AIR CONDITIONERS
Fans are permitted, but must be provided by the individuals. All residence halls are air conditioned.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES & OTHER DRUGS
McPherson College does not allow the use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on its campus. The College believes that the use and abuse of these substances is counterproductive to the educational process, and often contributes to behaviors that are disruptive to everyone in the academic community. In addition, health risks are associated with misuse and abuse of such substances.
McPherson College prohibits the possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by any student, faculty member, or staff person anywhere on campus or at College functions. In addition, legal consequences for illicit drug use can be quite severe and greatly impact a person’s future. Students participating in the PELL Grant Program are required by the federal government to sign the “Anti-Drug Abuse Act Certification.”
a) The possession, consumption or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs at College-sponsored events on or off campus is prohibited.
b) Gatherings where alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs are being consumed or are on open display are prohibited on campus and at College-sponsored activities off campus. This includes occupying a room or area where alcohol or drugs, containers, or paraphernalia are evident. To avoid confusion over the enforcement of this particular policy, students should refrain from bringing alcohol containers on campus for any purpose including such apparently innocent purposes as can/bottle and/or shot glass collections and room decorations.
c) Students are responsible for their guests for any violation of policy including disorderly conduct or damages that are associated with the consumption of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs.
It is also important to know that under the current Kansas statute, “no person under the age of twenty-one (21) can legally purchase, possess or consume liquor or cereal malt beverages.” In addition, “anyone who directly or indirectly sells to, buys for, gives or furnishes intoxicating liquor or cereal malt beverages to a person under
21 years of age is guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor.”
Parents/legal guardians of students under age 21 may be notified of community code violations involving alcohol use or possession, and/or illicit drug use or possession.
ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
In-line skates, Frisbees, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, etc. may not be used in the Residence Halls or any other building on campus except the Sport Center (appropriate equipment only). In-line skates and skateboards are not to be used on any steps, seating areas or ramps on campus.
BICYCLE STORAGE
If space is available, a bicycle storage area will be provided in the residence halls. Students may store their bikes in their rooms. Bicycles are not to be left in hallways, corridors, or public lounges. Students are encouraged to purchase and use sturdy locks and chains for their bicycles. The College cannot be responsible for damaged or stolen bicycles.
BLOCKING, PROPPING, OR JAMMING DOORS
Due to the potential danger associated with blocking, propping, or jamming outside doors, students who are involved in this action are subject to approved disciplinary action and have legal liability for the safety of the occupants in the residence hall. This includes jamming interior doors by any method including the use of coins wedged in door jams. Residence hall room doors may be propped open as long as the resident is inside the room.
CANDLES, OPEN FLAMES, AND FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES
Candles, oil lamps, potpourri burners, incense, etc., that have flames or must be ignited with a flame are not allowed to be burned in campus buildings, including the residence halls, because of their potential fire danger. The storage or use of flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, etc., is strictly prohibited.
CIRCUITS
The College cautions against overloading circuits in rooms. Electrical equipment should be used in moderation in rooms. The Fire Chief has cautioned against the use of numerous extension cords and recommends the “use of approved multiple outlet strips that feature a self-activating circuit breaker which would shut off power when power overloading and short circuits occur.”
COMPUTER SERVICES POLICY
McPherson College strives to provide access to computer technology necessary to assist all members of its community to master computer and other emerging technologies appropriate to each individual’s educational and personal needs. This service is based on an ethical and fair utilization of the resources available, as established both on campus and through connections to off-campus service providers. Students may not contract with outside internet service providers such as AOL.
McPherson College computer facilities are for the use of McPherson College community members only. Anyone using McPherson College computer facilities agrees not to install software, modify the system configuration, or modify the hard drives in any manner without specific prior permission from the designated contact. Each member of the campus community agrees, in addition, to allow no one else to use his/her account, to use the account for any unlawful and/or commercial purpose or for the harassment of another person, and to obey all Copyright Laws which prohibits the unauthorized copying, reproducing or redistributing of another’s music, movies, computer software, text or graphics. Persons in violation of this policy are subject to the full range of sanctions and discipline, up to and including dismissal. Some violations may constitute criminal offenses, under local, state or federal laws. The college will carry out its responsibility to report criminal offenses to the appropriate authorities. Abuse of these restrictions should be reported to the Dean of Students.
COOKING
Due to fire safety and sanitation requirements, students are not allowed to cook in the rooms. The use of microwave ovens, hot plates, hot pots, toaster ovens, and other cooking appliances is not allowed in student rooms. Kitchenettes are available for use in the Residence Halls.
FIRE SAFETY
All campus buildings are equipped with fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. In order to protect and possibly save lives, persons must assume that there is a fire when an alarm sounds. Failure to leave the building during an alarm is a violation of policy and may result in disciplinary action. Everyone must evacuate the building immediately. Do not return to your room for any reason until authorities give instructions to do so. If you discover a fire, pull the nearest fire alarm. The fire alarm system and hallway smoke detectors are directly connected with the automated emergency dispatch system. The McPherson City Fire Department will respond immediately. Each of the student rooms is equipped with a smoke detector. If a smoke detector is not working properly, please report it immediately to your Resident Assistant or Resident Director. Mechanisms such as door closures and smoke detectors are considered devices for fire safety. A fine will be assessed when these items are dismantled or vandalized. For fire safety purposes, facility management staff conduct monthly checks of all room smoke detectors.
FIREARMS, WEAPONS
The use or possession of weapons (firearms, bows, knives, etc.), ammunition, firecrackers, fireworks, and explosives is not permitted on the College grounds or in the buildings.
FALSE FIRE ALARMS
Fire extinguishers and fire alarms are for the protection of life and property. Tampering with emergency fire equipment and activating false alarms endangers lives. Such actions result in very serious disciplinary consequences. Persons responsible will be billed for any expenses related to the false alarm, and will be held accountable by the campus judicial system. The responsible persons may also expect to be dealt with by civil authorities. In situations where direct blame cannot be assessed to the individual(s) responsible, the residence hall account will be charged.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills are scheduled for the residence halls during the year. Each student is responsible for cooperating and following evacuation plans; when an alarm sounds:
° Evacuate the building immediately
° Go out the nearest exit
° Assemble at least 200 feet from the building
° DO NOT return to the hall until an “all clear” signal is given by the Resident Director
° Violation of these directives will result in judicial action
FURNITURE
Student rooms and public lounges in the Residence Halls are provided with College-owned furniture. The furniture that is in the student room when you check in must be present when you check out. Furniture in the public areas is meant for the use of all residents. Do not move lounge furniture into student rooms. Residents may bring extra furniture (chairs, computer tables, etc.) of their own into their rooms.
Waterbeds are not permitted. In the interest of fire and personal safety the following policies have also been established:
1. Any materials used must have a flame spread number no greater than 75. A label or manufacturer statement to this effect must be available for fire inspectors.
2. Carpeting and rugs may be used, but floors may not be elevated. Carpet must not inhibit opening/closing of the door.
3. Beds can be bunked only to the height of standard bunk beds (60” from floor to mattress platform). This safety requirement includes lofts.
4. Doors or passageways that limit egress may not be installed.
5. Additional wiring for electrical equipment or lighting effects may not be used. This refers to improvised wiring. Only wiring approved by the College and installed by a licensed electrician is acceptable.
6. Location of furniture must not obstruct air circulation through the convector units. This regulation pertains to all heating and air conditioning units. No placement of furniture will be allowed which hampers the building’s heating and air conditioning system.
7. Students paying for a single room will have furniture for one person only. Double furniture will not be provided.
GAMBLING
McPherson College does not allow gambling on campus.
GUESTS
If you wish to have an overnight guest of the same sex, discuss it with your roommate first and then notify your Resident Director. Opposite sex guests are not allowed to stay overnight. A student’s right to have a guest is, in all cases, superseded by the roommate’s right to the uninterrupted use of the room and the resident’s rights to the uninterrupted use of the common space. A guest is defined as anyone not assigned to the room, including students of McPherson College. Guests may stay for a total of three days during a one-month period in one resident’s room. Guests may not stay more than three days total in any given month in any campus housing. Your guests should be aware of expected conduct and the College and Residence Hall policies. The host is also responsible for the behavior and actions of his/her guests. No keys will be issued to guests who share a resident’s room. McPherson College is private property. Underage and/or nonstudents can be asked to leave the campus.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
The Life Safety Code Section 17-1213 states, “No furnishings or decorations of an explosive or highly flammable character shall be used in any place of assembly or any other occupancy except private dwellings. This would include any live Christmas tree and greenery or non-fire-retardant artificial tree or greenery. Flame-retardant trees are allowed without lights. Artificial trees are not to be placed in the corridors or in any path of egress.”
KEYS
Each resident is provided with a key that allows access to his/her room and Residence Hall. Residence Hall exit doors remain locked twenty-four hours a day with the exception of the main entrance, which is unlocked from 9:00 a.m. to midnight each day. Resident students may enter the locked entrances of their building with a key. It is imperative that students carry their keys at all times and refuse to loan them to others. Students are also asked to ensure that exit doors close securely after they enter or exit a building. Report malfunctions in door locks immediately to the Resident Director or Resident Assistants.
All keys are property of the College and must be returned when the student checks out of the Residence Hall. If a key is lost it should be reported to the Resident Director immediately. A replacement fee of $30.00 will be charged. Mailbox keys may be picked up at the Bookstore at the beginning of the fall semester. All keys must be returned at the end of the academic year. There is a $30.00 charge for replacing a lost mail box key. Students employed by the College often are given keys to College buildings. Keys are to be used only by the student to whom they are issued for the purposes for which they are issued. Any person possessing unauthorized keys or who misuses College keys will be subject to campus judiciary action. The duplication of any College key is prohibited.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Coin operated washers and dryers are available in Residence Halls for residents’ use only. If you need to receive a refund, or report a machine that is not working, please contact a Residence Hall staff person. Commercial laundromats are located in the city of McPherson.
MAINTENANCE AND HOUSEKEEPING
All repair work in the Residence Halls is completed by the College maintenance staff, or persons contracted to make the repairs. Reports of needed repairs should be submitted to a Residence Life Staff member (i.e., RA, RD). The housekeeping staff provides a neat and clean environment in the Hall. However, they are not responsible for cleaning unnecessary messes made by the residents in public areas (including cleaning up after haircuts). Nor are they responsible for disposing of personal trash left by the residents. All personal trash must be disposed of by the resident in dumpsters located outside each hall. Your cooperation in caring for the facilities will make their jobs easier and will make the Halls a more pleasant place to live.
PERSONAL PROPERTY LOSS AND DAMAGE
The College cannot assume responsibility for destruction, theft, or damage of property belonging to or in the custody of the student. Residents are encouraged to carry the appropriate personal property insurance for their protection. Students are also encouraged to lock their doors.
PETS
Animals present concerns to residence hall living because of noise, health, and possible damage to the facilities. For these reasons, only fish, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and birds are allowed in the residence halls. Rabbits, cats, dogs, snakes, ducks, carnivorous fish, birds larger than cockatiels, and other types of domesticated animals are prohibited. Aquariums must be 20 gallon capacity or less. Roommates should be in agreement about having a pet in the room. Pets that are usually allowed but are found to be creating a disturbance may need to be removed. If a pet becomes a nuisance to the roommate or other hall residents, the owner will remove it. Pets must be taken home when residence halls are closed. All other animals are not allowed in any campus building even “temporarily” or for a “visit.” Owners who allow their pet to toilet on the campus grounds are required to pick up and properly dispose of the animal’s droppings.
PUBLIC NUDITY
As a matter of consideration for other members of the community, genitals and women’s breasts should be covered while in public spaces.
QUIET HOURS
Hours are the same for all residence halls. The hours are 10:00 p.m.-10:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday; midnight-10:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday. The right to study or sleep takes precedence over all other activities in the residence hall. The responsibility for quiet hours is a shared one. It is the student’s right and obligation to let offenders know of annoying activities. Quiet hours are a time when noise levels from public spaces to rooms and from one room to another should not be detectable by others. Noise levels at any time which are disturbing to students in the community may be addressed. During finals week, quiet hours are in effect from midnight on Friday prior to the start of finals through when the halls close. Quiet hours expand to a 22-hour period during this time; the exception is during the hours between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
REFRIGERATORS
Students are allowed personal refrigerators that are no larger than 3.0 cubic feet. The College will maintain the right to inspect the contents of refrigerators to assure compliance with Community Code expectations. Any violation of the Community Code associated with the use of the refrigerator may result in the forfeiture of this privilege and the refrigerator being removed from the room and held for the student until privileges are restored.
RESIDENCE CHECK-IN/-OUT PROCEDURES
When checking into a new room at any time, contact the Resident Director for the necessary forms and to receive a room key. At that time a residence hall staff member will go over the room check form with you. To check out of the room you will need to clean your room, remove all personal belongings from the room, and arrange to check out with the Hall staff. Students wishing to check out during the semester must contact the Dean of Students before departure. Failure to complete the checkout procedure will result in the forfeiture of the room damage deposit. Professional staff check each room in detail after you have completed check-out procedures and may assess additional charges. Nothing may be stored in the Residence Halls over the summer.
RESIDENCE HALL RESTROOMS
Restrooms on the floors are to be used by the gender of the residents assigned to that floor only. Anyone of the opposite gender should use the restroom in the front lobby of the hall.
ROOM CHANGE REQUESTS
Since living with a roommate is a significant learning experience, you will be encouraged and assisted by staff to work out difficult situations. However, if you are approved to move, you must formally check out of your old room, and check in to your new room. No room changes will be allowed before the end of the first two weeks of the semester.
ROOM CONSOLIDATION
At times students prefer double rooms but are for some reason left without a roommate. Students in this situation will have two weeks from the time they have no roommate to choose one of the following options: A) Accept or choose a new roommate, or B) Pay for the room as a single. The Resident Director will provide a list of the names of students who can be contacted as potential roommates. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for sharing a room. Any student who has not moved into a double room by the end of the two-week deadline will be charged the single room rate. If a student chooses option A they must be willing to find someone willing to move into the vacancy or move in with someone else who has a vacancy. If no new roommate is available, the student may remain in the single room without an extra charge with the understanding that she/he will accept a roommate when one becomes available. The room must be maintained at all times in a manner which would make it possible for another student to feel comfortable moving in (i.e., all original College furniture must be present in the room; closet, bed, desk, shelf, and dresser space must remain available). Belongings are to be kept only in one portion of the room so that the new roommate has space for his/her possessions and will not feel unwelcome. The student must not discourage students seeking a room change from moving into the vacancy; if this occurs, the student will be billed the additional single room charge.
ROOM DECORATING
The College recognizes that each resident needs to feel comfortable and encourages residents to decorate their rooms to suit their own individual preferences and tastes. Alterations such as paint, contact paper, or wallpaper are not permitted. Electrical cords may not be positioned between the door and the door frame. If you question what is possible, contact the Resident Director before you make changes. This also includes removal of any furniture from the room. Residents may not display alcohol paraphernalia including, but not limited to, signs, posters, bottles (full or empty), glasses, corkscrews, etc. Students displaying pornographic posters in public view on the windows or in hallways of the residence halls will be asked to remove them.
ROOM INSPECTION
The College reserves the right to enter a student’s room when such action is deemed necessary to maintain our responsibility regarding safety and community standards. A room inspection may be required to check for damages, for routine maintenance, or to investigate possible violations of community codes. An inspection can be made by any member of the Residence Life or Facility Management staff. The staff person(s) making an inspection will identify the reason for entry. The inspection will usually consist of a visual check of the room except in cases where a specific repair is needed or there is a suspicion of violation of policy. A room search may result from a room inspection. At the beginning of each break and once a month, College personnel check each room for maintenance, safety, and energy concerns. Normal room inspection procedures apply during this time.
ROOM/KEY DEPOSIT
A $100.00 room/key deposit is required for room assignment in the residence halls. This deposit will be maintained as long as you stay in the residence halls. It is not applied toward room and board payments; it is a guarantee against damages and assurance of room check-in/check-out fulfillment. This deposit is refunded to you after the 20th day of classes the semester after you leave the College. Damage charges can be assessed against this deposit and the deposit must be raised to the $100.00 level before you will be allowed to enroll if you are a continuing student.
ROOM SEARCH
A room search is also performed in response to a report of a violation of campus standards. A room search is a more thorough check of the room and its contents including personal belongings. In order to carry out a room search written authorization must be obtained from the Dean of Students or designee. The authorization for the search will identify the alleged violation, the persons authorized to conduct the search, and will identify what, if any, items were removed from the room. The search will be conducted by at least two persons, including at least one professional Residence Life staff member. In the event a violation is discovered an incident report will be filed and appropriate action will be taken.
ROOM SELECTION PROCESS
Each spring students are given the opportunity to indicate their desired room and roommate for the following year. A $50 non-refundable deposit will be required to reserve the student’s room of choice. This deposit will be applied against the student’s Fall semester bill. The procedures and requirements for the room selection process will be sent to each returning resident student in advance of the sign-up dates. In addition, the dates and locations for room selection will be posted in each of the residence halls. New students will be assigned to a room following receipt of the room and board application and the reservation deposit. Students who do not occupy their assigned room by the first day of classes will be considered as “no shows”, and will forfeit their room assignment. Any students who will not be able to check in at the residence hall before the first day of classes should contact the Resident Director of their assigned hall. Students who are classified as “no shows” and arrive late, may be assigned to another available space by the Resident Director.
SATELLITE DISHES
The use of satellite dishes in residence halls is prohibited.
SCREENS, LEDGES, AND ROOFS
In the interest of safety students are not permitted to be on the ledges or roofs of the buildings for any reason. If you need to reach an item that is on a roof or ledge, please contact a residence hall staff person. Screens have been fastened to the windows. They should not be removed, and a fine will be assessed and the screen put back if missing. There will be a charge to replace screens and/or repair damaged screens.
SECURITY
McPherson College has a security guard who checks the doors at night and patrols the campus. Any alleged criminal offenses reported to campus security or local police agencies, for any college or university in the nation, can be found at the US Department of Education Campus Security Statistics website.
SOLICITATION
Canvassing or solicitation of funds, sales, votes, membership, literature, or subscriptions by non-student groups is not permitted on campus. Student groups wishing to sell items in the residence halls must have prior approval from the appropriate Resident Director. Signs and posters regarding activities sponsored by recognized campus organizations are permitted on appropriate bulletin boards or other designated areas. Non-student groups may post advertisements with prior approval from the Dean of Students. Notices posted by non-approved groups will be removed.
TELEPHONES
McPherson College offers Campus Telephone Service through RESICOM Corporation for the students living on campus. All students living on campus are served through the Campus Telephone Service with each room having an active telephone line. Each student must provide his/her own touch-tone phone. On-campus and local calls are free to students; all expenses for long-distance calls are the student’s responsibility. Each new student will receive a Calling Package upon arrival to campus which will include a Campus Telephone Service Manual and other information that will introduce the student to the phone service.
TELEPHONE MAILBOX DIRECTIONS
You have an extension number and a voicemail number. Your extension number is the number people use to call your room – it is the number that rings directly into your room. Your voicemail number is the number you use to set up your voicemail (if you have a roommate) or to check your messages from a phone other than the one in your room. When someone calls your extension number and you are not there, they are prompted to leave a message for either you or your roommate on your voicemail number. If you move to a different room, your extension number does not follow you to the new room, but your voicemail number does. You will need to ask your RA what your new extension number is if you move.
Getting Started (Logging into your mailbox for the 1 st time):
The first time you log into your voicemail, you will be guided through the system tutorial to change your passcode, record your name and leave a greeting (message) for people calling you.
Follow these steps to SET UP your mailbox
FROM YOUR ASSIGNED TELEPHONE:
Step 1: Dial 1000
Step 2: Wait for the voice mail to answer. If you have a roommate, you will need to know your voicemail number to access the correct voicemail box.
Step 3: Enter your passcode, when prompted.
Your temporary passcode is 1111.
Step 4: Follow the system tutorial to change your passcode.
Step 5: Follow the system tutorial to change your recorded name (this is just a recording of your first and last name, i.e., Joe Smith).
Step 6: follow the system tutorial to change your greeting (voice message). This greeting must be 15 seconds or less in length.
A message that lasts longer than 15 seconds or is deemed inappropriate for the campus community will be recorded over with a generic recording. That student will no longer have the ability to record their own name and greeting.
Checking for new messages (Logging into your mailbox):
Follow these steps to check for NEW messages
FROM YOUR ASSIGNED TELEPHONE
Step 1: Dial 1000
Step 2: Wait for voice mail to answer. If you have a roommate, you will need to select YOUR voicemail box number.
Step 3: Enter your passcode, when prompted.
Step 4: Press “P” (7 Key) to play your messages.
Step 5: Follow prompts at end of each message to
DELETE (3 Key)
KEEP (5 Key)
GIVE A COPY OF THE MESSAGE TO ANOTHER USER (4 Key)
Logging into your mailbox from someone else’s telephone:
FROM THE TELEPHONE
Step 1: Dial 1000 (Or from the outside dial 620-242-XXXX, then dial 1000)
Step 2: Wait for Voice mail to answer
Step 3: Enter “*” then YOUR MAILBOX NUMBER then “*”
Step 4: Enter your passcode, when prompted
Step 5: Press “P” (7 Key) to play your messages
Step 6: Follow prompts
TOBACCO
McPherson College seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone on campus. The use of tobacco seriously and unnecessarily jeopardizes the health and comfort of those who are exposed to it. In an effort to limit exposure to smoke and other tobacco residue, the College places the following restrictions on tobacco use: Smoking is not permitted in campus buildings. The use of smokeless tobacco is not permitted in campus buildings.
TORNADOES
Two types of tornado alerts are issued by the Weather Bureau. The first is a tornado watch. A watch indicates that the conditions are right for a tornado to develop. The second type of alert is a tornado warning. This usually means that a tornado has been sighted or is moving in the direction of McPherson. If a tornado is sighted, the McPherson area emergency siren will sound. When a warning has been issued everyone must proceed to take shelter in the designated areas. If time does not permit that, try to find the safest place in the building where you are. The following shelter areas have been designated for each of the campus buildings:
Campus Buildings Shelter Area
Brown, Mingenback Brown Auditorium Basement
Melhorn, Facility Management Melhorn Basement
Templeton Melhorn Basement
Hess Hess Basement
Miller Library, Mohler Miller Library Basement
Sport Center, Athletic Fields Miller Library Basement
Beeghly, Hoffman Student Union Hoffman Student Union Basement
Dotzour Hoffman Student Union
Basement
Metzler Hess Basement
Bittinger Bittinger Hall Basement
Morrison Morrison Hall Basement
You must remain in the designated shelter until the warning has been lifted. Violation of this directive will result in judicial action.
VANDALISM
As members of the same community, it is our responsibility to address acts that damage or destroy College and personal property. When damage occurs, those persons responsible will be held accountable for their actions, and will be expected to make full restitution. He/she will also be subject to disciplinary action. In situations where direct blame cannot be assessed to the individual(s) responsible, the total cost will be divided among the members of the floor or hall affected.
VISITATION
The Residence Life Staff, under the direction of the Dean of Students, have the responsibility for implementing the visitation program in the halls and setting any guidelines or regulations for the program when necessary. It is expected that all students in the hall will assist in making sure that all residents cooperate with the College and comply with visitation policies to insure the success of the visitation program. Residents as well as employees of the College are expected to report violations of visitation to a Residence Life staff member. Students are permitted to have visitors in their rooms only if there are no objections from their roommate. Residents violating established guidelines are subject to withdrawal of visitation privileges for a period deemed necessary by the Campus Judicial Council as well as other appropriate disciplinary actions. The visitation hours and guidelines, approved and established in spring 2004, are as follows:
1. Sunday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
2. Each residence hall has the opportunity to set its own hours within this range, with the freedom to close entirely for one day if it chooses.
3. In the fall on the Saturday the time change occurs, visitation will end when the initial 2:00 a.m. time occurs.
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