Department of Residential Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to live on campus?
All first year students are required to live in the residence halls. The only exceptions that are made are 1.) Students living within 30 miles of campus with a mother/father, brother/sister, aunt/uncle, or grandparent; 2.) Are 19 before the first day of class; or 3.) Graduated from high school before May of 2007. (First-year waiver forms must be filled out to be exempt from living on campus. Please contact our office to receive a waiver form.)
How long does the housing contract last?
The housing contract is for the entire academic year. Early cancellations are charged a cancellation fee. Please refer to the contract or contact the Department of Residential Life for specific details.
How many residence halls are there?
There are 9 residence halls split between two complexes.
The Morse Complex consists of: Northeast Morse, Abigail Morse, Central Morse, South Morse, and Southeast Morse Halls.
The Towers Complex consists of: Singular Hall, Trusler Hall, South Tower, and North Tower.
If I need dimensions for my room assignment, where can I find that information?
Room dimensions can be found on the Residential Life web page at www.emporia.edu/reslife/hallapt.htm along with other general information about Residential Life.
What type of technology do the residence halls have?
All rooms have Ethernet connections. Morse Complex and Singular Hall rooms have one jack per two residents. An ethernet switch will be needed in order for two computers to access the internet at the same time on one jack. Talk with roommates about this situation; who is bringing a computer; etc. Switches can be purchased at most electronic stores and department stores. Do not purchase a router or a hub. These will not work correctly. Personal wireless routers are not permitted. Each residence hall complex also has a computer lab. The North and South Tower residents will have access to wireless connections in the common area and wired connection in the rooms. There is one jack per resident in these two buildings.
What if my student and his/her roommates can’t get along?
The first step is to ask your student to discuss the concerns with his/her roommates(s) and try to resolve the conflict together. Many times, clarifying communication and expectations between roommates is the first step in successfully navigating a roommate conflict. If the conflict remains unresolved, your student should ask their Resident Assistant (RA) for advice/guidance in the situation. If issues persist, and the student does not feel they are able to work with their RA, they are asked to talk with their Complex Coordinator, and together as a team they will work out a solution.
Who are the residence hall staff members?
Complex Coordinators – full-time masters level live-in professionals who manage a residence hall complex
Assistant Complex Coordinators – Masters degree seeking students who assist the Complex Coordinators
Programming Assistants- senior level resident assistants that focus on the activities and programs provided in the residence halls.
Resident Assistants – undergraduate students who live directly on the floors with residents and provide programming and leadership opportunities for students
Reception Center Assistants – students who work the Reception Centers and provide services to students
Who should my student call if something is not working properly in the room?
The Department of Residential Life employs maintenance personnel for each housing complex. Should a student need to report a repair need, they simply need to visit the 24 hour Reception Center and fill out a work request. The maintenance staff collects work requests each morning and strives for a 24 hour turn around on each request.
Are there employment opportunities available in housing?
The Department of Residential Life employees approximately 75 students. Students interested in employment opportunities should contact their Complex Coordinator, Assistant Complex Coordinator, Resident Assistants, the Hire-A-Hornet website, or the Department of Residential Life.
Who can my student talk to about homesickness or a personal situation?
The residence hall staff is an excellent resource for your student. In addition, professional counseling services are available on campus. Students simply need to contact the Student Life and Counseling Office at 341-5221 or stop by 211 South Morse Hall.
What laundry facilities are available?
The residence halls are equipped with washers and dryers for students’ convenience. The washers and dryers are coin operated and students must furnish their own detergent and other laundry supplies. There are also many self-service laundries located in the Emporia community.
Can students redecorate their room?
Students may not nail fixtures to the walls, floors, ceilings, or furniture; drill holes or affix decals; or tamper with electrical or telecommunications wiring. Further, students can not paint their rooms. Your student should contact the Complex Coordinator for details.
What types of bed linens are needed?
Your student can bring any type of personal linen. Beds are standard twin.
Where can my student receive mail?
Mail is delivered to the Reception Centers located in each complex. All overnight express packages, flowers, etc. are delivered to the Reception Center and must be signed for by the student. The key to fast mail service is using the Zip+4 assigned to the complexes. Use the following address to send mail to your student;
For the Morse Complex:
Student Name
Room Number and Hall Name
1200 Commercial Street
Emporia, Kansas 66801-5091
For the Towers Complex:
Student Name
Room Number and Hall Name
1200 Commercial Street
Emporia, Kansas 66801-5090
What type of safety and security are provided in the residence halls?
Each resident is provided with a room key and a reminder to keep their doors locked at all times. Hornet card access to their residence hall complex after 11:00pm. Safety training and open communication with ESU Police and Safety. Upgraded fire alarm systems.
Should my student purchase renters’ insurance before arriving on campus? What happens if personal belongings are stolen from the room?
Although precautions are taken to maintain adequate security, the university cannot assume responsibility for the loss or damage to student possessions from any cause whatsoever. Students are encouraged to carry personal property insurance. This is often available as a rider on the parent’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If personal items are stolen or missing, your student should contact Police and Safety and their RA immediately. Students are encouraged to always lock their door.
Last Updated June 2, 2008