responsibility cannot be determined, it will be necessary to hold responsible all occupants of the section, floor, building, or buildings where the damage occurs.
  2. Individuals and groups held accountable for damage to common areas will be held financially responsible and appropriate charges will be placed on the students’ accounts with the University.
  3. In cases of malicious or reckless damage, responsible students will not only be held financially responsible for the damage, but will also be referred for disciplinary action.
  4. If an individual or group has been held financially responsible and does not feel they were responsible for the damage, appeals must be made to the Assistant Director of Residential Life within five (5) days of notification of being held financially responsible.

Fire Safety Procedures
Fire drills, false alarms and genuine fire alarms are indistinguishable from one another.  Students must evacuate residential facilities whenever a fire alarm is sounded.  Because of the variations in physical design of each of the residential facilities, see the Residential Life staff in your building for specific evacuation instructions.  STUDENTS FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR NOT EVACUATING A BUILDING DURING A FIRE ALARM WILL BE FINED ON EACH OCCASION.

Fire Alarm Procedures
When a fire alarm sounds:

  1. Proceed immediately to the nearest designated exit.
  2. Once outside of the facility, stay away from the area immediately surrounding the building.
  3. Do not reenter the building until given permission by a university official.

Smoke Detectors/Life Safety Equipment
Life safety equipment and devices, such as smoke detectors, are placed in student rooms for safety.  Any student found tampering with such equipment in any way will be subject to disciplinary action and fines.  Tampering with common area life safety equipment will also incur fines and disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension from the residential facilities.  Report any damaged or inoperable fire safety equipment to the Residential Life staff.

To help prevent fires:

  1. Do not overload circuits.  Never use multiple plugs or extension cords.
  2. Do not place electrical wiring under rugs, carpets, mattresses, bedsprings or around door and window casements.  Never use frayed or broken electrical wires.

Room Care and Inspections
Furniture
Students are responsible for the condition of their rooms and all furniture assigned to it.  Residents may rearrange furniture, but must use it only for its intended purpose. Upon checking out of a room, all furniture must be reassembled as it was originally found.  If additional furniture is brought into the residential facilities it must be removed when the residence halls close or when students leave the University.  Students will be charged for the removal of any furniture or other personal items left after vacating their rooms/ apartments.
Inspections and General Policies
In order to insure the health and safety of all residents, residence hall rooms and apartments are checked periodically by the Residential Life Staff.  Room cleanliness, arrangement, and hygiene issues that interfere with the comfort, safety, security, health or welfare of the residential community will be addressed during these inspections.

Residents must adhere to the following:

  1. Room windows must remain closed when the air conditioner is operating.  The air conditioning equipment does not function properly when windows are open.
  2. Stickers, transparent tape and double-sided tape may not be used on floors, walls, woodwork or doors.  Thumbtacks, push-pins and non-marring adhesive materials are permitted.
  3. Waterbeds are not permitted.
  4. Built-in shelves and unauthorized lofts (see “Loft Beds” policy) are not permitted.  Students who have constructed these items will be given written notice to remove them. Failure to remove these structures within 24 hours of notice will result in a daily fine being assessed directly to the student’s account.
  5. Daily room care and cleaning are the responsibility of each student. Rooms should be orderly at all times.
  6. Airflow vents should never be obstructed.  Blocking the airflow can create a fire hazard.
  7. Installation of ceiling fans or air conditioner units is prohibited.
  8. Window screens may not be removed at anytime. Students who have removed a window screen will incur a disciplinary fine and be required to pay for any damages or replacement costs.
  9. Stereo speakers may not be placed in or directed out of windows.  JU reserves the right to require removal of other objects placed on ledges or between the screen and window.

 

Search and Seizure Policy
Authorized University officials may enter students’ rooms for normal inspection and maintenance purposes. Staff members who need to enter a room during the performance of their duties will knock and identify themselves. If there is no response, a passkey will be used to enter the room.

Items prohibited by law or University policy in clear view may be confiscated by the staff member and used in a disciplinary proceeding.  Such items will not be returned to students.

If a University staff member, who enters a room to perform his or her duties, has reason to believe:

  1. Items prohibited by law or University policy are concealed from view,
  2. There is a violation of public law or of University regulations or standards, or
  3. There is a possibility of imminent hazard to persons or property;

The staff member may contact the Residential Life staff who may exercise the University’s right to search the room.  The Dean of Students or designee shall have the right to conduct or order a search on University property and premises under emergency circumstances, and/or when violations of civil or criminal law or University regulations are in question.  Reasonable effort shall be made to have the student present during any search, and the student shall be informed as to the reasons for the search and the objects or information sought, except when the Student Life Office or designee believes that a serious emergency exists.

When a designee of the Student Life Office reasonably suspects that suspect items are contained among a student’s locked possessions, the student shall be requested to make such locked possessions (including cars) accessible.  If a student has refused to give access to his/her possessions, the suspect items may be confiscated for investigation, and used in any disciplinary proceedings.

The University reserves the right to adjust the Residential Life Policies as it determines necessary in order to assure fairness, order, efficiency or the physical and emotional security of individuals.