A. Yes. All Students in their
first two years out of high school are required to live on campus. Being
away from home for the first time can be very intimidating. We hope to
make this transition easier. Through living on campus, you are able to
meet other residents and make new friends. You are more likely to share
classes with others who are in your hall or even on your floor. These
experiences are more likely to make your college years more enjoyable
and successful. However, there are a few exceptions. If you have questions
regarding this, please contact the Residential Life office at (605)
688-5148 or by
Q. Will anyone be there to help "show me the ropes?"
A.
Yes, learning to live on your own is tough. Learning to live in a community
setting is also no easy task. To help you in your new life are Resident
Assistants (RA's). There is one on each floor ready to help you succeed.
They are there
to help you with questions such as directions to a building or
a class, and they are there to be a mediator for conflicts. They are also
there to be your friend and a helper.
A. RA is short for Resident Assistant.
These paraprofessional students live on the floors and act as resources
for students. They also are responsible for facilitating educational
and social programs within the hall as well as helping to enforce hall
policy. An RHD is a Residence Hall Director. This is a
full-time professional staff member that lives in the building.
Duties of the RHD include supervising the student staff within the
building, dealing with judicial issues, and acting as a resource for
residents with questions or concerns. You can find more information
here.
A. Beds are equipped with extra long twin mattresses
that are 80 inches long. The only exception is the beds in Wecota Annex
which are 76 inch mattresses.
Q. What are
the dimensions of the furniture in the rooms?
A.
In all halls
except the Annex, which has fixed furniture, the measurements are as
follows:
Desk: 3' 6" wide x 1' 10" deep x 2' 6.5" high Bed: 7' 2" long x 3' 2" wide (outside dimensions) Bed: 6' 9" long x 4' 9" wide
x adjustable height (inside dimensions) Dresser: 3' 1" wide x 1' 10" deep x 2' 7" high
Measurements for the room sizes are located in the FAQ section on the page
for the specific hall.
A.
There are plenty of opportunities for student employment on campus. Each
hall hires office assistants, night assistants, snow shovelers, student
custodians, and student helpers for maintenance workers. In addition,
the CAP center on campus often has a list of other positions on-campus
and off-campus. You can also see the "employment" section of this
site for student jobs with Residential Life or speak with your Hall
Director.
A. Single rooms are available on a waiting list
basis in some of the Residence Halls. Wecota Annex is also composed
of smaller rooms that are used as singles.
The University Apartments have single bedrooms in a four bedroom apartment.
Q. Is it possible for me to
switch rooms after I move in?
A. Yes. If
you move in and find that you would prefer to live with someone else, or you
aren't getting along with your roommate, switching rooms is an option. Start
the process by talking with your RA about why you want to switch, and they
will be more than happy to help you.
Q. What if something breaks in my room? What do I do? Will
I be charged?
A. If something breaks in the room the first thing
to do is go to the desk in your hall and fill out a work order to have
the item repaired. Front desks are open 20-hours per day so please do this immediately
so you don’t forget. Residents will be charged if they are responsible
for the damage. However, if it is determined that the item broke because
of natural wear-n-tear, then students will be charged a pro-rated amount
or not at all.
A. Immediately report the keys missing to the front
desk and your RA or RHD. If a lock change is required they can start the
process. Remember to report lost keys not only for your sake, but all
of your roommates’ belongings and their safety rest in having a
secure room.
A. Unburned, decorative candles with the wicks removed are allowed.
However if these candles show any sign of use they will be removed in
accordance with the fire safety policy. You may use candle warmers in
the room, but once again, the candle can never show any signs of being lit.
Incense is not allowed in University Residence Halls.
A.
Yes, in fact we encourage it. We want you to be comfortable in your new
home. However, you should consider talking to your roommate before you
move in to coordinate who brings particular items and refer to the
Residence
Hall Handbook for more detail. We ask that you use masking
tape or 3M strips to attach items to the walls.
A.
No. Like the campus, alcohol is not allowed in any of the residence halls
even if you are over 21. Alcohol containers such as empty beer cans or
bottles are also prohibited in the halls.
A.
There are cable jacks in each room. However, your housing fee does not
provide cable. Residents need to contract with the local cable provider.
The cable service is turned on during the first week so that you can preview
the service and determine if you wish to continue service though Mediacom.
A.
Yes. All rooms come with desks, chairs, beds, dressers and closets for you and
your roommate. All the furniture the University provides must remain in
the room throughout the year.
A. Yes. Each room is equipped with Internet
ports. The cost for the internet connection is included with your fees.
You still need to contact the help desk upon move in to activate the port.
A.
All the buildings with the exception of the Annex and the University
Apartments already come with furnishings that are capable of being lofted.
As such, students cannot purchase or bring their own loft, they must use the
furnishings that are provided with the room. The Annex rooms have
fixed furniture and cannot be lofted, and lofts are not allowed in the
University Apartments.
A.
There is a phone jack; however you must purchase phone service separately
from Swiftel.
Roommates also share this expense. If you bring a personal cell phone
to campus, please make sure that the front desk has your number to be
able to reach you in the event of an emergency.
A.
No. Halogen lamps generate extreme heat and therefore create a major
fire hazard. Incandescent and fluorescent lighting are the only types of
lamps residents may have in their rooms.
Q. If my roommate moves
out, or does not show up; will receive a new roommate or be relocated to a
different room?
A.
It is probable. The Department of Residential life has the right to
re-assign residents and/or relocate residents to better utilize space within
each residence hall. Single occupants of double occupancy rooms may be
required to consolidate with another resident. Residents will be notified in
writing of options and requirements to choose by an established deadline.
