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Residence Life Handbook
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Back to Page 1 - Professional Staff
Hall Services ↑ Return to Top
Within the University, or Residence Life, there are a variety of services available to you to help make your living experience enjoyable. Some of the services most applicable for students living in University housing are listed below.
*
Barbeque
Grills: Students are not allowed to bring their own
grills, except for in the apartment complexes. Students may
not possess grills in the residence halls. Community grills
are available for general student use in designated areas
around campus near the residential facilities.
* Cable Service: Each residence
hall room and apartment will be provided with basic
television cable service through Truman State University as
part of the room and board rate. At this time, there are no
premium upgrades available to students (including DVR
service or additional channels).
*
Cleaning Supplies:
Brooms, vacuum cleaners, mops, and buckets, as well as
various cleaning supplies (e.g. glass cleaner, furniture
polish, etc.) are available for checkout at the hall desk
with your student ID. Cleaning supplies available at the
hall desk vary per hall.
* Computer Labs:
Computers and printers are available for your use within
designated areas in each of the halls. You must use your own
computer disks. Laser printing is also available within the
computer labs and at the hall desk, which are open 24 hours per day. Students can
map their own personal computers to the lab printers through
the University network. Instructions are available through
http://its.truman.edu.
*
Duty Staff Members:
Professional staff and Student Advisors work rotating duty
schedules to be on call for emergencies and to conduct
rounds within the residence halls and apartments on a daily
basis. They are available to respond to your requests 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. These staff members are trained
in crisis management, facilities operations, suicide
response, alcohol and drug emergencies, and many other
areas. There are also professional counselors from the
University Counseling Services on call for emergencies.
Because these staff members are either full-time
professionals or students, we ask that during the late
nighttime hours, you differentiate between an emergency and
something that can wait until the morning.
*
Facility Repairs:
The University Facilities Department will make every attempt
to make the necessary repairs to maintain the residence
halls or apartment fixtures. If something in your room or
bathroom needs repair, or if your window or door screen has
become torn or damaged, please call the Fix-It-Line. The
Fix-It-Line operates from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday during University business days.
The phone number is x4687, or xINTR (I Need This Repaired).
Requests can also be made via an
Online Work Request.
Emergency repairs occurring outside these hours should be
reported to a hall staff member. Repairs will be completed
based on a campus-wide priority system including urgency,
type of repair, and date received. Student telephone line
repairs should be reported to Telephone Services by dialing
0. University personnel are allowed to enter individual
apartment or residence hall rooms starting at 8:00 a.m. to
perform maintenance functions.
* Hall Desk: The residence
halls and the Campbell Apartment complex have their own Hall
Desks. Hall Desks are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30
a.m.-12:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
The Hall Desk serves as an information resource and provides
an assortment of supplies for residents within the building.
Students may receive small amounts of change, purchase
stamps, or have questions answered by desk staff. In
addition, most halls have sports equipment, games, cleaning
supplies, vacuum cleaners, and cooking equipment that can be
checked out with your student ID. For Campbell apartments,
vacuum cleaners are available through the Hall Desk. For
Fair and Randolph Apartments, vacuum cleaners may be checked
out through the Dobson, Ryle, or Grim Hall Desk with your
student ID.
* Hall Offices: Each
residence hall has its own office to assist students with
questions regarding their room, processes or procedures, or
problems they may have. There is a professional Residence
Hall Director and a Community Coordinator, in addition to
Student Advisors and Apartment Managers, available within the building to assist
you.
* Housekeeping Services:
Housekeepers in your living environment work hard to make
your building a comfortable and pleasant place to live. The
neat and clean appearance of the halls, lounges, and
restrooms is due in large part to their efforts.
Housekeepers are not expected to clean unnecessary messes
made by residents. Your cooperation in caring for the
facilities makes their job easier, creates a pleasant
atmosphere, and helps keep room and board costs low. Trash
containers are located on each floor for you to empty your
personal wastebaskets during the week; on the weekends,
trash must be taken to an exterior dumpster. Unwanted large items, such as boxes
and carpeting, should be taken directly to the dumpster
located outside your residence hall. Do not sweep dirt into
the hallways or stairwells. Students who have vandalized
property, or caused unnecessary messes, may be subject to
disciplinary action and damage expenses equivalent to the
full replacement value of the item(s).
* Insurance: The University
is not responsible for losses caused by theft, vandalism,
resident negligence, or natural disaster. To provide
protection against lost, stolen, or damaged items, students
are strongly encouraged to take out personal property
insurance or be sure that your belongings are covered by
your parents’ homeowners’ policy. Insurance policies through
insurance companies may also be taken out as a source of
protection. If losses or damages occur as a result of a
University facilities malfunction or staff negligence,
students are encouraged to forward their concerns to the
Physical Plant office within 30 days of the event.
* Keys: A lost key can result in a
serious security problem for the residents of a room/suite.
For this reason, each time a student reports a lost key, the
University re-cores the lock and makes new keys for the
residents of the room. The student’s account is charged
$30.00 to cover the cost of the
core, labor, and new key(s). This fee is non- refundable.
For halls that issue mailbox keys or bathroom keys, loss
of these keys also will result in a charge of $30.00.
Loss of Perimeter Access cards, which
provide exterior door access to a building will result in a
charge of $25.00 (the cost of a lost ID). University keys may not be duplicated commercially.
Students
who lock themselves out of their rooms are able to check out
a temporary key at the hall desk. Following the first week of the academic
year, a charge will be assessed to the student's account for use of the lock out
service. Charges for the lockout service are as follows:
-First and second use of temporary key are free
-Third use of temporary key is $5.00
-Fourth and each subsequent use of temporary key is $10.00 for each
occurrance
Students who lock themselves out of a building by not having their student ID card will be charged a building access fee when let into the building by hall staff.
* Kitchenettes: All living
environments, except Fair Apartments, have kitchenettes
available for your use. Fair residents may use Grim
Hall’s kitchenette, which is conveniently located next to
Fair. A limited amount of cooking equipment is available to
students to check out with their student ID at the Hall
Desk. Students using community kitchens must clean the area
after their use, and not leave food or cooking supplies
(including cooking equipment or utensils) in the kitchen.
The Housekeeping staff is not responsible for cleaning up
unnecessary messes within the residence halls or kitchens.
Please refer to the chart in this handbook that lists all
approved appliances that students may use within their
rooms. Campbell and Randolph apartment residents have their
own kitchens, and are expected to keep their kitchen
properly cleaned. Students leaving the kitchen unclean may
be charged a fee equivalent to an hourly rate and cleaning
supplies estimated necessary for cleaning the kitchen.
* Laundry Facilities: All
residence halls, and the Campbell/Fair apartment complexes,
have laundry facilities. Laundry is included in the room and
board rates. All residents will have access to laundry
through a code distributed by hall staff. Residents of Randolph Apartments generally use
the laundry facility in Dobson Hall, a short distance away.
Clothing items that are left unclaimed in the laundry
facility will be donated to a local shelter. It is the
community's responsibility to ensure that laundry access
codes are not shared with non-residents.
* Mail: Mail to all Residence Life
areas is received and distributed to the campus living
environments Monday through Saturday, except on national and
University holidays or breaks. Outgoing mail is picked up
once a day from the hall desk or other designated mail drop
slots. The following information should appear on mail sent
to you:
"Student name"
Residence Hall or Apartment
Name
Street Address
Kirksville, MO 63501
All mail delivered in mailboxes must include the name and
address of the resident and a return address. A campus mail
system operates for all academic and residential buildings,
including the campus apartments. According to U.S. Postal
regulations, only University business mail may be sent
through the campus mail system. (Holiday/Birthday cards or
personal mail sent among residents is not considered
University business mail.) Personal mail sent through the
campus mail system will be returned to the sender, or
declared not deliverable if no return address exists. UPS,
Federal Express, and Airborne mail is delivered directly to
Campus Mail Services. Insured packages may be picked up
directly from Campus Mail Services. It is highly recommended
that students who will be receiving packages or mail that
holds monetary value have these packages insured. The
University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged
mail, or mail that is not picked up by the owner. Students
are only allowed to pick up their own mail. For your own
security, always lock your mailbox, and do not disclose your
mailbox combination to any other person.
* Musical Instruments:
Some residence halls have pianos available for your use. You
are requested to respect the rights of others when using any
musical instrument. You are allowed to play handheld
instruments at a reasonable level during non-quiet hours,
but are not allowed to play scales at any time. Space is
available, through the Fine Arts Department, in academic
buildings for practicing instruments. Residents must comply
with any request, made by other community members or hall
staff, to stop playing.
* Night Security/Night
Monitors: All residence halls have night monitors to
admit residents and escorted guests into the building after
it has been secured for the evening at 12:00 a.m. From
10:30-midnight, students who live on campus may use their
student ID to gain access to any residential facility using
yellow and green door perimeter access boxes.
After midnight, you must present your student ID card or
official ID (if not a Truman student) to be admitted into
the building in which you live, after using your student ID
to enter the green entrance to the building in which you
reside. If you have guests, you must
sign those guests into the logbook. Identification of your
guest will be required. Non-compliance with this process,
including falsification of names in the registration log,
poses a security risk to the building resulting in a conduct
review and denied entrance. In extreme circumstances of
security risk, Residence Life reserves the right to lock
down the residential facilities.
* Picnic Tables:
Residence Life provides numerous picnic area around campus
that students can use when studying outdoors, eating meals,
or hanging out. Several areas also have barbeque grills.
* Posting: Campus business mail
must be properly addressed to the student (name, residence
all or apartment, room number), faculty, staff, or campus
office, and must have a return address listed on it. Campus
organizations who wish to post posters in the residence
halls advertising University related events must bring their
posters to Residence Life. See
http://reslife.truman.edu/services/posting/index.asp
for quantities. In addition, students should refer to the
University posting policy, found on the Center for Student
Involvement
website at
http://csi.truman.edu/TrumanPostingPolicies2011-2012.pdf.
* Programming: Staff
members from Residence Life or the New Student
Programs plan opportunities to expose you to knowledge, new
ideas, different philosophies, and thought provoking
stimuli. Much of a student’s college experience is to learn
outside of the classroom setting, so programs, activities,
and events are designed to help students experience new
things through social and educational interactions.
Programming is done in a variety of areas that align with
our departmental core values, and are designed to develop
the whole person. These areas include: Diversity;
Scholarship; Service; Wellness; Life Skills; and
Community. Programming areas may include: lip syncs, special
interest panels, movie nights, literature discussions, and
the like. From learning more about your roommate, to
discussing the different types of religions represented on
campus, there is something for everyone throughout the year.
If you have a topic you would like to see, let your Student
Advisor, Hall Director, or Academic Advisor know about it!
All efforts for programming and the creation of a quality
living-learning community should utilize at least one of the
six core values, and the needs assessment or student
interest surveys. The core value areas that are defined for
our department are listed within our Residence Life mission
statement and can be accessed
here.
* Refrigerators/Microfridge Units: Microfridges contain a
large refrigerator, freezer, and microwave, and can be
rented for $150 per academic year. This fee will be charged
to the student’s account who holds the contract for the
unit. It is a good idea to submit your request early,
because these are offered on a first-come, first-serve
basis. The Microfridge is the only microwave permitted in
students’ rooms in Centennial and Grim Halls. Many students
split the cost of rental between roommates. Residents
of West Campus Suites, Missouri Hall, BNB Hall, Dobson Hall,
Ryle Hall, and Randolph & Campbell Apartments may bring their own
microwave (1000 watts or smaller). In the event that you wish to bring your
own refrigerator, it must be less than 2’w x 3’h x2’d.
Refunds for microfridge units are not given once the
academic year begins if the student has already been issued
the unit.
* Security: Part of the
obligation of community living is to help safeguard the
living environment. Thousands of people, both residents and
non-residents, have access to the halls. Because of this,
you are encouraged to keep your room locked at all times and
also report people who seem to be tampering with locks,
damaging facilities, harassing students, or having
suspicious behavior to a staff member. Do not prop open
community bathroom doors or the building’s exterior doors
unless there are designated approved times to do so as
directed by hall staff. You are
advised to be particularly security-minded at times of check
in, vacations, checkout, or when fewer residents are in the
halls. The non-emergency telephone number for Public Safety is (660) 665 - 5621. The
emergency number is x911. There are emergency phones mounted
on bright blue or red posts located around campus. Public
Safety has fully sanctioned police officers and trained
security patrol to monitor and secure the outside of
buildings, as well as public areas, and to assist with any
emergency within the University.
* Storage: Storage of personal
belongings during the summer is very limited. If you are a
student living more than 300 miles from Truman over the
summer months, you may be allowed to store a limited amount
of personal belongings during the summer. You can contact
your Residence Hall Director for specific summer storage
guidelines and information. A storage fee will be assessed
for any items that are stored. The University is not
responsible for any items stored by a student.
* Telephone Services:
Telephone service is available for a $100 annual fee. You are
responsible for supplying your own touch tone telephone
(please do not bring 2mHz phones as they interferer with the
wireless networks). If there is a problem with your phone
service, plug in a phone you know is working prior to
reporting service line problems to Telephone Services (dial
“0”). The University is not responsible for repairing
telephone instruments.
Your phone service has the following special features:
On-campus Calls: When using a campus phone to call another
campus phone number, only dial the last four digits.
Local Calls: You can access an outside (Kirksville) phone
line by dialing “9.” Wait for the dial tone, then dial the
local number.
Long Distance Calling: Students are highly encouraged to
bring calling cards or cellular phones to make long distance
phone calls, since this service is no longer provided
through the University Telephone Services.
Credit Card Calling: You may arrange for a telephone credit
card with long distance service if you wish to be billed for
long distance calls, but you may not charge these calls to
your room telephone.
Debit Card or Toll-Free Calling: If you need to use your
phone debit card or wish to call a toll-free number, just
dial “9”, wait for a dial tone, then dial the phone number.
Collect Calls: Do not accept any collect calls. If you do,
you will be responsible for all related charges.
Voice
Mail: The University has a voice mail system for all
faculty, staff, and students living on campus. This system
serves as an answering machine for each resident. You will
want to set up your voice mail account as soon as you arrive
on campus, and check your messages frequently.
My Space/ My Room: ↑ Return to Top
Room Decorating
Your room gives you the opportunity to create a new living
environment. This is your home away from home, so decorating
and personalizing your room is strongly encouraged. Because
students will receive room assignments and roommate
information in the summer, you will be able to talk to,
write to, or email your roommate before you move to campus.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to communicate
with your future roommate about what you would like to share
to avoid duplicating non-personal items. Any furniture that
is in your room when you arrive must stay in your room.
Storing residence hall furniture outside of its original
room is strictly prohibited and may result in fines.
Specific information on room decorations is found in section
for
Residence Life General Policies, found at the back of
this handbook. You may hang posters and pictures from the
wall. However, this must be done with non-damaging materials
or removable hangers to prevent damages. Special products,
such as poster tack or non-damaging hangers, are available,
through general retail stores, to hang items on painted
walls that do not damage the walls.
Since Truman is a dry campus, we do not allow any alcohol beverage containers (empty or full), boxes, bottles, or cans in the residence hall rooms. Even though an empty champagne bottle may hold sentimental value to you, please leave it at home.
Temperature Control
When decorating your room, please take care to not place any
items in ways that they block the ventilation system in your
room. If blocked, air cannot circulate through it to heat
your room during the cold season. If your room is not
heating, check the area around the ventilator first before
calling your Student Advisor or the Facilities Fix-It Line.
Due to fire safety policies, students are not allowed to
have space heaters; however, if the temperature in a student
room is less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit as determined by
Facilities heat sensor, Facilities may temporarily issue
one to that student after the student pays a security
deposit.
| Residence Hall Name | Approximate Measurements | Window Size |
| Blanton-Nason-Brewer Hall | ||
| Double Room | 11'5" x 13'4" | 6’3”W x 4’8"H |
| Deluxe Double | 5'10"W x 4'8"H | |
| Multiple Occupancy (triple) | 17'6" x 15'9" | 6'3W x 4'8"H & 3'W x 4'8"H |
| Centennial Hall | ||
| Double Room | 13'11" x 11'8" | 6’3”W x 5’H |
| Multiple Occupancy (triple) | 19'4" x 12' | 6’3”W x 5’H |
| Multiple Occupancy (four person) | 4’8”x20’10”x16’x8’6”x25’10” | 6’3”W x 5’H |
| Dobson Hall | ||
| Double Room | 14’6”x11’10” | 6’5”wx5’10”h |
| Multiple Occupancy (triple) | 14’6”x23’6” | 6’5”wx5’10”h & 3’3”wx5’ h |
| E.C. Grim Hall | ||
| Double Room | 14’6”x11’8” | Vary in size |
| Single Room (Community Bath) | 12’10”x11’10” | Vary in size |
| Missouri Hall | ||
| Double Room | 14’6”x11’8” | 6’3”W x 5’6"H |
| Deluxe Double | 14’6”x16’10” | 6’3”W x 5’6"H |
| Ryle Hall | ||
| Double Room | 12’4”x14’ | 6’3”wx5’h |
| Double Room (Community Bath) | 12’x14’ | 6’3”wx5’h |
| Single Room | 25’8”x25’8”x25’8” | 6’3”wx5’h |
| West Campus Suites | ||
| Shared Living Space | 13'6"x11'7" | |
| Bedroom | 15'8"x11'7" | 4'w |
Room Sizes
Room sizes and shapes vary between each residence hall
because of the building’s unique design and room types.
Because so many rooms differ in size, Residence Life
does not have exact room, window, or closet measurements for
each specific room on campus. However, student/parents are
allowed to have a “sneak peek” at sample rooms in the
halls/apartments during Orientation sessions in June. Because
students’ plans sometimes change, room assignments are not
completely final and are still subject to change until
the students move to campus. Therefore, approximate room
sizes are listed on the chart and it is highly recommended
that you measure your room after you arrive before you
purchase items that require specific dimensions (carpet,
curtains, etc.).
Room Furnishings
The University furnishes most rooms with
bunkable/loftable beds, standard twin-sized mattresses (36”
x 76”), a dresser or drawers to share between residents,
closets or wardrobes, and window miniblinds. All residence
hall rooms and apartments have a desk with drawer space for
each resident. Each room in our residence halls contains one
bed per person, which may be bunked or
lofted (extra
pieces are included to form a loft, which allows desks and
chairs to be placed underneath). The lofts are secure and
are provided to each student living in the halls. Homemade
lofts are not allowed. Bed rails are also provided.
If you are 6’4” or taller, you may request an extra long bed and mattress by calling the Facilities Department at (660) 785-4687. A limited number are available. You will need to provide: your full name, your height, your housing placement (building and room number), and a contact phone number.
Please bring your own wastebaskets, since they are not provided in any individual rooms on campus. Each hall has large waste and recycling receptacles located in common areas. Recycling bins for students may be available, on a limited basis by calling the Recycling Center at x7672 once students are on campus. Also, students will need to provide their own shower curtains, shower curtain hooks, and toilet paper for rooms with suite-style bathrooms. The cleaning of suite-style or private bathrooms is the responsibility of the residents residing in those rooms.
What to Bring
↑ Return to Top
If you do not know your roommate(s) before you move to
campus, it is a good idea to contact each other before you
arrive. Be sure to share what each other is planning to
bring, and what can be shared in your room.
You may want to bring a mattress pad or “eggcrate” foam padding, bed linens (rooms contain standard twin beds that measure 36”x76”), pillow, blanket, bedspread, clothes hangers, wastebasket, desk light, a telephone (touch tone), and shower curtain (Apartments, BNB, Grim, Ryle, Centennial, and West Campus Suites). You are encouraged to bring a fan to help circulate cool air during the early Fall and late Spring. You may also bring any approved electrical appliances that fall into our approved appliance categories as listed in this handbook. Students bringing small refrigerators must limit them to 2’w x 3’h x 2’d in size. Residents using extension cords are strongly encouraged to use grounded 3-prong, 15-amp minimum, extension cords and/or surge protectors. All electronics or appliances must be UL approved and in good, working condition.
You may use approved appliances, stereos, lights, and other electrical devices as listed in this handbook. All two-prong extension cords and halogen lamps are prohibited because of the fire hazard they represent. Residents must report all electrical problems experienced in their rooms (e.g., tripped circuit breakers) to their Student Advisor, the Hall Director, or the Facilities Fix-It Line.
You may set up various systems of antennas inside your room to increase radio reception as long as no damage to your room occurs. Antennas are prohibited outside room windows or in the hallways. Basic cable will be provided to all residence hall rooms, so students only need to bring their televisions and coaxial cables.
| Approved Electrical Appliances | |
| Allowed only if UL approved & in good condition | Not Allowed* |
| Alarm Clock/ clock | Air Conditioner** (See chart below) |
| Aquarium with fish (up to 30 gallon maximum) | Cappuccino Maker |
| Automatic iced tea maker | Convection Oven |
| Blender (allowed in BNB, Dobson, Ryle, Missouri, and West Campus Suites) | Deep Fat Fryer |
| Bread Machine | Electric Crepe/ Sandwich Maker |
| Can Opener | Electric Fry Pan |
| Coffee Maker/ Electric Tea Kettle | Electric Grill |
| Computer | Electric Hamburger Cooker |
| Crock-pot/ Slow Cooker | Electric Mixer |
| Curling Iron or Hot Rolling Curlers | Electric Waffle Iron |
| Electric Blanket | Electric Wok |
| Fan | Fondue Pot |
| Food Dehydrator | Food Processor |
| Gaming Console | Grill or Grill Convertible |
| Hair Dryer | Halogen Lamps |
| Heating Pad | Holiday Lights (outdoor) |
| Hot Air Popcorn Popper | Hot Oil Popcorn Popper |
| Indoor Holiday Lights | Hot Pot or Hot Plate |
| Iron with Automatic shut-off | Indoor Grill or Broiler |
| Lava lamps | Outdoor Grill (charcoal or propane) |
| Microwave, 1000 watts or smaller (Allowed in BNB, Campbell, Dobson, Missouri, Randolph, Ryle, and West Campus Suites) | Space Heater |
| Non-halogen Lamps | Sun Lamp |
| Radio | Toaster/ Toaster Oven |
| Razor | Warming Tray |
| Rice Cooker | |
| Small Refrigerator (2' x 3' x 2') | |
| Stereo | |
| Television | |
| VCR/ DVD/ Blue-Ray Player | |
| *If your item is not listed, please consult with your Hall Director/ Graduate Community Director or the Residence Life Central Office | |
| Allowed Only With Permission from Residence Life |
Special Circumstances Needed for Approval |
Additional Usage Fee Required |
|
Air Conditioner** (6,000 BTUs max.) |
Physician’s Certification validating the medical necessity. |
$100 energy use fee due by Aug. 1 ($40 late fee will apply after that date.) |
|
Microwave*** (1,000 watts max.) |
Only permitted when rented as part of a Microfridge unit in Grim, Fair, or Centennial Hall) | $150 rental fee for the Micro-fridge unit for the academic year. |
What Not to Bring
...Please Leave it at home.
To prevent severe electrical overloading of our circuits,
general microwaves and air conditioners are restricted from
campus, unless a student meets certain requirements.
Microwaves are not allowed in the residence halls unless
they are a part of the Microfridge units that may be
reserved through Residence Life. These Microfridge units
divert some energy away from the refrigerator while the
microwave portion is functioning. Personal microwaves
(1,000 watts and smaller) are only allowed in the West Campus Suites, Blanton-Nason-Brewer Hall, Missouri Hall,
Dobson Hall, Ryle Hall and Randolph & Campbell Apartments complexes.
Air Conditioners are also prohibited unless the
student presents a new prescriptive letter every academic
year from a medical family practice physician or
allergist (M.D. or D.O.) certifying the medical necessity of
having an air conditioner in his/her residence hall room or
apartment. The physician’s certification must be provided to
the Disabilities Services Office
before August 1. (After that date, a $40 late fee will be
assessed.) If approved, a $100 energy use fee will be
charged to your student account. Approved air conditioners
must be provided and installed by the student, and may not
exceed 6,000 BTUs. All physician certifications will be
jointly reviewed and approved by the Disability Services
medical staff and Residence Life. Students with unapproved
air conditioners will be charged the $100 energy use fee, a
$40 penalty fee, an unapproved appliance fine (up to
$25/day), and asked to remove the air conditioning unit
immediately. The student may reinstall the a/c unit once
appropriate medical certification is received and approved.
Community kitchens are available in the residence halls to encourage cooking in common areas rather than in individual student rooms. High heat or open coil appliances are not permitted at any time. Students are required to clean up all cooking areas after use, including community kitchen areas. Students leaving the kitchen unclean may be charged a fee equivalent to an hourly rate and cleaning supplies estimated necessary for cleaning the kitchen.
The possession of prohibited appliances or electronics may result in a daily $25 fine per item and possible residential conduct review. Students will be required to move the prohibited appliances off-campus, or to a designated storage area in the hall until they can be permanently removed from campus. The University reserves the right to enter student room for the purpose of inspection, safety concerns, maintenance, or repair. The University further reserves the right to enter an assigned room and to inspect the possessions of the occupants if reasonable cause exists to believe that the student has violated University rules and regulations (including possessing an item which is not allowed), or is in danger. During inspections, some personal items may be moved by staff to fully inspect, disconnect, or unplug items in your room.
Pets
What About Fido and Fluffy?
Unless Fido and Fluffy are fish or small amphibians, please
leave them at home. Students are prohibited from having
crustaceans, reptiles or mammals including turtles, lizards, snakes,
hermit crabs, lobsters, or
other animals. Residents may have fish or small amphibians
in the residence halls or apartments if they are
nonpoisonous and are contained in a tank no larger
than 30 gallons. Residents are expected to take proper care
of the hygiene of the pet and tank maintenance. If
proper hygiene and maintenance is not taken, the student
will be required to remove the pet(s) from the
residence hall or apartment. Service animals may be
permitted with required documentation of need, and only
after joint approval has been granted through Disability
Services and Residence Life. Since students share a
living space with other residents, all approved pets must be
accepted by all roommates.
“$+”
Roommate Relations ↑ Return to Top
What is a Roommate Agreement?
Living with another student is a rewarding but sometimes
challenging experience. Once you arrive on campus (or
anytime you have a new roommate), you should sit down with
your roommate(s) and talk about some of the challenges that
you may face over the next year. The hall staff will provide
the residents of each room with a Roommate Agreement that
will be due back to the hall office in the first few
weeks of school. If problems arise throughout the year, your
Student Advisor will try to work with you and your
roommate(s), and use the Roommate Agreement as part of the
discussion. If one person in the room is violating an agreed
upon point that is listed in the agreement, the SA will work
with the residents to help enforce the items in the
Roommate Agreement. If sections of the contract differ according to
preferences of each roommate, the SA will go with the most
conservative point.
Click here to download and fill out a Roommate Agreement (Adobe 7 Required - Click here to download)
Room Changes
Room, roommate, or building
changes can take place after the second week of regular semester classes
during the Fall and Spring semesters. This waiting period is
necessary so the University can determine which students
have arrived for the semester in order to identify all
available spaces. Students can, however, begin signing up on
the online room change request form,
Roommate
Central, which is available on
the Residence Life website starting the first day of
classes.
When a student fills out a room change
request in Roommate Central, the Hall Director in the hall
they currently live in will be automatically emailed.
The Hall Director will then get in contact with the student
to discuss a possible move. The Hall Director can
assist the student with where possible open rooms are and
whether such a move would be sensible decision for the
student. The Hall Director will assist students in
finding the living situation that works best for each
student. The room change form within Roommate Central
will be available online for the entire academic year.
Consolidation & Room Changes
As vacancies occur in the residence halls throughout the
year, students will receive a consolidation letter giving
them options for that space. If your room
is under capacity (less than maximum capacity in any
room), you will have the following options if there is not a
housing waiting list or other demand for the space:
You may have another student (by mutual agreement) move into
your room.
You may move into another student’s room.
Leave the unoccupied space open which puts that opening on
the list of available spaces for any student that needs to
change rooms. Residence Life reserves the right to
move another student into that space or move you into a
different space if necessary. All residents must be
welcoming of potential roommates. Students who choose
this option will be sent through the Residence Life conduct
system if they verbally, in writing, or otherwise turn away
potential roommates for non-legitimate reasoning.
If occupancy levels permit, you may pay an increased cost
and continue in the same room if there are less people
living in a room than can be assigned to that space. This is
called “buying out” your room to have a Super Single Room.
If you are changing rooms/halls, you must officially check out of your current room/hall and check in to your new room/hall, or face fines for improper checkout. Room moves may only be made with prior approval from your Hall Director. The student is responsible for completing the proper room checkout procedures, and may not move into another room until they are approved. Any questions about the move process should be directed to your Hall Director or the Residence Life Office. Room changes must occur within one week of an option being selected with the Residence Life housing placement staff, or the student may be charged with an improper room change fine. Students moving into a different room type will have their housing charges adjusted to reflect a different room rate (double, multiple, single, super single, apartment, etc.). This new rate is effective on the actual move date, or the approved move date, whichever is earlier.
Housing Renewal/Registration Process
↑ Return to Top
Housing Renewal/Registration for the Fall Semester takes
place during February. During this time you have the option
of returning to your current room/suite or choosing to move
to a new room in your building or across campus; regardless
where you move you will need to find a roommate.
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow residents to sign up
for rooms without a roommate. In an effort to create the
best possible experience for first year students we have a
policy that prevents us from placing upper-class and first
year students as roommates (unless reciprocal requests have
been made). In December, you will be able to find additional
housing renewal information on the Residence Life website at
http://reslife.truman.edu.
Your Housing Contract ↑ Return to Top
Read the fine print
Residents sometimes don’t read their housing contract, or
they misunderstand or misinterpret them. This can result in
forfeiture of deposit, damage charges, termination fees, or
other financial losses. It is very important that you
realize you have signed a legal contract to reside in
a hall or apartment for an academic year, spring
semester, or a complete summer session. The contract
is an agreement between you and the University and is
designed to protect both parties. Contracts issued in
the Fall semester are for the entire academic year. There
are significant penalties for those individuals who choose
to break their contract for non-academic related purposes.
On the housing contract, you must check the meal plan option that you want to have for the Fall semester. The meal plan option may be changed for the Spring semester, but students are NOT allowed to switch plans midsemester after they have selected their option. The housing contract also has a space where you can indicate if you wish to request a Microfridge unit. However, this indication is simply for the Residence Life office to estimate numbers and in no way exempts you from further submitting the Microfridge contract. The $150 rental fee will be added to students’ accounts.
Residence Life Contract
This contract is an agreement between Truman State
University and the individual student for the period
indicated. This agreement entitles the student to the use of
the University’s accommodations as long as the student
remains in compliance with the Terms and Conditions of
Residence specified in the contract and as described in the
Residence Life Handbook and the standards of the
Truman State University Student Conduct Code, and does not
behave in such a way as to jeopardize the maintenance
of a safe, collegial living environment conducive to the
educational mission of the University. Students and their
parents, or guardians, are urged to read this contract
carefully. If the student is under the age of 18, a parent
or guardian must sign the contract along with the student.
The University agrees to provide accommodations under the
conditions of this agreement and as described in the
Residence Life Handbook. By signing the contract, the
student is acknowledging that they are entering into a
legally binding contract
for the period
specified. Breach of the contract will result in the
penalties described in the Terms and Conditions of
Residence. The student also agrees to pay all associated
charges for the room type that is added to his/her student
account. The Housing Contract may not be altered or changed
to amend the terms and conditions of the agreement.
First Year
Residency Requirement:
Because of the value of the residential experience and its
impact on student learning and connections to the
University, all first year students are required to live on
campus. Students who wish to appeal for an exemption may do
so ONLY if they fit the following exemption areas, as listed
in the Student On-Campus Residency Requirement of the
University Housing Contract. (residence
waiver form [pdf])
Minimum Enrollment Requirement:
Undergraduate Students are required to be enrolled and
actively participating in a minimum of 12 credit hours
(graduate students must be enrolled in at least six credit
hours) at the beginning of any given semester in order to
live on campus. Students who drop below the minimum credit
hour requirements may be required to leave campus if they
become disruptive to the community in which they live or if
they are not attending classes.
Checkout Requirement:
Students are required to checkout of their on-campus living
area within 24 hours of their withdrawal date, or within 24
hours of their last final exam. Students who do not comply
with this policy may be charged an improper checkout fee, as
well as daily charges for their housing. Students who do not
comply may also face a conduct hearing.
Terms & Conditions - 2012-13 Housing Contract
Contract Period: A residence hall or apartment contract is binding for
the entire academic year, spring semester or summer session designated on the
application-contract, which is signed on an individual basis by each student and
becomes a contract upon acceptance by the University. Rooms may be occupied and
meals will be served during the periods stated in the University Residence Hall
calendar for the applicable semester or session. The room and board fees do not
cover periods of time when the halls are closed for vacation, and residents may
not live in the halls during such times.
Use of Assigned Room.
The room
assigned to a student is to be occupied by him or her, and a student may not
sublet the assigned room. Rooms are for student residence purposes only, and a
student may not use his or her assigned room for any commercial purposes
whatsoever. Students may not allow another person to live with them who is not
assigned to that room by the University. Students allowing an unassigned person
to live with them will result in disciplinary action and possibly additional
housing charges.
Student On-Campus Residency Requirement.
All first-time freshmen are required to live in campus housing.
Exemptions include students over 21 years of age, married students or students
commuting and living with a parent or legal guardian. Any student violating this
policy is subject to housing charges applied to their account, and possible
suspension from the University. Exemptions forms must be notarized and are legal
documents.
Acceptance of Application.
The
University reserves the right to reject an application for accommodations in the
University residence halls/apartments. If the University accepts an application,
the student will pay all charges for the accommodations assigned at the rate and
times established by the University.
Assignments.
The University shall
have the right and privilege to (a) change a student's room (or roommate)
assignment; (b) require a student to move to a different room; and (c) place
additional students in a student's assigned room. The inability of the
University to grant a student's assignment preference shall not void his or her
application/contract. If a student fails to occupy his or her assigned room on
or before the second day of classes of the applicable period without notifying
the Residence Life Office in writing of a delayed arrival, the tardy student's
room may be assigned to another student. However, a student's delayed arrival
shall not relieve the student from accepting other available accommodations,
which may be assigned to him or her by the University. Students who sign a
housing application/contract and fail to notify Residence Life that they will
not be living on campus will subject to all contract breakage penalties, the
loss of their housing deposit, and prorated room and board charges. The student
may not alter or amend the application-contract.
Application of Deposit.
A student
shall pay the housing deposit at the time of his or her application for housing.
The University will retain it until the end of the application/contract period.
If the student has properly performed his or her duties under the contract,
including proper checkout, and if the student does not have any delinquent debts
to the University at the end of the contract period, a portion will be refunded
to the student shortly thereafter. The remainder of the deposit will be retained
as a processing fee in all cases. If a student is responsible for any unpaid
damages or is delinquent on any debts to the University, the appropriate portion
of the deposit will be applied toward the payment of such damages or debts, and
the balance of the net deposit will be refunded. In the event a student is
responsible for damages or delinquent debts in excess of the deposit, the entire
amount will be applied toward the payment of such damages or debts, and the
student shall be liable for the remaining balance of the damages or debts.
Refund of Deposit.
The refundable portion of the deposit will be returned to a
student upon satisfactory completion of his or her contract without any
delinquent indebtedness to the University. The refundable portion of the deposit
also will be returned to a student upon the following conditions: (a) If the
University does not accept the student's application for housing or (b) If the
student is denied admission to the University for the applicable period. The
refundable portion of the deposit will be refunded to a student who has not
previously attended the University if the student notifies the University in
writing prior to May 1 for fall Semester and October 1 for Spring Semester
enrollment that he or she will not be attending. In all other cases, the
University reserves the right to retain the refundable portion of the deposit as
liquidated damages for breach of contract.
Checkout and Vacation of Room.
Upon termination of his or her contract, a student is
required to complete a prescribed checkout procedure for his or her room in the
presence of a staff member by following the procedures established by the
Residence Life Office. Failure to check out properly will result in one or more
of the following: retention of the refundable portion of the deposit as
liquidated damages, an improper checkout fee, and/or a loss of key fee. In
addition, the resident will be responsible for any additional damages. A student
is required to vacate his or her assigned room by the times established by the
Residence Life Office. Failure to vacate will result in additional charges.
Renewal of Contract. If a student requests the renewal of his or her contract
for a subsequent period, and if the application for renewal is accepted by the
University, then the refundable portion of the deposit for the current contract
will be transferred to the student's credit for the renewal contract. If the
deposit is reduced to less than the refundable portion of the deposit (due to
damages, other debts to the University, etc.) the student shall pay the
necessary amount to restore the deposit to the full balance. In
addition
to the refundable portion of the deposit, the University may require partial
prepayment of room and board fees for the new contract. If the student signs a
new contract and then decides not to live in the residence halls or apartments
for the new contract period, the University shall have the right to retain the
refundable portion of the deposit, the required prepayment amount, and impose a
penalty as damages for break of contract and possible prorated room and board
charges.
Room and Board Fees.
Room and board fees are due on or before the dates stated
in the residence hall/apartment payment schedule for the applicable period. If
the designated amounts are not paid on or before the due dates, the University
may assess an additional fee for each late payment. In addition, the University
may 1) suspend board privileges
during
such periods of delinquency or 2) terminate the contract.
Inspection.
The University reserves the right to enter the assigned
room for the purpose of inspection, safety concerns, and maintenance or repair.
The University further reserves the right to enter the assigned room and to
inspect the possessions of the occupants if
reasonable
cause exists to believe that the student has violated University rules and
regulations. The University reserves the right to remove or move personal
belongings as part of this process.
Fire, Theft or Other Damage.
The University shall not be responsible for the loss of, or
damage to, any personal property of a student from any cause whatsoever. In the
event the
room assigned to a student is destroyed or rendered wholly uninhabitable by the
University and the University does not elect to furnish other accommodations,
the contract shall be terminated as of the date of destruction. In the event of
such termination, any prepaid room and board fees shall be reduced
proportionately. The University recommends that students take out homeowners or
apartment insurance to protect their belongings.
Housekeeping Services.
The
University shall provide housekeeping service in the hallways and other common
areas of the residence halls. Each student shall provide housekeeping services
in his or her assigned room.
Damages. A student is liable for
the cost of any repairs made necessary by the fault or negligence of the student
or by his or her invited guests. The responsible resident shall pay the amount
of damages to University property.
Rules and Regulations. A student shall comply with all rules and regulations for University residence halls and apartments, including but not limited to the rules and regulations contained in the University Residence Life Handbook. Violators of such rules and regulations are subject to disciplinary action and/or termination of contract by the University. Reasons for disciplinary action or termination include, but are not limited to: failure of the student to comply with the terms of this contract or be formally enrolled at the university; involvement of the student in actions or activities detrimental to the health, safety, welfare, or security of self or other residents, or disruptive of the residence hall community. A housing contract may be immediately suspended and the resident required to vacate the premises when circumstances indicate that the resident’s continued presence in the living unit may constitute danger, or threat of danger, to property, the resident, or others in the housing system.
Other Debts to the University.
If
a student permits any debts to the University to become delinquent, the
delinquency may result in the placement of a “hold order” on the student's
records. In addition, the University also may suspend the student's board
privileges or terminate the student's housing contract.
Imposition of Fines and Charges. Fines may be assessed to a student(s) for violation of University or Residence Life Policies and/or the Student Conduct Code. Charges for damage to residence halls, rooms, and any other university property will be assessed to the resident's student account. The signature on the housing contract indicates agreement to pay any fines or charges assessed.
Cancellation by Student prior to first date of contract period for
students returning to the University.
Students
must submit their contract cancellation request in writing to the Office of
Residence Life.
Full Academic Year Contracts (Fall Semester start
date): Cancellations received prior to May 1 will result in a forfeiture
of the housing deposit. Requests for cancellation received May 1 until
June 15, including any contracts signed during that time period, for Fall
Semester will result in forfeiture of the housing deposit and a $150
cancellation fee. Requests for cancellation received after June 15,
including any contracts signed on or after June 15, for the Fall Semester will
result in a loss of the housing deposit and a $250 cancellation fee.
Spring Semester Only Contracts (Spring Semester start date):
Cancellations received prior to November 15 will result in a forfeiture of the
housing deposit. Requests for cancellation November 15 until December 15,
including any contracts signed during that time period, for Spring Semester will
result in forfeiture of the housing deposit and a $150 cancellation fee.
Requests for cancellation after December 15, including any contracts signed on
or after December 15, for the Spring Semester will result in a loss of the
housing deposit and a $250 cancellation fee.
Exceptions:
The student may be granted a release of contract without forfeiture of the
housing deposit or additional fees for reasons of non-enrollment (Non-enrollment
refers only to students who have never enrolled in Truman or
are withdrawn for academic suspension by the University), student
teaching, internship, graduation, study abroad, or marriage. New students
requesting a release from contract for any of these reasons must submit a
written request by August 1 for the Fall Semester and November 15 for the Spring
Semester to the Office of Residence Life. Students who are suspended or
dismissed from the University will not be eligible to receive a refund of their
deposit. Students going on study abroad, internship for which academic
credit is earned, or student teaching must submit a letter from the office or
department that is sponsoring the program stating that the student is enrolled
in the program.
All exceptions not listed in this section or otherwise clarified in the
cancellation policy are at the discretion of the Director of Residence Life or
an agent thereof.
Cancellation by the Student during the contract period:
If the student voluntarily requests cancellations of the Housing Contract during
the period that the contract is in effect or is removed from housing for
disciplinary reasons and remains enrolled in the university, the student shall
forfeit the housing deposit, pay for 100% of room and board rates up to that
period, and 40% of room rate for the remainder of the academic year.
Voluntary release from contract will only be granted if there are extenuating
circumstances beyond the student’s control. The student must submit a
written request to be released from the contract. Release from the
contract can only be granted by the Director of Residence Life or an agent
thereof.
Withdrawal from the University during the Contract
period:
Should the student withdraw from the University
during the contract period, the student will forfeit the housing deposit and be
responsible for all housing and meal charges up to the week of check-out and 40%
room rate for the remainder of the semester.
Should the student withdraw during the final week of the semester or
during the Winter break, the student will be charged a processing fee of $100
and forfeit the housing deposit. The student must check out from the residence
halls within 24 hours of withdrawing from the University or incur fines for
improper check-out and any other residence hall policy violations.
Reservation of Rights. Housing Contracts are for the full academic year. Contracts are binding from the point of signature (electronic or written) in accordance with Missouri state law. All cancellations will be processed according to the University cancellation policies. The University reserves the right to terminate the residence hall or apartment contract of a student. The University reserves the right to make changes in the room and board fees and the University Residence Hall Calendar at any time. The University further reserves the right to make changes in the rules and regulations for University residence halls and colleges at any time. The University will attempt to give advance notice in the case of changes, but it shall not be required to do so.
Housing Appeals or Grievances ↑ Return to Top
Residence Life offers a safe, living-learning environment where students can learn about personal and social responsibility, embrace diversity, develop cultural and aesthetic appreciation, and experience educational and leadership opportunities. To achieve this goal, standards have been designed to promote and maintain an atmosphere conducive to community living. These community standards ensure the health, safety, and co-educational welfare of each resident and the protection of state property. Occasionally, students are charged a fee or penalty to their student account for not upholding the housing contract. These types of fees or penalties can be from contract breakage before the academic year is over, damage fees, improper room moves or check-outs, etc. When a student disagrees with a housing-based fee or penalty that is charged, students are able to submit a written appeal to Residence Life. (For appeals regarding conduct sanctions, please see the Conduct Section of the handbook.) The process for submitting an appeal regarding a housing fee or penalty is as follows:
- Students must submit their appeals with a fully written explanation of their reason for appeal or for their grievance, with supporting documentation to the Residence Life Office (Missouri Hall 1100) within three weeks of the applied charge or grievance occurring. This appeal will be reviewed by the Residence Life Housing Appeals Board (during the academic year) or the Coordinators for Residence Life (during the summer months). Students may be asked to submit additional documentation, if deemed necessary to review the appeal. Students will generally be notified of the appeals decision within three weeks of submitting their appeal to Residence Life.
- This appeal must state the reasons why the student should be exempted from fees charged for their intended purposes or from being held responsible for the policy. The appeal letter must meet two conditions:
- It must cite the basis of the appeal;
- It must provide sufficient and detailed information to support the appeal. (Failure to meet either or both of these conditions will be sufficient cause to deny an appeal.)
- The student can only appeal the decision of the
Coordinators for Residence Life in the following circumstances:
- There is new information, unavailable at the time of the hearing, that is now available, and could materially impact the decision rendered by the Coordinators for Residence Life or his/her designee.
-
“The finding of ‘responsible’ is not supported by substantial evidence.”
In other words, an appeal can argue that the evidence was not
substantial enough to justify a “responsible” finding by the
Coordinators for
Residence Life or his/her designee.
- “The sanction(s) imposed is not proportionate to the severity of the violations(s).” In other words, the appeal can argue that the sanctions were inappropriate when the circumstances of the act and prior record of the student are considered.
Appeals can be submitted in writing to:
Office of Residence Life
100 E. Normal Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501
Continue to ResLife Policies pg 3