Residence Halls & Residence Life
Eli Pruneda, Director of Residence Life, epruneda@benedictine.edu &
Ext: 7500
St. JPII Student Center 204
Benedictine College has a rich tradition in residential living. Our residential tradition is rooted in the Benedictine Order who founded the first universities in Europe and established the first residence hall or dormitories near these monastic centers of Catholic education as early as the 5th century. A residence hall becomes a home to students who are welcomed because, in them, Christ is received (Rule of St. Benedict, 53:15). Today, residentially is the fourth pillar in the College's four-part mission and students who grow in friendship and fellowship with one another in their residence halls best express it.
The residential experience at Benedictine College supports and encourages the full development of students through a community life that expresses and proclaims the worth and dignity of each individual. In a caring and supportive atmosphere, students are helped to develop a sense of meaningful purpose in life and encouraged to participate in programs promoting sound bodies, emotional balance, and dedication to the welfare of others.
The College residential program provides a variety of facilities and competent personnel to assist the student in mental, physical, spiritual, and social development. The residence halls are administrated by the Student Life Office, Residence Directors (RDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) who have been trained to respond to crisis situations with skill, efficiency and sensitivity.
Regulatory policies are established to the extent necessary to insure consideration for the time, privacy and value system of each resident, the total community, and the goals of Benedictine College. RDs and RAs also serve to enforce college regulations. Therefore, the Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life, and residence hall staff is authorized to enter rooms when they suspect there is evidence of a violation of college regulations, or for the purpose of maintenance and emergencies. Maintenance staff is authorized to enter rooms for the purpose of maintenance.
A Catholic University pursues its objectives through its formation of an authentic human community animated by the spirit of Christ. The source of its unity springs from a common dedication to the truth, a common vision of the dignity of the human person and, ultimately, the person and message of Christ which gives the Institution its distinctive character. As a result of this inspiration, the community is animated by a spirit of freedom and charity; it is characterized by mutual respect, sincere dialogue, and protection of the rights of individuals. It assists each of its members to achieve wholeness as human persons; in turn, everyone in the community helps in promoting unity, and each one, according to his or her role and capacity, contributes towards decisions which affect the community, and also towards maintaining and strengthening the distinctive Catholic character of the Institution.
-John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities
Residence Hall Policies and Procedures
Residence Hall Government
The purpose of Residence Hall Government is to foster involvement of the residents of Benedictine College in all areas of residence life: hall council, hall activities, homecoming, etc. and to foster a relationship between the residential students and various campus groups like intramurals, Campus Ministries, etc. The goal of each residence hall government is to help build authentic community, with the four-pillar mission (Benedictine, Catholic, Liberal Arts, Residential) of the College in mind.
Adhesives and Wall Attachments
The use of contact paper, duct tape, packing tape, non-removable self-adhesives, nails, screws, and other items that may permanently damage the walls or furnishings in the residence hall is prohibited unless otherwise approved by the Student Life Office. All items are hung at your own risk. Any damages caused by hanging items on the walls will be changed to students.
Appliances
Appliances that are NOT permitted in dorm rooms include: hot plates, halogen lights, grills, skillets, toaster ovens, sun lamps, electric heaters, refrigerators larger than 4 cubic feet and gas appliances.
Appliances that ARE permitted in dorm rooms are stereos, televisions, popcorn poppers, microwaves, coffee pots, electric razors, fans, heating pads, computers, and electrical blankets.
Please see the microwave and refrigerator section.
Bicycles
Each residence hall has a bicycle rack where students may store their bicycles. However, all student property (including bicycles) must be removed from the residence hall within one week following graduation. Items remaining after this time will be disposed of as necessary.
Board Agreement
A deep experience of community develops between friends when they share a meal together. This was true for the apostles who recognized Christ in the breaking of the bread. A shared meal was also essential to life in community for Saints. Benedict and Scholastica. Students at Benedictine College deepen their friendships by sharing meals together and this is why a meal plan is required for all residents. All students living on campus without a kitchen in their living unit are required to be on 18-, 14- or 12- meal plan. All freshmen are required to be on an 18-meal plan. Students living on campus with a kitchen in their living unit may choose a Weekly 7 in addition to the 18-, 14-, or 12-meal plans. Students living off campus may choose a Block 60 plan or one of the on-campus plans, if desired. Each meal plan is on a per week basis and begins on Sunday. Meal plans including dining dollars can be used in the Dining Hall as well as the other retail locations on campus. Student meal plans may be changed within the first 10 days of the semester. See the Benedictine College Room and Board Agreement for further details.
Cable Splicing
Cable splicing in any residence hall is prohibited, as it constitutes the violation of intellectual property rights and law.
Campus Attire
Benedictine College has no specific regulations concerning proper campus attire, except that sunbathing in swimsuits of any kind is not permitted in the public areas of campus. However, as a general guide, students should keep in mind that individually they represent the student body of the College. A major part of one's education is developing and increasing one's awareness and concern for others by dressing in a manner that is in accord with good taste and in accord with the wishes of those who are sponsors of a given event or in a position of authority in a given situation.
Candles/Chemicals/Open Flames
All explosive or combustible materials and liquids are prohibited on the College campus. The Fire Marshall has told us that by law, candles or any other open flames may not be burned in residence halls because of the danger of fires when so many people live in close proximity in the residence halls (College Ministry-sponsored activities are exempt.). Candles and all open flame devices are strictly prohibited in all residence halls. In addition, incense is prohibited in the halls. Because we do follow the law and as a college community we are also concerned about the safety of all residents, candles are not permitted in the residence halls outside the College Ministry-sponsored activities.
Some individuals are allergic to incense and others find the smell offensive. Therefore incense is not allowed in the residence halls at Benedictine College outside of its use in liturgies and other religious events sponsored by College Ministry. The residence hall staffs are directed to take any candles or incense that are found in an individual's room. A fine will be issued to the individual or individuals who live in that room.
Do not smoke in any building, overload electrical outlets, take chemicals or highly flammable material into your hall, use open coil heaters, hotplates or electrical appliances. Please take every precaution to prevent fires and protect the lives of all residents.
Damage to College Property Policy
All residents are responsible for keeping all college-owned property and equipment in good condition. Residents are encouraged to carry personal property and liability insurance. The damage, defacement, or vandalism of college property or facilities will not be tolerated. Residents will be held responsible for all breakage and damage that is beyond the expected normal wear of furnishings. Charges are determined by repair and replacement costs. Damage to the student's rooms and furnishings will be assessed to the occupants. Damage in the public areas will be assessed against the floor or all residents of the hall. If something in a student room needs repair, tell your resident assistant or hall director. He or she will take care of reporting the needed repair.
"Whoever fails to keep the things belonging to the monastery clean or treats them carelessly should be reproved." -St. Benedict, RB, 33:4
Damage to Personal Property Policy
Benedictine College assumes no responsibility for losses, damages, or injuries of any sort occurring to persons or property in College residential facilities. Residents are encouraged to confirm that their parent's home insurance policy covers their possessions should anything be damaged or stolen. If they are not covered, students are advised to purchase their own insurance policy. Doors should remain locked when residents are out of their room. If there is theft, it should be reported to the residence hall director and to the police. It is advisable to record serial numbers of all valuables.
Damage to Safety Equipment Policy
Damage to or tampering with safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and hoses, smoke alarms, exit signs and lights, and other such equipment, seriously endangers the lives and health of residents. Disciplinary measures in keeping with the gravity of such offenses will be taken, including the possibility of a fine and/or suspension from the College. Damage to college property will be charged to the residents of the residence hall if the individual responsible is unknown.
Defacing doors, walls, bulletin boards
The act of defacing doors, walls, or bulletin boards in any residence hall is strictly prohibited. Any student caught engaging in this activity will face disciplinary action and may be required to pay replacement costs if necessary.
Display of personal items
Students may not post, hang, or place personal items in any outward facing areas (windows, ledges, balconies, railings, stairwells, doors, etc.) of their residence hall. Students may display personal items in their own housing unit in accordance with the adhesives and wall attachment policy.
Enrollment Fee
Once notified of acceptance by the Office of Admission, each student is required to pay a $350.00 enrollment fee. This fee is due upon admission to the college or within two weeks of receipt of a financial aid award letter. The fee is non-refundable after May 1 for the Fall Semester and October 1 for the Spring Semester.
Fire Alarms
Proper use and response to fire alarms is required. Anyone who falsely or negligently activates fire safety equipment will face disciplinary action. Additionally, any student who fails to respond to any fire alarm, whether false or actual, will face disciplinary action as well as receive a fine.
Firearms, Explosives, Dangerous Materials
Firearms, bows and arrows, knives, sling shots, dart boards, pneumatic or spring powered weapons, nunchakus, tasers, and other weapons, fireworks, ammunition, or explosives may not be brought on campus. Chemicals or highly flammable material of any description including paint, anti-freeze or fuel shall not be brought into the residence halls at any time. This includes items that may be used as fuel as well as items that have an open flame or a heating coil such as candles, hotplates, or electric heaters.
Essentially, all weapons, explosives, and dangerous materials are not allowed on campus. A violation of this policy is considered a serious matter. Because this is most often a violation of civil law as well as a serious violation of your contract, consequences may range from fines to expulsion.
"They sleep clothed, and girded with belts or cords; but they should remove their knives lest they accidentally cut themselves in their sleep." -St. Benedict, RB, 22:5
Fire Evacuation Procedure
Survival is the top priority in the event of a fire in a residence hall. If there is a fire, the alarm systems in all halls will automatically call the Atchison Fire Department. When you hear a fire alarm, immediately exit the hall using the following steps:
1. FEEL THE DOOR HANDLE.
If it's hot, don’t open the door; go to a window and call for help.
If it's cool, open the door cautiously and check for smoke and fire.
2. EXIT THE ROOM CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR.
Avoid smoke and toxic chemicals in the air above.
3. CLOSE THE ROOM AND STAIRWAY DOORS BEHIND YOU.
Keeps the fire from spreading by closing doors.
4. GET OUT OF BUILDING BEFORE PHONING FOR HELP.
Your survival comes first.
5. PULL THE FIRE ALARM ON YOUR WAY OUT.
Proceed to the nearest exit.
6. DON’T WAIT FOR PEOPLE OR GET STUFF.
Knock on doors and yell “FIRE” as you leave.
7. IF YOU CAN’T GET OUT, GET SOMEONE’S ATTENTION
Stay low, yell and scream, hang a sheet from the window if possible.
8. All residents should follow the fire evacuation plan for each specific residence hall, which they receive when checking into their residence hall.
The halls meet OSHA fire-safety requirements. Safety lighting, smoke alarms, and multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers are located in each hall. Be sure you are aware of the nearest extinguisher; these should be used to exit the hall and not to fight a fire.
Discharging or tampering with fire equipment is an act of vandalism that can result in the inadequate protection of the lives, safety, and property of a hall's residents. The Atchison Fire Department, the Federal Government, and OSHA consider tampering with this equipment a serious matter. The College also considers vandalism of safety equipment (including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, fire alarms, exit signs, and emergency lighting, etc.) a serious matter. Consequences may include a fine, suspension from the College, and the filing of charges in local courts.
Guests and Visitors
The Benedictine College campus and facilities are private property. Presence on campus is at the pleasure of the College. It is the College's expectation that all visitors abide by college rules and local, state, and federal laws. Guests staying overnight in the residence halls must be 18 years of age or older (not to exceed 24 years of age) or must be on an official Admissions Office visit. All guests of students must submit a completed registration form to the residence hall staff where they are staying.
Hosts will be accountable for the safety and actions of their guests and are required to complete a host registration form accepting responsibility for their guests. The College reserves the right to ask guests unable to respect its policies to leave the campus immediately. An overnight guest is a person who is not a current Benedictine College student but who is being sponsored by a member of the college community and is staying overnight in a residence hall. A guest's sponsor can be a resident or a member of the staff or faculty.
Residents who are on disciplinary probation may not be hosts for the college. Guests are not allowed to stay in a room when students they are visiting are not also present. Visitors will only be allowed to stay overnight in a student’s room with the permission of both the residence hall director and the students in the room. The maximum number of nights a visitor may stay on campus is two nights. Hosts who do not register their guests at the residence hall office will be charged $50.00 for each night their guest stays and may receive other sanctions in addition to these charges.
Except for regular visitation hours, members of the opposite sex may not be guests in a student's room in the college’s residence halls. High school students are not permitted in the residence halls without the approval of the hall director and/or the Student Life Office. Guests staying overnight through the Admissions office must obtain a Guest Registration Form from the Office of Admissions. This form needs to be delivered to the residence hall director or resident assistant upon arrival to the residence hall.
The College’s guest policy helps to ensure the safety of our guests, students, faculty, and staff during their time on campus. It is important for the Residence Life staff to be aware of who is staying overnight and who their host is, so that staff members are able to properly provide support and respond to needs of our guests, emergency situations, and policy violations, should they arise.
"All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me." -St. Benedict, RB, 53:1
HIV Policy
Benedictine College follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, United States Public Health Service, and the American College Health Association. The medical opinion of these sources supports the stance that there is no risk of acquiring HIV by ordinary social or occupational contact, such as working with, sitting near or living in the same residence, sharing bathroom facilities, or swimming in a pool, with an HIV infected individual. No effort will be taken by the college to determine the HIV status of any applicant. The student assumes responsibility of exposure by engaging in risky behaviors regarding sexual relationships, drugs and alcohol.
Each case of HIV/AIDS will be evaluated on an individual basis, when the student is known to be infected with the virus. Special housing arrangements may be required for immuno-compromised students for their own protection, and these arrangements will be determined by the Dean of Student's Office in conjunction with the Director of Student Health and the student's physician.
The Director of Student Health, in conjunction with the student's physician, will determine if and when the student should leave college housing in order to receive more appropriate care. At all times the confidentiality of the resident's health status will be protected. Benedictine College values and respects the dignity of each individual. Benedictine College follows state and federal guidelines.
Housekeeping
The College employs housekeepers who clean common and public areas in each residence hall. It is the responsibility of the residents to keep their rooms clean. Residents are responsible for putting their trash in the dumpster provided by the residence hall. Minimal cleaning equipment will be furnished to the residents. Cooking appliances (except coffee, popcorn makers and microwaves, when individual approval is given by residence hall director) and waterbeds are not permitted in the residence halls. Nails may not be put in walls. Mobiles or any other type of hanging items are not allowed. Pets are not allowed in the dorms or on the premises. Fish tanks are allowed with permission from the residence hall director.
Hoverboards and Skateboards
Due to reported safety risks with Hoverboards (including Swagways or similar devices), the College prohibits the use, possession, or storage of these items on campus.
Skateboards are not meant for operation on sidewalks. Skateboards are not allowed in campus buildings and should be parked in or near bike racks if possible.
Activities that are Inappropriate in the Residence Halls
Activities such as rollerblading, skateboarding, water fights, bike riding, shooting paint guns, throwing frisbees, playing outdoor games, throwing, bouncing, or kicking balls, golf, basketball, etc. are not permitted inside the residence halls. Note: Special care should be taken when engaging in these kinds of activities adjacent to the buildings.
Keys
Each resident is furnished a room key and/or door access on his/her ID card. Every resident is urged to keep his/her door locked at all times for security reasons. There is no deposit required for the keys. However, there is a charge for lost or non-returned keys. Lost keys should be reported to the residence hall director.
Laundry Facilities
All residence halls are equipped with washing machines and dryers. The washing machines and dryers are free for residential students by the swipe of student ID card. If you need to report a problem with the swipe machine or a machine that is not working, please contact IT help desk, 360-7777 or number posted in the laundry room.
Lounge Furniture
Lounge furniture is intended for use by all students of a residence hall. This furniture is not to be in student rooms or suites. If lounge furniture is found in individual student rooms, disciplinary action may result. If lounge furniture is missing or broken, the residents will be held accountable for the repair or replacement of furniture.
Lofts
Lofts are not permitted in the residence halls. Bunk beds and furniture must remain in student rooms.
Maintenance Problems
If you have a maintenance problem that you would like to report, please email or call your Resident Assistant or Residence Director.
Married Couples Housing
At this time, Benedictine College does not have housing for married couples.
Microwaves
Microwaves are permitted in all residence halls. In McDonald Hall they are only permitted in the lounges.
Mistreatment of Staff
All attempts to attack a staff member and all instances of deliberate antagonistic behavior towards or assault of staff members will not be tolerated. Any instances of such behavior will receive immediate disciplinary action. All students and guests are expected to cooperate with any staff member's reasonable request. This includes surrendering your BC Card upon request.
Occupancy Policy
The Room and Board Agreement entitles only the student who is assigned to the room the right to sleep there. Students agree to respect arrival and departure dates and times for breaks and holidays in their signed Room and Board Agreement form. Students with particular needs or who are asked to stay beyond these dates for college-sponsored events are required to seek authorization from the Students Life Office prior to the vacation period.
Pets
Other than fish, pets are not allowed in the residence halls. Animals could pose a health risk to other residents. The only exceptions to this policy are service animals or emotional support animals approved by the Student Life Office.
Posting Policy
Locations for Posting: No items are to be posted on walls, doors or windows (Offices & residence halls exempted). See also Display of Personal Items in this section
All bulletin boards throughout the campus may be used for announcements, the notification of upcoming events and/or campus elections with the exception of the St. Benedict’s Hall Faculty Lounge Bulletin Board and campus-wide Departmental Boards that are to be used for the posting of faculty material, exclusively. Items of an "editorial/ opinion" nature may be placed on faculty tables.
Criteria for Posting
1. All posted items must include:
a) the name of the sponsoring group or individual, and
b) date of posting. Items not so marked will be removed. All campus advertising for social events must be in good taste and be approved by the Student Government Association or the Director of Student Activities.
2. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring group to remove posted materials immediately after the event has occurred or one week following the posting date on the item. (On-campus elections are exempted from the one-week time limitation. Other items may also be exempted with prior approval from the Dean of Students Office.)
3. Good judgment is expected and posted materials should not cover, in a significant way, any existing materials.
4. No derogatory remarks, degrading stereotypes or obscene language will be tolerated.
5. Signs posted to advertise social events should be in good taste and NOT include in an explicit or implicit manner the presence of alcoholic beverages at the event.
6. No more than one like poster per board may be displayed.
Quiet Hours
We are first of all an academic community and therefore students are expected to be courteous and cooperate in maintaining a good and quiet environment at all times. (Each residence hall will determine quiet hours.) Residents are asked to play radios, stereos, and TV sets softly. Speakers may not be placed in windows or on radiators. Musical instruments may not be practiced in student rooms. Students may use practice rooms for such purposes. Anyone who does not abide by these regulations may be asked to place any of the above items in storage. During finals week, quiet hours begin on Study Day and extend to the last day of exams.
Refrigerators
Students may bring their refrigerators; units larger than 4 cu ft are prohibited.
Removal of Belongings
Residents are to remove all their belongings from the hall when they terminate their residency unless arrangements are made for storage. A charge will be made for personal belongings or trash left in the room. If a resident withdraws or is separated from the College, he/she must move out of the residence hall within 24 hours. Items left after termination will be properly disposed.
Roof/Ledge
Students are prohibited from roofs and/or window ledges at all times.
Room Assignment Policy
Room sign-ups take place in the spring semester. The Room Draw system is used each spring to determine the order of students who will select their rooms first. The College reserves the right to reassign students to other housing when deemed necessary for the benefit of the individual student or group of students. See the Room Draw Policy.
Room Changes
Room changes are generally not allowed during the semester unless there is an immediate danger or safety concern to a student. If a roommate conflict arises, the residents are required to go through a mediation process with his or her resident assistant or resident director. After the roommate mediation the resident director will decide if a room change is appropriate. Making room changes without receiving proper approval will result in a fine. Students should be aware that any room change could affect their account balances and payment plans. Students are responsible for any adjustments that occur.
Room Deposit Policy
All on-campus students are required to pay a $100 housing deposit. The housing deposit will be posted to the student's account. The housing deposit is retained until the student graduates or withdraws from Benedictine College. The fee will be held in escrow until the room is vacated with a satisfactory clearance report from the residence hall director. Any assessment for damages will be deducted from the deposit on the student's account. Should such assessments exceed the amount of the deposit, the assessments must be paid in full within ten days. The following circumstances apply for deposit refunds:
1) To those who graduate in the spring or who do not reserve a room for the following semester.
2) To those who graduate or transfer at mid-year and who notify the Student Life Office one month before the beginning of the spring semester.
3) To those who attend during the spring semester and reserve a room for the fall, who notify the Student Life Office in writing of their withdrawal no later than July 1.
4) To those who are suspended or dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons.
Room Inspection
The Vice President of Student Life, Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life, and residence hall staff are authorized to enter rooms when they suspect there is evidence of a violation of college regulations or for the purpose of maintenance and emergencies. The College respects the student's right to privacy. However, the housing accommodations shall be open for inspection by residence hall staff at any reasonable time, for reasons of health, safety or general welfare.
Health and safety inspections will be scheduled throughout the year. An inspection will be held each vacation period and exterminators will spray each hall. Rooms will be inspected for cleanliness and safety hazards. These inspections would not be considered a room search. The College reserves the right to enter rooms to inspect the furniture and equipment or to perform maintenance work.
If there is reason to believe that a student has violated College regulations, the College reserves the right to search the room and have the student's possessions inspected at the direction of the Vice President of Student Life, Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life, Director of Student Conduct, or the residence hall director. Normally an inspection of the student's possessions will be made in the presence of the student, except when deemed impracticable or unwise in the judgment of the Vice President of Student Life or Director of Residence Life.
Springfest Policy
Currently, Springfest usually falls on the last weekend of April or the first weekend of May. This festive time is for students to unwind within respect to policies and procedures set by the Student Handbook and Student Activities Office. Just like any other weekend the College’s policies remain in effect, but please be mindful of the following:
- Regardless of age, (even if you are 21 or over) consumption of alcohol by students anywhere on campus in areas that are not designated drinking areas (apartment where all residents are 21 or over, College sanctioned beer garden, etc.) is a violation of the college policy.
- Drink containers, backpacks, and bags brought on to campus are subject to search.
- Drink containers, alcoholic drinks, backpacks, and bags are prohibited in and around Wilcox Stadium, the John Casey Soccer Complex, and the Asher Sports Complex.
- Key card access in all Residence Halls is limited to the residents of that building.
- Overnight guests are not allowed.
- All students are required to have their Benedictine College ID on them at all times.
Storage
The College provides limited storage for international students only. Rental space is available in Atchison for students who wish to store their belongings for the summer. Please check online for information about local commercial storage companies. The College is not responsible for the cost of replacement for anything that is damaged or lost.
Campus Security Report
Each fall the College will email the Campus Security Report to all students and employees and publish the report on the Campus Security webpage. This report contains information regarding the College’s safety and security policies and procedures, reporting mechanisms, crime statistics, resources available to victims of crimes, and other pertinent information. The College suggests that you familiarize yourself with this information. If you have questions about the Campus Security Report or any other safety-related information, please contact the Department of Safety and Security or the Student Life Office.
Theft Policy
The College is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to personal property of effects of a student by any cause whatsoever. Further, the College highly recommends that students purchase individual insurance to cover theft or damage to their belongings and property (renter’s insurance) while a student at Benedictine College.
Tornado Evacuation Procedure
Civil Defense and tornado warning information is distributed during registration in all residence halls and is available from the residence hall director in all residence halls. Residents should be aware of what the local siren means. For a tornado warning, the siren is on for three minutes, off for one minute, on for three minutes, etc. Weather information is available on KAIR Radio: 93.7 FM and 1470 AM. If a warning siren sounds, remain calm, stay inside, and take cover in the lowest possible area inside the building. Remember to stay away from windows and glass. If you are above ground, get next to an interior wall. Mattresses can be used as protection when you are above ground. If you are below ground, get next to an exterior wall. Residents should follow the ssuggested places to seek shelter indicated in each residence hall’s tornado policy, which residents receive while checking into their respective halls.
Trash, Improper Disposal of
All students are expected to take responsibility for the proper disposal of their trash. Each residence hall has a garbage dumpster for use by all residents. Dumping or leaving trash in any other area will not be tolerated and residents may be charged for improper disposal.
Vacation Housing
Students are required to be out of college housing by announced closing hours for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring break and summer vacations. Residence halls are closed during vacations. The Student Life Office must approve extensions beyond the announced closing hour. Students staying on campus during vacation periods who do not notify or seek approval from the Student Life Office and students staying without a College sponsored reason will be charged a $75.00 fee room charge for each day/night they are on campus. Students must arrange their own transportation. See Hall Closing and Opening Dates.
Visitation Policy
Certain hours are set aside each day during which students may invite visitors of the opposite sex to their rooms. The right of the roommate wanting privacy should always prevail over the roommate wanting a visitor, though both parties' rights should be considered. Hours are as follows:
Student Rooms in ALL Halls, Campus Houses, Row Houses, and main lounges in Turner, Memorial, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, Newman, St. Scholastica, Guadalupe, and St. Joseph Hall
Sunday – Thursday................................................................... 12:00pm-12:00am
Friday – Saturday....................................................................... 12:00pm-1:30am
Legacy Hall Lounge & Schroll Center
Daily........................................................................................ 24-Hour Visitation
Visitation hours play a positive role in the creation of a community spirit among students by encouraging mutual respect for the dignity and vocation of each person. The hours foster the residential mission by honoring a student's right to private time, study, and sleep. Hours help roommates set boundaries and avoid conflict. Friendships are fostered between members of the same hall and they are empowered to fulfill their individual needs and interests. Deep friendships between men and women are encouraged, while at the same time, the dignity of their differences are respected.
The College affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife. Sexual acts of any kind outside the confines of marriage are inconsistent with the teachings and moral values of the Catholic Church and are prohibited by the College’s Student Community Code. An overnight visit with a sexual partner is prohibited as this type of behavior is incompatible with the mission of the College as well as with the rights of roommates and community members to live in an appropriate and comfortable environment. Additionally, the College prohibits non-married members of the opposite sex from spending the night together even when sexual relations do not occur.
Failure to follow visitation policies will result in disciplinary action. During such an incident, the student’s ID will be requested and must be presented upon the request of a college official. In more serious situations, consequences could result in community service, fines, reassignment of housing, disciplinary probation, suspension or loss of visitation for one or more semesters or expulsion from the College. Special requirements such as alcohol and/or other drug education or sessions with the counseling center or other such services may be added to the consequences when there are other circumstances involved in the violation. Each situation is reviewed separately as variables may exist which may change sanctions.
Due to the varying building designs, the boundaries for visitation are different in several of our housing units. The boundaries for most residence halls are the exterior doors of the buildings. Students are permitted outside of these buildings during non-visitation hours (i.e., female students are permitted on the Newman Hall porch during non-visitation hours). During non-visitation hours, additional guidelines are in place for the following buildings:
McDonald Hall: Males are not permitted in the suites or on the balconies, stairwells, or the sidewalk immediately in front of (parallel to) the ground floor suites. Males can pass through the breezeways but may not stop and linger in them.
Legacy Hall Apartments: Members of the opposite sex are not permitted in the apartments or their breezeways, steps, lawns, or sidewalks leading to/perpendicular to the apartments. Members of the opposite sex are allowed to be on the sidewalk that runs parallel to the apartments.
Campus Houses: Members of the opposite sex are not permitted in the campus house or on the lot/property of that house (with the exception of the sidewalk of 1017). Being on the lawn, perpendicular sidewalk, or driveway of a campus house is a violation of the policy. Members of the opposite sex are allowed to be on the public sidewalk that runs parallel to the house.
Row Houses: Members of the opposite sex are not permitted in the row house or on the steps, porch, lawns, or sidewalks leading to/perpendicular to a row house. Members of the opposite sex are allowed to be on the public sidewalk that runs parallel to the row houses and 2nd Street as well as the parking lot behind the Row Houses.
Windows, Screens, and Blinds
Window blinds are provided in every student room and may not be removed, altered, or replaced. Students may not hang or place personal items in windows or ledges. Only blinds provided by the College should be visible from the building exterior. Nothing may be thrown out of windows, and residents may not enter/exit through windows.