Safety and Security in the Residence Halls
Specific guidelines have been established by the university and the state to create a secure residence hall environment. The Residential Life staff, as well as Police and Safety, provide a quick response to crises. The Office of Residential Life provides an “on-duty” RHD for the campus, and an “on-duty” RA in each hall every night and/or weekends for assistance with any problems. Also, Residential Life provides programs throughout the year in an effort to increase student awareness of the community safety needs.
However, without your support, a safety and security program is limited. Students are responsible for their own behavior and should be concerned about the actions of other members of the community, alerting staff to violations of safety and security.
You are issued a room key and a coded Student ID card for your convenience and community safety. Outside doors are locked from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Locking the outside doors is to provide security for you. Do not prop the doors open. This provides access to the building for strangers. Your student ID card will provide access through limited entrances of the complex in which you reside.
Keys
To ensure your belongings are secure, you are urged to lock your room at all times. It is suggested you not loan your room key to friends. It is not lawful to make duplicates of university keys. Loss of your keys will result in assessment of a $20 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.
Lost Keys
In the event any key is temporarily misplaced, (e.g. locked in a room) you may borrow a key from the Reception Center. You will need to provide proper identification and pay a $1.00 charge. Additional charges will accumulate at the rate of $.50 per 15 minutes if the key is not returned. If the key is not returned within 24 hours, you will be charged for a lock change.
Again, should the key be lost, an automatic re-core of the lock, as well as replacement of the keys for that space, will be provided at a $20 expense to the residents. Please see your RHD at once should your keys be lost.
Accident or Illness
You should report any illness or accident to your RA. If illness or accident prevents your return to the residence hall after a weekend or other period away from campus, your RA or RHD should be notified. Student Affairs (341-5267) should also be notified of absences of three days or more so they may communicate your absence to your instructors.
In Case of Emergency
Any emergency call involving fire or ambulance should be made through the Residential Life staff person on-duty. In case of extreme emergency, the telephone number for Police and Safety is 341-5337. In cases of emergency, please contact one of the following (preferably in the order stated):
1. 911
2. Police and Safety, if the Residence Hall Director is not available.
3. The Residence Hall Director, who can be contacted through the Reception Center.
4. A Resident Assistant, who can be contacted through the Reception Center.
Fire Alarms
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 action. If the fire alarm sounds, take the following action:
1. Leave lights on.
2. Wear a coat or blanket and hard-soled shoes.
3. Leave room and close and lock door.
4. Go to your nearest exit, walking swiftly and do not run or push.
5. Assemble outside of the hall at a safe distance from the building.
6. Do not return to the building until a university official has given an all-clear signal.
FALSELY ACTIVATING THE FIRE ALARM OR TAMPERING WITH THE ALARM EQUIPMENT IS A STATE AND LOCAL VIOLATION OF LAW. It is viewed as an extremely serious offense, and disciplinary action will be taken generally resulting in termination of the housing contact with full cancellation charges. In addition, criminal action is possible. UNNECESSARY USE OR MISUSE OF A FIRE EXTINGUISHER OR FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND A POSSIBLE MONETARY FINE. STUDENTS FOR WHATEVER REASON, FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR A FIRE WILL BE REMOVED FROM HOUSING IMMEDATELY.
Tornado Alarms and Shelters
The following is a list of shelter areas in the residence halls:
Morse Complex
Lower hallways in south wing; lower hallways conneictng Central and Abigail; lower hallways in Northeast away from lobby area. Do not use hallways with glass adjacent expanses.
Towers Complex
Lower hallways in all buildings as well as work and utility areas. Stay away from the glass areas in the main lobby and hallways.
Emporia State University Police and Safety
Last Updated May 1, 2007