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Residence Life Policies
Campus Residency Requirement
All students receiving financial aid are required to live in a residence hall or Greek housing except when meeting one or more of the following conditions or exceptions:
- be of senior status (90+ credit hours)**;
- six (6) chronological semesters completed at full-time* status**;
- 22 years of age or older;
- married and/or have children and/or other legal dependents living with you;
- taking less than 12 credit hours;
- living in parent- or legal guardian-owned property (proof required) (within a 50-mile radius of the College);
- living with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (within a 50-mile radius of the College); and/or
- cannot be receiving College-funded scholarships and grants
*Full-time is defined as 12+ credit hours for fall/spring and 6+ credit hours for summer.
**Only credit hours recognized by William Jewell College will be accepted.
Important!
Failure to comply with this policy may result in possible administrative withdrawal from the college, requirement to pay full room and board, and/or loss of institutional aid.
Because student’s financial award is based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the student (and student’s parent(s) if applicable), which may include living arrangements while attending William Jewell College, the College must have an adequate system to identify conflicting information and must resolve any conflicting information concerning student’s financial aid eligibility. If a student is suspected of misreporting information to increase student aid eligibility or to fraudulently obtain federal funds, the student will be reported to the U.S. Office of Inspector General.
Residential Experience Philosophy
William Jewell College believes in providing opportunities for students to mature intellectually, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. A constant effort is made to encourage students to assume responsibility for their own actions while showing concern for others. By assuming such responsibilities, students are able to realize their own potential both as leaders and as members of the college community.
The policies and procedures stated in this handbook have been established in an effort to provide maximum freedom and personal responsibility while reflecting the health and safety needs essential to orderly living and study in a large community setting.
William Jewell College is a residential institution that seeks to express its liberal arts philosophy in many ways through the residential experience. The college is committed to a rigorous pursuit of the development of a quality four-year residential program which genuinely seeks to expose each student to the finest living-learning situation that college resources will permit. The residence life system also strives to enhance the educational development of its residents by offering relevant programs designed to meet student needs, including activities offered by resident directors and resident assistants in each building. Through involvement in these programs and in the many leadership opportunities offered through the residence life system, students are better prepared to meet the challenges associated with college life in a responsible and successful manner.
The following information is designed to communicate expectations for living in William Jewell College residence halls (residence halls refer to halls, houses, and apartments). Students are required to be familiar with and abide by these policies and procedures along with any unwritten agreements made among residents of a particular wing, floor, or hall.
Advertising
To protect residents from unwanted disturbances, soliciting in the residence halls is limited. Campus organizations or individuals desiring to post notices and flyers in the residence halls must receive permission from the resident director in each residence hall or from the Director of Campus Life.
Alcoholic Beverages and Narcotics
The unlawful use, possession, purchase and/or distribution of drugs and alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the campus, in fraternity houses and at official college functions. Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action. Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs found in any housing unit will be considered the responsibility of the occupants of the room in which such items are found. Possession of alcoholic beverage containers in campus housing is also prohibited. Students in the presence of alcohol on college property can be held accountable through disciplinary channels.
Appliances
Appliances used in the residence halls must be safe in design and structure (such as UL approved appliances) and properly maintained. Students utilizing appliances assume responsibility for their safe operation. Residents should keep in mind that all electrical items, including refrigerators and fish tanks, must be unplugged during Christmas break and spring break. Individual rooms will be inspected by a staff member to insure all appliances are unplugged. No hot plates or heating elements are permitted, due to potential fire hazard.
Bicycles
Generally, bicycles are not allowed in the residence halls. However, in some cases this restriction may be waived if the resident director or house resident assistant gives his/her approval and if the roommate is in agreement. If approved, bicycles must be kept only in student rooms or other storage areas designated by the resident director. Bicycles may not be stored in halls, stairways, bathrooms or storage closets (unless designated as a bicycle storage area). Residents not following these guidelines may lose bicycle storage privileges.
Check-In/Check-Out
Students may check into their rooms on the official opening day of the residence halls. Students who plan to arrive before the halls open should either arrange housing off-campus until the halls open or contact the Director of Campus Life for a list of community people who will house students on a short-term basis.
Students must check-out and vacate their rooms within 24 hours of their last final exam. Graduating seniors need to contact their resident director/house resident assistant to make arrangements to stay until commencement.
When vacating a room, residents must schedule a time to check-out with a resident assistant and return their keys. Failure to use the correct check-out procedure will result in a charge plus a lost-key fee. Students are to remove their belongings when checking out of the residence halls and must also leave the room in a clean fashion upon departure to avoid charges. Students may leave their possessions in their rooms between the fall and spring semesters if they will be living in that room during the spring semester; however, students cannot leave their belongings in their rooms at the end of the spring semester. The college is not responsible for any items left after check-out. See Room Changes and Damaging, Destroying or Defacing Property.
Damaging, Destroying or Defacing Property
Residents are equally responsible for the condition of their rooms and the common/public areas, such as hallways, TV lounges, study rooms, computer labs etc. Specific charges for damages will be assessed by the Student Affairs staff in conjunction with the Facilities Management staff. Upon being vacated, rooms should be free of litter and debris and should be clean. A clean-up fee is charged to each resident in the event a vacated room is left unclean and/or in disarray. In extreme circumstances, disciplinary action may be taken.
Decorating
Residents are permitted to decorate their rooms to suit their tastes and needs within the following guidelines:
- Residents are responsible for keeping their rooms clean and free from damage.
- Nailing and taping items to the walls or woodwork should be kept to a minimum.
- Alcoholic beverage containers are not permitted.
- Damage of any kind to carpet in rooms will result in a fee.
- Generally, no painting of student rooms is allowed. Students may request that their room be painted, but it will be done at the discretion of the Facilities Management staff. Paint selections must be approved by the Facilities Management staff.
- Venetian blinds, mini-blinds or window shades should not be removed.
- Residents may not splice or alter electric switches, lights, telephone jacks, etc.
- Beds that are in the loft position may be changed and all remaining furniture must be stored in the student’s room. Under no circumstances should furniture be removed from any room.
- Students are entirely liable for any damage or injury that occurs due to any room alterations performed by the student or by parties other than William Jewell College staff members.
- Students who make any changes in the room, including the rearrangement of furniture, the building of bunk beds, or any other physical alterations assume all responsibility for expense of repairs and personal liability. The college assumes no responsibility for personal injury or expense related to student-initiated room alterations.
For other information pertaining to room decorating, please see the sections Damaging, Destroying or Defacing Property; Furniture and Equipment; Prohibited Items; Safety Regulations; and Traffic Equipment.
Dining Services
Occupants of residence halls must eat their meals in the dining halls in Yates-Gill College Union. Hours are available in the Student Services section of the Survival Guide.
Equipment Check-Out
Each residence hall will have equipment and games that residents may check out. The quantity and type of equipment available will vary from hall to hall, but will include vacuums, brooms, dustpans, etc. Check with the resident director or resident assistant to find out what equipment may be available. These guidelines apply:
- Equipment may be checked out only by the residents of that particular building.
- Equipment cannot be taken off-campus or to other buildings on campus.
- Equipment cannot be checked out overnight. Time limits for equipment use are set by each residence hall.
- A resident must leave his/her ID and driver’s license to check out equipment.
- The ID and license will be returned when the equipment is returned.
- If a resident does not return the equipment, his/her college account will be charged for the amount of replacement of the equipment.
Facilities Management Staff
Facilities Management staff work from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and may not always be able to arrive at hours most convenient to students. Residents should cooperate with these persons so that repairs and cleaning can be done as quickly as possible. Residence hall staff and maintenance personnel are permitted access to rooms and hallways in order to make repairs. Students who are in the hallways and those in their rooms while the room door is open should make sure they are dressed appropriately.
Any repair/maintenance problems occurring in a room, hallway, suite, bathroom, etc., should be reported to a residence life staff member in the building immediately.
Fireworks and Firearms
See Safety Regulations.
Fire Equipment Regulations
Because fire and safety codes require that fire and safety equipment function properly when needed, the following are prohibited:
- Tampering or playing with fire extinguishers, hoses, fire equipment storage boxes, pull stations, smoke detectors, exit lights, emergency lights, etc.
- Engaging in any conduct that causes the fire alarms to sound, thereby creating the false pretense of a fire. Residents will be subject to disciplinary actions including facing suspension, as well as a $200 fine. Residents are reminded that these actions are violations of federal and state laws as well as college policy.
- Propping open internal and/or external stairwell fire doors.
Fire Evacuation Information
Residents may be asked to participate in fire drills periodically. Failure to properly and promptly respond to evacuation procedures will result in disciplinary action against the resident. During fire drills or whenever a fire alarm sounds, the residence life staff will enter student rooms with a master key to ensure complete evacuation from the building. If a student is an extremely hard sleeper, the student is responsible to notify his/her resident assistant.
Fire Prevention Regulations
The following are prohibited in the residence halls because of their serious potential fire hazards:
- Open flames such as candles and incense. (These items may be confiscated if used.)
- Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes that are being smoked within the residence hall.
- Appliances with exposed heating elements such as hot plates.
- All halogen lamps with exposed bulbs are prohibited as the bulb reaches a high temperature during use.
Furniture and Equipment
Furnishings in a resident’s room should not be stored, misplaced or dismantled. Any furniture that is taken apart must be returned in its original condition and to its original location. Students will be charged for any furnishings not found in their respective rooms at check-out.
The furnishings in all common and public areas are for the use of all residents of the hall and must remain in the designated room, area or space. Removal or relocation of any of these items can be considered theft and may be handled by a charge for replacement and/or disciplinary action.
Gifts, Flowers and Packages
Gifts and flowers may be delivered to the College’s Mailroom (located in the Yates-Gill College Yates-Gill College Union) during office hours. Residents receiving gifts and flowers will be notified by the Mailroom staff via email and/or phone call. Gifts and flowers will not be released to roommates, friends, etc.
Guests
See Visitation Privileges.
Holidays
The residence halls are closed for the following breaks: Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring and summer. Residents are required to be out of college housing by the announced day and hour for all breaks. No exceptions will be made. Students needing housing during any break should contact their resident director. A list of community people who are willing to provide housing during breaks for free or for a small fee will be given to any interested student.
Insurance
Medical and personal property insurance are the responsibilities of the student. The college is not responsible for the theft, damage or loss of personal property. The college also provides no medical insurance or coverage.
Keys
Room keys and hall or house keys are issued to each resident at check-in. Keys are the responsibility of the resident and should be carried at all times to avoid being locked out. Residents who are locked out can check out a key temporarily by signing for it and leaving their ID at the hall office/desk area. The key must be returned immediately and exchanged for the ID. If the hall office is closed, see your resident assistant or another hall staff member.
Lost keys should be reported promptly to the residence hall office/desk area/house resident assistant. A replacement fee of $15 will be billed to the resident’s account for a room key, $50 for an outside entrance key or $65 for a combination key. A key to a room will be issued only to a resident of that particular room.
Medical Emergencies and Illness
All cases of illness should be reported to the Resident Director or Resident Assistant on duty and to the Campus Nurse. They will assist the student in determining the best course of action.
Students who wish to see a college physician have two health care options: 1) Students can be seen in the Student Health Center by the College Nurse and Director of the Health Center Monday through Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. 2) Students can also opt to be seen by the College’s physician at Northland Family Care in Liberty, Monday through Thursday between 8 am – 8:45 a.m. No appointment is necessary. (See the Survival Guide for further information.)
On-call physicians are available to students through Northland Family Care in Liberty, Missouri on Friday and Saturday. Students choosing to take advantage of the on-call physicians at Northland Family Care are expected to show proof of medical insurance when they are seen. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that their insurance is received at Northland Family Care. It is also the responsibility of the student to call and make the appropriate appointment with Northland Family Care at 816-781-4740. The student should identify himself/herself as a William Jewell College student.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are not permitted inside residence halls for any reason.
Noise Policy
Residents are encouraged to observe Courtesy Hours 24 hours a day and to maintain reasonable noise levels. In order to insure that students have the opportunity to exercise their primary rights to sleep and study in their rooms, quiet hours are established in each residence hall. Students are responsible for knowing and observing these hours, not only in the hall in which they reside, but wherever they may be visiting. During quiet hours, noise should be limited to a level which could not possibly disturb the nearest neighbor’s attempt to sleep or study. This standard will be upheld whether or not the neighbors are present. Sound equipment that disturbs the privacy of other residents may be removed at the discretion of the Office of Student Affairs.
Twenty-three (23) hour quiet hours are observed during final exams. Starting/ending times will be announced in each residence hall.
Excessive Noise
- Music/noise may not be projected from the residence hall rooms to the outside of the building (example: speakers may not be placed in windows).
- Students, whether playing or practicing a musical instrument, playing a stereo or electric guitar, etc., are expected to respect their fellow-residents’ rights to sleep or study. Practice rooms are provided in the Pillsbury Music Center.
If a student feels his/her primary rights to sleep or study are being violated, he/she should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Speak to the person(s) causing the interference and ask him/her/them to modify the behavior. When confronted with a reasonable request, most residents will respond appropriately. However, if the request does not produce satisfactory results, a resident assistant or other staff member should be contacted for help.
Overnight Guests
See Visitation Privileges.
Pets
With the exception of fish, pets are not permitted in the residence halls. This exception is permitted as long as fish tanks are kept in a sanitary condition and removed from the residence halls during holiday periods.
Prohibited Items
Because of the potential of injury to individuals and/or damage to property, certain items are not allowed in the residence halls. Possession of any of these prohibited items will result in the item(s) being confiscated and held until the end of the academic school year and/or the possessor/owner facing disciplinary action. Residents are encouraged to use common sense and to ask questions of staff members if necessary. Students should also be aware that all residents of a room may be held equally responsible for any prohibited items which may be found in their rooms.
Prohibited items including but not limited to battery-operated water guns, paintball guns, blow guns, Chinese stars, water balloons and any other items the resident director or house resident assistant may determine to be harmful to persons or property.
Quiet Hours
See Noise Policy.
Refrigerators
Small refrigerators are permitted in student rooms. Students should be aware that if a violation of the alcohol policy occurs, all the occupants of the room could lose the privilege of having a refrigerator and will be subject to college discipline, regardless of the extent of the roommate’s involvement.
Residence Hall Security
All residence halls are locked 24 hours per day. Residents are issued outside entrance keys when they check into the hall. These keys should not be loaned or given to a non-resident under any circumstances.
Room Changes
A student wishing to change rooms must make a request for such a change with their resident director or resident assistant. However, room changes are not permitted for the first two weeks of classes each semester or until the official student census is complete, whichever comes first. All occupants affected by a room change must agree to the change.
Residents not following the correct procedures for room changes may be required to move back to their original space and are subject to Improper Checkout/Failure to Checkout fines, starting at $50. Residents changing rooms or leaving the college for the spring semester must remove their belongings and check out of the room before leaving campus for the Christmas holidays. Coordination for any room changes or moves must be done through the residence life staff of the building and per the approval of the Office of Student Affairs.
Roommate Conflicts
Residents who are experiencing persistent conflicts with their roommate(s) should first discuss the problem with the roommate(s). Your resident assistant and the resident director are available for assistance if needed. The residence life staff is trained to assist and mediate roommate conflicts, with the ultimate goal being to help resolve issues/problems of all natures between/among roommates.
Room Search
The college reserves the right to enter residence hall rooms to check out general conditions, perform custodial service, make repairs and handle emergencies. Entry under the above conditions will not be used as a means to search rooms for prohibited items. Where there is legitimate reason, however, college officials may search a room. When possible, the student being present when a search is made is desirable. The college is committed in principle to the guidelines as stated in the Student Bill of Rights.
Safety Regulations
Because of the potential of injury to individuals and damage to property, the following guidelines apply (also see Prohibited Items):
- Outside antennas are not permitted because of the possible lightning hazard.
- Athletic activities, including but not limited to roughhousing, running, and/or throwing, bouncing or kicking of objects is prohibited.
- Emergency exits are for emergency use only.
- Entering or exiting through windows is not permitted; removal of screens is also prohibited. There is a fee associated with reinstalling a removed screen.
- Fighting will not be tolerated.
- Firearms, ammunition and other illegal weapons are not permitted in the residence halls. This also includes BB guns, pellet pistols, air rifles, paintball guns, etc. When firearms are to be brought on-campus for instructional purposes, the resident director and campus security must be contacted and the gun must be stored in the campus security office.
- Knives are prohibited, generally any knife with a blade longer than three inches. However, inappropriate usage of any knife, regardless of size, will result in its confiscation and likely disciplinary action by the College.
- Use or possession of fireworks, including smoke bombs and firecrackers, will result in disciplinary action.
- Hallways and stairwells must be kept free of furniture, trash and other objects (i.e., ironing boards, drying racks, etc.) at all times.
- Mopeds and motorcycles are not allowed in the residence hall for any reason.
- Paint and painting is not permitted in the residence halls (for information about painting a student room, see Decorating).
- Propping open or letting people in locked doors is not permitted.
- Room doors should be kept locked at all times.
- Skateboards may not be ridden or rolled in the residence halls.
- Throwing, dropping or hanging objects from windows or railings is prohibited.
- Unauthorized entry to restricted areas such as building mechanical rooms, custodial closets, roofs and offices after hours is prohibited.
- Water guns, water balloons, slingshots, catapults, shaving cream fights, powder fights, etc., are prohibited in the residence halls.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
The college is committed to providing a smoke-free environment. All college buildings are smoke-free; therefore, designated smoking areas are limited to outside.
Solicitation
Individual rooms may not be used for business purposes. Solicitation by students, community or national agencies must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs.
Stolen Property/Theft
Possession of stolen property is illegal and can result in disciplinary action and/or criminal charges. Any theft should be reported upon discovery to campus security and to the resident assistant or resident director.
Storage
Buildings do not provide storage outside student rooms. The college is not responsible for any lost or damaged items stored or left in any area at any time of the year. The student is responsible for making arrangements off-campus to store personal items when the college is closed. During the summer months, students’ belongings may not be stored in resident rooms. Special groups and camps occupy most residence halls during this time. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements off-campus to store personal items when the college is closed. Personal items left in any space of residential housing will be discarded by the College during summer maintenance routines, and at times at the cost to the student for discarding said items. See the Directors of Facilities Management and Campus Life with questions.
Traffic Equipment
Street and highway signs, cones, flags, lights, barricades, etc., are not permitted in the residence halls. Possession of such equipment usually constitutes theft, which also violates state and local laws.
Visitation Privileges
Campus Housing and Overnight Guests
Residents may have overnight guests of the same sex, provided the roommate(s) is/are agreeable and the guest is registered in the office of that residence hall. A resident should understand that:
- A guest may not check out a key to the resident’s room. The resident is responsible for the guest having access to the room while visiting.
- A resident is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest whether overnight, from another hall or from off-campus and will be liable for any damages the guest may cause or violations of college policy.
- Guests may not stay longer than three nights, unless special permission is granted by the Director of Campus Life.
Open Houses
Designated visitation times in rooms of the opposite sex, are scheduled for residence halls as follows:
7 days a week, 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Visitors of either sex are welcome in the reception lounges of each residence 24 hours a day, provided they are accompanied at all times by the resident of that residence hall. The appropriate reception areas are:
- Browning Hall 1st and 2nd floor lounges
- Doniphan House main entry/dining/living room
- Eaton Hall 1st and 2nd floor lounges
- Ely Hall main lounge
- Evans House main foyer
- Jones Hall 1st and 2nd floor lounges
- Kappa Alpha Basement/Lower level
- Entry level/Library
- Lambda Chi Alpha Basement level
- 1st Floor/Entry Level
- Melrose Hall 1st floor lobby
- Phi Gamma Delta Basement Lounge/Dining Room
- 1st Floor/Entry Level
- Semple Hall main lounge
- Semple Wing main lounge
Responsibilities of Students
If it becomes apparent that students cannot and do not accept the responsibilities of abiding by the visitation policies in conjunction with expanded lounge visitation, the administration may change any part of this policy at any time during the academic year. Students are also expected to be considerate of the particular residents of the hall/house in which they are using the expanded lounge visitation privilege (i.e., noise and TV volume must be kept to a minimum). The open lounges are not for sleeping overnight. Students must accept additional responsibility for making security a priority. The college must also assume responsibility for making security a priority.
Residence Houses
All visitation hours for residence houses are the same as each residence hall.
Fraternity Houses
Room and lounge visitation privileges are the same for fraternity houses as for the residence halls.
General Rules for Open Houses in Residence Halls/House and Fraternity Houses:
- Women are not permitted in men’s living quarters, and men are not permitted in women’s living quarters, except during a scheduled open house.
- In the residence halls/houses, adequate staff must be present during the open house. In fraternity houses, the housemother and/or a fraternity officer/RA must be present during the hours scheduled.
- All guests must enter and exit through the main entrance of each residence hall/house, accompanied by a resident of that building.
- All college and residence hall rules will be enforced during any open house. Any violation of these rules or rules governing open houses will be referred to the proper channels for disciplinary action.
- Special open houses must be approved by the Director of Campus Life. Requests should first be presented to your resident director or resident assistant. He/she, in turn, will present the students’ request to the Director of Campus life. Requests must be made at least five (5) business days in advance of the open house. Include details of the event, hours requested and contact information for follow-up questions by the Director of Campus Life.
- Visitors of the opposite sex are not permitted in resident rooms or in areas other than public reception areas, except during a scheduled open house. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action for all students involved.
- In the case of a fire alarm during visitation, all residents must evacuate the buildings immediately, including visitors.
Windows and Screens
Windows and screens must be kept in place. There is a fee for reinstallation or repair. |
