Residence Hall Policies
By signing a housing contract, all students agree to observe all college policies, including those listed on the housing contract, this handbook and the College Catalog. In addition, the college may add other policies as needed. Students should become familiar with these policies and stay within the guidelines. A student in violation of the policies will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined elsewhere in this handbook.
As is expected, group living results in regulating certain behaviors for the good of the community. For a complete listing of regulations, refer to the Student Code of Conduct included in this handbook. Policies of particular concern to the residential community include:
- Violation of residence hall guidelines, visitation hours, quiet hours or courtesy hours,
- Failure to comply with requests of any member of the residential life or college staff,
- Use/possession of alcohol or empty alcohol containers,
- Use/possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia,
- Use/possession of weapons of any kind (including knives with blades over four inches),
- Use/possession of fireworks, flammable liquids or incense,
- Use/possession of candles or incense,
- Use of tobacco products in buildings,
- Vandalism, damage to or destruction of property of any kind,
- Tampering with safety equipment or propping open exterior doors,
- Violation of any campus wide policies,
- Theft or possession of stolen property,
- Removal of college property from its assigned area or location.
- Failure to observe disciplinary sanctions, and
- Other items not listed, which endanger the campus community, will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.
Access to Student Rooms & Suites
The college reserves the right to enter any room or suite to conduct official business. This includes safety and health inspections, maintenance and housekeeping functions, repair and cleaning, investigations of probable violations of college policies, and enforcement of college policies and procedures and possible violations of state and/or federal statutes. Staff with passkeys will attempt to have the current resident(s) present when they enter a room, but staff are not obligated to this restriction. Violations of college policy that are observed by any member of the campus staff will be addressed through the campus judicial system.
Alcohol
Alcohol is NOT allowed in residence halls. Alcohol is also prohibited at official college student functions off of college property.
- In an effort to protect students’ rights and their living environment, students visibly intoxicated and displaying disruptive behavior on campus will be considered in violation of the campus alcohol policy. The following are criteria that will be used in determining whether a student will be cited for public intoxication: passing out, public vomiting, needing assistance in finding his/her room and inability to stand. The residence hall staff will submit an incident report to the Residential Life Office. The student will be assessed and will receive the appropriate disciplinary sanctions for violation of the campus policy.
- Students in a room where alcohol is present will be considered in violation of campus policy. The residence hall staff will complete an incident report that lists the names of individuals present and contains a detailed description of the incident. A college official will notify all students involved.
- Room residents are always in violation of the alcohol policy if they are in their room and evidence of alcohol is present. Each resident is responsible for what happens in his or her assigned room, including the actions of their guests. If a room is left unlocked and a violation occurs, the resident(s) of the room may also face disciplinary sanctions.
- Possession of empty alcohol containers and display of alcohol-related signs in windows or hallways is forbidden. Any person possessing these items will be considered in violation of college policy.
- Drug signs, gang signs, etc., are not permitted on college property.
Candles and Incense
Candles and incense are not to be burned in the residence halls. Those items present a fire hazard and also produce an odor that may disturb residents. If use of candles is part of Greek house rituals, they may be used for the ritual only. House presidents should contact their respective Greek Advisor prior to the event.
Drugs (Other Than Alcohol)
Culver-Stockton College is a drug-free campus. The possession, sale and/or consumption of controlled substances are expressly forbidden anywhere on campus. In addition, a student will be held responsible for the possession of drug paraphernalia found in his/her room, or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia in his/her room, whether or not the student is present at the time the violation is committed. These policies also extend to disruptive behavior resulting from the use of drugs. Concerns or questions involving drugs should be directed to the Student Life Office, ext. 6334.
False Alarms/Arson
Missouri Revised Statute 569.080.1: A person commits the crime of tampering in the first degree if he or she for the purpose of causing a substantial interruption or impairment of a service rendered to the public by a utility or an institution providing health or safety protection, damages or tampers with property or facilities of such a utility or institution, and thereby causes substantial interruption or impairment of service. Tampering in the first degree is a Class C felony.
Missouri Revised Statute 569.090.1: A person commits the crime of tampering in the second degree if he or she tampers with property of another for the purpose of causing substantial inconvenience to that person or another. Tampering in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.
Arson
Missouri Revised Statute 569.040.1: A person commits the crime of arson in the first degree when he or she:
- Knowingly damages a building or inhabitable structure, and when any person is then present or in near proximity thereto, by starting a fire or causing an explosion and thereby recklessly places such person in danger of death or serious physical injury; or
- By starting a fire or explosion, damages a building or inhabitable structure in an attempt to produce methamphetamine.
Arson in the first degree is a Class B felony, unless a person suffered serious physical injury, death or to produce methamphetamine as a result from the fire or explosion, in which case arson in the first degree is a class A felony.
Missouri Revised Statute 569.050.1: A person commits the crime of arson in the second degree if he or she knowingly damages a building or inhabitable structure by starting a fire or causing an explosion. Arson in the second degree is a Class C felony unless a person has suffered serious physical injury or has died as a result of the fire or explosion, in which case arson in the second degree is a Class B felony.
Missouri Revised Statute 569.055.1: A person commits the crime of knowingly burning or exploding when he or she knowingly damages property of another by starting a fire or causing an explosion. Knowingly burning or exploding is a Class D felony.
Culver-Stockton College will cooperate fully with local law enforcement agencies and the State Fire Marshal’s Office in investigating any tampering of safety devises or arson involving students or campus property. Tampering with safety devises or equipment is forbidden and will be dealt with as a discipline issue.
Fire Procedures
For the safety of the residents, each residence has a fire alarm system consisting of smoke alarms and/or pull-type alarms. The community assistants or houseparent will review with the residents of each building the evacuation procedures and related fire safety matters. Fire drills are held early in each semester to acquaint the residents with the procedures.
Safety procedures during a fire drill or evacuation include:
- Close the doors and windows.
- Take key and walk to nearest exit.
- Feel doors for heat before going through. Do not open if hot.
- Carry a wet cloth to put over nose and mouth to protect against smoke inhalation, if possible.
- Go under and avoid heavy smoke concentration.
- Stay away from emergency equipment and firemen. If your clothing catches fire:
STOP, DROP AND ROLL!
- Do not run.
Fires can be caused by appliances left on, buildup of trash, flammables placed too close to light fixtures, candles not stored in fireproof containers, decorations, smoking materials or arson.
PLEASE BE SAFE.
Guests
Anyone who is not a resident of a particular building is considered a guest. Overnight guests, in accordance with the visitation policy, are only allowed if the roomate agrees. The building’s community assistant or houseparent must be informed of all overnight guests. Guests with a vehicle must obtain a temporary parking permit from Campus Safety. Residents are responsible for the actions and behavior of their guests. Cohabitation with guests is not permitted.
Halogen Lamps
Halogen lamps are not permitted in residence halls because they are a fire hazard.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping will clean the public areas and the bathrooms in the residence halls. However, all residents are responsible for keeping rooms and suites clean and presentable. Anything that will cause damage to rooms when decorating should not be used.
We recommend the use of SMALL tacks to secure items to the walls. Charges are assessed for any damage done to college property or trash left by residents in the room or in an inappropriate area of the building.
Physical Plant may require several days to repair non-emergency items. All problems should be reported to the community assistant or houseparent. Do not try to repair or replace items yourself—this often leads to unnecessary charges, and we want to avoid that! Emergencies will be handled immediately if they are reported promptly.
Keys
Keys are issued to all resident students. These keys remain the property of the college and may not be duplicated. A lost or stolen key must be reported to a residential life staff member. The lock will then be changed and new keys cut for all residents of the room. The charge for lock replacement and new keys is $30. If a resident is locked out of his/her room, a staff member may open the door. However, staff will open the door for residents of that room only. After the second week, a $1 charge will be assessed for opening a door. Such monies will go into the Hall Activities Account.
Length of Occupancy
All residence hall and Greek living unit housing contracts begin at noon on the Sunday before the beginning of fall classes and end at 6 p.m. on the last day of finals for the spring semester, with the exception of the Christmas/semester break when the residence halls and Greek houses are officially closed. Arrangements should be made to fully move out of residence halls and Greek houses within 24 hours after a student’s last final exam. The Residential Life Office will determine and communicate the exact closing times to the residents of each building, prior to the closing of residence halls and Greek houses at the end of each semester. For students who need to remain on campus to participate in Commencement-related activities, they may stay in residence halls and Greek houses until 1 p.m. on Commencement day.
Students wishing to remain in their residence hall room or Greek house beyond the official closing date and time must request permission in advance from the director of residential and Greek life. If permission is granted, the student will be charged $50 each day the student remains in the hall or Greek house beyond the official closing date and time.
Medical Emergencies
Community assistants or houseparents should be immediately informed of any medical emergency, including sickness and injury. Campus Safety (X6300) must be informed of the situation and location. These individuals have been trained for such situations and will contact the appropriate persons. Do not move any injured persons. Make them comfortable and keep them quiet and calm while waiting for trained medical personnel to arrive.
Unless asked by college staff or medical personnel to remain, LEAVE the area and stay out of the way. There is little benefit to the distressed party from having extra people present. Too many people in the area has proven to be a major problem with medical emergencies and has actually caused additional problems.
Pets
The only pets allowed in college residences are fish. All other types of pets are expressly forbidden, due to sanitation, health and safety reasons.
Quiet Hours 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
The reason students attend college is to obtain an education, so quiet time is needed for rest and study! To provide an atmosphere consistent with a community of scholars, quiet hours are established in each hall. Outside of quiet-hour periods, courtesy hours are in effect. During courtesy hours, each resident has the right to ask that noise be kept to an acceptable level. If this does not resolve the situation, residential life staff will assist in resolving the problem. During prep week and finals week, quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Quiet and courtesy hours are in effect both in and outside all campus buildings.
Residence Hall Room and Board
Room and board charges for the academic year are payable to the Business Office. All resident students are required to board on campus.
Resident Bill of Rights
These guidelines are a reminder to residents of their responsibility to their roommate(s) and other members of their living community. The enjoyment of life in a residence hall will depend, to a large extent, on thoughtful consideration that roommates demonstrate for each other. Basic rights of members of a residential community include:
- The right to read and study free of undue interference in one’s room. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.
- The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, guests of roommate, or other members of the community.
- The right to expect a community member will respect one’s personal belongings.
- The right to a clean environment in which to live.
- The right to free access to one’s room and facilities without pressure from a community member.
- The right to privacy.
- The right to have guests with the expectation that guests are to respect the rights of the host’s community and other hall residents.
- The right for redress of grievances. Community assistants and houseparents are available for assistance in settling conflicts.
- The right to be free from fear of intimidation, physical and/or emotional harm.
- The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of "room-shared" appliances (telephone, refrigerator, etc.) and a commitment to honor agreed-upon payment procedures.
- The right to be free from peer pressure or ridicule regarding personal choices.
Remember: To be a mature adult is to accept responsibility for the welfare of others. Only you can assure that you and other members of the community enjoy all of these rights.
Use of Halls
Halls are to be considered a student’s home. Students may not use rooms for commercial purposes, vending, peddling, etc., except with the written permission of the dean of student life.
Room Appliances
Popcorn poppers, coffee pots, toasters, and computers are allowed in individual rooms. Only one refrigerator (six cubic feet or smaller in size) and one microwave (under 650 watts) are allowed in each room. All other appliance usage must be approved through the Residential Life Office. Space heaters and window air conditioners are not allowed in any student residence. The college reserves the right to restrict or prohibit use of any equipment in college residences.
Room Furnishings
Residents may not paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise alter their room structure. This includes hanging shelves, robe hooks or mirrors. No lofts are allowed. BBQ grills, charcoal or lighter fluid cannot be stored anywhere in residence halls. All furnishings must remain in the room, and lounge furniture is not to be removed from the lounge area. There is a $40 fine for removing furniture from its designated area.
Screens
Due to the resulting damage, removal of screens from residence hall windows will result in a $50 fine. If the screen and/or window is damaged as a result of a student removing the screen, that student will also be responsible for the cost to repair/replace the screen and/or window.
Single Rooms
Single rooms in residence halls, when available, are an additional $875 per semester for a double room used as a single. The payment for single rooms cannot be made through financial aid funds.
Students who find themselves in a room without a roommate should contact their community assistants or houseparent about options/choices. Each semester, students without roommates have until the third week of school to find someone to move in with them if they do not want to have the room as a single room. After that time, the college has the option of finding that student a roommate, which may involve one or both parties moving.
If a vacancy occurs after six weeks into the semester, the remaining resident(s) can stay in the room without the single room charge. However, the resident(s) remaining in the room must be conscious of the fact that he/she will need to find a roommate for the next semester. In summary, the sequence of options/choices is:
- Keep the room as a single and pay the extra fee,
- Find a roommate within the next week, OR
- The college will find you a roommate.
Storage of Items
The college does not allow students to store their belongings during the summer months. Students must make arrangements to store their belongings in off-campus locations.
Termination of Housing Contract
Housing contracts may be terminated during or between semesters for the following reasons:
- Withdrawal or dismissal from school
- Marriage
- Change to part-time status (less than 12 hours)
- Special approval by the Residential Life Office or dean of student life.
Theft/Loss Statement
Lock your doors! Residents have the tendency to leave room doors open while they run to the bathroom, shower, drinking fountain, or to visit a friend. This is when many thefts occur. The college is not liable for loss of or damage to personal property. It is recommended that residents insure possessions before coming to campus. It is not advisable to keep valuables in plain sight or to keep large sums of money in your room. We also suggest that you record serial numbers of valuable items and/or take photographs of your important belongings. If a theft occurs, report it to a staff member immediately.
Tobacco Policy
The use of tobacco in any building, including residence halls and Greek houses, is strictly prohibited.
Tornado Procedures
- Tornado Watch: Conditions exist for formation of tornadoes.
- Tornado Warning: Tornadoes have been spotted in the area.
- In Canton, a warning siren will sound giving 10 minutes warning at best.
- Several campus employees, including the residential life staff, have air horns that they will sound when a tornado warning is put in effect in the Lewis County area.
- Go to an interior hallway or room at the lowest level of the building away from windows.
- Get under something sturdy and protect your head.
DO NOT try to go outside. If caught outdoors, lie flat on low ground and protect your head. If in a vehicle, leave it and move to low ground. Vacation Policy
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of all breaks in the class schedule and leave campus for rest and relaxation. Please take note that college housing is closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas/semester and Spring breaks. During these breaks, other accommodations for housing must be arranged. Dining Services are closed during breaks, so arrangements need to be made for meals as well.
Visitation Hours
Culver-Stockton recognizes the
need to study and socialize with
friends. Visitation hours for guests
of the opposite sex in student rooms
are from 10am to midnight Sunday
through Thursday, with 24 hour
visitation Friday and Saturday. Main
lounges are open 24 hours for
residents and their guests. Some
Greek houses’ visitation policies are
set by the national organizations, and
those policies may be stricter than
the college’s policy. Guests should
check with residents to be sure they
are in compliance with the policies of
a particular Greek house.
Weapons and Fireworks
The use and possession of weapons and fireworks is prohibited. A weapon is defined as any object that is designed to cause injury or shoot a projectile. This includes paintball guns, blowguns, pellet/BB guns, archery equipment, knives with blades over four inches long and ammunition. The use of fireworks is prohibited due to potential injuries, damage and disturbances.
Residency Requirements
Culver-Stockton College is dedicated to the development of each student’s ability to function and communicate with other people and to foster a sense of responsibility and respect for others. The situations that arise in a group living environment provide a very real laboratory for students to grow in their knowledge of themselves and others.
Because of the college’s belief in the value of residential life, on-campus living is required for all full-time students. Exceptions to this policy are:
- Students who are married or who have legal dependents;
- Students who are living with their parents or legal guardians;
- Students who are 21 years of age by September 1 of the academic year may reside off campus, but will not be eligible for institutional financial aid.
- Junior or senior nursing students may choose to reside in Quincy.
A request of exception to those listed above, such as student teaching or internships should be discussed with the director of residential life prior to making any plans. Appeals of decisions concerning exceptions to the housing policy should be sent to the dean of student life in a letter and will be heard by the Student Life Council.
Student Rights
Privacy Policy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These rights include:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.
Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where they may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes to be inaccurate.
Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate.
If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to a school official with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the college can disclose education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Culver-Stockton College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-4605
In conjunction with FERPA legislation, Culver-Stockton College designates the following items as directory information: student name, student address (including local, home, and e-mail), student local and home phone telephone number(s), student date and place of birth, academic field(s) of study, photograph(s), videography, academic advisor, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, height and weight of athletes, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, most recent previous school attended, full-time/part-time status and year in school.
Culver-Stockton College may disclose any designated directory information without prior written consent of the student in accordance with FERPA guidelines. Students do have the right to withhold any or all items designated as directory information from being released without prior written consent as long as the Registrar is notified in writing to the contrary by the end of the first week of the semester. However, please be advised that withholding certain designated directory information may hinder verification of educational information for employment opportunities.
Students have the right to allow parents of dependent students access to copies of any and all academic information. Students must complete a form in the Registrar’s Office to allow mailing of grade reports to parents.
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