1. Housing Policies
2. Housing Contracts and Costs
3. Residence Hall Services
4. Student Room Policies
5. Assessment of Damages and Charges
6. Board Policies and Arrangements

Housing Policies

Wittenberg University student housing includes residence halls, apartments, Greek chapter houses, and University-owned houses. Only currently enrolled full-time students are permitted to live in University housing. The University has adopted the following policies, which regulate each category of housing.

On-Campus Housing Policy
All students enrolled full-time at the University are required to live in the residence halls and participate in a University meal plan. The release from residence hall living is based on academic standing, social standing and the availability of student houses/apartments. It is important that Wittenberg students engage in community to obtain full advantage of the out-of-class experience on a liberal arts residential campus. Consequently, each student enrolled full-time at the University is required to live in a residence hall and participate in a University meal plan unless the student has obtain an exemption from the Associate Dean for Residence Life. An exemption will be granted to a student who:

1. Resides at the principal residence of a parent or legal guardian within a 30-mile drive of the campus and commutes daily from that residence to the campus; or
2. Is married; or
3. In the judgment of the Associate Dean for Residence Life is subject to extenuating circumstances; or
4. Is an active member in good standing of a Greek organization that is in compliance with its commitments under the Statement of Mutual Understanding with the University and has earned at least 60 credit hours by the end of spring semester; or
5. (a) has earned at least 60 credit hours by the end of spring semester, and
   (b) has satisfied such other standards that are related to residence life as the Associate Dean for Residence Life has established on an equitable basis, and
   (c) if the Associate Dean for Residence Life has determined that a vacancy condition exists, has been selected through a process that has been established by the Associate Dean for Residence Life for this purpose and that may be based on chance or objective factors that do not discriminate maliciously or inappropriately.

Please note that housing contracts are binding for the entire academic year. Exemptions to the residency requirement include students commuting from the principal residence of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) within a 30-mile drive of Wittenberg’s campus, students who are married, and/or students with other extenuating circumstances.

Permission to leave the residence halls is contingent upon receipt of prior written approval from the Associate Dean for Residence Life. Registration as a full-time student at the University during any academic year constitutes acceptance of the housing contract. Failure to reside in a Wittenberg residence or to secure exemption from housing requirements makes a student liable for a minimum of the double room rate and possible disciplinary action from the University.

Students who satisfy the residence hall living requirement are released from the residence halls to live in Wittenberg-owned houses and apartments only.  Permission to rent from a private landlord is contingent upon receipt of prior written approval from the Associate Dean for Residence Life. Students will not be released to rent from private landlords until all Wittenberg housing is full. Failure to reside in a Wittenberg-owned house or apartment or to secure exemption from housing requirements makes a student liable for a minimum of the double room rate and possible disciplinary action from the University.

Requests for exemption from the residency requirement must be made in writing to the Associate Dean for Residence Life. Few exemptions are made. As a liberal arts residential campus, it is important that students engage in the community to take full advantage of the out-of-class experience.

Commuter Housing Policy
Any student who lives in the principal home of a parent or legal guardian or any student who is married and lives in or near Springfield is considered a commuting student and is exempt from the requirement to live in a residence hall. Commuter students must live within a 30-mile drive and be commuting from the principal residence of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Should a commuter student move from the parental home, he/she is expected to move into a residence hall. Students must complete an Application for Housing Release form to secure permission to commute. If a commuter student decides to reside on campus they must fulfill the residence hall requirement prior to being released to a student apartment/house.

Fraternity & Sorority Housing Policy
Affiliation with a fraternity or sorority is a matter of individual choice and responsibility, and each chapter must rely upon the support of its membership to maintain financial stability.

Students may not break a residence hall contract during the year to move into a fraternity or sorority house. Students residing in fraternity and sorority houses accept the principle that, in taking up this residence, they have in no way been released from their obligation to the University. Students may not be exempted from University housing or meal plans without written authorization.  See Board Policies and Arrangements below.   Students moving out of fraternity and sorority living units at any time must reside in university-owned housing unless specifically released to off-campus housing by the Associate Dean for Residence Life.

Student Rental Properties
Prior to being released to student rental properties, students must meet the residence hall living requirement. It is the student's responsibility to notify parents of the intention to move out of the residence halls into a student rental property and, if necessary, to receive parental permission for such a move.

The student rental contract reflects University policy governing the terms and conditions for students living in these units.

Housing Assignments and Contract
Requests for specific housing assignments are honored whenever possible. In the spring, returning students select their rooms for the following academic year. New students are assigned space during the summer prior to Fall Semester according to the date of their tuition deposit. Roommate requests are honored when both roommates request each other during sign-up and on the housing survey. Details and information regarding sign-up are distributed each spring.

Single Room Policy
When the halls are under-assigned, a few rooms normally used as doubles may be available as Super Singles. These are double rooms from which the extra bed has been removed. A resident who contracts for a Super Single is guaranteed that room for the academic year unless the occupancy of the halls reaches maximum capacity. For more details, contact the staff in Residence Life.

Designated Singles
A few designated singles are available in several halls. These rooms are designed for only one person. For more details, contact the staff in Residence Life.

Consolidation Policy
Should vacancies occur in residence halls during any time in any semester, Area Coordinators are able to consolidate these vacancies by requiring the occupants of half-filled rooms to move together. This policy has been developed for the following reasons:

1. to make available an increased number of rooms that may be rented as singles and assigned fairly according to the criteria established by the Single Room Policy.
2. to accommodate students, when possible, for break housing and emergency housing.
3. to accommodate prospective students, if needed, who are considering Wittenberg as the possible college of their choice.
4. to conserve on the cost of unnecessary utilities or needless “wear and tear” on a room.

The consolidation process will occur during the first six weeks of each semester. The first two weeks are regarded as the room freeze period where no room changes will take place. After this room freeze period and until the sixth week of the semester, consolidation of those students in half-filled rooms will occur. These students will be notified, in writing, of their status and options by their Area Coordinator. After the sixth week of each semester, any student not abiding by the consolidation policy will automatically be billed for a Super Single.

Students in double rooms without roommates must adhere to the following guidelines when examining their housing options:

1. Obtain a roommate and keep the room as a double.
2. Move in with someone else in an under-assigned (half-filled) room.
3. When available, contract for a Super Single. Availability of a Super Singles is determined by the Residence Life staff, and is based on factors including time of year, current occupancy, class year, and other housing needs.
4. If there are no other residents in the student’s current residence hall with whom to consolidate and the resident does not wish to contract for a Super Single, the resident’s status will be defined as “involuntarily under-assigned,” by which the resident agrees to accept any roommate when a roommate becomes available.
   1. If the resident refuses reassignment or a roommate, the room is considered to be “voluntarily under-assigned” and the Super Single rate is charged retroactive to the date the original roommate moved out.
   2. If an assigned roommate does not move into the room and indicates the resident made overt or subtle statements or actions that deterred the person from moving into the room, the resident will be billed for the full amount of a Super Single (for the period of an entire semester or entire academic year), as well as held accountable through the University’s student conduct process as having violated the Student Code of Conduct & Ethics.
   3. If during consolidation there is a disagreement as to which resident moves, new students with the latest paid deposit date and upperclassmen with the lowest seniority as determined by earned credit hours will move.

Moving Within a Hall or to Another Hall
At the beginning of each semester, there is a two-week hold on room changes while Residence Life staff verifies occupancy and determines where vacancies exist. After this time, students wishing to make room changes must contact their Area Coordinator for permission to move.

In instances where a student desires to move from one hall to another, the new Area Coordinator must be contacted for permission to move into that hall.

Note: Prior to moving into a new room, students must check out of their current rooms and obtain a signed Room Change Form from their current Area Coordinator.

Room Inspection
The University reserves the right to inspect students’ rooms periodically for health and safety reasons as well as to determine the physical condition of the rooms.

Room Search
The Dean of Students or her designee may conduct a room search for the following reasons:

1. in the event of an emergency;
2. health and safety matters;
3. to retrieve missing University property; or
4. suspicion of violation of University policy.

Dismissal from University Housing
The University reserves the right to dismiss from University housing any occupant whose presence is regarded as undesirable. This may be done by the Dean of Students or representative, and in such cases, there is no refund of room charges paid. Any student dismissed or suspended from the University may not continue to reside in University housing within 24 hours after dismissal. It is a policy of the University that a student who is removed from University-owned property may also be removed from the University.

Housing Contracts and Costs

The University housing contract is for fall and spring semesters of each academic year. The contract is for living space in University housing and not for a specific hall or room, although attempts are made to honor requests.

For the 2012-2013 academic year:

• Double room cost is $5,056, payable at $2,528 per semester.

• Designated singles, if available, cost $5,872 payable at $2,936 per semester.

• Super singles, if available, are $7,662, payable at $3,831 per semester.

• New Hall double cost is $5,556, payable at $2,778 per semester.

• New Hall designated single cost is $6,372, payable at $3,186 per semester.

• New Hall super single, if available, cost is $8,162, payable at $4,081 per semester

Room Refunds
Students who withdraw from the University within the semester will not be eligible for refund on fees. Housing and board refunds are granted on a pro-rated basis through the fifth week of the semester.

General Hall Damage
Students are financially responsible for common areas. They are billed for damages in these areas, with charges assessed against individuals when individual responsibility can be determined. When responsibility cannot be determined, charges are assessed against the hall damage fund.

Release from Housing Contract
No student is released from the residence hall contract during the academic year unless it can be adequately demonstrated that being held to the terms of the contract causes extreme hardship. All requests for release from the residence hall contract must be directed to the Associate Dean for Residence Life.

Residence Hall Services

Computer labs
All residence hall labs are open 24 hours daily during spring and fall semesters. Contact the Solution Center at 525-3801 to report problems with University computer equipment. Supplies for the lab are obtained from the residence hall Area Coordinator.

In-room network:
The Solution Center is responsible for maintenance of the network connection up to but not including the student computer. Contact the Solution Center for problems with the data port or other connection issues at 525-3801. Network cables may be purchased from the Wittenberg bookstore or other local retailers.

Personal computer:
The Solution Center trains and staffs student workers to help students with network-related personal computer issues. See the Information Technology Services web pages for more information.

Laundry
The laundry facilities located within the residence halls are for the residents of those halls only. The cost of the laundry is included in the room fee that each residence hall student pays. Coins are not needed. Residents are not permitted to wash/dry non-resident students’ clothes, or for non-residents to use the laundry facilities in any residence hall. Misuse of the laundry facilities could result in increased room charges as well as a fine for both the resident of the hall and the non-resident of the hall.  Residents must provide their own irons.

Lost and Found
There are two main locations for lost and found items: the Area Coordinator’s office and the Wittenberg Police & Security Office in Recitation Hall.

Mail Service
U.S. Mail
Mailboxes are provided for each student in the Benham-Pence Student Center. The mailing address for all students is:

Name
Wittenberg University, Box _____
P.O. Box 6100
Springfield, Ohio 45501-6100

Mail service is provided throughout the academic year. First-class mail may be forwarded or held during break periods. The large volume of magazines and newspaper subscriptions received by students during the lengthy summer break creates storage problems, and they will be discarded unless students notify Service Center staff that they will be on campus for the summer to pick up their mail. Students should inform publishers and creditors of their change of address at the end of a year or whenever a local address changes.

Campus Mail
Mail sent within the campus community does not require postage. There are two mailing locations: the mail room in Recitation Hall, and the Service Center in the Benham-Pence Student Center. In addition to campus mail, Wittenberg email provides the University with the means to communicate to our students. Given the importance of much of the information provided and the need for a timely response from the students, it is the policy of Wittenberg that students will be responsible for the information sent to them in both their campus mail and via their official University email accounts.

FED-EX or UPS Mail
UPS mail is delivered directly to the Service Center. The University is not responsible for lost or delayed articles. The mailing address is:

Name
Box ______, Wittenberg University
734 Woodlawn Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45504

Meeting Room
New Residence Hall features one classroom/meeting room that is available for special programs or study needs. The room may be reserved by contacting the Area Coordinator.

Microwaves
Microwave units are provided for student use in the lobbies of each residence hall. These are to be used for snack preparation only. If the microwave is not functioning properly, please report this to your Area Coordinator. Microwaves are not permitted in students' rooms.

Physical Plant
Physical Plant is responsible for all physical maintenance and housekeeping tasks in the residence halls. If students have questions or concerns regarding these areas, they should contact the Area Coordinator.

Safety and Security

Theft
Student rooms are provided with locks, and each student is issued a key when checking into the hall. Students are strongly urged to keep their doors locked and not store valuables in their rooms. The University is not responsible for loss of or damage to the personal property of students. Students should check to see if they have insurance coverage under their parent’s homeowners insurance or look into purchasing renter’s insurance. If a theft does occur, contact Wittenberg Police and the Area Coordinator.

Fire Drills and Fire
Wittenberg Police/Security and Residence Life staff conduct fire drills in each residence hall at least once per semester, in compliance with the fire code of Springfield. Students failing to comply with standard fire procedures are subject to disciplinary action.

When there is a fire drill or alarm, everyone must evacuate the building and not re-enter until given approval by a Fire Marshal, police officer, or hall staff member. Failure to evacuate the building is a violation of fire procedures.

For student safety, the Springfield Fire Marshal inspects each University building on a regular schedule. The fire marshal may enter any room without notification to determine if a violation of fire safety policies exists.

Fire extinguishers are not to be used except in case of a fire. This policy is for the protection of all residents.

Tornado Safety
The spring season brings the greatest potential for tornadoes in the state of Ohio. Tornadoes can, however, strike anytime and anywhere. Survival may depend on knowing what to do. Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means conditions exist in the area and there is a possibility that a tornado may develop. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area and everyone should take cover immediately. Students are to follow tornado procedures for their hall.

Storage Facilities
Storage is not available in the residence halls. There is no summer storage. The University assumes no liability or responsibility for personal belongings while they are stored in University buildings.

Telephones
The University no longer provides each student with a telephone. Upon request, the University provides local telephone service, caller ID, and call messaging if the student provides a room telephone.

Vending Machines
Coin-operated vending machines are located in each residence hall. The number of machines and selection of food products depend upon the size of the hall and the needs of its occupants.

If a machine is not functioning properly and/or needs service, please report the problem to the Area Coordinator. If money is lost in a vending machine, please leave your name, box number, amount of money lost, and the type of machine on the Vending Refund Sheet.

Student Room Policies

Alcohol and Other Drugs
The illegal and/or irresponsible use of alcohol or drugs is a violation of University policy and a major health problem.  The full text of the alcohol and drug policies is available as follows:

Alcohol Policy

Drug Policy

In the residence halls:

1. Students who are of legal age may consume alcohol in their room with the doors closed.
2. Underage students may not be present in rooms where alcohol is available or being consumed.
3. Open containers, carriers, or cups of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any lounge, hallway, restroom, or other public area of a residence hall.

Bicycles
Students may bring bicycles to campus.  It is recommended that bicycles be secured in students' rooms, or with high security shackle locks in bicycle racks located outside most residence halls.  Bicycles may not be stored in public areas, stairwells, or near exit doors, due to potential safety hazards.

Candles and Incense
Candles, oil lamps and incense are prohibited in residence halls.  Birthday candles on cakes and candles necessary for the observation of religious holidays may be burned with prior permission from the Area Coordinator.  No incense may be burned in the Residence Halls.

Check-in/Check-out
Residence hall students are responsible for the condition of rooms and room furnishings. The University recognizes that there are differences in the conditions of the rooms in the various halls. Similarly, the condition of the contents of each room varies. At check-in, it is important to review the Room Condition Report in careful detail, noting general condition of the room and its contents including the quantity of furnishings in the room.

Check-Ins

During staff orientation, Resident Advisors (RAs) complete Room Condition Report (RCR) forms for each room on their hall roster.  When students check into their rooms, both the RA and the student review the RCR and complete a thorough examination of the condition of the room so the condition of the room is accurately reflected.  At the end of the year, the RCR will be used by a staff person to determine what damages, if any, have occurred during a resident's stay.   It is the student's responsibility to report all needed maintenance repairs to his/her RA as needs arise, so that repairs can be made in a timely manner as well as to avoid unnecessary charges. 

Check-Outs

To protect the interests of students and the University, it is the student's responsibility to contact an RA to check out of his/her room prior to leaving campus at any time during the academic year.  At checkout, the RA reviews the RCR and notes if there is any damage to the room or if room furnishings are missing.  Fines will be assessed for any damage to the room as well as for failure to check-out appropriately, failure to sweep and/or clean the room, failure to remove personal property in the room, or failure to return the room key.  Students and parents are not allowed to make their own repairs.  Typically, the RA makes a preliminary assessment of room condition at check-out.   The Area Coordinator will make a final assessment of damages after hall closing which may result in a charge/additional charges to a student's account.     

Computer Lounges
Computer lounges are reserved for the use of hall residents and their accompanied guests only. Students' room keys open the computer lounge doors in their respective halls. 

Cooking
Cooking is not allowed in the residence halls due to various problems associated with it (i.e. insects, rodents, possible damage to property, potential fire hazard, etc.).  Preparation of coffee, tea, soup, and popcorn is permissible.  Coffee pots and popcorn poppers are to be used expressly for these purposes. 

Ferncliff Hall is the only hall with a kitchen facility.  Students may use it only for snack preparation.  Continuous meal preparation is prohibited.  Care should be taken in the use of the kitchenettes--a smoking oven will trigger the fire alarm system.

Drug Policy
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s Drug Policy.

Electrical Appliances
All electrical appliances have the potential to be hazardous if misused or not kept in proper repair. Recognizing that some electrical appliances are potentially more hazardous than others, it has been determined that only the following appliances may be used in the residence halls:

portable electric hair dryers

hot combs

electric razors

electric rollers

electric toothbrush/water picks

sewing machines

lighted makeup mirrors

electric blankets

heating pads

microfridges

electric coffee pots

closed-coil hot pot

closed-coil popcorn poppers  

refrigerators (see section on these)

computers

irons

lamps (no halogen)

television sets

These appliances must be UL approved, and good judgment should always accompany their use.  14-gauge extension cords are recommended.

The following items may not be used in University Residence Hall rooms.  Some of these items constitute a serious fire hazard; others invite either rodents or potential damage to physical facilities.

crock pots

electric skillets

lava lamps

sun lamps

hot plates

air conditioners

broiler/toaster ovens

toasters

wireless routers

electrical fryers/frying pans

electric sauce pans

microwave ovens

gas/any type of grill

any type of blender

high wattage spot/flood light

convection ovens

power tools

potpourri burners

electric heaters

halogen lamps

rice cookers

This is not an exhaustive list of the electrical appliances and pieces of equipment that are not suitable for use in residence hall rooms.  The Area Coordinator must approve any appliance not included in these lists before usage.  All appliances used in the halls must have the original Underwriter's Laboratory seal.  If an unapproved appliance is found in a resident’s room, the item is confiscated and a fine is assessed.

Emergency Equipment
Tampering, damaging, or inhibiting the use of emergency equipment in any residence hall is expressly prohibited.  Residents may not use emergency equipment for any purpose other than emergency use.  This includes fire extinguishers, heat and smoke detectors, fire hoses, fire doors, exit doors, exit lights or panels, door alarms, or any other emergency equipment.  In addition, students are not allowed on ledges, roofs, or fire escapes.  Fire escapes are to be used only during fire alarms. 

Entertainment Units
Students may have radios, sound systems, televisions and other musical equipment, but should use them with concern for those living in the immediate area.  The amplification should be controlled so that neighbors both inside and outside the hall are not disturbed.

Residents should not place speakers or sub woofers in/facing windows or turn the volume/bass to an excessive level.  Television sets are permitted so long as they are self-contained units with built-in antennas not to exceed 120 volts AC/60 cycles/125 watts. Outside antennas (including satellite dishes, etc.) are not permitted and will be removed.  The installation of outside aerials is not permitted for safety reasons.  They are removed by Physical Plant personnel, and residents of the room are assessed a service charge for their removal. Running an antenna wire to a metal window screen or architectural metal on a building is interpreted as an outside antenna.

False Alarms Policy
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s False Alarms Policy.

Fire Arms
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s Fire Arms Policy.

Fireworks
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s Fireworks Policy.

Furniture Movement
Furniture may not be removed from rooms without prior written authorization from the Area Coordinator.  Students will be charged full replacement value for furnishings missing from their rooms at checkout. The addition of furniture made to the room should be with good judgment.  Always consider the safety and availability of room exits. Metal hangers should never be placed over doors.  They ruin the door, hinges, frame, and walls behind the door.  Permanent furniture may not be altered or removed from its permanent location.  This also applies to University drapes, which may not be removed or altered in any way.  Students may not move their room furniture to hallways or lounge areas.  Furniture purchased by students must be removed when they move from residence hall facilities.  Students are charged for any personal furniture that must be removed by University personnel.

Gambling
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s Gambling Policy.

Games in the Hallway
For reasons of safety and sanitation, games in hallways, water fights, and practical jokes are prohibited within the residence halls. These are not only dangerous but also disruptive to the community. Such actions may result in disciplinary sanctions and restitution.

Guest/Escort Policy
A guest is defined as a non-resident of the building who is present at the invitation of a Wittenberg student or is received by a Wittenberg student.  Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests at all times and are required to escort them when inside the residence hall. Guests who are students of Wittenberg University share responsibility for their behavior with their hosts. Hosts are required to inform guests of all pertinent University regulations.

Residence hall staff members reserve the right to ask guests to leave the building if their behavior is inappropriate. 

Visitors entering a residence hall must be escorted at all times. Visitors who are unescorted will be required to leave the residence hall immediately, and the host student may be subject to disciplinary action. See also Overnight Guest Policy below.

Keys/Access Cards
Each resident is issued a room key when moving into a residence hall.  Keys and access cards are the property of Wittenberg University and are non-transferable.  Students may not lend or borrow keys/access cards.  Possession of unauthorized keys/cards or the duplication of keys is a serious matter in which disciplinary action will result. 

Any time a resident reports that his/her assigned room key is not in his/her possession, the Area Coordinator may request a core change to occur immediately.  When a room key is temporarily or permanently lost, it is assumed that access to the student's room cannot be controlled.  To obtain a core change, students contact their Area Coordinator, who will provide them with a core change form.  Students then take this form to Physical Plant and the charge for a core change is $50.00.  Residents should contact the RA or Police & Security if locked out of their rooms.

Room keys must be returned when residents vacate rooms and failure to do so will result in a charge of $50 to cover the cost of a new core lock and key. Physical Plant replaces the core lock and issues new keys.

Laundry
The laundry facilities located within the residence halls are for the residents of those halls only. The cost of the laundry is included in the room fee each residence hall student pays. Coins are not needed. It is against policy for residents to wash/dry non-resident student’s clothes, or for non-residents to use the laundry facilities in any residence hall. Misuse of the laundry facilities could result in increased room charges as well as a fine for both the resident of the hall and the non-resident of the hall.

Please be courteous of your fellow hall members. There are a limited number of machines, and by utilizing the washers and dryers for non-residents, you are inconveniencing those that have paid to use the machines.

Ledges, Roofs and Fire Escapes
For safety purposes, students are not allowed on ledges or roofs of any buildings at anytime.  Fire escapes are to be used only during drills and alarms. 

Lofts
For safety reasons, students are not permitted to build their own lofts; the only lofts permitted in the residence halls are those available through Open Space Concepts (www.openspaceconcepts.com).  Lofts can be rented for Firestine Hall and Tower Hall only.

Lounges—Furniture and Use
Lounges are provided in floor sections and in a main area of the hall for residents of the respective halls. Although in most cases the lounges are used for studying, programming, or social activities, residents are encouraged to invite professors to visit the residence for informal discussions or classes. The priority for use of floor lounges continues to be for studying and for programming.  Other uses for these areas must have the approval of the Area Coordinator.  Outside groups requesting use of a residence hall lounge must contact the respective Area Coordinator.  Consideration should go to student groups with a majority of building residents.  Problems should be reviewed so that outside groups are not infringing upon the rights of building residents.

All furniture provided in the lounges must remain in the lounges.  The furniture is placed there for the use of all students living in the hall.  Failure to abide by this regulation may result in disciplinary action and/or a fine. Each floor or section of a hall that has missing lounge furniture is billed for the replacement costs. Missing lounge furniture from the main lounge is billed to all students of that hall. It is the responsibility of all residents to keep the lounges clean and to remove their own trash from the area. Individual room furniture such as desks, beds, etc., may not be placed in any lounges.

Noise Policy
Reasonable noise levels must be maintained at all times in residence halls because they are primarily educational facilities. Certain obvious activities are always to be avoided, such as playing musical instruments, radios, and stereos, at objectionable levels, and any other activity that distracts from studying and annoys other residents.

Specific study/quiet hours are maintained from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Each hall may establish quiet hours beyond this time. If a student has a complaint about noise during quiet hours, the owner of the disturbance should be contacted first. If satisfaction is not obtained, then the Resident Advisor should be notified. Twenty-four hour quiet hours are mandatory during the final week of each semester.

Overnight Guests
Guests of students are welcome in University residence halls on a limited basis.  With roommate approval, an overnight guest (any person staying in a room overnight who is not a designated resident of that space) may stay in a residence hall room on no more than three separate instances per semester with a maximum of three consecutive days per visit.

Hosts are responsible for their guests and their guests’ actions and must take reasonable precautions to ensure the security of other students living in the hall.  Guests must be in the company of their host at all times.

Minor guests (under the age of 18) must be at least 13 years of age, except on Sibs Weekend when younger guests are permitted.  Overnight minor guests must be approved and registered through the Office of Residence Life.  The host student must complete a Minor Guest Application and Permission Form at least one week in advance of the visit.  This form shall include emergency contact information for the parent or guardian, known medical conditions, and dates of stay.  Both the host student and the minor’s parent/legal guardian must sign the form.  Wittenberg University expects that the minor will abide by all University policies and local, state, and federal laws, and that minor guest privileges may be revoked at any time without notice.  The parent or guardian must pick up the minor upon request of the University or the host student.

Pets
Fish are the only pets allowed in residence hall rooms and fish are the only inhabitants permitted in an aquarium.  For health reasons and potential damage to the facilities, no other pets of any kind are allowed in residence hall rooms at any time. When considering whether to have fish at school, students should be aware that during break periods, electrical items are unplugged, and residence halls are closed so that care and feeding are disrupted.   

Posting Policy—Residence Halls
Any club or organization that is affiliated with Wittenberg University may submit materials to be posted in the residence halls.  In order to ensure that posted materials are posted appropriately, the following posting policy has been implemented:

1.       All materials to be posted in Wittenberg residence halls must be submitted to the Office of Residence Life.

2.       Materials must meet these guidelines:

a.       materials must not promote the use of alcohol in any way or display any alcohol manufacturer or bar location/name.

b.       materials must be consistent with the University policy regarding sexist, racist, and other discriminatory conduct (published in student handbook).

3.       Upon approval of the Office of Residence Life, the RA, or a staff assistant will place the materials on approved bulletin boards. 

4.       Approved materials may remain posted until completion of the event.   

5.       Materials without approval (noted by the Office of Residence Life stamp) should be immediately removed and a copy given to the Area Coordinator.

RA programming publicity, RA announcements and RA bulletin board materials and information from campus offices do not need "stamped" approval. 

Refrigerators
Refrigerators are permitted in residence hall rooms, and must meet the following specifications: power 120 volt, 60 cycle AC, 200 watts, 2 amp; compressor hermetically sealed, self-lubricating; Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved, and in good condition. One refrigerator is allowed per double room; two in triples and quads.

Microfridges must meet the follow specifications: .8 amps and 700 watts; compressor hermetically sealed, self-lubricating; Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved, and in good condition.

For ventilation and sanitation purposes, all refrigerators must be located in an open space, outside closets. During break periods, refrigerators must be emptied, defrosted, unplugged and left standing open.  The University reserves the right to inspect refrigerators and microfridges to ensure they meet proper specifications and are in good condition.  Converter boxes that alternate power between a stand-alone microwave and refrigerator are not allowed.

Room Decorations
Students are encouraged to give their rooms personal touches. Posters and other decorations may be hung on the walls; however, excessive paper is considered a fire hazard. The placement of posters, signs, etc., outside students’ rooms is limited to the exterior side of the room door. Students are not permitted to attach items to the walls outside their rooms. Nails, thumbtacks, tape of any kind, and other items (decals on mirrors and doors, etc.) which damage any paint or wood surfaces are not permitted. 

Students are not permitted to use any room furnishings, which, in the opinion of the Area Coordinator or the Springfield Fire Department, violate city fire ordinances and/or would be considered unsafe.  These include, but are not limited to, bookcases, platforms, overstuffed furniture, etc.  Items such as flags, fish nets, large posters, lights, etc. are not to be hung from the ceiling, light fixtures, or other fixtures in the room.  Any tampering with or rewiring of electrical fixtures or telephones is in violation of the total safety of the building.  The University reserves the right to judge what is safe for its buildings and their occupants. 

Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are installed in each room. They are fire safety equipment and are not to be obstructed or tampered with in any way.  A smoke detector that beeps about once per minute indicates that the battery needs to be replaced.  Residents should notify their RA or AC of the need for replacement or other problems and should not attempt to change the battery themselves.  After hours, the Office of Police and Security is to be contacted for replacement of smoke alarm batteries. Tampering with fire safety equipment is grounds for disciplinary action, a minimum $50 fine as well as repair costs of the equipment.  Physical Plant cleans and services each detector once a year (during the summer).

Smoking in the Residence Halls
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s Smoking Policy.

All residence halls are smoke-free environments, and smoking is prohibited throughout the halls, both in student rooms and public areas.

Solicitation
Residence hall students are required to follow the University’s Commercial Solicitation Policy.

No students or other outside individuals or groups are allowed to go door-to-door in the residence halls selling or soliciting information or goods.  Outside vendors may leave information in Student Development that can be made available to students or posted on a common residence hall bulletin board.  Hall government members are excepted from this policy due to their status as elected officials of the hall who are charged with fund-raising and programming functions within the hall.

Sports in the Hallway
Residents may not engage in any sports or sport-related activities within residence hallways, lounges, stairwells, or other public areas.  Sports, including Frisbees, water fights, etc., in a confined area such as a hallway can lead to student injury and/or damage to private or University property.  The University provides students with many approved facilities for sports and recreation.

Video Usage
Copyright Law restricts the use of videos to private showings and prohibits their public performance in residence hall lounges and other common areas of campus buildings.

Waterbeds
Waterbeds are not permitted in residence halls.

Windows/Screens
Residents may not remove the screens from their room windows or other residence hall windows at any time, nor take any action that may damage the windows or screens.  Residents should notify the Resident Advisor if their windows or screens are in need of repair.  If screens are missing from individual rooms at the end of the academic year, assessments are made to those students who occupied the room.  Failure to keep screens in place results in disciplinary action, including a fine.

Windowsills and spaces between windows and screens may not be used for food or storage areas. Absolutely no objects of any type may be thrown, dropped, pushed out of, placed outside of, or allowed to fall from any residence hall window.  This is a serious safety hazard (it could injure or kill individuals standing or walking below) and will result in disciplinary action and a fine.

Assessment of Damages & Room Charges

At the end of the academic year, damages are assessed based on the charges listed below. In cases where the party responsible for the damage cannot be clearly identified, the cost to repair/replace is divided equally among the residents of the room.

The Area Coordinator/Resident Advisor checking out a room indicates on the Room Condition Record form the need for a decision to be made regarding repair or replacement on questionable items. Charges are determined at check-out or after by the Area Coordinator. Additional charges may be assessed by Physical Plant personnel in consultation with the Area Coordinator.

Common Area Damages
Students are responsible for loss or damage to furniture, furnishings, equipment, buildings, or grounds of the University whether caused by the student or that student’s personal guests through their careless, accidental, or intentional conduct. Excessive dirtiness in hallways, bathrooms, or lounges can also result in charges for clean up. An assessment is made and charged equally to students in a section, or floor for loss or damage to corridor, bathroom, and other common areas on the residence hall floor in which the students live when the loss or damage cannot be clearly identified as the responsibility of an individual or group of individuals. The assessment charges for this loss or damage is on a pro-rated basis.

Room Damage Charges 2012-2013 *

Bed Frame/per sleeping surface Replace 300.00	Drapes/Blinds Replace 175.00 to 300.00
Bed Mattress Replace 125.00	Floor Tile Repair (each) 10.00
Bed Springs Replace 110.00	Furniture Hardware 10.00
Underbed storage - Polis House Replace 325.00	Furniture Refinish (per surface) 50.00
Bulletin Board Frame/Cork Replace 100.00	Hooks Replace 25.00
Ceiling Tile Replace (each) 25.00	Light Fixtures Replace 100.00
Ceiling Paint 75.00	Mirror Replace 65.00
Ceiling Grid Replace 25.00 to 100.00	Thermostat Replace 100.00 to 300.00
Chair—Desk Replace 180.00	Towel Rack Put Back on Wall 25.00
Chair—Occasional Recover 300.00	Towel Rack Replace 50.00
Chair—Occasional (We don’t replace.) 450.00	Walls Paint 75.00
Chest of Drawers Replace 350.00	Walls—Holes/Gouges Repair & Paint 125.00 to 225.00
Chest—Drawer Replace (each) 120.00	Walls—Tape Marks Repair & Paint 100.00
Closet Rods Replace 55.00	Window Glass, halls except Tower replace 135.00
Desk—except Polis House Replace 400.00	Window Glass: Tower Replace 100.00 to 300.00
Desk—Polis House Replace 475.00	Window Screens Repair 55.00
Desk—Drawer Replace (each) 50.00	Window Screens Replace 95.00
Door—Closet Refinish 50.00	Wood Trim in room Replace 50.00 to 100.00
Door—Closet Re-hang 25.00	Debris Left in Room Clean Out 25.00
Door—Closet Replace 90.00	Dusty/ unswept Room Clean 25.00
Door—Lock Assembly Replace 350.00	Furnishings Left at Move-Out Not Belonging to Wittenberg (each item) 100.00
Door—Room Refinish 100.00
Door—Room Replace 375.00	Failure to Check Out 50.00
Door—Room—Firestine Replace 375.00	Failure to Turn In Key / Replace 50.00

* subject to change without notice

Dollar amounts noted above represent the current cost of materials and labor to repair and replace the items listed. The figures represented above assume either minimal damage or total loss. Assessments may be made reflecting the degree to which damage affects repair cost and therefore in some cases may vary from the charges listed.

Board Policies and Arrangements

Students residing in university residence halls are required to have a university board plan. New students may choose from the following two plans: the Carte Blanche Meal Plan offers unlimited dining in the CDR and comes with $100 Bonus Points; the 225 Flex Meal Plan allows 225 meals per semester (about 14 a week) with $100 Bonus Points.  Upper class students have an additional meal plan to choose from: the 150 Flex Meal Plan offers roughly 10 meals a week and comes with $200 Bonus Points.  Students who are members of fraternities and sororities and living in the residence halls must be on one of the above three meal plans; however, if they also choose to be on a University-recognized meal plan within a fraternity or sorority Chapter House, they may opt to purchase either the 85 Flex Plan (average 5 meals/week and including 200 Bonus Points) or the 45 Flex Plan (average 3 meals/week and including 200 Bonus Points) instead of one of the three plans listed above. Eligible students opting for either of these plans must complete and sign a Meal Waiver Form in person at the Student center by 4 p.m. on the fourth day of classes each semester. Students who live in the residence halls and are not members of a fraternity or sorority are not eligible for the 85 or 45 Flex Plans. Guest meals are not available on these plans.

For commuting students, the 45 Flex Meal plan with $200 Bonus Dollars is a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy campus dining options.

Bonus Points are extra funds attached to the meal plans.  These dollars work like a debit account and may be used at any campus dining location.  They may be used to purchase a full meal or individual food or beverage items. Bonus Points are valid for one semester only.

Since Bonus Points have a way of going fast, Witt Gold can be added to a dining account in any dollar amount.  Purchases of $150 or more will be given an extra 10% by the Dining Services.  Like Bonus Points, Witt Gold serves as a debit account and can be used at any dining location.  Unlike Bonus Points, Witt Gold rolls over from the fall to the spring semester but do expire on the last meal plan day of spring semester.

Unused meals, Bonus Points and Witt Gold are non-refundable.

Arranging for Meal Plans
Students may contract for meal plans/board by contacting the Scheduling Coordinator in the Benham-Pence Student Center. The board contract is in effect for the entire year unless properly changed within the designated time. Meal Plans may be changed or cancelled only by submitting a Board Drop/Change Form to the Scheduling Coordinator by the first Thursday of each semester. The form must be submitted by the deadlines as listed under Termination of Board.

Students with special medical or dietary needs and living in a residence hall are required to participate in a University meal plan and are strongly encouraged to discuss their needs with the Director of Dining Services by Thursday of the first week of classes of each semester. To better understand a special need, a written statement from the physician may be requested by the Director of Dining Services.  If Dining Services is unable to accommodate the special need, the student must obtain a statement from Dining Services and submit it to the Dean of Students Office. The Associate Dean for Residence Life will review all cancellation requests with the Director of Business Services prior to authorizing a change or cancellation.

Termination of Meal Plans
Students wishing to change or cancel a meal plan (if they are eligible to do so) must complete a Board Drop/Change Form and submit it to the Scheduling Coordinator in  Benham-Pence Student Center before 4 p.m. on the  dates noted below for each semester.

Fall Semester — Thursday, August 23, 2012

Spring Semester — Thursday, January 10, 2013

Students who fail to complete and submit a Board Drop/Change Form within the designated time are required to continue to honor their contract for the balance of the semester. No exceptions are made to this timeline.

Upper class students who do not reside in a residence hall but have contracted for a Meal Plan must comply with all of the above procedures and deadlines for changing or cancelling a meal plan contract.

Dining Hall Policies
Students must present their I.D. cards in order to use their plan in the CDR or any other dining area.  If a card is lost or stolen, it must be reported immediately.  A temporary ID may be obtained online via WittLink. It is valid for two weeks. Students may not use a series of temporary ID’s to avoid their responsibility to replace the permanent ID card. Serial use of a temporary ID may result in disciplinary action. Remember to safeguard your temporary ID as you would the permanent one. 

Parents eat free in the CDR when accompanied by a student using a meal plan, with the exception of Parents' Weekend, Homecoming, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day.  In addition, three guest meals per academic year are included in the Carte Blanche, 225 and 150 meal plans. Guest passes may not be applied toward Special Events and may not be used for meals taken by the meal plan holder. Additional meals are not transferable to other students or guests. 

Students may not allow others to use their ID to obtain meal services. Failure to protect the use of an ID card is a violation of the University’s Student Code of Conduct and Ethics with respect to misuse of Wittenberg University identification. Such failure will result in disciplinary action.

All plates, cups and eating utensils in the CDR are the property of Dining Services.  These items are supplied for use in the CDR and are not to be removed from the dining area.  Removing such items, for any reason, is considered theft and is subject to disciplinary action under the University’s Student Code of Conduct and Ethics.

In compliance with the Ohio State Board of Health regulations, all students must wear shirts and shoes in food service areas. Students must also comply with all rules governing foods that may not be removed from the dining area.

Center Dining Room Schedule, Wittenberg Benham-Pence Student Center

Monday to Friday	7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Full Breakfast	7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Full Lunch	11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Full Dinner	5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday	11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Brunch	11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Full Dinner	5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meal Plan Calendar
Fall Semester
August 19 (Dinner) to November 20 (Dinner).  Meal Plans resume after the Thanksgiving holiday: November 25 (Dinner) to December 15 (Lunch).  This is the last day to use Fall Bonus Points.  Unused meals and/or Bonus Points are non-refundable.

Spring Semester
January 6 (Dinner) to March 1 (Lunch).  Meal Plans resume after Spring Break: March 10 (Dinner) to May 8 (Lunch).  This is the last day to use Spring Bonus Points and Witt Gold.  Unused meals, Bonus Points and/or Witt Gold are non-refundable.