For a PDF version of the Residence Hall Handbook please click here.

 

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Emporia State University values and welcomes the benefits of diversity, and pledges to current and prospective students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public that we expect and demand the worth and dignity of all people be recognized without regard to any classification that might preclude a person from consideration as an individual. The University regards inappropriate behavior, unfair treatment or harassment of any individual to be inconsistent with its goals of providing an atmosphere in which students, faculty, staff and administrators may safely learn, work, and live.

Emporia State University is committed to equal employment opportunity, equal educational opportunity, and non-discrimination in the operations and administration of all University programs and services. All decisions with reference to employment (including, but not limited to, selection, discipline, promotion, or termination) and all decisions with reference to student status (including, but not limited to, admission, academic achievements, or discipline) will be made without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, handicap or disability, status as a Vietnam Era Veteran, sexual orientation, or any other factors which cannot lawfully be considered, to the extent specified by applicable federal and state laws.

Students who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of any item set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity, Equal Educational Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy should contact the Vice President for Student Affairs, or the Affirmative Action Officer. Staff, Faculty, or members of the public should contact the Affirmative Action Officer.

 

 

Residential Life Services

Cable Television
Cable is provided in social lounges within the residence halls free of charge. Residents wishing to purchase cable subscriptions for their individual rooms or suites may contact CableOne at 620-342-3535 or visit their office at 714 Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 66801.

When contacting CableOne your physical address is just your room number and building name.

Community Lounges and Lobbies

Community lounges and lobbies are for use of all students in an assigned community. Residents are encouraged to not leave person items unattended in lounges and to be respectful of the space. Students are responsible for cleaning up any personal trash and disposing of it properly. Cleaning charges may be assessed to the floor community for excessive cleaning or removal of trash.

Hall Activity Councils

Residents within both Morse and Towers Complex are given the opportunity to participate in the Activity Council within their respective complex. Both Morse Activities Council (MAC) and Towers Activities Council (TAC) are student-led groups that exist to provide programs and events for the residents within each complex. Participation in MAC or TAC is a great way to get involved in the campus community and meet new people.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

Housekeeping provides cleaning and sanitation services to common areas and community restrooms during business hours. In the event that excessive cleaning is needed in a public area (i.e. hallway, stairwell, lounge) or the surrounding grounds of the building, community charges could be assessed for the cost of the cleanup.

The Residential Life maintenance team assures our facilities are in top working order at all times. If you have a problem with something in your room or common area, please notify the Reception Center to fill out a maintenance request. Most requests will be handled during business hours, Monday-Friday but emergency concerns will be addressed as quickly as possible.

Internet

All resident rooms and lounges have wireless internet access. Wireless is available, but signal strength can vary depending on the student’s device and distance from the wireless access point. Students should contact Information Technology (IT) with questions about wireless access and setup instructions. Resident rooms also feature Ethernet ports which require device registration prior to use. Information for select devices is available on the IT website, http://techsite.emporia.edu. IT can be reached at 620-341-5555 or helpdesk@emporia.edu.

Laundry

The cost of laundry is included in housing charges. Coin-less laundry facilities are located in each housing area. Students are encouraged to remain in the laundry facility for the duration of both washing and drying cycles. Residential Life is not responsible for lost or damaged laundry. Abandoned laundry will be disposed of periodically throughout the academic year.

Mail

Mail is delivered Monday-Friday and distributed by the Reception Center staff. Each mailbox is shared by roommates of a room or suite. Combinations to mailboxes are available at the Reception Center.

Mailing Address:
Resident Name
1200 Commercial St
Room Number and Hall Code (201 STT)
Emporia, KS 66801

Mail Forwarding

Room changes on campus: Contact all businesses and individuals that send you mail (e.g. banks, credit cards, magazines, family).

Moving off campus :

1. Go to the United States Post Office and fill out an Official Change of Address Form, or go to www.USPS.com.
2. Fill out an ESU Change of Address form at the Reception Center.
3. Contact all businesses and individuals that send you mail (e.g. banks, credit cards, magazines, family).
4. Change your address with ESU at http://buzzin.emporia.edu.

Meal Plans

Emporia State University contracts with Sodexo to provide food service on campus. More information about Sodexo, meal plans, and other information about food service can be found by visiting www.esudining.com.

Reception Center

For the convenience, assistance, and safety of students in the halls, each complex has a Reception Center. This center can provide access to mail and package service, assist with lock-outs, fill out maintenance requests, and check out a variety of recreational and cleaning equipment. The reception center also collects lost and found items. Items not collected will be disposed of at the end of each semester.

Hours of operation: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Morse Reception Center         1^st floor of Central Morse Hall                                    620-341-6753
Towers Reception Center        2^nd floor between North and South Tower      620-341-6743

Telephone Service

On-campus calls can be made by dialing the last four digits of a phone number. To reach an outside line, dial 9 before making your call, then dial the number as usual.

Morse Complex – There are no active phone lines in resident rooms of the Morse Complex. Courtesy phones are available on every floor within each building.

Towers Complex – Each room has an active phone line, however phones are not provided. Local calls are free, however long distance calls will require a calling card.

Vending Machines

Vending machines are located throughout the residence halls. These machines are not stocked or serviced by Residential Life. Any issues or concerns, including refund requests, should be directed to the Memorial Union ID Center on the first floor of the Memorial Union, 620-341-5859.

 

 

Residential Life Policies

Alcohol

Morse Complex:

The consumption of alcohol is not permitted in the public areas within Morse Complex.

For those persons of legal age, as defined by the State of Kansas, beverages with an alcohol content of 3.2% or less are permitted in resident rooms within Morse Complex following the below regulations:

• With the exception of underage roommate(s), residents of legal age should not consume alcoholic beverages in the presence of underage residents or guests.
• At no time shall persons of legal consumption age provide alcoholic beverages to underage residents.
• At no time shall a person who is under legal consumption age be in the presence of alcohol consumption except for underage roommates.
• Residents of legal drinking age should limit container size to 12oz or less. Large containers are not permitted in any residence hall area (e.g. kegs). Persons found in violation of the container policy will be held responsible for an alcohol violation, regardless of the amount of alcohol remaining in said container.   
• Memory bottles, or containers once holding alcohol are also not permitted.

Towers Complex:

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, regardless of age, in any area within Towers Complex. Memory bottles, or containers once holding alcohol, are also not permitted.

Antennas/Satellite Dishes

Antennas and satellite dishes are prohibited outside the windows or in the hallways; however, residents may place antennas inside their rooms, doors, or windows, provided that no structural damage occurs (e.g. holes).

Bed Bunking and/or Lofting

Beds in North and South Towers can be lofted with University provided loft kits; request bed lofting at the Reception Center. All beds have the ability to be bunked; request bed bunking at the Reception Center.

Bicycles

Bicycles are to be kept in the bicycle racks outside the residence halls or inside the student’s room. Students should NOT secure bicycles to building signs, trees, or any other area that is not solely intended for bicycle storage. 

Bicycle use and storage is not permitted in the hallways, lounges, stairwells, entrances, or exits. The University will assume no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged bicycles.

Candles/Incense/Open Flames

Candles, incense, and open flames are not permitted at any time in the residence halls. There are to be NO decorative candles, even those never intended to be lit, in a residence hall room. All candles will be confiscated.

Cohabitation Policy

Cohabitation is the housing of anyone, resident or guest, in a room in which they are not assigned. Overnight guests staying more than two consecutive nights, or four nights in a week, is considered cohabitation. Cohabitation is prohibited in all residence halls.

Cooking

Cooking may only occur in designated cooking areas and/or  in student rooms on approved electrical appliances.

Confiscation Policy

The Department of Residential Life reserves the right to confiscate property identified as a policy violation in this handbook and/or in the residence hall contract.

Items that are legal to possess, but are a violation of residence hall policy (i.e. candles, pets, hot plates, etc.) or are used to violate residence hall policy (i.e. stereos, etc.) may be confiscated by Residential Life staff.  These items will be held by the Complex Coordinator and will be returned to the student at a time determined in a conduct meeting. 

Students will receive written confirmation of any items confiscated from their room.  Items that are confiscated and returned to a student, and are involved in a subsequent violation, must be removed from the residence hall. 

Note: Weapons that are confiscated will be stored at Police and Safety for safety reasons.

Items that are illegal to possess will be reported to Police and Safety and Residential Life staff. 

Consolidation/Re-assignment

Should vacancies occur at the beginning of an academic semester, a consolidation of those spaces may take place (please refer to your Residence Hall Room/Food Service Contract). The Complex Coordinator will work with students in making these arrangements. Students could have the option of finding a roommate, accepting the room as a private, or being moved to another room.

Decorations

Care should be taken when decorating rooms; students should be certain a fire hazard is not created. No items should be attached or suspended from the ceiling or pipes in your room. During holiday seasons, live trees, wreaths, or garland are not permitted in the halls. Other decorations should be flame resistant and use low-heat UL approved bulbs. Within the room, wall decorations must not be placed edge to edge so that a continuous path of fuel is established in the event of fire. Posters should also be mounted in a way that does not damage walls. Contact paper is not to be applied to any part of the residence hall room. On the exterior of the room, wall decorations must not extend past your door-frame or cover more than 50% of the door.

The use of nails, tacks, or screws should not be used to hang decorations. Residential Life recommends 3M Command™ products.

Decorations that contain nudity, sexually offensive, homophobic, or racially offensive content are prohibited on the exterior of the room or from being displayed in a manner which can be viewed from the exterior of the room.

Door Locking/Propping

Exterior, card-swipe access doors of all residence halls will be locked 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Residents must use their Hornet Card to access these doors.  To ensure the safety of all residents, no security doors are to be propped open at any time.

Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia

The possession, sale of, and/or use of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia on campus are strictly forbidden. Possession or sale of drugs may result in removal from the residence halls. Residents removed for disciplinary reasons will be held responsible for all contract cancellation charges.

Electrical Appliances

Residents are limited in the type of electrical appliances used in the room. Only items with enclosed heating elements that are UL approved are permitted. These include portable electric hair dryers, portable refrigerators (not to exceed 5 cubic feet), razors, radios, computers, TVs, stereos, air popcorn poppers, coffee makers, crock pots, and microwaves (not to exceed 800 watts).  See “Prohibited Items” for a list of items not allowed in the residence halls.

Both the appliance and any cord used in connection with it must have a UL approved label. Power strips or surge protectors should be used for refrigerators, microwaves, computers, and electronic equipment. When using these appliances, care should be taken to ensure that no damage is done to university property.

Elevators

Vandalism and misuse of elevator (e.g. tampering with doors and control panels, jumping, rocking, etc.) will not be tolerated. In the event that an elevator should malfunction, use the emergency alarm and await assistance. Under no circumstances should an individual attempt to open the doors by force or use alarm bells for reasons other than an emergency.  Smoking is strictly prohibited in elevators as well as in all university buildings by Kansas State Law.

Failure to Comply

Failure to comply can indicate, but is not limited to, not responding to a notice to schedule a disciplinary meeting, failing to show up for a disciplinary meeting, failing to complete sanctions, or not responding to building staff during an incident.

In addition failing to comply with any reasonable directive of a University official; acting in the course of their position, whether it is in regards to an incident, policy, procedure, or in the form of a disciplinary sanction; will result in further disciplinary action.

Furniture

All furniture purchased for the use of residents living in University residence halls and designated for the common areas or lounges shall remain in the common areas. The furniture is not to be taken by students to their rooms for personal use. If common area furniture is found in a student’s room, the student(s) responsible could be charged replacement charges for the furniture.

Each residence hall room is equipped with an extra-long twin size bed, desk, desk chair, and clothing storage. Exact furniture varies depending upon room type. Your Room Condition Report (RCR) is intended to provide accurate records of the furniture in each room. All furniture must remain in your room at all times. Residential Life does not remove furniture from individual rooms due to lack of storage space. Charges may be assessed for furniture that is removed from a student’s room.

Gambling

Gambling with or for legal tender (e.g. money), in any form, is not permitted in the residence halls.

Guest Policy

A resident must have permission from their roommate to have an overnight guest.

A resident may host only 1 guest at a time for no more than 2 consecutive nights. The host resident is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest and shall be charged for any damages that the guest may cause. The resident should be with the guest in the room and at all times while in the residence halls. Any resident of a room has the right to ask a visitor to leave. If a visitor does not cooperate with a request, Residential Life staff may be contacted for further action.

All guests must be escorted by their host at all times. For safety reasons, unescorted non-residents will be asked to leave immediately. Keys should not be loaned to guests.

Harassment

Employee/Student Harassment:

Any attempt by a student or a guest to physically or verbally harass, intimidate, or otherwise restrict a residence hall employee/student in the performance of his/her duty or daily activity will be viewed seriously and may lead to removal from the residence halls and other disciplinary action.

Hate Speech/Harassment:

Personally directed harassing speech within the halls, which is intended to threaten or elicit a violent reaction, is unacceptable. 

Sexual Harassment:

Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual attention by one student to another or to University staff is unacceptable. This includes unwanted verbal, written, and physical contact. Any situation concerning harassment should be brought to the attention of Residential Life staff immediately.

Liability and Insurance

The University assumes no liability for loss, damage, or theft to the property of a student, although all reasonable efforts are made to protect such property. The protection of personal property and personal safety are the individual’s responsibility. Students are encouraged to review their parents’ homeowners and health insurance policies and to obtain adequate coverage.

Lock-outs

During Reception Center hours, lock-out assistance is available from the Reception Center. During times when the Reception Centers is closed, contact the RA on duty (this information is provided at the Reception Center). 

You will need to provide proper identification and may be charged for any associated lockout charges. The first two lock-outs are free. The third, and any subsequent, lock-outs are a $10.00 charge.

If your key is lost, please report to the Reception Center immediately for a lock change. Lock changes are a $35 charge.

Room Changes

To request a room change, please first contact your resident assistant regarding your concern. Resident assistants will help resolve conflict between roommates before a room change is granted.  Please note that room changes are not allowed during the first two weeks of each semester and not all room changes are approved. Students who change rooms without permission could be subject to additional housing charges.

Quiet Hours

Sound control in the residence halls is important to provide an environment conducive to the total development of students in an educational, social and cultural environment. Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding noise with the staff members of the hall, but are expected to confront the situation first.

Residents responsible for excessive noise and/or disruptive behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.  Excessive noise from a room will be defined as noise that can be heard two doors away. In addition, it may be necessary in some instances for the Complex Coordinator to require that students remove stereo equipment from the residence hall.

Quiet Hours:

10 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily. 

Courtesy Hours:

Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day and require that all residents and guests keep noise to a level that does not interfere with others.

Finals Week Intensive Quiet Hours:

In conjunction with the academic mission of the university, all residence halls will begin with 24-hour quiet hours on the Saturday night prior to the start of finals week. On a second warning for noise during intensive quiet hours, a student may be asked to leave the residence halls for the remainder of the semester. 

Pets

Non-carnivorous fish are the only acceptable pets in the residence halls. The maximum aquarium size is 10 gallons.

Physical/Sexual Assault

If you are the victim of physical or sexual assault, contact Residential Life Staff and ESU Police and Safety immediately. Students involved in the assault of another person within the residence halls may be removed from the halls. Residents removed for disciplinary reasons will be held fiscally responsible for the full cancellation cost of the contract.

Posting Fliers and Signs

The residence halls observe the posting policies used by the Center for Student Involvement when posting campus information.  Any material that you wish to post concerning an event sponsored by a recognized campus organization should be taken to the Center for Student Involvement for approval. The Complex Coordinator or Director of Residential Life must approve non-campus advertising for posting.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited from the residence halls. All of the items found below are subject to confiscation by residence hall staff. This list is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Residential Life staff.

• Amplifiers
• Appliances with heating elements that do not possess an automatic shut off
• Candles
• Candle warmers
• Dartboards
• Electronic cigarettes
• Fireworks
• Grills (indoor or outdoor)
• Hot plates
• Halogen or sun lamps
• Highway and/or road signs
• Hookahs
• Incense
• Lighter fluid/Propane tanks
• Pets (other than fish)
• Smoke and/or fog machines
• Space heaters (unless provided by Residential Life staff)
• Toaster Ovens
• Weapons

Room Entry

The university respects the student’s right to freedom from illegal or unreasonable searches and invasions of privacy.  However, the University reserves the right to enter into the living quarters of a student.  Residential Life staff members have the authority and responsibility to enter students’ rooms under the following guidelines:

• By authorized Emporia State personnel with 24 hours advance notice to ensure that health, fire, and safety regulations are maintained;
• By authorized Emporia State personnel with 24 hours advance notice to make improvements and repairs and to provide routine maintenance services;
• By authorized Emporia State personnel without notice if you request repair or maintenance work to be done in your living unit, whether or not you are at home;
• By authorized personnel without notice, in emergency situations to protect the health and welfare of the students or to make emergency repairs to prevent damages to the property of the University;
• By authorized Emporia State officials without notice when there is reasonable cause to believe that there is/has been a violation of university regulations or federal, state, or local laws or ordinances;
• By law enforcement officers in the performance of statutory duties and in accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure;
• By authorized Emporia State officials without notice for check-in/check-out, for safety checks at semester/holiday breaks, to investigate an activated alarm, to retrieve University property, and for work orders submitted prior to occupancy;
• By authorized Housing, Maintenance, and/or Facilities Management personnel where a major remodeling project is taking place. The residents involved will be notified of any such projects.

In all instances, such entry shall be made only for the purposes set forth above. Observed contraband will be confiscated and/or alleged violations of university policies will be documented for follow-up action.

Note: Rooms will not be opened for anyone other than the official occupant.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in the residence halls and within 30 feet of the building. Smoking includes, but is not limited to: cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, hookahs, and pipes.

Solicitation

Residence hall rooms are not to be used for any commercial purposes. Solicitation for business, charity, political, or religious purposes on residence hall grounds or residence hall buildings by anyone is prohibited. The sale of items in the residence halls by campus organizations must be approved in advance by the Director of Residential Life and is to be restricted to the main lounges at hours agreed to by the Director of Residential Life.

Sports

Sports or sporting activities are prohibited in the residence halls. This includes, but is not limited to, kicking, dribbling, hitting, passing balls, and water gun/water balloon activities.  

Vandalism/Damages

With the exception of normal wear and tear, any damage to university property, whether accidental or malicious, will be billed to the student. Damage to common areas may be charged evenly to all students residing in a community.

Weapons

Emporia State University prohibits the possession or use of firearms, explosives, or other weapons on any University campus, as provided in the Kansas Board of Regents policy.

.020 Policy

Kansas Board of Regents Policy on Weapons Possession

1. To the extent allowed by law and except as otherwise provided herein, the campus of each state university shall be weapons-free. Each entrance to each building and facility on each campus shall be posted in accordance with K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 75-7c10, 75-7c11, K.A.R. 16-11-7, K.S.A. 21-4218 and K.A.R. 1-49-11, and amendments thereto. Additional signs may be posted as appropriate. Notice of this policy shall also be given in each state university's student code of conduct, housing contracts and employee policies.
2. Nothing in this section shall be read to prohibit possession of weapons on campus (1) as necessary for the conduct of Board approved academic programs or university approved activities or practices, or (2) by university police or security officers while acting within the scope of their employment. Each university shall develop and follow procedures for the safe possession, use and storage of such weapons and shall notify the Board in writing of any activities or practices involving weapons that are approved by the university under paragraph (1) of this subsection b.
3. For the purpose of this policy, "weapons" means:
1. Any object or device which will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel bullet, shot or shell by the action of an explosive or other propellant;
2. any handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other firearm of any nature, including concealed weapons licensed pursuant to the Personal and Family Protection Act, and amendments thereto;
3. any BB gun, pellet gun, air/C'O2 gun, stun gun or blow gun;
4. any explosive, incendiary or poison gas (A) bomb, (B) mine, (C) grenade, (D) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, or (E) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than ¼ ounce;
5.  any incendiary or explosive material, liquid, solid or mixture equipped with a fuse, wick or other detonating device;
6. any tear gas bomb or smoke bomb; however, personal self-defense items containing mace or pepper spray shall not be deemed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
7. any knife, commonly referred to as a switch-blade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement;
8. any straight-blade knife of four inches or more such as a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife or stiletto; except that an ordinary pocket knife or culinary knife designed for and used solely in the preparation or service of food shall not be construed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
9. any martial arts weapon such as nun chucks or throwing stars; or
10. any longbow, crossbow and arrows or other projectile that could cause serious harm to any person.

Emporia State University also prohibits weapons at all off-campus University sponsored or supervised activities.

Persons with knowledge or information of conduct which may constitute a violation of this policy are urged to contact the ESU Police & Safety. Residence hall residents wishing to have a weapon may contact ESU Police & Safety for storage options.

Possession of firearms may result in removal from the residence halls. Residents removed for disciplinary reasons will be held fiscally responsible for the full cancellation costs of the contract.

Windows

Windows are part of the building that complement the total campus ambience.  For safety and security purposes, items other than curtains are prohibited from being attached, hung or displayed on the inside of residence hall windows. Decorating windows for university–sponsored activities or national holidays will be allowed provided the display is hung by means that will not damage the window or surrounding walls (no decals) and the display is removed one week after the activity/date. Residential Life staff has the authority to ask a student to remove inappropriate or offensive decorations.

Window Screens, Ledges, and other Emergency Exits

Window screens should not be removed under any circumstances. Any person or object moving past the screen of residence hall windows is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to throwing and/or dropping items from the building, sitting on window ledges or entering/exiting through windows.  Emergency exits should only be used in the event of emergency and are not for general entrance to the building; students should only enter through card swipe entrance doors.

 

 

Emergency Procedures

Accident or Illness

You should report any illness or accident to your RA. Contact the office of Student Life, 620-341-5267, if personal illness or injury will cause you to miss three or more days of academic courses. The office of Student Life will work to communicate your absence to your instructors.

Medical Emergency

In case of extreme medical emergency:

1. Call 911.
2. Contact Reception Center and request that they contact professional duty staff.

Fire

If you smell smoke and/or see fire within the residence halls, please adhere to the following protocol.

1. Pull the nearest fire alarm.
2. Exit the building immediately. Do not use elevators.
3. Call 911.

 Fire Alarms

If you are in the residence halls when a fire alarm sounds, please adhere to the following protocol.

1. Wear a coat or blanket and hard-soled shoes.
2. Leave room, take your key, close and lock door.
3. Go to your nearest exit, walking swiftly. Do not run or push. Do not use the elevator.
4. Assemble outside of the hall at least 100 feet from the building.
5. Do not return to the building until a university official has given an all-clear signal.

State law, as well as residence hall policy, requires all students to leave their room and/or public areas when a fire alarm is sounded. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary and/or legal action.

FALSELY ACTIVATING THE FIRE ALARM OR TAMPERING WITH THE ALARM EQUIPMENT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE AND LOCAL LAW.

Any person(s) found responsible for the unlawful activation of a fire alarm may face severe disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to, expulsion from the residence hall and criminal action.

UNNECESSARY USE OR MISUSE OF A FIRE EXTINGUISHER MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND A MONETARY FINE.

Severe Weather

The city of Emporia is equipped with severe weather warning systems (e.g. tornado sirens). These alarms are designed to be heard by members of the community who are outside of their homes. Given this, residents should tune in to local weather forecasts and remain prepared to take shelter when severe weather is approaching.

The following are lists of shelter areas in the residence halls:

Morse Complex:

• Lower hallways connecting Central and Abigail
• Lower hallway in Northeast away from lobby area

Towers Complex:

• Lower hallways in all buildings as well as work and utility areas

   

Residents should avoid going outside and/or standing near windows when severe weather is imminent.

 

 

Residential Life Conduct Process

In most cases, when a student is observed violating a residence hall regulation, a residence hall staff member will identify him/herself, communicate which regulation has been violated, and request identification. If you find yourself in such a position, you should remember two things:

1. The discipline system is part of the total educational process and is protective of your rights.
2. Always cooperate and give accurate information. Failure to cooperate and/or providing false information may result in further action taken against you.

Residential Life staff will typically inform residents that the situation will be “documented,” this simply refers to the act of submitting an incident report to the Director of Residential Life, or his/her designee. All people involved in a given incident, as well as witnesses, are typically included within an incident report. When a Complex Coordinator receives an incident report, one of two things may happen:

1. The Incident Report will be placed in the student(s) conduct file and a written warning will be sent to the student.
2. The Complex Coordinator will schedule a conduct meeting with the student(s).

Disciplinary Meetings Before the Hearing Officer

A disciplinary meeting before a hearing officer will typically take place within 1-7 days after the initial incident report is filed.

During this meeting, you will:

• Hear the allegations presented against you,
• have the opportunity to respond to the allegations,
• and have the opportunity to present witnesses on your behalf.

After assembling all evidence and discussing the policy violations with the student, the hearing officer will make a determination concerning the validity of the allegations.

• If the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated, no further action will be taken.
• If the allegations are found to be substantiated, educational sanctions will be made.
• Any previous incidents of misconduct may be considered at this time. While having no effect on the determination of guilt of the specific incident being heard, this information will be used in determining appropriate sanctions.

The student will receive a written notice of the results of the disciplinary meeting and any sanctions placed upon him/her. 

Sanctions

The purpose of a sanction is primarily to educate an individual by increasing his/her awareness of the consequences of conduct violations and the importance of responsibility to the University community for one’s actions. In some instances, however, the community’s need to properly function outweighs the University’s ability to educate an individual. In such cases, for the benefit of both the student and the residence hall community, suspension or banning from the residence halls may result. The following sanctions may be imposed for conduct violations.

• Admonition - An oral or written statement to a student that he/she is violating or has violated institution rules. This can also serve as a warning for continued violations.
• Restitution - Reimbursement for damage to property. This may take the form of community service or monetary compensation.
• Educational Sanction - In accordance with the goal of educating and assisting students with conduct problems, disciplinary plans may be imposed to assist the resident from further violating policy.
• Community Service - A service to be performed within community outlined in your decision letter. The service performed and the length of service will vary according to the nature of the violation and the number of related incidents.
• Referral to Alcohol/Drug Education Classes and/or counseling - If the violation is alcohol or drug related, the student may be referred to Alcohol/Drug Awareness classes, which are offered through the Student Wellness Center.
• Probation - A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations, including the possibility of more severe disciplinary sanctions in the event of finding a violation of any institution regulation within the designated probation period. A student may be removed from the residence halls upon being found guilty of one or more violations of residence hall and/or university policy, after being placed on probation.
• Relocation - Reassignment of a student from one particular on-campus living space to another.
• Restriction of Entry - Removal of the privilege of entering or visiting some or all residence halls. Students relocated or removed from housing may be restricted from that area. Violating this can result in trespassing charges and/or other sanctions.
• Residence Hall Suspension - Termination of the privilege of a student living on campus. Termination of a student’s right of residency is not considered a denial of the individual’s right to an education.

Appeals

In the case of extenuating circumstances, an appeal process is in place; however, certain conditions must exist in order for an appeal to be considered:

1. The sanction was unduly harsh.
2. Due process procedures were not followed.
3. New evidence, unavailable at the original hearing, has become available.

A maximum of one (1) appeal is permitted for any disciplinary case.

Intent to appeal a decision of a Complex Coordinator must be made in writing within five (5) class days to the Director of Residential Life.  The Director will review the information and coordinate a meeting.  A written decision either overturning or upholding the original findings will be issued after this meeting.  

Intent to appeal a decision of the Director of Residential Life must be made in writing within five (5) class days to the Associate Vice President of Student Life.  The Associate Vice President will review the information, coordinate meetings, and render a written decision overturning or upholding findings.

 

 

Confidentiality and Privacy

FERPA
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act provides students, both currently and formerly enrolled at ESU, the right to inspect and review official records concerning themselves. This person does not possess the right of ownership concerning these records, but may review their contents and challenge their occurrence and validity, if so desired. Official university personnel must supervise the review of these records, and challenges must be directed through the appropriate administrative office. 

Your file with the Department of Residential Life is protected by specific guarantees of the privacy law, the university, and individual departments. For information not considered public, you must give written consent that other parties may view information. For another party to view your records, that party must have a legitimate need to know, which must be verified by the university, and your written permission. For the specific information and details pertaining to the law and procedures, inquire in the Student Life Office.

All records concerning Residential Life judicial actions are confidential. These records are only accessible to Emporia State University staff with a legitimate need to know. In order to comply with the Clery Act and other required reporting, aggregate conduct data is shared with various agencies.