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Overview

Residence Hall Community
Concern, mutual respect, and maturity are basic to the development of a community that can assist a student in their personal endeavors and achievements. It is expected that students will contribute to the building of this community and avoid behaviors that detract. In turn, students may then expect to reap the benefits of this unique learning experience.  The Residential Life handbook seeks to increase resident awareness regarding factors that impact the safety and wellness of the individual and the community.
 

Resident Responsibilities

The Residence Hall Room/Food Service Contract may represent the first “contractual” agreement you have ever signed. As a resident on campus, you have a right to an appropriate environment in your housing facilities and are responsible for contributing positively to that environment.

Upon moving into the residence halls, you are responsible for the following:

  • The rules and regulations of the State of Kansas, Emporia State University, and the Residence Halls as stated in this handbook. You are responsible for knowing these policies and adhering to them at all times.
  • All activities that occur within your room. Even if you’re not present or involved in the actual activity in your room, you may be held responsible.
  • Your guests and their conduct while present in the halls. Residents may be subject to disciplinary action because of their guest’s behavior.
    • Attending floor meetings. You are responsible for all information discussed at floor meetings. If unable to attend, contact your Resident Assistant (RA).

Residence Hall Damages:
While custodial and maintenance services are provided, residents share responsibility for general maintenance and upkeep of their community living environment. This environment includes the students’ rooms, living areas, hallways, rest rooms, public areas, and exterior facilities.

Room Damage:
All residents of a room will be responsible for damage, loss, and custodial or maintenance work that is due to the students’ negligence. The university recognizes that some allowances must be made for normal usage. Each room is furnished according to room capacity and no inventory changes will be permitted unless authorized by a Residential Life staff member. 

Community Damages:
Damages to public areas will be assessed to the individuals responsible. Damage which cannot be attributed to an individual or group of individuals will be monetarily prorated to the smallest group (i.e. floor damage for which no one claims to be responsible, or for which no one is willing to come forward to indicate who is responsible, will be charged to the entire floor). Charges for such damages will be made by the Complex Coordinator. If paid within seven days there are no additional charges added. After seven days a $25 collection charge will be added to each person.

Keys:
To ensure the security of your belongings, you are urged to lock your room at all times.

  • Do not loan your room key to friends or relatives.
  • It is not lawful to make duplicates of university keys.
  • Loss of your keys will result in assessment of a $35 charge. This charge covers the cost of replacing the lock, making new keys and changing the key code records.
  • Lost keys receive an automatic re-core of the lock. 

 

Important Numbers

Department of Residential Life  620-341-5264
Towers Complex Coordinator  620-341-5264
Morse Complex Coordinator  620-341-5264
Student Life Office  620-341-5267
Student Wellness Office  620-341-5221
Admissions Office  620-341-5465
ESU Bookstore  620-341-5214
Student Health Services  620-341-5223
Dining Services  620-341-5277
Cashiering Services  620-341-5170
Student Financial Aid  620-341-5457
Registration Office  620-341-5211 
Morse Hall Reception Center  620-341-6753
Towers Reception Center  620-341-6743

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Emergency Contacts
Police & Safety Office      620-341-5337
Emergency                    9-911 


Emergency Situations

Accident or Illness:
You should report any illness or accident to your RA. Furthermore, you should 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 Affairs will work to communicate your absence to your instructors.

Medical Emergency:
In case of extreme medical emergency, please adhere to the following protocol.

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

In Case of 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
  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.
  4. Assemble outside of the hall at least 50 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.

Misuse of Fire Safety Equipment:
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 POSSIBLE MONETARY FINE.

Severe Weather:
The city of Emporia is equipped with severe weather warning systems (e.g. tornado alarms). 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.


Services and Activities

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 service, perform lock-outs, assist with maintenance requests, and check out a variety of recreational and cleaning equipment. Hours of operation: Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 3:00 am

Lock-outs
In the event that residents lose or lock keys in their room, you may contact the Reception Center for assistance during regular business hours.

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 3rd and any subsequent lock-outs are a $10.00 charge)

If your key is lost, please report to the Reception Center immediately.

Cable Service:
Each student room within the residence halls has cable access.  It is the student’s option to order and pay for cable service through the local cable company. The number for Cable One is 620-342-3535. 

Dining Services:
ESU contracts with Sodexo to provide food service on campus. The goal of the food service staff is to make dining an enjoyable part of each day. Menus are designed to promote healthy eating habits, as well as to provide tasty dining options. Sodexo personnel can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have regarding food service.

Meal Service Plan Changes:
Students are permitted to reduce their meal plan during specified periods during the academic year. Please consult the dining services website for these dates. Student may, however, increase their meal plan anytime throughout the academic year.

If there is a compelling reason for a meal plan change at times other than those stated the student should contact Sodexo. Furthermore, freshmen who wish to receive a waiver from the meal plan must send a written request to the Director of the Memorial Union (1200 Commercial St. Box 4066). 

Internet/Ethernet in Halls:
All students must register their computer to access the university’s network. More information regarding this procedure will be provided to you upon your arrival to the residence halls.  

Morse Complex:

  • Wireless in all rooms in lobbies.
  • One ethernet port per two residents
    • Double rooms have one port and triple rooms have two ports.

Towers Complex

  • Wireless in all rooms and lobbies.

Hall/Floor Community Facilities:
Many floors have study or TV lounges. Students are responsible for cleaning up any personal trash and disposing of it properly. If the custodial staff needs to spend extra time cleaning the lounges or cooking areas, a cleaning charge may be assessed to the floor community.

Laundry Rooms:
Coinless washers and dryers are located in each housing area. Students need not worry about gathering enough change to do laundry as the cost of laundry is included in the residential housing fees.

Given the student to washer/dryer ratio, it is essential that residents remove their laundry from the washer/dryers in a timely fashion. Furthermore, it is recommended that students remain in the laundry facilities during both the washing and drying cycles as the university is not responsible for damaged or stolen laundry.

Telephone Service:
Morse Complex – There are no active telephone lines within the rooms in Morse Complex. There are, however, emergency phones on every floor in each building.

Towers Complex – Each room is equipped with an active telephone line. These phones can receive incoming phone call and can place local calls. A calling card may be necessary to make long distance or international phone calls.

Vending Machines:
There are several vending machines that provide beverages and snacks within each residence hall. These machines are not, however, stocked or serviced by Residential Life. Any issues or concerns regarding vending machines should be directed to the Memorial Union ID Center – the number to the ID office can be obtained at the Reception Center.

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. MAC and TAC is a great way to get involved in the campus community and meet new people.

Mail Service

U.S. Mail is delivered to the Reception Centers between 10:00 a.m. and noon and distributed by the Reception Center staff. Each mailbox is shared by roommates and has a corresponding number with resident rooms. Combinations to mailboxes can be obtained at the Reception Center. Check your mailbox often for important ESU information. Here is your proper mailing address:

Mailing addresses:

For all residence halls (i.e. Central Morse, Abigail Morse, Northeast Morse, North Tower, South Tower, Singular, and Trusler).

Resident Name

Room Number and Hall name (e.g. 355 Central Morse)

1200 Commercial St.

Emporia, KS 66801

Forwarding Mail:

On-Campus room changes:

Students must change their address any time a room change occurs within the residence halls. Students should adhere to the following steps to ensure they receive their mail:

  • Contact all businesses that send you mail (e.g. credit card, cell phone, magazines, bank, etc.) This can be done by filling out the change of address information that is included in most business mailings
  • Go to http://www.emporia.edu/regist/enroll/address.htm to change your address with the ESU Registration Office.

Moving off-campus:

Students who move off-campus, whether it is a temporary (e.g. winter/summer break) or permanent move (e.g. graduation or transfer), should adhere to the following steps in order to receive their mail. 

1.     Fill out an ESU Change of Address form at the Reception Center. This is not an official change of address form. This is only to ensure that we have a current address on record when forwarding mail. You will still need to fill out an official change of address form with the United States Postal Service.

2.     Contact all businesses that send you mail (e.g. credit card, cell phone, magazines, bank, etc.) This can be done by filling out the change of address information that is included in most business mailings 

3.     Go to the United States Post Office to fill out an Official Change of Address Form, or go to http://www.usps.com. Note: You may submit a permanent or temporary change of address.

4.     Go to http://www.emporia.edu/regist/enroll/address.htmto change your address with the ESU Registration Office.

Important University documents are often sent through inter-campus mail, so it is imperative that you change your address with the Registration Office. 

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Disciplinary 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 Complex Coordinator. 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
  • Have the opportunity to present witnesses on your behalf.

Remember to be honest and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Disciplinary Protocol:

  • Admission of any person to the disciplinary meeting shall be at the discretion of the hearing officer.
    • Any person admitted other than the complainant, the accused, and witnesses shall not have the privilege of participating in the hearing, except upon rare occasion as permitted by the Hearing Officer. 
    • At the time of the disciplinary meeting, the student will be presented with the evidence of misconduct that has been supplied to the Hearing Officer.
    • The student will be allowed to present any evidence or witnesses he/she may have on his/her 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 and / or disciplinary 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. 

Disciplinary Sanctions
The purpose of a sanction, in addition to protecting others, 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 community, suspension or banning from the residence halls may result. The following sanctions may be imposed for conduct violations.

  1. 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.
  2. Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to property. This may take the form of community service or other compensation.
  3.  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. A Disciplinary Hold will be placed on the student’s account. 
  4. Community Service: A service to be performed within the Complex environment, the ESU campus community, or the Emporia community. The service performed and the length of service will vary according to the nature of the violation and the number of related incidents.
  5. Referral to Alcohol/Drug Education Classes: 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 at a cost to the student.
  6. 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 or university policy, after being placed on probation.
  7. Relocation: Reassignment of a student from one particular on-campus living space to another.
  8. 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.
  9. Suspension: Termination of the privilege of a student living on campus. Upon suspension, the university will terminate the contract with the student for the residence hall space and may reimburse, according to university policy on room refunds, the appropriate portion of funds, which the student has paid the university for living space for the balance of the academic year, minus other penalties. Termination of a student’s right of residency is not considered a denial of the individual’s right to an education. Some violations may result in immediate suspension, without the student ever being placed on probation.

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 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
In 1974, the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the “Buckley Amendment” was made official. This act provides students, both currently and formerly enrolled at ESU, the right to inspect and review official records concerning themselves. This person doesn’t 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-toknow. In order to comply with the Clery Act and other required reporting, aggregate conduct data is shared with various agencies.

Prohibited Items

    • Dartboards
    • Appliances with heating elements that do not possess an automatic shut off
    • Pets (other than fish)
    • Weapons
    • Candles
    • Candle warmers
    • Incense
    • Lighter fluid/Propane tanks
    • Fireworks
    • Hot plates
    • Heating coils
    • Halogen lamps
    • Hookahs
    • Smoke machines
    • Space heaters

Residential Life Policies

Alcohol
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.
  • The consumption of alcohol is not permitted in the public areas within Morse Complex.
  • 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. The only exception is a roommate who is of legal consumption age.

Towers Complex:

  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, regardless of age, in any area within Towers Complex.

Alcohol Containers
Residents of legal drinking age who reside in residence halls where alcohol is permitted 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.   

Antennas
Antennas 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).

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, and/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 in a residence hall room. All candles will be confiscated.

Cohabitation Policy
Cohabitation is the housing of anyone 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. (See Electrical Appliances for a list of appliances that are approved for residence hall use.)

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 the residence hall staff.  These items will be held by the Complex Coordinator and will be returned to the student at a time determined in a disciplinary 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: guns, knives, arrows, and ammunition 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 or residence hall staff.   Removal will be determined through their discretion.

Consolidation
Should vacancies occur in any residence hall at the beginning of an academic semester, a consolidation of those spaces may take place (please refer to your Residence Hall Contract). The Complex Coordinator will work with students in making these arrangements. Students will have the option of finding a roommate, accepting the room as a private, or being moved to another room. This process is designed to remain fair to those who are paying for a private room and to reduce the cost of operations for the halls.

Decorations
Care should be taken when decorating rooms; be certain a fire hazard is not created. Flammable items may not be suspended from the ceiling (fish nets, sheets, flags, etc). 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. Contact paper is not to be applied to any part of the residence hall room.  Room doors should not be covered or wrapped in paper or other materials.

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 doors in the halls 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 suspension 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 700 watts).  

Both the appliance and any cord used in connection with it must have a UL approved label. Power strips, surge protectors, or appliance drop cords 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. Space heaters are not allowed unless provided by Residential Life staff. Tampering with electrical systems (dimmer switches, circuit breaker boxes, wiring, etc.) is not permitted to ensure the safety of all residents.  Amplifiers, George Foreman-type grills, toaster ovens and hot plates are not allowed in student rooms.

Elevators
Vandalism and horseplay (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.

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 (i.e. not opening a room door).

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: Removal from Public Areas
It is the policy of Residential Life that all furniture purchased for the use of residents living in university residence halls and designated for the common areas (lounges) shall remain in the common areas. The furniture is not to be taken by students to their rooms for personal use.

Furniture: Removal from Hall Room
Desks, desk lamps, chairs, dressers and beds are provided in your room. Your Room Condition Report (RCR) is intended to provide accurate records of the furniture in each room. All furniture must remain in your room. The university does not have the necessary facilities to store individual furniture. 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

  1. A resident must have permission from their roommate to have an overnight guest.
  2. A resident may host only 1 guest at a time for no more than 2 consecutive nights. Exceptions to this limit are Family Day weekend, “Little Sibs” weekend, and any other time when the Director of Residential Life grants permission in advance.
  3. The host resident is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest and shall be charged for any damages that the guest may cause.
  4. A host resident should be with the guest in the room and at all times while in the residence halls (see escort policy).
  5. 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.
  6. Keys are not to 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 is unacceptable. This includes both unwanted verbal and physical contact. Any situation concerning harassment should be brought to the attention of an RA or Complex Coordinator immediately.

Heating/Air Conditioning Concerns
Residents should first fill out a work order at the Reception Center and then contact their RA or Complex Coordinator about any heating/air conditioning concerns.

Highway Signs
Residents should not possess and/or display any form of official road/traffic sign within the residence hall. Information about road signs and their whereabouts in the halls will be made available to ESU Police and Safety.

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.

Littering
In the event that excessive littering occurs in a public area (i.e. hallway, stairwell, lounge) or the surrounding grounds of the building, students will be responsible for the cost of the clean up.

Lofting of Beds
Lofts/bunk beds are allowed in student rooms, but are the full responsibility of the resident. Beds in the North Tower are equipped to be lofted and personal lofts are not permitted. 

Noise
The problem of noise control in the residence halls is important in providing 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. 

Personalization of Student Rooms
Students are encouraged to decorate and personalize their rooms to the extent that it does not damage the room. Students are permitted to move the unattached furniture within their rooms.

  • 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. 
  • On the exterior of the room, wall decorations must not extend past your doorframe or cover more than 50% of the door.
  • 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.
  • The use of nails, tacks, or screws should not be used to hang decorations. Residential Life recommends 3M Command products.

Pets
Only pets that permanently survive under water are permitted in the residence halls (e.g. fish). The maximum aquarium size is 10 gallons.

Physical/Sexual Assault
If you are the victim of physical or sexual assault, contact your Resident Assistant or Complex Coordinator 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.

Pipes
Pipes carrying water and steam exist in many rooms. These pipes were not designed to bear weight. Hanging items from the pipes may cause them to break or be punctured. It is not permitted to hang anything from the pipes.

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.

Refrigerators
You may bring your own refrigerator, although residents can only have a refrigerator up to 5.0 cubic feet.  One refrigerator per two residents is allowed (1 per double room; 2 per four-person room).

Roofs
Only authorized university personnel may have access to or be on the roof of any residence hall building or adjoining facilities. 

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.  Residence hall staff members have the authority and responsibility to enter students’ rooms under the following guidelines:

  1. By authorized Emporia State personnel with 24 hours advance notice to ensure that health, fire and safety regulations are maintained;
  1. By authorized Emporia State personnel with 24 hours advance notice to make improvements and repairs and to provide routine maintenance services. 
  1. 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;
  1. 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;
  1. 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;
  1. By law enforcement officers in the performance of statutory duties and in accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure;
  1. 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;
  1. By authorized Housing, Maintenance, and/or Facilities Management personnel where a major remodeling project is taking place (e.g. replacing shower walls). 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.

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.  

Sun Lamps/Halogen Lamps
Sun/Halogen Lamps or any lamp that produces heat sufficient enough to create a fire hazard (250 watts) are not permitted in the residence halls. 

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 given area.

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

a)     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.

b)    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.

c)     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.

ESU 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 Department. Housing residents wishing to have a weapon may contact ESU Police 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.

Window Screens and Ledges
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 windows, sitting on window ledges or entering/exiting through windows.

  • (620) 341-1200
  • Emporia, KS 66801 |
  • 1200 Commercial Street |
  • © 2012 Emporia State University |