Residential Life conducts bi-annual Health and Safety inspections in all student rooms.
In 2006-2007 they will be October 15-21, and January 28-February 4.*
Resident Assistants,
Resident Mentors, and Community Inspectors will enter all student rooms in pairs looking for working
smoke detectors, overloaded outlets, fire hazards, livable cleanliness as
well as balcony policy compliance.**
You will receive at
least 48 hours notice prior to these inspections as you may wish to be
present.
While it is not the purpose of the inspection to seek out other violations (i.e. alcohol, drugs) if Resident Mentors or Resident Assistants come across a violation, they will refer it to the Student Conduct Board.
If your room
does not fully pass inspection, staff will notify you to address any
issues before their return within a few days.
If you have questions,
you may contact your Resident Assistant, Resident Mentor, or Community
Inspector. We thank you for your cooperation.
Additional
Health and Safety Tips:
þ
Never
dismantle a smoke detector.
þ
Limit
one surge protector per outlet. Plug surge protectors directly into outlet
(not extension cords).
þ
Candles
and halogen lamps are not permitted in the residence halls due to fire
hazard.
þ
Avoid
draping flammable materials such as cloth on lights.
þ
Clear
space around all doorways so they have room to open for emergency exit.
þ
Dispose
of all trash, especially food, properly and promptly.
*
Board and Residential Agreement:
“The student hereby expressly agrees that authorized individuals of the
University or Residential Life staff shall have access to the room covered
by this Agreement in order to check for maintenance required, damage to
the room or furnishings, janitorial and maintenance service, compliance
with University rules and regulations, or when otherwise appropriate in
the reasonable judgment of a University staff member. Student rooms will
be entered for maintenance purposes during holiday and break periods when
residence halls are closed, but students may not enter during these
periods.”
**
Balcony Policy (Student
Handbook, 130): “Because many balconies of student’s rooms and walkways
are in public view, balconies/walkways must be kept
neat, uncluttered, and safe.
All-weather furniture, hammocks, plants, flags, wind chimes, wind socks,
sun catchers, outdoor decorative lighting, in-season holiday decorations,
plastic storage containers with lids (placed next to walls) and bicycles
are the ONLY items permitted and ONLY IF they meet the above standards.
(Students are urged to consider proper decorum in the display of the
American flag.) University furniture may not be left unattended on the
balconies/ walkways. Examples of items that may not be on, or displayed,
at any time are: laundry, clothing, boxes, trash, refrigerators, coolers,
stickers, neon lights, banners/posters/signs, drying racks, and alcohol or
alcohol containers. Students who share responsibility for a balcony are
encouraged to communicate with one another about items placed on the
balcony area. All students who live adjacent to a balcony will be held
responsible for splitting fines, or if they choose, reimbursing one
another, for fines resulting from violations. Items on balconies must be
wholly contained within the balcony. Items on walkways may not interfere
with normal pedestrian traffic. Building ledges that may only be accessed
from a student room through a window are not considered balconies.
Residents may not climb or place property onto these areas, even if there
are railings on the ledges.”