Hallways Handbook - Kent State University

ContentsDirector’s Greeting 2Mission and Values 3Residence Hall Community 4Residence Hall Staff 5Community Living 5Student Leadership 8Academic Support 9Residential Computing& Communications 10Laundry Services 11Mail and Package Delivery 12FLASHTrack 12FLASHcard 12FLASHfleet 12Residence HallDisciplinary Process 13Discipline Meetings 13Good Samaritan Provision 14Resident Bill of Rightsand Responsibilities 14Residence Hall Policies:Resident Privacy & Behavior 16Complying withReasonable Requests 16Noise Policies 16Alcohol Policies 18Drugs 19Smoking 19Harassment and Assault 20Weapons 21Health and Sanitation 22Guests and Visitation 22Residence Hall Policies:Personal Living Space 25Computing 25Restrooms 25Room Capacity 26Roof 26Room Upkeep 26Decorations 26Combustible Materials 28Furnishings 28Gambling 31Safety and Security 32Office of Safety andSecurity Services 32Safety Tips 33Controlled Access (Locks) 34Elevators 35Power Outage 35Temporary CampusClosing 35Mass Communicationsfor Emergencies 36Tornado Procedures 36Fire Safety and Prevention 37Administrative Procedures 40Laundry Carts 40Loss of Keys 40Tri-Towers Rotundaand Rosie’s DinerWeekend Visitation 42University Property 42Decorations 43Room Entry andRoom Search 43Posting 45Bicycles 46Sales and Solicitation 46University Liability 47Housing Contract 48Residence Hall Contract 48Room Issues 49Official Checkout 51Interim Break Periods 52Study Abroad 52Summer Housing 53Housing Information Chart 54Index 55University Calendar Back Cover1

Welcome to your New HomeDear Resident:On behalf of the staff in the Department of Residence Services, welcome to your new home. Weare pleased that you have chosen to live on campus and are committed to providing you with aresidential experience that will meet your needs and enhance your success at Kent State University.This handbook has been designed to provide you with a guide for living and learning in the residencehalls.Residence halls at Kent State University are more than just places to sleep. Out-of-classroomlearning experiences will account for a significant amount of your experience at Kent State.Research shows that students who live in the residence halls transition more easily to campus life,are more involved in co-curricular activities, feel a stronger connection to the university, and performbetter academically than non-resident students. We encourage you to use your time in universityhousing to participate in activities, develop new friendships, and learn more about yourself andothers who live in your community.Living on campus provides many new freedoms and personal choices, e.g., decisions about whento sleep, study, eat and relax. Responsibilities also accompany these freedoms. You are expectedto be considerate and respectful of other residents, to do your part to promote a safe and secureenvironment, and to commit yourself to academic coursework and other activities which promotelearning.Residence Services staff will assist you in taking full advantage of all the resources the universityoffers. Whether you are a first-year student or pursuing graduate studies, we feel confident that wecan offer you a co-curricular environment that will enhance your overall success during your tenureat Kent State University.Best wishes for a successful year!Jill ChurchDirector2

Department of Residence ServicesMission & ValuesMissionThe Department of Residence Services is committed to enhancing and complementingthe academic and personal development of students by cultivating and nurturing valuesthat emphasize self-awareness, engagement in learning, responsible citizenship, supportand development of relationships, and the honoring of humandifferences for a just community.The expression and realization of these fundamental commitments are integrated intothe provision of residential facilities, services and programs that are designed to enhancestudent learning and support student success.Through the provision of caring and purposeful educators, committed and responsivestaff, and a dynamic living experience, the department seeks to prepare students for thechallenges and needs of a global and diverse society.Core ValuesIn order to successfully accomplish our mission, the following core values guide thedecisions we make, the priorities we establish and the directions we take:Student Success - We strive to enhance students’ academic achievements and tosupport their learning and personal development. We are committed to assistingstudents through the various transitions they will experiencewhile living in university housing.Integrity - We pride ourselves on being honorable, trustworthy and credible. We striveto provide quality service, to treat everyone with respect, to provide timelyresponses, and to be fair and equitable.Inclusive communities - We are committed to creating and helping to foster communitiesthat promote healthy interaction, vibrant friendships, civility, compassion, caring,and an attitude of treating one another with respect and dignity.Responsible Decision-Making - To the desired end of being good stewards of ourresources, and responsible citizens of the university as well as local, regional and globalsocieties, we are dedicated to the efficient and effective use of resources, and usingreliable and diverse forms of information to support our decisions.3

1 - RESIDENCE HALL COMMUNITYThe Department of Residence Services is committed to providing quality services, amenities and programsto enhance our students’ living-learning experience while residing on campus. With this in mind,all students are encouraged to understand and embrace their roles as members of a community. As aresident, your actions and behavior directly affect the community. Therefore, it is your responsibility toread and understand the guidelines for conduct and living in the residence halls as noted in your residencehall contract.As a member of a residence hall, you have access to additional support that isn’t available in off-campusliving environments. One of these supports is your Residence Services Hall Staff: a group ofprofessional and student staff whose goal is to create a strong community of learners on your floor and inyour building and make your stay in your hall as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. They are here toensure a healthy, comfortable, educational and fair environment where learning and all other activitiesof daily life are smoothly integrated. Get to know the staff in your area. They will prove to be welcoming,concerned and very helpful.Benifits of living on campus include:There are numerous benefits to living on campus including convenience, opportunities to developlife-long friendships, and to live in an environment that fosters the educational and personalgrowth of students.The mission of the Department of Residence Services is to provide to residential students a livingenvironment that offers support and assistance to maximize their educational opportunities. Ourgoal is to offer residential facilities, programs and services that enhance student learning andsupport student success.While living in an environment that promotes safety, students also benefit from the opportunityto learn about other cultures and lifestyles, form lifelong friendships and make lasting memories.The concepts of self-respect and respect for others, tolerance of and celebration of diversity,ethical behavior and personal growth are fostered via staff intervention, community-basededucational and social programs and the expectation that hall residents hold one anotheraccountable.The convenience of living on campus provides students easy access to numerous campus resourcessuch as faculty and academic advisors, the library, computer labs, residence hall dining halls andother campus eateries, the health center, recreational facilities and student organizations.Additionally, students have the opportunity to interact with university faculty outside theclassroom by participating in a variety of campus-wide and residence hall programs.4

1.1 - Residence Hall StaffResident Assistant (RA):A trained student staff member who lives on a residence hall floor or wing. RAs are selected on thebasis of their experience, leadership and human relations skills. They are prepared to assistresidents with many concerns — personal, social, academic and environmental — as well as toassist students in developing and accepting responsibility for their own actions.Security Aides:A trained student staff member who, as part of the Residential Security Aide Program, providesnightly monitoring of the halls and offers campus-wide escorts. Security Aides provide escortsanywhere on campus each night between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.Clerical Coordinators and Area Desk Staff:The residence halls are divided into geographical areas utilizing an area desk that provides a varietyof services to residents. Each desk is staffed with a professional Clerical Coordinator and anumber of student desk staff.Housekeeping Staff:The housekeeping needs of the residence halls are covered by a dedicated staff of custodial workers.The housekeeping staff shares responsibility of maintaining hall cleanliness.Residence Hall Director (RHD):A full-time professional staff member who lives in the hall and is responsible for the overalloperation of a residence hall or hall complex. The RHD supervises Resident Assistants and/or anAssistant Residence Hall Director.Assistant Residence Hall Director (ARHD):A graduate student who assists the RHD with the administration of a residence hall. Amongother responsibilities, the ARHD assists with hall council government.Assistant Director for Residential Communities:A full-time professional staff member who oversees the day-to-day operations of a group ofresidence halls. The Assistant Directors supervises the Residence Hall Directors.1.2 - Community Living1.21 Residence Hall ExpectationsPersonal development depends upon the ability of residents to live harmoniously with studentswhose backgrounds may be decidedly different from their own. The department believesexperiences like these help prepare students for the challenges and needs of a global and diversesociety.5

Aligned with our commitment to foster honoring of human differences for a just community, theDepartment of Residence Services believes that any remarks or actions, verbal or written, direct orby innuendo, initiated or in retaliation, that are designed to discredit any person because of his orher race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical limitation, orstatus as a protected veteran are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This statement is made toserve notice and clearly define the parameters expected of all Kent State University residence hallstudents.1.22 Applicable Policies, Rules and RegulationsA collection of university policies and procedures most frequently affecting students is containedin the Code of Student Conduct (www.kent.edu/emsa/studentconduct). The complete text ofall university policies can be found in the University Policy Register (www.kent.edu/policyreg).Additional rules and regulations pertaining to residence hall living are included in the ResidenceHall Contract.1.23 General ConductThe Department of Residence Services does not condone activities that could cause damage toproperty or harm to an individual or group of individuals. Therefore, engaging in such activitiesindoors (pranks, general horseplay, playing sports, in-line skating, roller skating, skateboarding,cycling, shaving cream fights, water balloon fights, use of toy weapons, etc.) will not be tolerated.Part of being a responsible citizen within the residence halls includes being aware of your surroundings.With that in mind, the Department of Residence Services expects students who anticipate or observea violation of university policy to remove themselves from the situation. If students do not removethemselves, they may be held responsible for condoning, supporting, or encouraging the policy violation(COMPLICITY). Students are also encouraged to report the violation. If something is happening inyour room for which you do not want to be held accountable, speak to your roommate(s) first and thenif the problem continues, speak to your RA or RHD.1.24 Going GreenKent State University is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that enhanceshealth, conserves resources and fosters a transition toward sustainability. In order to assist withthe conservation efforts of the university, each student room contains a special container forrecyclable refuse. Kent State University participates in the annual Recyclemania and CampusConservation Nationals (both events can be found on Facebook).1.25 Housekeeping and MaintenanceWhile custodial and maintenance services are provided, residents share responsibility for thegeneral maintenance and upkeep of their community living environment. The community livingenvironment includes student rooms, living area corridors, restrooms, public areas and theexterior facilities.NOTE: It is necessary and required for housekeeping to enter rooms and clean student bathrooms in Beall Hall,Johnson Hall, McDowell Hall, Stopher Hall and the Centennial Court Buildings.6

1.26 Commitment to DiversityKent State University affirmatively encourages diversity by providing opportunities to allstudents. The Department of Residence Services supports this commitment and recognizes thebenefits that are derived from the inclusion of diversity in our residence halls. Residence Servicesactively encourages participation by members of underrepresented groups based on race,ethnicity, age, gender, religious preferences, sexual orientation, disability or identification as aveteran in all our programs and activities.1.27 Academic SupportThe Department of Residence Services wants you to succeed academically! We also recognize thatthere are times when a little extra support can make that happen. For this reason, we convenientlyhost tutoring and supplemental instruction in several residence halls locations. These academicsupport services are available and open to all Kent State students regardless of where they live. Wehost math tutoring in the Tri-Towers rotunda and in Prentice Hall. For a full listing of academicsupport, please see your RA or our website http://www.kent.edu/asc.1.28 Community AgreementsThe Department of Residence Services seeks to foster community and engaged citizens by havingfloor sections develop community agreements at the beginning of each semester. This agreementshould be the starting point for addressing community concerns that may arise during the year(i.e., disrespect to differences, noise, cleanliness, vandalism). Hall staff will respond to communityissues in consideration of this agreement.1.29 Roommate AgreementsThe Department of Residence Services seeks to support roommate relationships by establishingroommate agreements between all residents who share a room. Roommate agreements aredesigned to help facilitate a discussion between roommates about hot topic issues like guests,noise, cleanliness and shared items. This agreement will be the starting point for addressing roomconcerns that may arise during the year. Students are encouraged to renegotiate their roommateagreement as issues arise. This tool is most effective when the roommates are open and honest.This form will be kept on file in the RHD office.7

1.3 Student LeadershipEach residence hall or residence hall complex forms a hall council, allowing students to become activelyinvolved in addressing issues as well as planning events at the hall level. Kent Interhall Council (KIC),which is comprised of representatives from each of these hall councils, serves as the representative voiceof residents to the administration. Council members also plan campus-wide programs, and participatein regional and national conferences.1.31 Hall CouncilsEach residence hall develops a Hall Council, allowing students to become actively involved inaddressing issues as well as planning events at the hall level. Involvement in one’s Hall Councilalso provides great opportunities for developing leadership skills. Kent Interhall Council (KIC),which is made up of representatives from each of these hall councils, serves as the representativevoice of residents to the administration, plans campus-wide programs, and participates in or attendsregional and national conferences.1.32 Kent Interhall CouncilKent Interhall Council is the residence hall association at Kent State University. The constituencyis comprised of all students living in the residence halls at Kent State and the funding comesfrom a per student allocation from the Department of Residence Services. KIC provides anumber of services to students, and focuses primarily on programming and advocacy, andoffering great leadership opportunities. There are a number of traditional programs such as SexWeek, Festival of Nations, and Lil’ Sibs Weekend. KIC provides opportunities for involvementin areas such as SPICE (a food committee) in cooperation with University Dining Services, andthe Diversity Committee which has sponsored programs such as the 720 Project and The Powerof Words. KIC offers a place where student’s voices can be heard, fun and challenging programsare held, and unbelievable leadership opportunities are available for all students! Check out kic.kent.edu for more information.1.33 National Residence Hall HonoraryThe National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is the recognition branch of the NationalAssociation of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). NACURH, as anorganization, believes that recognition is a must in a strong residence hall community. As such,NRHH is there to make sure that we don’t forget to give those who deserve it a much needed paton the back. NRHH chapters have a special way of recognizing those top leaders - bymembership. NRHH chapter membership is restricted to the top 1 percent of student leadersliving in the residence halls. The Kent State University chapter of NRHH, known as the BlackSquirrel Chapter, sponsors activities and programs that recognize and honor student excellence.Additionally, NRHH promotes the writing of “Of the Months” (OTMs). These are virtual thankyou notes promoting peer recognition. Check out nrhh.kent.edu for more information.8

1.4 - Academic Support in the Residence Halls1.41 Supplemental Instruction:The basic difference between SI and other tutoring services is that SI leaders attend classes alongwith the students they are tutoring. SI is completely voluntary and available on a drop-in basis. SIsessions provide students with course-specific learning and study strategies, note taking and testtaking skills, and the opportunity to study with their peers in a group format. For more informationabout SI, visit the SI website at http://www.kent.edu/si/.1.42 Drop-In Tutoring:The Academic Success Center also offers drop-in math and writing tutoring in Prentice Hall,Manchester Hall, and the Tri-Towers Rotunda. Check out the tutoring schedule athttp://www.kent.edu/asc/tutoring/math/index.cfm.1.43 Additional Academic Support:1.431 Early AlertsEarly Alert is a system that allows your instructor to identify students who are presentingpatterns that may lead to academic difficulty in their courses. The faculty member is able topartner with other campus resources/professionals in order to provide proactiveassistance to students so that they are able to succeed in all courses. Early alert is designedto help faculty members reach out to students when other methods have been unsuccessful.When a student is referred, the instructor is able to partner with other Kent State professionalsto assist students to identify issues before they hinder the student's ability to continuein their coursework. Residence hall staff are often notified about early alerts, and theymight reach out to you to discuss the faculty member’s concern. This process could includereferrals to appropriate resources, discussing other available options or one-on-one academicskillbuilding workshops. http://www.kent.edu/success/currentstudents/earlyalert.cfm.1.432 Mid-Term MeetingsFirst year students are provided with mid-term grades each semester to help them gauge howthey are doing academically half way through the semester. Residence Hall Directors areprovided access to grades for students who live in their halls so that they can assist studentswith finding resources and/or support needed to succeed academically. The hall staff willengage students in conversations about goal setting, time management and other topicspertinent to each student’s situation. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from hallstaff at any time for any help or concerns.9

1.5 - Residential Computing & Communications1.51 ResNet - The Residential NetworkEvery residential student has the opportunity to utilize ResNet, the university’s residentialnetwork. ResNet provides network access from each residence hall room and student familyapartment to the university’s computing resources and the Internet. The ResNet office is locatedin the Tri-Towers Rotunda, with phone support available at 330-672-9595 x4. The ResNetwebsite contains an abundance of helpful information on general computing issues in the residencehalls including anti-virus protection, operating system patches, file-sharing, security information,and answers to frequently asked questions. Please visit the ResNet website at www.kent.edu/resnet. In addition, the TechSpot@ResNet provides computer care services available for allfaculty, staff and student personally-owned computers.NOTE: The use of wired or wireless routers and/or sharing an internet connectionon campus is not permitted.1.52 Computer LabsThe Department of Residence Services maintains six computer lab clusters located in ManchesterHall, Verder Hall, Twin Towers, Tri-Towers, Korb Hall and the Allerton Student Apartments.The labs are available for residence hall and apartment students only. All labs contain IBMcompatible computers, Internet access, laser-jet printing and a suite of applications. To print inany of Kent State’s computer labs, you will need to bring your FLASHcard in order to pay forprinted pages. For more information about the labs visit the computer lab information page of thedepartment’s website, www.res.kent.edu/departmentalinformation/computerlabs.cfm. Studentsmust abide by all Department of Residence Services, university, local, state and federal laws andregulations when using the labs.1.53 TelevisionThe Department of Residence Services provides all residents with access to ResTV, Kent State’sresidential cable TV system. Students are to comply with applicable federal, state, city anduniversity laws and regulations while using ResTV. Students are responsible financially for anydamage to ResTV equipment, such as the cable jack and box, in their rooms or apartments.Students are required to provide their own cable cords. Information concerning ResTV, includingavailable channels, is available on the cable and phone page Residence Services website,http://www.kent.edu/housing/departmentalinformation/cable-phone.cfm.Should a resident experience poor picture quality or the inability to receive certain channels, itfirst should be verified that the television and additional equipment is properly connected. If theproblem persists, assistance from a service technician should be requested by completing a Flash-Track (see page 12).10

1.54 TelephonesDue to minimal and decreasing utilization of landline phones in student rooms, landlinetelephone service was discontinued at the end of the spring 2011 semester. The ability tocommunicate is very important to us. Therefore an option to acquire landline phone service is stillavailable for those that require service. Basic phone service (phone not included) can be providedat a cost of $65 for the initial setup and a $60 per semester charge for the service. This service willallow for local and on-campus calling only. Long distance service is not included and requiresa personal calling card which can be purchased at any major retail store. Voicemail is also notincluded. If voicemail service is required, you will need to provide your own answering machine.More information is available on the cable and phone page of the Residence Services websitehttp://www.kent.edu/housing/departmentalinformation/cable-phone.cfm.NOTE: The prefix assigned to all university phone numbers is 672.NOTE: Under no circumstances should a resident contact the local telephone serviceprovider, as this may result in additional billing.1.6 - Laundry ServicesEach residence hall is equipped with high-efficiency 20 lb. capacity washing and drying machines. Eachwash cycle costs $2.50 with no additional charge for drying. Kent State University is currentlycontracted with ASI Campus Laundry. Each incoming student is issued an ASI Laundry Smart Card atcheck-in. There are two methods for students to add value to their Smart Card for doing laundry:1. Students may place a desired cash value ($1, $5, $10, $20 increments) on their Smart Cardby using the Value Transfer Machines (VTM) located in each of the Centennial Court laundryrooms, in the lobby of Fletcher/Manchester, Verder Hall, Tri-Towers Rotunda, Stopher Hall,Dunbar Hall, Twin Towers and Allerton F.2. Students may also add value to their ASI Laundry Smart Card via an online credit/debit cardpayment. Full instructions for online payment are available at the Residence Services website(www.kent.edu/housing). Once online payment is completed, you will receive a code to obtainthe appropriate credit value on your Smart Card. You will take this code and your Smart Card toone of the Coded Value Adding (CVA) machines in the lobby of Fletcher/Manchester, Tri-Towers Rotunda, Stopher Hall, Dunbar Hall and Twin Towers to add the value to your SmartCard and begin washing.One Smart Card may be used as long as you live in Kent State student housing and the cash valueplaced on your card does not expire from year to year. Please treat this card like cash. Lost, stolen,or damaged cards, and their encoded value will not be replaced or refunded. Smart Card replacementsare available for $5 from the Tri-Towers Rotunda dispenser machine. Please note thatencoded dollar values are not refunded when you leave Kent State student housing.For any Smart Card or laundry machine service issues, students can notify our office bycompleting a FlashTrack work request (Flashtrack.kent.edu).11

1.7 - Mail and Package DeliveryStudents will be assigned mailboxes upon checking into the residence halls. In some areas mailboxes areshared and each resident is assigned a mailbox partner. Parcels and registered mail are picked up at theArea Desk associated with the student’s current hall of residence.When packages are received by the Area Desk, students will be notified via their Kent State emailaddress. The notification email will include the name of the Area Desk where the package is being heldand a link to information about the Area Desk location and hours of operation. The student mustpresent their Kent State ID (FlashCard) or other photo ID at the appropriate Area Desk to identify himor her as the owner of the package(s); the student’s signature will be required to release the package(s)to them. A package will be held for seven days (“Day One” is the date the original notification email isgenerated) and if unclaimed, the package will be returned to sender. Reminder emails will beautomatically generated to the student’s Kent State email address several times over the 7-day holdingperiod until either the student signs for the package or it is returned to sender.Newspapers will be held for three days; if unclaimed, they will be recycled. During the break betweenfall and spring semesters and during the summer months, only First Class mail will be forwarded to a student’spermanent address. It is the student’s responsibility to contact newspaper and magazine publisherswith address changes. Stamps may be purchased in the lower level of the Kent State Student Center.1-8 - FlashTrack (Repair Requests)Students should report any need for repair to living areas as well as public areas by completing aFlashTrack at https://flashtrack.kent.edu. Should the need for repair be a true emergency(electrical, running water, health or safety hazard), please contact your area desk immediately. Pleaseprovide detailed information describing the concern and location. Repairs required as a result of damagewill require completion of a damage report and will be assessed to the responsible person(s). InCentennial Court, Twin Towers and Stopher and Johnson Halls, the housekeeping staff may initiateneeded bathroom repairs. In such cases, a notice will be left for students indicating that a member of themaintenance staff has entered to perform the needed repair(s).1-9 - FLASHcardThe FLASHcard is the Kent State University ID card and also is used by students to purchase goods andservices. There is a replacement fee for a lost or stolen FLASHcard. Students can call 2-CARD or stop byroom 104, Kent Student Center to have lost or stolen cards invalidated. Any money left on the oldaccount will be transferred to the new account. Cashiers may also turn off cards at any University DiningServices location.1-9.5 - FlashfleetFlashfleet, a second-generation bike share system, was developed from concerns over rising fuel costs,traffic congestion across campus, consistent enrollment increases each semester, physical fitness and agreater consciousness about climate change. The Department of Recreational Services, incollaboration with the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, the Office of the12

Provost and the Undergraduate Student Government are pleased to offer this new bike sharing initiativeto the Kent State University community. In addition to other locations, students may check out a bikeand helmet at each of the Area Desks between 8 a.m, and 7 p.m. Bikes are offered on a seasonal basis andfree to residence hall students.2 - Residence Hall Disciplinary ProcessStudents living in the university’s residential communities are responsible for their actions aswell as the actions of their guests. It is the expectation of the university community that eachmember of the community will respect all community members and their property.However, some members of the community may, either by error or intent, violate communitystandards. At these times it will be necessary to hold the community members responsible fortheir actions. It is the intent of the university to approach these violations from an educationalperspective when appropriate. However, other sanctions or requirements may be necessary toensure that the residential community continues to be a conducive living and learningenvironment. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the policies and expectationsthe university community has for individual action.Any residence hall student who violates a policy faces the possibility of being charged withallegedly violating the Code of Student Conduct. When students are allegedly involved inincidents which occur in university residences and violate the Code of Student Conduct, theywill be involved in the Residence Hall Disciplinary Process. More information concerningthe University Code of Student Conduct and the Office of Student Conduct can be found atwww.kent.edu/emsa/studentconduct.2.1 - Discipline MeetingsA discipline meeting is conducted as part of the Residence Hall Disciplinary Process.Discipline meetings will be held between a member of the Residential Communities staff andthe student who was allegedly involved in a policy violation to discuss and, if possible, resolvethe student’s alleged misconduct. This required meeting provides students with theinformation necessary to make informed decisions about the discipline process, including theoptions available to them. Failure on the part of a student to schedule and/or attend adiscipline meeting may result in resolution being made in his/her absence and/or furtherdisciplinary action.There are several disciplinary responses that may be given by the residential communities’ staffwhen violations occur. These include:• Residence Hall Warning - This constitutes a written notice to the student thathis/her behavior is inappropriate within the community living environment.• Behavioral Contract - This is a written agreement designed to resolveproblems and/or correct inappropriate behavior.13

• Student Conduct Referral - When a more serious violation of policy occurs, orwhen a student repeatedly violates university and/or residence hall policies astudent may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.2.2 - Good Samaritan ProvisionThe health, safety, and well-being of Kent State University students are of primary concern. Thereforein 2009 the university adopted this provision intended to support responsible decision-making in emergency,possibly life-threatening, situations.Specifically, this provision stresses the importance of students obtaining timely medical assistance for ahighly intoxicated/impaired student or guest in need of such immediate aid. In such a case, where timeis of the essence, calling 911 for professional emergency assistance is the appropriate course of action.In the past, students may have been reluctant to call for help when help was truly needed for fear ofbeing subject to university disciplinary actions related to the alcohol incident. The “Good SamaritanProvision” allows a student to take action in the best interest of another without concern of adisciplinary consequence. Rather than a disciplinary consequence the involved student(s) may bereferred to complete an appropriate alcohol evaluation, counseling, and/or treatment. In these cases,non-compliance could result in a referral to the University’s Office of Student Conduct.It is also worth noting that the “Good Samaritan Provision” does not preclude disciplinary actionregarding other university violations such as harassment, property damage/vandalism, sexual abuse,threats, etc.2.3 - Resident Bill of Rights and ResponsibilitiesTo be a mature adult is to accept responsibility for one’s welfare and the welfare of others. It isthe responsibility of all students to be familiar with the policies and regulations of Kent StateUniversity and their impact within the residence halls. Students are expected to read this handbook.Ignorance of university and residence hall policy will not be accepted as an excuse.Questions about these policies should be directed to a residence hall staff member. Studentsmay be held accountable for actions that are either intentional or negligent, for something theyhave done or have failed to do. In order to be a responsible community member you mustunderstand the impact of your actions and not just the intent of the actions.Each resident is guaranteed the following Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Enjoyment of lifein a residence hall will depend, to a large extent, on the thoughtful consideration that residentsdemonstrate for one another.14

The Rights of a Resident Include:1. The right to read and study in one’s room free from undue interference.2. The right to sleep without undue disturbances.3. The right to expect that the roommate(s) and other residents willrespect one’s personal belongings.4. The right to a clean environment in which to live.5. The right to free access to one’s room and facilities without pressurefrom the roommate(s) or suitemate(s).6. The right to privacy whenever possible.7. The right to host guests (with my roommates permission) with theexpectation that your guest will respect the rights of all roommate(s),suitemate(s) and other hall residents.8. The right to voice concerns with residence hall staff includingassistance in filing a grievance.9. The right to be free from fear of intimidation and physical andemotional harm.10. The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of “roomshared”items (microfridge, university furniture, etc.).11. The right to assistance and support from Residence Services staff.15

3 - Residence Hall Policies:Resident Privacy and BehaviorThe following policies are in effect to promote a harmonious and fulfilling living-learningexperience in the residence halls. They also serve to provide safety and security measures for allresidents, guests and the local community.3.1 Complying with a Reasonable Request from StaffStaff members are present and available in the residence halls to assist with students’transition, provide resources and to promote the safety of the hall community. On occasionit may be necessary for staff to approach for a policy violation (i.e., noise). If this occurs, it isexpected that students are respectful and that they comply with reasonable requests made byuniversity officials (i.e., opening the room door upon request, providing photo identification forall individuals in the room, etc.).Failure to comply with a reasonable request of a university official can be an additional policyviolation. University officials include but are not limited to: a University Police Officer,Resident Assistant, Security Aide, Residence Hall Director, and other members of theuniversity staff carrying out their duties and responsibilities.163.11 IdentificationResident identity is established by the university FLASHcard and/or a valid license orstate identification card establishing age. For safety reasons, residents may be asked toidentify themselves or to verify their residence status at any time.3.12 Prohibited UsesFLASHcards may not be borrowed or loaned.3.13 Duty to IdentifyResidents must identify themselves and produce a FLASHcard when it is requested byresidence hall staff or other university officials.3.2 Noise PoliciesThe residence hall community is made up of many people living together within closeproximity. Policies have been established to help create an environment that is conducive tostudying, sleeping and other quiet activities. Individual residents must be aware that othersliving around them might be disturbed by different levels of noise and take precautions toeliminate such disruptions.3.21 Resident ResponsibilitiesIf a resident is disturbed by unreasonable noise in the hall, it is his/her responsibility asa member of the community to request to the source(s) of the noise that the noise level

e lowered or terminated. It is then the responsibility of the resident who is causing thenoise to abide by that request. If the unreasonable noise continues, a residence hall staffmember should be notified by calling your area desk. If a residence hall staff memberbecomes aware of a possible noise violation, the staff member is expected to address thesituation and issue a residence hall warning, if it is determined that the noise isunreasonable. Residence Hall staff is not required to issue verbal warnings beforedocumenting a noise/quiet hour policy violation.3.22 Courtesy HoursCourtesy hours are in effect at ALL times. Courtesy hours are defined as conditions underwhich normal and reasonable noise is not disruptive or disturbing to either students orstaff.3.23 The Difference Between Courtesy Hours and Quiet HoursIt is assumed that each residence hall has 24-hour Courtesy Hours, during which anyunreasonable noise or distraction that attracts the attention of other residents and/orstaff members is not compatible with a residence hall community environment. QuietHours are established times when each student is expected to keep noise at an extrememinimum so as to respect all residents who may be choosing to sleep or study.3.24 Quiet HoursQuiet hours (the absence of loud noise or distractions) exist within each residence hall(unless designated as a 24-hour quiet floor) as follows:1. Sunday - Thursday: 8 p.m. - 10 a.m.2. Friday and Saturday nights: 2 a.m. - 10 a.m.3. Final exam week: 24-hour quiet hours go into effect at 8 p.m. on the Fridaypreceding the exam week and remain in effect until the close of the semester.4. On long vacation weekends (i.e., a Monday holiday), weekend quiet hourswill be in effect.5. Weekday quiet hours do not change for mid-week holidays or during breakhousing periods.At other times, students are expected to exercise good judgment with respect to makingexcessive noise. (See Courtesy Hours above)3.25 Determining Reasonable/Unreasonable Noise LevelsIt is the responsibility of individual residents to maintain a reasonable level of noiseduring both Quiet and Courtesy hours. To determine whether or not the level of noiseis reasonable, residents are expected to be aware of their community members and theirsurroundings, and realize that in most cases any noise heard two room lengths and/or twodoors away (open or closed) is too loud.17

3.26 Sound EquipmentThe use of sound equipment such as stereos, iPods©, radios, subwoofers, TVs, CDplayers, etc., must not infringe upon the rights of others and, therefore, may not bedirected outside via the room’s window or doors. Using headphones is a good idea. Theuse of sound equipment in which the volume exceeds reasonable levels may result in aresidence hall warning. Students may be required to remove the equipment from theresidence hall.3.3 Alcohol PoliciesResidence hall staff members make ongoing efforts to educate residents on the potential negativeoutcomes for students and the community when alcohol is used illegally and/or irresponsibly.Administrative policies regarding alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverage containersreflect Ohio state law and university policy. The Vice President for Enrollment Managementand Student Affairs, or his designee may also place further limitations on existing alcohol policies.The following policies apply on the Kent Campus of the university and in the Kent StateUniversity residence hall facilities.3.31 Consumption and Possession of Alcoholic Beverages and ContainersConsumption of alcoholic beverages and the possession of alcoholic beverage containers(e.g., bottles, cans, decorative containers and collections) are prohibited in the followingresidence halls regardless of the age of the residents or visitors: Allyn, Beall, CCA, CCB,CCD, CCE, CCF, Clark, Dunbar, Fletcher, Johnson, Koonce, Korb, Lake, Leebrickfloors 8-12, Manchester, Olson, Prentice, Stopher, Van Campen, Verder and Wrighthalls.Consumption of alcoholic beverages and the possession of alcoholic beverage containers(i.e., bottles, cans, decorative containers and collections) are permitted in the followingresidence halls: CCC, Engleman, Leebrick floors 1-7 and McDowell, only if all individualseither present or assigned to the room are 21 years of age or older. Residents who arepresent in the room must be in possession of valid identification, and may be required toprovide this identification to a university employee. Failure to have or produce identificationmay result in a residence hall warning or further disciplinary action. For clarificationpurposes, this policy will affect you if your assigned roommate is not 21 years of age orolder.In those buildings in which alcohol is permitted, beer containers may not exceed 16ounces and wine or other alcoholic beverage containers may not exceed two liters. Alcoholcannot be consumed in a common space in the building.3.32 Disposal of Alcohol Beverage ContainersAlcohol or alcoholic beverage containers determined to be in violation of state law oruniversity policy will be appropriately disposed of by students at staff request. Failure tocomply may result in additional disciplinary action.18

3.33 IntoxicationResidents who return to the hall intoxicated are subject to a residence hall warning orfurther disciplinary action if their behavior becomes disruptive to the community or theyare unable to adequately care for themselves. If hall staff members are concerned forindividuals’ health safety due to intoxication, emergency services will be contacted.3.34 Sale or Consignment to MinorsAny individual involved with the sale or consignment of alcoholic beverages to a minor isengaged in illegal activity and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. If non-KentState University students under the age of 18 are found consuming or in possession ofalcohol in the residence hall, the Kent State University Police Department will benotified.3.35 Parental Notification PolicyThe Department of Residence Services believes that parents play an important role intheir students’ success at Kent State University. Therefore, parents of residence hallstudents under the age of 21 will be notified by a written letter if their student has beenfound in violation of the residence hall alcohol policies. It is the department’s hope thatparents will help their students reflect on, and evaluate the consequences of their behavior,as well as encourage the student to choose different behaviors in future situations.3.4 DrugsThe illegal possession, sale, production, or use of any drug paraphernalia or drugs (includingmarijuana) or contribution to such use by others is in strict violation of university rules andstate and federal laws.3.41 Prescription DrugsAny prescription drugs belonging to residents must be in the original pharmacy containerfrom a licensed pharmacist with the resident’s legal name listed on the label.3.5 SmokingIn accordance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3794, smoking is prohibited in all Kent StateUniversity buildings and vehicles. In addition, ORC Chapter 3794 prohibits smoking in areasin which tobacco smoke may enter the building through entrances, windows, ventilationsystems and other means. Smoking is permitted in outdoor areas at least 20 feet frombuilding entrances, overhangs, windows, vents, loading docks or other opening to a building(Policy Register 3342-5-12.8). All employees and students share in the responsibility foradhering to and enforcing this policy. Problems should be brought to the attention of the ResidenceHall Director of the building.As a courtesy to your fellow community members, we ask all residents who decide to smokeoutside the residence halls to please remain respectful of others who are entering or exiting thebuilding. We also ask the cigarette remains (“butts”) be placed in the receptacles which will beprovided in selected areas where smoking is permitted.19

3.6 Harassment and AssaultKent State University is committed to the principles of freedom of expression, academicfreedom and a respectful quality of life. Members of the university community and visitors,under the First Amendment, have the right to hold, vigorously defend and promote theiropinions, thus entering them into the life of the university, there to flourish or wither accordingto their merits.While the freedom of thought and expression is the lifeblood of our learning community,the maintenance of civility is important to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Therefore, KentState University also is committed to maintaining an educational residential and employmentenvironment free from hostility, intimidation or harassment based on such personal attributesas race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, identity as a veteran with a disability, orother protected veteran, gender and/or sexual orientation.For additional information or to file a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual misconductcontact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at 330-672-2038 oraa_eo@kent.edu3.61 Sexual HarassmentThe university’s administrative policy 5-16.2 defines sexual harassment as unfavorable orunwelcome treatment, made without consent and based on a person’s gender or sex thatis severe or pervasive and has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with anindividual’s employment or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile oroffensive working, academic or university environment. Sexual harassment includes, butis not limited to: verbal and/or physical behavior including but not limited to: sexually explicitjokes, insults, and taunts; obscene gestures; offensive pictorial, written, and electroniccommunications; and unwelcome touching. Occurrences of sexual harassment shouldbe reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at 330-672-2038.3.62 Telephone Harassment and Other Media HarassmentHarassment in this section is defined as repeated, unwanted communications (i.e.,telephone, email, letters, texting, internet postings, etc.). A person receiving suchcommunications should instruct the harasser to stop contacting them. If this does notoccur, the person being harassed is encouraged to keep a detailed record of the unwantedcommunications. Information collected should be given to University Police Services anda police report filed.203.63 Recording PrivacyUsing electronic or other means to make an audio, video or photographic record ofany person in a location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without theperson's prior knowledge and written consent is strickly prohibited. The storing, sharing,and/or distributing of such unauthorized records by any means are prohibited. Thisincludes but is not limited to: taking video or photographic images in shower/lockerrooms, residence hall rooms and restrooms.

3.64 HazingKent State University students as individuals or members of registered studentorganizations are expressly prohibited from engaging in hazing. Pursuant to Ohio lawunder Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.31, “hazing” is defined as committing any act orcoercing another (including the victim), to commit any act of initiation individually orwith any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causingmental or physical harm to any person. Groups and organizations, as well as individuals,can be held responsible for any act of hazing. Section 3342-4-07 of the Kent StateUniversity Policy Register contains the full university policy regarding hazing. Incidentsshould be reported to University Police Services and the Center for Student Involvement.3.65 Sexual MisconductThe university’s administrative policy 5-16.2 states that sexual misconduct is a form ofsexual harassment and is defined as any intentional sexual touching, however slight, withany body part or object, by either a man or a woman upon either a man or a woman thatis without consent. A student accused of sexual misconduct faces possible criminal, civiland administrative action. A student convicted of sexual misconduct may also bedismissed from the university.Students who experience a sexual assault are encouraged to contact the Kent StateUniversity Police Services (phone: 911) or a staff member as soon as possible. The SexualAssault Response Coordinator, a fulltime staff member in the Women’s Center, isavailable to provide support and resources for any victim or friend as well as to assist withnavigating medical, judicial, academic and counseling resources. The Sexual AssaultResponse Coordinator can be reached at 330-672-9230.The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator provides education to students about personalsafety and violence prevention and empowers them to build healthier relationships andto be responsive to students in need of services, education or support. Information aboutsexual assault can be found online at: www.kent.edu/SART.3.7 WeaponsThe possession of any weapon, explosive devices, fireworks or firearms is expressly prohibitedin the residence halls. The following items, because of their inherent risk to cause injury and/orundue alarm among students and staff, are not permitted in the residence halls: BB guns, paintpellet guns, laser lights, sling shots, martial arts weapons, stun guns, tasers, starting guns, airsoftguns, swords, metal-tipped darts, knives (i.e., hunting knives, butterfly knives, switch blades,etc.), and any other object that Residence Services personnel deem to be a weapon.The use of toy guns in an inappropriate or alarming manner will be considered to be behaviordeemed detrimental to the university community and may result in disciplinary action.NOTE: The Department of Residence Services reserves the right to remove from a person’sroom items that are illegal or create a substantial risk or harm to people and/orproperty. See the Confiscation Policy on page 45 for more information.21

3.8 Health and Sanitation3.81 Needles and SyringesThe Department of Residence Services is committed to maintaining an environment thatis conducive to the health, safety and welfare of all students. Therefore, it becomesnecessary to adopt the following policy relative to hypodermic needles and syringes.• Hypodermic needles should be deposited in special waste disposal container availablefrom University Health Services.• When full, the special waste container should be returned to health services for a newone.• Under no circumstances should hypodermic needles or syringes be placed inuniversity refuse containers.Students should contact their Residence Hall Director or University Health Services(330-672-2322) if they have additional questions.3.82 Pet Policy / Stray AnimalsDue to the maintenance and sanitation problems that pets create, it has been determinedthat residence halls are not conducive to humane pet care. Thus, no pets (even for a shorttime), except fish (the fish tank capacity per room may not exceed 30 gallons), arepermitted in student rooms or public areas of the halls. This policy includes the pets ofguests. Residents found with an illegal animal will be asked to immediately remove it fromthe campus, and the student(s) will be documented for the policy violation.Stray pets and other animals found on campus should not be taken into any universitybuilding. Students should not touch or feed animals for safety and health reasons.University Police Services should be contacted regarding stray animals.3.83 Chemical VentilationHealth and beauty products that cause irritation to the eyes and nose, are toxic orflammable and require proper ventilation are prohibited within the residence halls. Suchproducts include, but are not limited to: artificial/acrylic nail application materials. TheResidence Hall Director will arbitrate any disputes and have the final decision regardingthis policy.3.9 Guests and VisitationResidents may bring guests into the residence halls. In doing so however, the resident assumesresponsibility for, and will be held accountable for the actions of their guests. The followingpolicies guide the guest and visitation privilege.223.91 Escort PolicyNon-resident guests (including family members) must be escorted by a host at all times.Residents may find it helpful to explain this policy to friends and family prior to their

campus visit. Residents may not leave their guests unattended in their rooms while awayfor an extended period of time (to attend class, go to a dining hall, etc.). However,residents may leave their guests unattended in the room for a short period of time (five to10 minutes), provided the resident is in the building and the roommate(s) of the residenthosting the guest do not object.NOTE: In addition, stairwells, bathrooms, lobbies, elevators and other common areaswithin the residence halls are subject to the escort policy.3.92 Visitation PolicyDefinitions:Nonresident Guest: any person who does not live in that particular hall.Resident Guest: a resident who is visiting another person’s room within the residencehall.Host: the resident of the hall in which the guest is visiting.Host Responsibility: the host will be held accountable for the actions of his/hernon-resident and/or resident guest within the halls. Residents are responsible for anyand all violations that occur within their rooms, regardless of whether or not they arephysically present in the room at the time of the violation.Roommate and Other Resident Rights: hosts and their guests are expected to bemindful of roommates, suitemates and other residents. Out of consideration for yourroommate, his/her consent is required prior to inviting anyone for an over nightstay, provided the overnight stay does not violate the policy of that hall.Community Areas: the floor and lounge areas where students live and where thevisitation hours apply.General Guidelines: in all halls, 24-hour visitation is permitted among residents of thatbuilding.Non-resident guests must be escorted at all times and hosts are responsible for theirbehavior at all times while in the residence halls. Non-resident guests are not permittedafter visitation hours.Residence Services staff reserve the right to require a guest to leave the floor/buildingwhen the guest(s) and/or host(s) is disruptive.Visitation hours apply to the entire residence hall unless otherwise designated by hallstaff. By majority vote of the students in the hall, residents may limit the hours that guestsare permitted in the hall.Residence Hall Directors, in conjunction with the Coordinator, ResidentialCommunities may impose limited visitation privileges to an individual, room, wing, flooror hall as a disciplinary action.23

3.93 Visitation HoursEach hall has established hours, time limits, and policies for both non-resident andresident visitation. Please see page 54 for visitation information specific to your hall.NOTE: On a weekend when the following Monday is a university-observed holiday,weekend visitation privileges will be extended through Monday evening.3.94 “Lil’ Sibs” Weekend Visitation – Special Visitation ExemptionThe Lil’ Sibs Weekend program is sponsored each spring semester by Kent InterhallCouncil (KIC). The term “Lil’ Sibs” refers to anyone with a nuclear or extended family(nephew, cousin, etc.) relationship to the resident. Participants are subject to universityrules and regulations and all sibs must be registered with KIC. The rules and regulationsfor this program are:• Sibling(s) must never be left unattended. Residents must escort their sibs at all times.• Residents are expected to be role models for their younger siblings.• Programming will be aimed at sibs ages five to 17.• All residence hall policies are in effect.• The number of sibs in one room should not exceed the number of people permitted byfire codes.• Sibs will be permitted to stay with the resident unless there is an objection from theroommate(s) about the sib’s visit. The host is responsible for seeking permission fromthe roommate to have the ‘sib’ visit.• Sibs are required to carry their identification cards at all times during the weekend.• KIC and Residence Services reserve the right to render decisions in special situations.For the betterment of the community living situation, any violation of residence hallpolicies, the terms of the residence hall contract and those policies stated in the KentState University Code of Student Conduct will result in appropriate disciplinary action.Any violation of federal, state or local laws will be construed as a violation of universitypolicy.3.95 Outside Food DeliveriesResidents are permitted to have food delivered to their hall, provided the followingconditions are met:1. The resident must accept delivery of the food in their residence hall lobby.2. The resident must ensure that the entrance door is secured after the vendorleaves.24

4 - Residence Hall PoliciesPersonal Living Space4.1 Computing Acceptable Use PolicyAccess to and utilization of Kent’s ResNet network, residence hall computer clusters, ResTeltelephone services and ResTV cable television system are privileges that may be revoked. Assuch, this acceptable use policy must be followed in order to maintain network integrity;protect the privacy, work and freedoms of faculty, staff and students; and preserve access tonetworks and services external to Kent State University.Users of ResNet, the computer clusters, ResTel, and ResTV are subject to compliance withfederal, state, and local laws as well as Kent State University and Department of ResidenceServices policies and regulations regarding their usage. These laws, policies and regulations coveritems such as electronic solicitation, forms of harassment and damage, either physically alteringinformation or denial of service, for example, occurring to university or non-universityproperty.It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with these rules and ensure that he or sheis not in violation of any laws, policies or regulations. Violations will be referred to the Officeof Student Conduct. Additional details are located in the policy information section on thedepartment’s website, http://www.kent.edu/housing.4.11 Copyright Infringement and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)It is illegal to download or share copyrighted materials without the express permission ofthe copyright holder. If you download and/or distribute copyrighted material without thecopyright holder’s permission then this is a violation of both Federal law and universitypolicy subject to severe penalties.If caught, you may be subject to statutory damages up to $30,000 for each work infringedand, if willful infringement is proven by the copyright owner, that amount may beincreased up to $150,000 for each work infringed. The penalty for movie infringementscan be up to $250,000 per movie file. In addition, an infringer of a work may also beliable for the attorney’s fees incurred by the copyright owner to enforce his or her rights,and university sanctions ranging from losing network usage rights to dismissal from theuniversity.For more information refer to the DMCA site at http://www.security.kent.edu/dmca.4.2 Restrooms (Opposite Sex)The use of designated restrooms by members of the opposite sex for whom the facility isintended is prohibited.25

4.3 Room CapacityFor reasons of health, safety (in the event of a fire evacuation) and other environmentalconcerns, the maximum number of persons allowed in residence hall rooms at any one time is asfollows:• TRIPLE – 8 people• DOUBLE (assigned to one or two residents) – 8 people• BEALL/MCDOWELL SUITES – 15 people• CENTENNIAL COURT A SUITES – 15 people• LEEBRICK HALL – 4 people• ENGLEMAN 4-PERSON SUITES – 15 peopleViolations may result in disciplinary action.4.4 RoofsOnly authorized university personnel may have access to or be on the roof of any residence hallbuilding and adjoining facilities.4.5 Room UpkeepStudents are directly responsible for the cleaning of their rooms on a regular basis. This includesvacuuming or sweeping and removing trash to the appropriate receptacles. Residence Servicesreserves the right to take corrective action (including cleaning the room and billing theresident) in those situations that present a health or safety concern. However, in almost everysituation, the first course of action will be to ask the resident(s) of the room to remedy thesituation within 24 hours.4.6 Decorations, General Guidelines261. All decorations must be noncombustible or fire resistant and bear the label ofUnderwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).2. No decorations shall interfere with safe passage or evacuation. No decorations may beplaced or hung in any stairway or exit routes. Decorations may not obstruct a person’svision or walk path in any way. Nothing is to be hung from any ceiling or draped fromone wall to another in any offices, rooms or lounges (decoration of any kind, flags,posters, wires, cables, etc.).3. Exit signs, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire alarm pulls, emergency lights, audiblefire signals/strobe lights, exit doors, student doors, sprinkler heads/cover plates and/orany other life safety device cannot be decorated, covered or obstructed in any way. An18-inch clearance around all safety devices must be maintained.4. Hay, straw, leaves, corn shucks, or other dried vegetation, cut evergreen trees andbranches are not permitted in any building.5. Residence hall room doors, door frames and handles, both interior and exterior(student doors, exit doors, bathroom doors, lounge doors, kitchen doors, trash roomdoors) may not be covered with any decorations or any other combustibles.

6. No decorations or any other combustibles can occupy any portion of the door space(i.e., no decoration may be attached to the wall above the door and hang down in frontof the door).7. For safety reasons no electrical cords or lighting shall be hung around, attached orunder any bed frame, door frame or placed underneath a carpet.4.61 Candles and IncenseThe possession of or burning of candles, incense, lanterns or similar open flame devicesis not permitted in the residence halls. The Ohio Fire Code (B) Section F-402.0 “OpenFlame or Light” will be strictly enforced regarding this policy. If these items are found ina student’s room, it will result in disciplinary action. Candle warmers are permitted, butonly if the candle is just wax or its wick has been removed.For religious purposes, all candles/incense will be stored in the RHD offices and tagged assuch. Permission from both the RHD and Fire Prevention Office is required to determinewhen and where they may be used.4.62 Lighting/Extension Cords1. Halogen light bulbs (used in desk lamps or free-standing lamps) are strictly prohibiteddue to the excessive heat they generate and the danger of combustion. Only desk lampsor free-standing lamps which use fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs are permitted.Torchiere-style lamps, including multi-armed or flexible floor lamps, are prohibited forsafety reasons.2. Crepe paper or other material may not be wrapped around any light fixture.3. Building light bulbs may not be painted.4. Only lighting sets with an Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) label may be used.5. Decorative lights used inside buildings must be the “miniature” type or rope lighting.6. No more than two 12-foot lengths of rope lighting or one set of 50 miniature lights, arepermitted in a student room or living area. Lighted decorations or rope lighting maynot be left unattended.7. Extension cords are to be used sparingly and must be equipped with a ground (threeprong plug) and equipped with an inline surge protector. Use of the proper length ofsurge protectors instead of extension cords is strongly recommended.8. Power strips with safety overload circuit breaker shall be the only multi-plug adapter tobe used in student rooms and/or living area. Only one power strip is to be plugged intoany one outlet at one time. No other multi-plug adapters are permitted. Be careful notto over load any power strip or outlet.9. Power strips, extension cords, rope lighting and decorative light sets shall not have apinch point, shall not run through any door openings or be covered by rugs orclothing. They shall not be wrapped around or attached to any bed, furniture orceiling. All electrical cords, lights and power strips must have at least 18-inch clearancefrom all combustible and flammable materials and shall not become a trip hazard.10. Removal of university-installed light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, etc., is not permitted.Residents may not install fluorescent black lights or remove light fixtures due to thefact that they do not allow an unobstructed view into the room.27

11. In the event that a university-provided light does not work, residents should place aFlashTrack at https://flashtrack.kent.edu (see page 13).4.63 Holiday Trees1. Live or cut trees are not permitted in any university-owned building.2. Artificial trees must be certified as being a fire-resistant material. Trees that do notmeet this requirement will not be permitted. No metallic trees are permitted.3. Artificial trees (taller than 24 inches) are permitted in reception areas, lobbies of academicand service buildings and in main lounges that are either on the ground level ormain floor ONLY.4. Fire extinguishers must be nearby.5. Live evergreens of any kind (branches, boughs, swags, festoons, etc.) are not permitted.6. Only artificial holiday trees 24 inches tall or less are permitted in student living areas.4.64 PaintingStudents are not permitted to paint the interior of residence hall rooms or residence hallpublic areas (e.g., floor, wing, restrooms, lounges, lobbies).4.7 Combustible MaterialsBecause of the combustible nature of the following materials, they may not be stored in the residencehalls: oxygen tanks (except when permission is granted for medical reasons) or flammableliquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, charcoal, etc.). The storage of gasoline-powered mopeds, motorizedscooters, etc. in the residence halls is prohibited.4.71 FireworksThe possession and/or use of fireworks (including sparklers and caps) is expressly prohibitedin the residence halls. Disciplinary action may result in dismissal from the university.4.8 FurnishingsUniversity furnishings are provided in student rooms and other residential areas. Furnishingsare not to be removed from their intended/original location or removed from campus. Loungeand lobby furniture is provided for the community and not for personal use. Furniture nolonger needed as a result of lofting beds must remain in the student’s room unless otherwiseauthorized by the Department of Residence Services. Waterbeds are not permitted.4.81 Microfridges, Refrigerators/Freezers, and MicrowavesA personal or rented microwave (not to exceed 700 watts), microfridge, or compactrefrigerator (not to exceed five cubic feet) is permitted only in the following buildings:Leebrick Hall, and Twin Towers (Beall, McDowell). All other residence hall rooms currentlycontain one Kent State microfridge or full size refrigerator. Therefore, students inthese rooms may not bring additional microfridges, microwaves or compact refrigerators.28Due to power consumption restrictions, only one of the following four options ispermitted in each student room. Each of these appliances must be directly plugged into a

wall outlet.1. One Microfridge OR2. One microwave (not to exceed 700 watts) OR3. Two compact refrigerators (not to exceed 5 cubic feet each) OR4. One microwave (not to exceed 700 watts) AND one compact refrigerator (not toexceed 5 cubic feet).4.82 Ceilings/Walls/False BarriersStudent room ceilings and walls should be kept in the best condition possible. Nails,adhesive tape, glue, screws and tacks should not be used. Also, any tape, stickers or otheradhesives that are placed on any surface within the room (including windows) or on thewall outside of the room door must be fully removed prior to checking out. The use ofduct tape routinely results in damage and repair charges. Residents will be charged for anynail holes or other marks that were not noted on the Room Condition Report (RCR)when they checked in.Sheets, tapestries, furniture or any other objects that create a barrier or a false wall thatobstructs a clear view of the room including all four corners are not permitted. In anemergency such barriers could hamper entry by university personnel and prove to be a lifesafety hazard to the residents and guests of the room. No items may be attached to theceiling at any time. When arranging the furniture in your room, no large items may blockthe main window in the room. If beds are bunked and arranged so that they are parallelto the window there must be at least two feet of space between the bunked beds and thewindow.4.83 Electrical AppliancesAppliances are defined as any electrical device with the primary purpose of cooking,preparing or preserving food or generating heat. Students shall not leave cooking foodunattended in any area of the residence halls or leave unattended heat-generating devicessuch as irons. Unattended cooking, etc., could be considered negligent behavior, and mayresult in disciplinary action. Cooking is the number one cause of fire alarms.Appliances NOT Permitted in the Residence Halls:• Devices with un-enclosed heating elements• Toaster ovens• Freezers• Lava Lamps• Window/portable air conditioners or space heatersIndoor grills are not permitted in the Residence Halls. Examples include but are notlimited to the following:• George Foreman• Hamilton Beach• Ron Popeil• Black & Decker• Presto Pizzazz29

Food Preparation and Preservation Appliances Permitted:• Automatic, pop-up toaster• Crock pot or slow food cooker• Sandwich maker• Waffle iron• Blender• Food processor• Portable or stand mixer• Automatic coffee maker (with fully enclosed heating element)• Hot pot (with fully enclosed heating element and automatic shut-off)• Corn popper (with fully enclosed heating element and automatic shut-off)Heat Generating Appliances Permitted:• Clothes iron (with temperature settings)• Curling iron• Hair straightener/flat iron• Fish aquarium heater• Hair dryer• Hair rollers• Heating pad (with temperature settings)• Electric blanket (with temperature settings)Any food preparation/preservation or heat-generating appliance not listed above must beapproved by the residence hall director.Electrical appliances and devices (including but not limited to refrigerators, microfridges,microwaves, etc.) MUST NOT be placed in a closet due to poor ventilation andcombustibility. Microfridges must not be located under lofted beds or behind a roomdoor for the same reason. Additionally, microfridges, microwaves and refrigerators mustbe plugged directly into a wall outlet; they are not permitted to be plugged into a surgeprotector or extension cord. Misuse of electrical appliances by not following theseguidelines is considered a fire hazard in addition to a policy violation.For further information, please refer to Section 4.36 on lighting and extension cords.NOTE: See section 4.4 above for information regarding microwaves,compact refrigerators and microfridges.4.84 Lofts/Bunk BedsThe following guidelines provide the criteria and procedure for construction of lofts bystudents in campus residence units. All construction of lofts by students in residence hallrooms must be performed in accordance with these guidelines.Lofts may only be brought into student rooms in buildings where loftable furniture is notprovided. Such buildings include Leebrick Hall and Twin Towers (Beall and McDowellHalls).30

The university is not responsible for injuries to the occupants of the room or their guestsduring and/or after completion of the work as a direct result of the construction and/oruse of the loft. The students and/or agents are specifically responsible for ensuring thatthe lofts are safely constructed and maintained. The students and/or their agents arespecifically responsible for any damage of university property or injuries to any person as aresult of the installation, use or removal of a loft or any room construction. Lofts must beinspected each year and students must meet with the Residence Hall Director to schedulethe inspection. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in action by the university.4.85 Windows/Removal of ScreensThe throwing, dropping, hanging, etc., of objects (baseballs, basketballs, Frisbees, waterballoons, water containers, shaving cream, etc.) from a residence hall window isprohibited. Throwing objects through a window into a room is prohibited. Entering orexiting a residence hall by way of a window also is prohibited and will result indisciplinary action.The removal of window screens is strictly prohibited. Students will be assessed a charge forreplacement of missing window screens. Centennial Court screens must be “in place” andclosed at all times.4.9 GamblingIn accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, any form of gambling, including the following isprohibited in all Kent State University residence halls:• book-making• betting• scheme of chance for profit• game of chance for profit31

5 - Safety and SecurityThe Department of Residence Services has developed a number of programs and policies foryour protection. In addition, the university employs a full-time 24/7 University PoliceDepartment.EmergenciesEmergency 9-1-1 is accessible from any phone on campus; on some of the phones it is a singlepush button function. 9-1-1 calls from campus are answered by police dispatch who send police,fire or ambulance services. Just like any other city’s 9-1-1 system a computer displays the caller’slocation if they cannot communicate with the operator. Dialing 9-1-1 from a cell phone whileon campus will also connect the caller to Kent State University’s Police Department.There are over 30 “blue light phones” around campus in parking lots and along sidewalks. Inaddition to 9-1-1 there is a list of useful numbers posted at each of these phones. They can alsodial any number on campus.Students are encouraged to subscribe to FlashAlerts at http://www.kent.edu/flashalerts. Thisservice sends out electronic text messaging via cell phone and email in the event of emergenciesand weather advisories.5.1 Services offered by the Office of Safety and SecurityKent State University’s Residential Security Aide Program has been in existence since 1973 andis nationally recognized for its excellence. The following services are provided 365 days per year.We encourage residents to follow the safety tips provided in this section.• Campus Escorts – This is our most well known service in which we will escort anyonefrom one campus location to another between 8 p.m. - 4 a.m., seven days a week. Call330-672-7004 for an escort during these hours.• Operation ID – We will lend out an electric engraver that a student can check out to engraveidentifiable information on different electronic and computer hardware so that itcan easily be identified if it should happen to be lost or stolen.• Bike Registration – Every student is encouraged to register their bicycle so that it can bemore easily identified should it be lost or stolen. Registration forms and stickers can beobtained from your RHD or by calling the Security Office at 330-672-7010.5.11 Security CamerasThe Department of Residence Services may utilize security cameras and other surveillanceequipment to monitor public areas in the halls. This technology shall be used to protectstudents and property. Possible uses of security equipment could include (but is notlimited to) computer labs, hallways, area desks, entrances, exits and prohibited areas.32

5.2 Safety TipsCreating a safe living environment is the responsibility of all community members. Therefore,all students should promote safety in and around the residence halls by following the guidelinesand tips listed below.In the Residence Halls• Students are not permitted to lend their key cards to anyone.• Entrance doors or fire doors must not be propped open.• Student room doors must be able to open at least 90 degrees unobstructed.• The door viewing hole should be used before opening a student room door. If a person isunknown or unexpected, the person should be asked the purpose of the visit. Ifnecessary, the person’s identification should be verified.• Books, bags or other possessions should not be left unattended in public areas. Studentsshould mark books so they can be identified if they are stolen.• Cash and other valuables should be kept out of sight.• Large amounts of cash should not be kept in student rooms.• Unescorted individuals, including solicitors, should be reported to hall staff, residentialsecurity staff or University Police Department.• Residents should not allow another (non-resident) person to walk into the building behindthem. Such people should be referred to campus security or residence hall staff to makearrangements to enter the building.• Bicycles should always be kept locked in approved areas.• Suspicious activity should be reported immediately to University Police Department.Special awareness of security is needed during vacation periods when there are fewerpeople on campus.• Broken locks or lights and other potential security problems should be reported as soon aspossible to your RA, RHD or area desk.Social MediaWith online communities such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc., personal informationis more readily accessible than ever before. Students are encouraged to make responsibledecisions relative to these communities. The Department of Residence Services recommendsthat students do not post any information that could jeopardize their safety (e.g., studentID number, room number, home address, cell phone number, date of birth). Also, picturesposted on the sites that portray a student in violation of a Residence Hall and/or universitypolicy may result in disciplinary action.In a Vehicle• Keys should not be kept in a vehicle.• Keys should be in hand when approaching the vehicle. It is not safe to stand by a vehiclewhile searching for keys.• Before the door is unlocked, the front, back and floor of the vehicle should be checked tomake certain it is unoccupied.• Vehicles should be kept locked at all times, especially when they are occupied.33

• Purchases and packages should be kept in the trunk or under the seat not on the seat besidethe driver.• Students should park in well-lighted areas and never leave valuables in the vehicle.• A ride should never be offered to or accepted from a person one does not know and trust.• No one being followed should go home. If being followed, drive to the nearest policestation, sheriff’s department or fire station or, if this is not possible, use your cell phoneif available, or drive to the nearest public telephone to call for help.On the Street or Campus• Everyone should be aware of who and what is around them and walk with confidence, withhead held up and shoulders back.• When possible, students should walk with a friend or use the campus escort service (330-672-7004). In addition, students should always walk in well-lighted areas, avoid alleysand deserted parking lots, etc. and take special precautions in parking structures,stairwells, elevators, bathrooms and dark areas with shrubbery.• Cell phone or portable mp3 player usage may hinder your attention to the surroundingenvironment.• Most of all, students should follow their instincts and try to remove themselves from asituation if danger is sensed.5.3 Controlled AccessSecurity for residence hall students and their property is supported by having controlled accessto all residence halls. Residents enter the residence hall building or corridor by using anentrance key card. The residential areas are secured 24 hours a day, seven days a week to allowonly residents of a hall, their escorted guests and authorized personnel to enter. Residence hallkey cards may not be duplicated, transferred or given to any other individual. Residents shouldnot permit unescorted non-residents into the building.5.31 Door ProppingPropping or otherwise preventing any door from being completely secure is a violation ofresidence hall policy. This includes outside entrance doors, wing/stairwell doors, restroomdoors, room doors (see note below regarding room doors) and any other doors intendedto be secured for controlled access. Door propping also includes taping or otherwiseinterfering with the locking mechanism of any door so that it does not lock.Forceful entry into any exterior door, office or residence hall door will result in referral tothe Office of Student Conduct.Deadbolting a door can lead to damage to the lock, door frame or door itself. Studentswill be held financially responsible for any damage to the door caused by deadbolting itopen.34NOTE: Room doors should never be left open or unlocked when the room is unoccupied.Room doors of occupied rooms may be left open in order to facilitate communitybuilding and floor/wing interaction.

5.4 ElevatorsIn the event an elevator should malfunction, residents should use the emergency call button andwait for assistance. The emergency call button is to be pressed ONLY when assistance is needed.Residents trapped in a malfunctioning elevator should never attempt to exit without assistancefrom building maintenance staff or outside emergency assistance. Under no circumstancesshould an individual attempt to exit by prying open the doors or crawling out of the elevator.Vandalism and horseplay (tampering with doors and control panels, jumping, rocking, etc.) willnot be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action. Never overload an elevator. Themaximum number of persons and weight capacity must be strictly followed.5.5 Power OutageIf a power outage occurs, residents should stay in their rooms and remain calm. Residence hallstaff members will make frequent rounds until the power returns. A power outage in no wayalters the regulation that prohibits the burning of candles or any open-flame device in residencehall rooms.5.6 Temporary Campus Closing (TCC)There may be an instance when a severe event or circumstance forces the closure of theuniversity. An announced timeline of vacating the residence halls will need to be strictlyfollowed, and students would need to pack their belongings, prepare their room for departure,and make arrangements for travel to locations away from the campus.For students with extreme hardships that prevent departure in the allotted time, ResidenceServices will provide consolidated and short-term, temporary shelter. Students would need tocheck out of their permanent assignments by the announced closing date and time.Temporary shelters will be located in Stopher and Johnson Halls. At the time a TCC isdeclared Stopher and Johnson residents will be asked to take as many of their belongings homewith them as possible. One room on each floor will be used to store belongings of residents whocould not remove them during a TCC. Limited housekeeping and maintenance services will beprovided as needed and able.35

5.7 Mass Communications for EmergenciesThe university has installed mass communications equipment in all university buildings to makeannouncements pertaining to emergency conditions, including tornado, severe weather and/orother emergencies. Please follow the verbal instructions for your safety.Students are highly encouraged to sign up for Flash ALERTS at http://www.kent.edu/flashalerts.5.8 Tornado Watch & Warning ProceduresTORNADO WATCH - When a watch has been issued, conditions are right for a tornado todevelop. Students should be prepared to take shelter and stay informed of the latest storm conditions.In addition, students should familiarize themselves with the list of safe places to takeshelter in the event of a tornado.TORNADO WARNING - A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and confirmedin the area. Notification may be provided by any of the following: emergency warningsirens*, police hi-low sirens, and Public Address (PA) announcements. Residents should takecover immediately and carry shoes and blankets with them to the shelter areas. Stairways, notthe elevators, should be used. In the event of a power failure, elevators could be stuck betweenfloors. If the shelter areas listed do not provide sufficient space, interior stairwells and bathroomsmay be used, provided they do not contain windows.*NOTE: The emergency warning system (siren) is tested twice monthly, on the firstWednesday at 11 a.m. and third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Tests last only three minutes. Ifan actual emergency condition exists, the system will be activated for nine minutes.TORNADO SHELTER AREASStopher & Johnson HallsBasement hallwaysTri-Towers ComplexKoonce & Wright HallsBasement hallwaysRotunda bathroomsLeebrick HallBasement hallwaysExterior stairwellsRotunda bathroomsTwin TowersFirst-floor hallwaysFirst-floor bathroomsVerder HallSecond-floor hallwaysDunbar & Prentice HallsFirst-floor hallwaysCentennial CourtFirst-floor hallwaysEastway ComplexFirst-floor hallways and restroomsEngleman HallFirst-floor hallwaysKorb HallBasement areaLake & Olson HallsFirst-floor hallwaysVan Campen HallFirst-floor hallway36

5.81 High Wind AdvisoryKent State University is often subject to High Wind Advisories. The Kent State staffwill make every effort to notify residents when such high wind weather conditions exist.During such weather conditions it is imperative that students close and lock their roomwindows to avoid window damage or breakage.5.9 Fire Safety and PreventionAll residence halls have a fire-alarm warning system to alert the occupants of fire. All fire alarmsystems are tested each semester. Any person who intentionally causes a false alarm, initiates orcirculates a report or warning of an alleged or impending fire, explosion, crime or other catastrophewhen such a report or warning is known to be false, is guilty of Inducing Panic (Section2917.31 of the Ohio Revised Code). Inducing Panic is a misdemeanor of the first degree andis punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Causing a false alarm, whether withknowledge or by negligent behavior, may result in disciplinary action. If causing a fire alarmresults in physical harm to any person or property, the violator is guilty of a felony of the fourthdegree, which is punishable by up to a $2,500 fine and five years in jail.5.91 Fire ExtinguishersFire extinguishers are placed in all buildings at strategic locations for extinguishing smallfires. Fire extinguishers should not be tampered with or used for purposes other thanextinguishing fires. It is illegal to use this equipment for anything other than firefighting.Violations will result in disciplinary action.5.92 Sprinkler SystemsCentennial Court, Engleman Hall, Korb Hall, Tri-Towers, Twin Towers, Johnson Hall,Stopher Hall and the first floors of Dunbar and Prentice Hall:Rooms and corridors are equipped with heat-activated sprinkler heads connected to thefire alarm systems. Tampering with, covering, hanging items from or removing any part ofthe sprinkler system will result in disciplinary action.5.93 Smoke DetectorsSystem smoke detectors are installed in the sleeping rooms and hallways in all residencehalls. These smoke detectors are connected to the fire alarm system for the building.When the room smoke detector is activated the smoke detector will start sounding.However, the building fire system may not sound; if this happens please close your door,leave your room and call the Kent State University Police at 330-672-2212. Do not reenteryour room until the smoke detector stops sounding.There should be an 18-inch clearance around any fire safety device. This includes smokedetectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and pull stations. Do not hang or attachanything to these devices.Tampering with any fire safety device including covering a device (smoke detector, roomspeaker, sprinkler system, etc.) will result in disciplinary action.37

NOTE: When the building fire system has activated, everyone in the building orcomplex must evacuate.5.94 Fire Safety Room InspectionsIn an effort to help educate residents about fire safety issues in their rooms, and to promotethe safety of students in the residence halls, the Department of Residence Servicesconducts Fire Safety Room Inspections during the third or fourth week of each semester.During the inspections, Resident Assistants (RAs) will enter students’ rooms to visuallylook for fire safety issues to bring to residents’ attention.The Fire Safety Room Inspections will be announced at least 24 hours in advance so thatresidents can arrange to be present if desired. Inspections will be completed by a minimumof two staff members. Staff will only inspect items that are in plain view (no closets,drawers or refrigerators will be opened).Some items that RAs will be looking for include non-permitted lamps, decorations onthe ceiling, smoke detectors covered, candles and incense, unsafe electrical cords, doorwayobstruction and electrical outlet overloading. Information about items that are permitted/not-permittedcan be found in the Hallways Handbook. Students will be expectedto correct any identified safety violation within 24 hours. While RAs are looking for firesafety violations, any other policy violations will be documented accordingly.5.95 Fire Evacuation ProceduresThe following emergency instructions in case of a fire are also posted on the back of thestudent room doors. State law, as well as residence hall policy, requires that all studentsleave the building, including their rooms and/or public areas, whenever a fire alarm issounded.• WALK, do not run, TO THE NEAREST EXIT.• Close the door to contain fire area.• Activate the building fire alarm. Pull the station located by the exit.• Evacuate the building. NEVER USE THE ELEVATOR.• Call 9-1-1 EMERGENCY to give the name of the building and fire location.• Never re-enter a burning building.• Distance yourself from the building (see meeting locations below) to allow firedepartment access.38

During a Fire Alarm or Building Evacuation, please exit the building and report to yourdesignated meeting place for accountability and further instructions:Fletcher and Manchester – Grassy Area between Fletcher/ManchesterAllyn and Clark– Grassy Area between Allyn/ClarkTwin Towers – Grassy Area between Allyn/ClarkWright and Koonce– Basketball CourtLeebrick– Volleyball CourtKorb – Eastway Center StepsEngleman – Oscar RitchiePrentice – Dunbar HallDunbar – Prentice HallVan Campen – Front Parking LotVerder – Parking Lot between Verder and PrenticeCCA and CCB – Grassy Area between CCA and CCBCCC and CCD – Grassy Area between CCC and CCDCCE and CCF – Grassy Area between CCE and CCFLake and Olson – Grassy Area between Lake/Olson and Stopher/JohnsonStopher and Johnson – Grassy Area between Lake/Olson and Stopher/JohnsonIF YOU ARE TRAPPED:• KEEP THE DOORS CLOSED. Seal cracks and vents if smoke comes in. Iftrapped in a room and there is no smoke outside, open the window.• SIGNAL FOR HELP. Hang an object out the window (a bed sheet, jacket, shirt)to attract the fire department’s attention. If there is a phone in the room, call thefire department and report that you are trapped. Be sure to give the room numberand location.• SOMETIMES IT IS SAFER TO STAY IN PLACE. If all exits from a floor areblocked, go back to the room, close the door, seal the cracks, open the window ifsafe to do so, wave something out the window and shout or phone for help.• ALL CLEAR. No person should return to the building unless an “all clear” is givenby the fire department personnel.NOTE: The entire building must be evacuated any time an alarm is sounded.Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. This procedure should befollowed every time the fire alarm is activated.39

6 - Administrative Procedures6.1 Laundry CartsEach area desk has a limited number of laundry carts that can be borrowed for up to one hourduring move-in, move-out, and during room changes (if available). Residence hall students whowould like to borrow a laundry cart must follow the terms of use to ensure that it is returnedand available for use by other students.Anyone checking out a laundry cart must: be a residence hall student, provide their driver’slicense (alternate IDs may be approved with CC approval), and a cell phone number. Thisinformation must be provided when the item is checked out. The area desk staff will record thisinformation at the time of checkout. The student’s driver’s license will be returned after thecart is checked back in. The student checking out the cart is responsible for its return and is notpermitted to transfer it to another person.After one hour, the cart should be returned to the area desk, so other residents may use it. Inthe event, the student would like to use the cart for a second time he/she will need to repeat theprocess. If the cart is not returned within the designated time, the Area Desk staff will contactthe cell phone number provided. If the cart is not returned after the call is made, there will be a$10 per hour late fee assessed (late fee will not to exceed the replacement cost of the cart). If thecart is not returned, the cart replacement fee ($110), may be charged to the student’s account.6.2 Loss of KeysA lost room or building entrance key card should be reported immediately to the Area Desk.This will give Residence Services personnel permission to enter the room and re-program thelock. Residents are responsible for the cost of re-programming and for the replacement of alllost key cards (and stolen key cards if claimed, but not reported to the campus police).Rooms may also be re-programmed if a temporary key card has not been returned to the areadesk by 11 p.m. of the day in which it was obtained (see Temporary Key policy below) andappropriate charges to the resident will result. Duplicate room or hall key cards are notpermitted and will result in disciplinary action. Please refer to the controlled access policy foradditional information.406.21 Lock Out Policy/Temporary Key/KeycardsThe safety and security of residents is of paramount importance to the Department ofResidence Services. Students also collectively share in the responsibility of taking steps toensure the safety of themselves and fellow residents. The safe-guarding of the hall or roomkey card is a critical component of the overall safety and security plan for the department.There are at times residents will need to utilize a temporary key in order to gain access totheir room (for purposes of clarity, a key is defined as a key card). The resident may

obtain a temporary key from the area desk assigned to their hall. The following policiesand procedures apply:1. KEYS/KEYCARDS are the responsibility of the resident.The area desk will order a new keycard at no charge for approved room/hall changes,broken, or non-functioning keycards. New keycards are issued within 24 hours except onweekends and holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to pick up their new keycardwithin 24 hours of notification by the area desk that the keycard has arrived. If room/hallchanges are not completed in the allotted time or if there is a delay in the student pickingup the new keycard a fee of $25 will be applied to the student’s Bursar account forprogramming a new keycard.Students may appeal key charges in writing to the Clerical Coordinator for the area deskthat issued the key charge(s). Appeals must be completed within two weeks of the emailnotification to the student that a charge has been assessed. If a student would like to havethe appeal reexamined, the student should contact the Assistant Director for ResidentialCommunities of their area by email. Students should allow 5 business days for response tothe appeal reconsideration requests.Appeal requests received after the charges have been on the student account for 30 days ormore will not be considered.2. Each resident is allowed four (4) lock out incidents per academic year without charge;(defined as the first day of classes in fall semester to the official move-out date in springsemester). Beginning with the fifth lock out incident, the student will be assessed a $5charge for that, and each successive lock out. This charge will be billed to his or herBursar’s account.• If the area desk is closed and a staff member of Residence Services has to becontacted to assist a locked-out resident in gaining access to their room, the incident willbe documented and reported to the Area Desk. The incident will be counted as a lockout.3. The resident and roommate(s), if any, are the only persons allowed to check out a temporarykey for that room.4. The resident must produce photo identification prior to the issuance of a temporarykey; if this is not available, a desk staff member will ask a series of questions to ensure thatthe student is indeed an occupant of the room for which the key is being requested.5. The key/keycard sign-out log will be completed. The resident’s signature on the logaffirms agreement to the following terms:• The resident understands the responsibilities involved in signing out atemporary key.• The resident understands that if this is his/her fifth or more lock out incident duringthe academic year, a charge of $5 will be assessed to his or her Bursar’s account.• The temporary key must be returned to the Area Desk by 11 p.m. of the day in41

which it was obtained. If a temporary key is obtained after 11 p.m., then the keymust be returned by 11 p.m. on the next day.Example: Amir signs out a temp key at 10 p.m. on Friday night, he must returnthe key to the Area Desk by 11 p.m. on Friday night; Melissa signs out a keyat 11:20 p.m. on Friday night, she must return the key by 11 p.m. on Saturdaynight.• The person who signs out the temp key, must be the person who returns the key,and must sign-in the key.• Should the key not be returned by the allotted time, the resident will be subject toan additional re-keying charge of $25.6. Residence hall keys are not to be transferred, given to any other individual, or duplicated.Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.7. Repeated infractions of the temporary key policy pose a safety and security risk tofellow residents. If the assigned Residence Hall Director believes that a resident’snegligence in this area constitutes a risk to other students, the RHD may require theoffender to meet with him/her or their designee to discuss the issue.6.3 Tri-Towers Rotunda and Rosie’s Diner AccessDuring the hours of 12 midnight to 4 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday early mornings,access to the Tri-Towers lounge and rotunda area—including Rosie’s Diner—is restricted toKent State University students and guests of Kent State residence hall students who have properlyregistered to gain access to the Tri-Towers area during the restricted access hours.Registration of up to two (2) guests to access the Tri-Towers Rotunda areas is available atthe Tri-Towers desk from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. The residence hall student host and his/herguest(s) must both be present at the time of registration. Additional information regardingregistering a guest to access the Tri-Towers Rotunda areas is available at the Tri-Towers AreaDesk.Entrance doors to the Koonce, Leebrick and Wright Hall breezeways/corridors are lockednightly from 12 midnight to 7 a.m. Only residents of Tri-Towers are able to gain access viathe breezeway entrances during the hours of 12 midnight to 7 a.m. The main entrance to thecomplex, across from the Area Desk, is accessible to Tri-Towers residents and non-residents ona 24/7 basis.6.4 University PropertyTheft, tampering or misuse of other’s personal or university property will result in disciplinaryaction. It is a violation of university and residence hall policy to remove furniture from loungesor public areas. Utensils, dishes and trays from University Dining Services cafeterias are not tobe brought into the residence halls. Unauthorized removal of university property and supplies isconsidered to be in violation of university policy.42

6.41 Community Billing: Damage to Common AreasStudents may be billed for damage to university property, whether by vandalism,horseplay or accident. All floor/community residents can collectively be held responsiblefor damages to public areas that cannot be attributed to specific individuals.1. If a residential floor or public area incurs damages, theft of Kent State Universityproperty, or excessive trash is left in the community space, an “intent to bill”notification will be posted on the floor/area.2. The “intent to bill” will notify floor residents of the charge for damages or extracleaning. Students will have three days to ascertain the responsible individual(s) andcommunicate the responsible party’s identity to the Residence Services staff.3. If after three days no individual has claimed responsibility or been identified, theentire floor/community may be charged.4. The charge may immediately be placed on the students’ account with the universityBursar’s Office.5. If an individual or floor wishes to appeal the damage charges, a letter must besubmitted to the Assistant Director for Residential Communities within 48 hours ofthe assessment notification. Students should submit any documentation or proof witha letter of appeal, which clearly outlines why they believe they should not be billed fordamage. Once the appeals are submitted, the Coordinator, Residential Communities ordesignee will review the information and make a decision that will be communicated tothe involved resident(s).6.4 Decorations, Special Building UseResidents of a hall may choose to decorate a wing or floor for a program or contest (See Decorations,General Guidelines, page 26). Decorations for this type of event must be done on the dayof the event, not in advance, and the decorating must be monitored by hall staff. The ResidenceHall Director and the Fire Prevention Office must approve all decorations prior to the event.6.5 Room Entry and Room Search Policy1. The guidelines outlined for entry and search at the university are intended for internalprotection and control; however, nothing herein can limit the ability of a bona fide lawenforcement or judicial agency from seeking and obtaining legal search warrants for use on theuniversity campus. Section 3342-4-05.1 of the Kent State Policy Register shall govern the roomentry and room search policy.2. Definitions:a. “Room entry” is defined as entrance to a student’s room to fulfill the duties ofauthorized personnel.b. “Room search” is defined as a formal seeking out of evidence for reasonable cause thatone of the conditions for room search has been violated.43

446.51 Conditions for Room Entrya. A student’s room may be entered to ensure maintenance and general repair within thestudent’s living area, in cases of emergency, for periodic health inspections, and afterwinter and spring break closings.b. There is a possibility that noise-related problems may exist in rooms when theoccupant(s) is not in the area and cannot be contacted (e.g., an alarm clock ortelephone continuously rings, electronic devices are left playing too loud). A situationsuch as this could create an undesirable environment for neighboring residents. In asituation such as this, staff members may enter the room to alleviate the problem inaccordance with the Room Entry and Room Search Policy of Kent State University.c. When fire drills are in progress, the residence hall staff, to fulfill their responsibilities,may inspect rooms to ensure that the hall is vacant.d. A student’s room may be entered to enforce policy. During policy enforcement, staffmay ask to enter the room for the purpose of seeing all corners of the room to ensuresafety and compliance with university and residence hall policies. Students areexpected to comply with any resasonal request made by staff members.e. Housekeeping staff enter student rooms in buildings where bathrooms are attached tostudent rooms for weekly cleaning.The following personnel shall be authorized to enter residence hall student rooms underthe conditions prescribed above:• Authorized professional and paraprofessional members of the Residence Servicesstaff, including RAs but excluding clerical personnel.• Authorized members of the university maintenance and housekeeping staff.• Authorized members of University Police Department.• Non-university personnel contracted by Residence Services or an agent of ResidenceServices to perform maintenance or repair services.6.52 Conditions for Room SearchRooms will be searched only with reasonable cause. The occupant or occupants will beinformed of the reasons for any room search. Room searches must be authorized by theDirector of Residence Services or designee. Two basic situations may precipitate a roomsearch:a. A clear indication that the established code of student conduct or health and safetyregulations are being violated.b. An emergency situation that makes it necessary for a staff member to search a roomfor a particular item, such as a discarded prescription bottle or a particular telephonenumber or address.6.53 Entry ProtocolNo student room should be entered without knocking. Entry, following the knock, shallbe preceded by a time lapse of sufficient duration to provide an occupant(s) withopportunity to open the door. This requirement shall also apply to maintenancepersonnel.

If it should be necessary under the conditions outlined for authorized universitypersonnel or their agents to enter a room when an occupant is not present, theoccupant(s) will be notified of the entry and the reason for the entry.6.54 Confiscation of Illegal ItemsThe Department of Residence Services reserves the right to remove from the residencehalls items that are illegal or create a substantial risk or harm to people and/or property.Items such as weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, candles, incense, desk lamps orfreestanding lamps containing halogen light bulbs, knives and toy guns such as BB gunsor air soft guns are viewed as possessing such a substantial risk or harm and therefore aresubject to confiscation in the residence halls. Residents may only possess pocket knives orbasic cooking knives used for cooking purposes in the residence halls. All other knives willbe subject to removal and confiscation from the residence hall. Confiscation of items isadministered by the Office of Safety & Security with the exception of illegal items whichis administered by Kent State Police Services.6.55 Student RedressA student who believes that room entry and/or room search policy has been violated mayappeal directly to the Director of Residence Services. The appeal should be in writtenform and should be presented within 10 days of the actual occurrence. In the absence ofthe Director of Residence Services the Vice President for Enrollment Management andStudent Affairs will receive the appeal.6.56 Room InspectionUpon arrival each student must complete a Room Condition Report (RCR), commonlyknown as a room inspection, in collaboration with their respective RA. This is done inorder to document the condition of the room itself, and items in the room. Allresidents of a room will be held mutually responsible for any damage, loss and custodial ormaintenance work to that room or its furnishings unless individual responsibility for thedamages can be clearly established. Each room is furnished according to the roomcapacity and no inventory changes will be permitted unless authorized by theDepartment of Residence Services.Damage charges will be based upon the official Room Condition Report (RCR) AND amore thorough assessment of the room after all residents have moved out. The resident(s)must perform a final walkthrough of the room with the Residence Hall Director or theirdesignee to establish the condition of the room upon moving out. If a student fails to havethe room checked, he/she will be held accountable for any damages and chargedaccordingly. Students wishing to contest such charges must notify the department ofResidence Services in writing within 30 days of receiving the bill.6.6 PostingLocations for posting university-sponsored events may be arranged by contacting therespective Residence Hall Director. All materials for posting or display must have the approvalof the RHD. Items should not be posted on or taped to walls, glass, painted surfaces or the45

inside/outside of student room doors. Students are not permitted to write or mark on studentroom doors. Only Residence Services staff members are authorized to post on student roomdoors.6.7 BicyclesAny residence hall student bringing a bicycle on campus is urged to register it with theirResidence Hall Director or the Office of Safety and Security. Bicycles may be kept only inauthorized bicycle storage areas and in student rooms, with the approval of all occupants. TheResidence Hall Director, Resident Assistant or area Security Aide can advise residents of theauthorized storage area for the building. Bicycles found in non-authorized storage areas will beremoved at the owner’s expense. Bicycles may not be chained to stairwells or block passage fromthe building. Riding bicycles in the residence hall is prohibited. Mopeds or any other gaspoweredbicycle may not be taken into the residence halls for any reason.All bicycles are to be removed from storage areas or bike racks in conjunction with a student’scheck-out process; bicycles that are left at the end of spring semester will be disposed of by theDepartment of Residence Services.6.8 Sales and SolicitationDoor-to-door sales and solicitation in residence halls and academic and administrative buildingsare expressly prohibited. An individual or group may not operate a business enterprise ofany sort in the residence halls without the prior written approval of the Director of ResidenceServices. Solicitation is defined as any effort to ask for donations or contributions of money,goods or services.Sales are defined as the efforts to offer a product or service in return for money, goods or otherservices with the intention for profit or service. Solicitation and sales strictly among the membershipof a particular recognized student organization by members of that group do not comeunder this policy, but are governed by other university regulations. Refer to the university’sPolicy Register or the Center for Student Involvement.Though door-to-door sales and solicitation is prohibited, some sales and solicitation is allowedin certain designated areas. Please refer to the following guidelines:Guidelines for sales and solicitation in designated residence hall areas461. Sales/solicitation within any residence hall community areas or public loungesrequire application to and approval by the Assitant Director for ResidentialCommunities or Associate Director at least 10 days in advance unless theAssitant Director for Residential Communities or Associate Director deemsotherwise. An organization or individual may not sell or solicit on more than sevendays in any month. Length of time on any given day will be determined by theAssistant Director for Residential Communities or Associate Director.2. Any food sales must comply with the university’s guidelines for distribution of food.

6.81 Hall Council and StaffA special note to hall councils and hall staff wishing to sell or solicit within their ownresidence halls: Any area within or designated as a particular residence hall’s space must beassigned and approved as the point of sale or solicitation by the Residence Hall Director.This arrangement is available only to hall staff or hall governments with Residence HallDirector approval. Sales or solicitation to group membership only (sales or solicitationswithin a hall to its members only) do not require a permit from the Center for StudentInvolvement.No door-to-door sales or solicitations will be permitted. This includes sliding materialsunder doors and/or placing information on or near any part of a student’s door. Anyoutside group or individual selling or distributing within the residence halls must beapproved by the Associate Director of Residential Communities and must be escorted atall times.6.9 University LiabilityThe university and the Department of Residence Services will not be responsible for any loss ofor damage to the personal property of the student from any cause, nor will the university andthe Department of Residence Services assume responsibility for any injury or damages, personalor property, while the student is a resident. Students should double check that all personalproperty has been removed from their rooms and adjacent areas (e.g., bike racks) whenchecking out of the residence hall. Any personal property left behind will be disposed of byResidence Services. Students are strongly encouraged to consider carrying some form ofpersonal insurance if the family policy does not cover property while it is located at theuniversity.47

7 - Housing ContractThe following policies and procedures outline the contractual obligations and any amendmentsto the Residence Hall Contract. Further questions regarding these policies and procedures maybe directed to the Department of Residence Services at 330-672-7021.7.1 Residence Hall ContractThere is a contractual obligation for room and food plan (if applicable). Charges for the entireacademic year will continue unless a student is released, in writing, by the Department ofResidence Services. This contract may be terminated at the discretion of the Director ofResidence Services.7.11 Cancellation of ContractCancellation of contract before moving into a residence hall (checking out the residencehall room key or keys), and prior to the applicable opening day of the residence halls, willbe accepted with one of the following guidelines:1. A written request for cancellation received on or before June 1, 2013 for the fallsemester, or January 1, 2014, for the spring semester (new spring semester applicantsonly) will result in the refund of the $200 pre-paid housing fee.2. A written request for cancellation received after June 1, 2013, for the fall semester, orJan. 1, 2014, for the spring semester (new spring semester applicants only) will resultin the forfeiture of the $200 pre-paid housing fee.A request for cancellation of this Residence Hall Contract, including Food Plan (ifcontracted) must be done either by phone, by email, online at www.kent.edu/housing, orwritten letter addressed to and received by: Department of Residence Services, Kent StateUniversity, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001.Students notifying the Department of Residence Services that they will not be attendingKent State University will have their submitted residence hall application terminated.Further, the Department of Residence Services will not inform the Registrar’s Office ofthe student’s intentions. It is the student’s responsibility to cancel all classes for whichthey are registered. Students who remain obligated under the University PolicyRegarding Student Housing must cancel all classes before Residence Services willterminate their housing assignment.If a student is not returning to the university for the spring semester, he/she will bereleased from the contract. However, the student must inform the Department ofResidence Services by phone, email, on-line, or written letter by 5 p.m. of the secondFriday of November (academic dismissals exempt). Students exiting the universitybetween semesters must officially check out with residence hall staff and return their keysto avoid charges.48

Request for cancellation of the contract after moving into a residence hall or after theapplicable opening day of the residence halls will require a Petition for Contract Release,and the student must show just cause for termination (major unforeseen circumstances).In order that all petitions may be reviewed and appeals conducted, if needed, prior to thestart of spring semester, the deadline to petition for a contract release is 5 p.m. the secondFriday of November (Nov. 8, 2013 for the 2013-14 academic year). Petitions receivedafter this deadline may not be reviewed until after the start of the spring semester. Theentire petitioning process may take between four and six weeks to complete.A Petition for Contract Release form, as well as the procedural instructions, may besecured from the student’s Residence Hall Director or online at http://www.kent.edu/housing/currentresidents/petitionforcontractrelease.cfm. This contract cannot beterminated solely for the purpose of living off campus or in order to commute from home.A forfeiture charge of 12.5 percent per week of the contracted room cost will apply tostudents leaving the university and/or receiving a written release from their residence hallcontract. Students will be charged a forfeiture rate for each week of occupancy. There areno room refunds after the seventh week of the semester.Important: A student submitting a written request for cancellation of the residence hallcontract, who remains obligated under the University Housing Policy, must also followthe established procedure for requesting an exemption to the University Policy RegardingStudent Housing. The terms of the signed Residence Hall Contract supersede the termsof the University Policy Regarding Student Housing.NOTE: Cancellation of any assignment automatically cancels all futureassignments and meal plans. After cancellation, it will be necessary to re-applyfor housing and a meal plan in addition to paying the application fee in order tosecure a future assignment.7.2 Room IssuesThe following policies and procedures address a variety of issues that may affect your housingchoices and status.7.21 Room AssignmentsThe university reserves the right to make and/or change room assignments and spaceallocations, including combining multiple residents into rooms within reasonable limitsof safety and comfort, should situations of high demand arise. Only students officiallyassigned to space by the Department of Residence Services shall occupy that space.Changing rooms without prior approval from Residence Services will result indisciplinary action as well as a $25 improper checkout fee. Subleasing is not permitted.49

7.22 Room and Hall ChangesResidence Services realizes the challenges that some students may face when assigned tolive with a person whom they don’t already know and/or who appears different fromthem. We believe that these challenges ultimately serve the students’ benefit inencouraging healthy dialog, reasonable compromise and good citizenship. All residentsassigned roommates are strongly encouraged to thoughtfully and honestly complete theRoommate Agreement distributed by their RA at the beginning of the year, and discussit with their roommate. Before a room/hall change is granted, hall staff may discuss withthe resident(s) the Roommate Agreement in an attempt to facilitate resolutions to anyconflicts/difference that may be present.All room changes and hall changes must receive prior approval by Residence Services staff.In the event a change in residency results in an alteration of room rates, the contract willbe assumed to be amended and the appropriate refund or billing will be made. It is thestudent’s responsibility to contact the Residence Services Accounting Office (330-672-7021) to determine the change in cost. Room buyouts are subject to the availability ofsufficient residence hall space and are granted only for the remainder of the academic year.7.23 Room FreezeRoom and hall changes begin approximately the third week of each semester and finishapproximately two weeks prior to the end of each semester. Dates outside of this range areconsidered in the “room freeze” period. No room and/or hall changes are permittedduring this time. Exact dates will be established during the respective semester andcommunicated to the residents.A room freeze will be in place approximately three to four weeks before the start of winterbreak and spring break in the residence halls that will remain open for the break period inorder to have sufficient space for break housing students. These buildings are Beall,Engleman, Koonce, Korb, Koonce and Wright Halls with the addition of CentennialCourt C (please note that the halls to be used for break are subject to change).7.24 Loss of Roommate/Room Buyout/Room ConsolidationWhen vacancies occur in rooms during the course of the academic year, the remainingresident(s) will be given the option of moving to another room (room consolidation) orpaying for the room type created by the reduced occupancy (room buyout).The room consolidation process will begin the third Monday of each semester, or a dateestablished by Residence Services. This will allow Residence Services to identify “noshows,” “walk-aways” and other vacancies before room changes and room consolidationsoccur.If given the option to move or buyout, the student must either:501. Request a room buyout.Choosing a room buyout will ensure against an additional roommate(s) beingassigned to the room for the balance of the academic year or being moved to another

oom where there is a vacancy. An increase in the room fee will be made on a dailybasis for the balance of the semester. A room buyout is granted only for the remainingpart of the academic year.NOTE: Students must choose the room buyout option before they areassigned a new roommate. Once a new roommate has been assigned,a room buyout is no longer an option.2. Move to another room or secure another roommate.If a remaining student does not wish to buy out the room, that student may berequired to move to another room where there is a vacancy or secure anotherroommate who is also in the process of consolidation. If a remaining student doesnot take action, it is assumed the resident(s) is choosing to keep the room as isand the appropriate charges will be made. The Department of Residence Servicesreserves the right to change the room to a room buyout accommodation and chargethe student accordingly.Each Residence Hall Director will have a list of vacancies after the third week of classes.The Department of Residence Services reserves the right to consolidate rooms at any timeduring the course of the academic year as well as limit the opportunity for a student tobuy out his/her room should it be determined that vacancies are needed for incomingresidence hall students.7.25 Roommate ReadinessA new student may be assigned to a vacant residence hall space during the academic year.The room must be “roommate ready” meaning: adequate and clearly visible space in theroom should be provided at all times for the new student (e.g., clean bed, desk, closets,dresser and drawers). The Department of Residence Services will attempt to notify aresident that someone else will be assigned to the room. Failure to provide adequate andclearly visible space in a timely manner for an incoming roommate may result in eitherdisciplinary action or an additional charge, e.g., the buyout room rate.7.3 Official CheckoutA student must officially check out of his/her assigned space within 48 hours after beinggranted an official withdrawal (exit) or a contract release, being de-registered by the university,within 24 hours of their last final exam of the spring semester, or when requested to do so by anofficial of the Department of Residence Services.Students on the Food Plan should call the FLASHcard office at 330-672-2273 or stop by theoffice, located in 104 Kent Student Center, to have their FLASHcards cancelled. See the “FoodPlan” section of the Residence Hall Contract for additional information.No refund requests shall be initiated and forwarded to the Bursar’s Office for processing untilthe official check-out form and room condition reports have been received by the Department51

of Residence Services. A $25 charge will be assessed to a resident who does not sign his/hername on the room condition report and officially check out with a residence hall staff member.7.4 Interim Break Periods (Opening and Closing Dates)The residence halls are officially open for the 2012-13 academic year as follows:Aug. 25, 2013 – Dec. 13, 2013Jan. 12, 201 – March 21, 2014March 30, 2014 – May 9, 2014Thanksgiving Recess: Residents of any hall may remain in their rooms at no extra charge.University dining facilities are closed.Applications for housing during the following interim (Break) periods must be completedin order to process student requests for break housing.Semester (Winter) Break: Residents of halls that are open year-round are permitted toremain in their rooms during the break between fall and spring semesters at an additionalper night rate. A limited number of spaces are available in these buildings for residents ofother halls at the same rate. Semester break housing is not guaranteed. Very limiteddining facilities are available during the semester break.Spring Break: Residents of halls that are open year-round are permitted to remain in theirrooms during the week of spring break at an additional per night cost. A limited numberof spaces may be available in these buildings for residents of other halls at an additionalper night rate. Spring break housing is not guaranteed. Very limited dining facilities areavailable during the spring break.Early Arrival: Students who have been given permission to move into the residence hallsbefore the official opening date will be charged a per-night rate. Students who have beengiven permission to stay after the official closing date of the semester will be charged a pernightrate.7.5 Study AbroadStudents who choose to study abroad for the spring semester can still complete a housingapplication for the following fall. This process will ensure that space is secured, and thatstudents do not lose seniority in the housing assignments system. For students already inhousing and planning to study abroad, the $25.00 application fee is waived.52

7.6 Summer HousingAll currently admitted Kent State University students are eligible for on campus summer sessionhousing. Summer housing is available in designated building(s) for the period immediately followingthe end of the spring semester as well as the university designated summer session. Summerhousing is billed on a weekly basis. Details of summer housing for the summer term will beavailable on the Department of Residence Services website (www.kent.edu/housing) during thespring semester of the academic year.53

Quick Reference GuideFirst-Year ExperienceFreshman-EligibleSophomore-EligibleJunior-, Senior- andGraduate Student- Eligible24-hour Visitationfor Residents24-hour VisitationNon-Resident LimitedLength of StayVisitation Monday-Thursday10 a.m. - Midnight24-hour WeekendVisitation Friday-Sunday10 a.m. - MidnightAlcoholPROHIBITEDAlcohol Permitted21 Years Old and Older54Single RoomsDouble RoomsTwo-Person RoomWith 2:1 BathThree-Person RoomWith 3:1 BathTwo-Person SuitesWith 4:1 BathWheelchair Accessible and/or Strobe Lights AvailableAir ConditioningComputer Lab in AreaDining FacilitiesMicrofridgesLoftable FurnitureSemi-Loftable FurnitureBreak Housing AvailableElevator AvailableAllyn HallBeall HallCentennial Court ACentennial Court BCentennial Court CCentennial Court DCentennial Court ECentennial Court FClark HallDunbar HallEngleman HallFletcher HallJohnson Hall Floors 8-12 Floors1-7 Koonce HallKorb HallLake HallLeebrick HallManchester HallMcDowell HallOlson HallPrentice HallStopher HallVan Campen HallVerder HallWright Hall

INDEXAcademic Support, 9Additional Roommates, 49Alcoholic Beverages & Containers, 18Assistant Director for ResidentialCommunities, 5Assistant Residence Hall Director (ARHD), 5Bicycles, 46Bill of Rights, Roommate’s, 14Blue Light (Emergency Phones), 32Buildings & Common Areas, 43Cancellation of Contract, 48Candles & Incense, 27Chemical Ventilation, 22Clerical Coordinators & Area Desk Staff, 5Combustible Materials, 28Commitment to Diversity, 7Computer Labs, 10Computing Acceptable Use Policy, 24Confiscation Policy/Illegal Items, 45Controlled Access, 34Copyright Infringement, 25Courtesy Hours, 17Damage to Common Areas, 43Decorations, General Guidelines, 26Decorations, Special Building Use, 43Discipline Process, 13Door Propping, 34Drugs, 19Early Alerts, 9Early Arrival, 52Electrical Appliances, 29Elevators, 35Escort Policy, 22Fire Alarm Warning System, 37Fire Evacuation Procedures, 38Fire Extinguishers, 37Fire Prevention & Safety, 37Fire Safety Room Inspections, 38Fireworks, 28FLASHcard, 12Food Deliveries, 24Furnishings, 28Gambling, 31General Conduct, 6Good Samaritan Provision, 14Green Initiatives, 6Hall Government, 8Harassment and Assault, 20Hazing, 21Health & Sanitation, 22High Wind Advisory, 37Holiday Trees, 28Housekeeping & Maintenance, 6Identification (Prohibited Uses; Duty toIdentify), 16Interim Break Periods, 52Laundry Services, 12Lighting/Extension Cords, 27“Lil’ Sibs” Weekend Visitation-SpecialVisitation Exemption, 24Lock Out Policy/Temporary Key/Key Cards,40Lofts/Bunk Beds, 30Loss of Keys, 40Loss of Roommate(s)/Room Buyout/Room Consolidation Process, 50Mass Communication (Emergencies), 36Mail & Package Delivery, 12Mid-Term Meetings, 9Mission & Values, 3Needles & Syringes, 22Noise, 16Official Checkout, 51Painting, 28Personal Living Space, 24Pet Policy/Stray Animals, 22Policies/Rules/Regulations, 16Policy Violations, 13Posting, 45Power Outage, 35Quiet Hours, 17FlashTrack (Repair Requests), 12Reasonable Requests, 16Recording Privacy, 20Reference Guide, 54Residence Hall Contract, 4855

Residence Hall Director (RHD), 5Residence Hall Expectations, 5Residence Hall Government (Hall Council& KIC), 8Residence Hall Warning, 13Resident Assistant (RA), 5Resident Bill of Rights, 14Residential Computing, 10ResNet - The Residential Network, 10Restrooms (Opposite Sex), 25Roofs, 26Room & Hall Changes, 50Room Assignments, 49Room Capacity, 26Room Entry & Room Search Policy, 43Room Freeze, 50Room Inspection, 45Room Issues, 49Room Upkeep, 26Roommate Agreement, 7Safety Tips, 33Sales & Solicitation, 46Security Aides, 32Security Cameras, 32Services offered by the Officeof Safety and Security, 32Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, 21Sexual Misconduct, 21Smoke Detectors, 37Smoking, 19Sound Equipment, 18Sprinkler System, 37Student Conduct Referral, 14Student Redress, 45Study Abroad, 52Summer Housing, 53Telecommunications, 10Telephone and other Media Harassment, 20Telephones, 11Television, 11Temporary Campus Closing (TCC), 35Tornado Watch & Warning Procedures, 36Tri-Towers & Rosie’s Diner Access, 42University Calender, back coverUniversity Liability, 47University Property, 42Visitation Policy, 23Visitation Hours, 24Walls/False Barriers, 29Weapons, 21Windows/Removal of Screens, 3156

University Calendar 2013 - 2014Fall Semester 2013International Student OrientationAug. 19 (Monday) through Aug. 20 (Tuesday)Graduate Assistant OrientationAug. 20 (Tuesday) through Aug. 21 (Wednesday)Destination Kent: Welcome Weekend Aug. 23 (Friday) through Aug. 25 (Sunday)University ConvocationAug. 23 (Friday)Classes BeginAug. 26 (Monday)Labor Day*Sept. 2 (Monday) No classes, offices closedColumbus Day*Oct. 14 (Monday) Observed Nov. 29 (Friday)Veterans Day*Nov. 11 (Monday) No classes, offices closedThanksgiving* RecessNov. 27 (Wednesday) noon through Dec. 1 (Sunday)offices closed, Thursday and FridayClasses EndDec. 8 (Sunday)Final ExaminationsDec. 9 (Monday) through Dec. 15 (Sunday)CommencementsKent CampusDec. 13 (Friday) and Dec. 14 (Saturday)Residence Hall CloseDec. 13 (Friday) All residence halls close at 7 p.m.Christmas Day*Dec. 25 (Wednesday) (Offices Closed)Spring Semester 2014New Year’s Day*Residence Halls OpenClasses BeginMartin Luther King Jr. Day*Presidents Day*Residence Hall CloseSpring RecessResidence Halls OpenClasses ResumeHonors WeekRemembrance DayClasses EndFinal ExaminationsCommencementsKent CampusResidence Hall CloseSummer Intersession 2014Classes BeginMemorial Day*Classes EndSummer I and II 2014Classes BeginIndependence Day*Classes EndSummer III 2014Classes BeginClasses EndCommencementsJan. 1 (Wednesday) Offices closedJan. 12 (Sunday)Jan. 13 (Monday)Jan. 20 (Monday) No classes, offices closedFeb. 17 (Monday) Observed Dec. 24 (Tuesday)March 21 (Friday)March 24 (Monday) through March 30 (Sunday)No classes, offices openMarch 30 (Sunday)March 31 (Monday)April 6 (Sunday) through April 12 (Saturday)May 4 (Sunday)May 4 (Sunday)May 5 (Monday) through May 11 (Sunday)May 9 (Friday) and May 10 (Saturday)May 9 (Friday) All residence halls close at 7 p.m.May 19 (Monday)May 26 (Monday) offices closedJune 6 (Friday)June 9 (Monday)July 4 (Friday) offices closedJuly 12 (Saturday): Summer I (five-week term)Aug. 2 (Saturday): Summer II (eight-week term)July 14 (Monday)Aug. 16 (Saturday)Aug. 16 (Saturday)* State or federal designated holiday.Kent State University, Kent State and KSU are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission.Kent State is committed to attaining excellence through the recuritment and retention of a diverse studentbody and workforce.13-1695