Student Handbook

 

General Philosophy

Macalester College believes campus living is integral to a student's educational experience. The purpose of the Residential Life Program is to promote community development and personal growth. In choosing to live on campus, a resident commits to participating in an educational community; a community characterized by respecting the rights of others, accepting personal responsibility and active relationships with others. A community built on mutual respect and responsibility enhances personal and social development thereby adding to the educational experience. Individuals who learn from these opportunities are better equipped to respond to the challenges of living on campus thus becoming effective members of the community.

Community Standards and General Standards of Conduct

Student must not:

1. Deny another student the basic right of community living.
2. Prevent access of residents or guests to the facilities or services of the college.
3. Damage or vandalize college or personal property.
4. Injure or threaten to injure residents or guests or endanger the lives of others. This includes but is not limited to physical assault.
5. Refuse to comply with college officials or deliberately falsify information.
6. Intimidate, harass or haze other students or staff.
7. Violate state or federal laws.

Residential Life Staff

Residential Life staff include the following: Resident Assistants (RA), Community Assistants (CA), Senior Resident Assistants (SRA), Residence Hall Directors (RHD), Operations Manager, and Associate Director of Residential Life. Resident Assistants are upper-class students who live in each community and provide support and advise and work as a resource for students. RAs help maintain community standards by enforcing policies and by providing programs and activities for residents. An RA is on-call in every building/area each night to handle issues or answer questions that may arise. Signs are posted around the buildings informing students how to reach the RA on call. RAs work in First-Year and Sophomore housing. CAs are assigned to the upper-class residence halls and are responsible for creating community building opportunities, as well as serving on call and providing administrative support. SRAs serve as a senior leader on the hall staff as well as builds community for the building. The Residence Hall Director is a full-time, live-in staff professional staff member responsible for the building/area. The RHD supervises the student staff and offers assistance and guidance to residents. The RHDs have their master's degrees in college administration, counseling or a related field or significant residential life experience. The Operations Manager plays a key role in administrative and operational projects of the housing process. The Associate Director of Residential Life and Director of Campus Life are responsible for the overall residential life program.

Residential Life Policies

Residential Life is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the residence halls and community development. The key element of living on campus is the development of communities that enable students to meet their educational and personal goals. In a group living situation, such as a residence hall of college owned residences, guidelines exist to insure the rights and privileges of each individual and to promote a community atmosphere conducive to learning and living. These guidelines and policies serve to protect the rights, health and security of others, as well as to protect the property of the college. Any student who violates these standards is subject to a disciplinary action through the college conduct system. In addition, students who are present when a violation occurs may be complicit and subject to disciplinary action.

Students residing college owned housing are accountable for all policies noted in this handbook. This includes those polices specifically noted in the Residential Living section, as well as other applicable policies, including but not limited to the alcohol and other drug policies.

Community Disruption
Individual or group activities that result in disturbance or distress to others or that cause damage or destruction to property are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to sports activities in the hallways or common areas, amplified musical instruments and quiet hour violations.

Fire Safety
Arson, use of fire, and/or tampering with fire and/or safety equipment is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, alarmed emergency exits and fire doors. Hanging from or hanging anything on sprinkler heads or pipes is not permitted. The burning of candles or incense is not permitted in any college owned residence. Students with religious observance needs not met by this policy should contact their Residence Hall Director. This includes students who identify as pagans who have a need to cleanse their residence hall space. The possession, display or use of firearms, weapons, fireworks, explosives, ammunition or flammable materials is prohibited. Knowingly pulling a fire alarm when no known fire exists is against federal law. Creating situations that endanger the quick evacuation of a room or building (tampering with locks or obstructing an exit) is prohibited. Not evacuating a building during a fire alarm is against college policy. Staff is not responsible for evacuating residents. Students may be fined for not evacuating. No natural vegetation of a combustible nature will be permitted. Christmas trees and evergreen boughs are examples. Students are not permitted to use halogen lights or lamps in any College owned residence.

Guests

1. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests and for informing their guests of all college policies and procedures.
2. Guests are permitted if they do not constitute a problem for roommates or other residents.
3. A guest's stay is limited to three nights per semester. Former Macalester students who are on temporary withdrawal or who have withdrawn from the college are treated as outside guests and are bound by the three nights per semester policy. Overnight guests may not sleep in common areas such as lounges, hallways and laundry rooms.
4. Student who are suspended from the residence halls or removed by the conduct system for any reason are not permitted as guests in any residence hall.
5. Guests are not permitted during times when halls are open to some students outside of the regular academic year, including breaks.

Noise

1. Campus quiet hours are in effect after 10 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. This includes noise within the residence halls as well as outside in courtyards or involving large gatherings of people.
2. Courtesy hours are in effect at all times. Members of the community may be asked at any time to limit the amount of noise they are creating. If noise can be heard in the hallway 2 doors away from the room creating it, the noise is too loud for the residential community.
3. Speakers or other amplified systems must be kept out of windows and not played in a manner that is disturbing to the community at large.
4. During study days and final exam periods, 24-hour quiet hours are in effect in all college-owned halls and dwellings.

Pets

1. Only small, naturally caged (aquarium sized container 10-15 gallons), non-dangerous pets are allowed in college housing.
2. "Small" is defined as less than two pounds in weight.
3. Animals are not allowed to roam freely in public areas. All pets must be kept on the owner's room. The owner will be held accountable for the animal's presence in the community and any damages caused by the animal.
4. All pets must be contained within a cage or tank that prohibits their free movement in the room.
5. Roommates/suitemates must consent to the presence of a pet.
6. All pets must have their current shots and vaccinations, and not pose any health risk.
7. Any strong or unpleasant odor resulting from the pet is not acceptable.
8. All pets must be registered with the Residence Hall Director. Residence Hall Directors have the authority to require the removal of pets if a problem occurs.
9. Pets that are acceptable are: fish, gerbils, hamsters, hedgehogs, and small lizards (i.e. salamanders, chameleons, iguanas).
10. Pets that are not acceptable include but are not limited to: birds, cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, rats, and snakes. These pets are unacceptable due to issues involving noise, size of pet, smell, danger, or considered a pest control problem.

Smoking Policy
In order to maintain compliance with the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, all public campus buildings are smoke-free. This includes all residence hall, apartment, and college-owned houses. No smoking is allowed in any smoke-free area which includes all public space, as well as all residence hall rooms. This policy is in place to provide for the health of all residential students.

Solicitation
Solicitation is not permitted in the residence halls by students, vendors, salespersons , or political campaigners. Solicitation is discouraged by people running for elected office. If a candidate insists on talking to resident students in the residence halls, he or she is welcome to do so only in the public, formal lounges and will be accompanied by a member of the residence life staff. Candidates cannot use the floor lounges. Candidates for elected offices cannot go “door-to-door” in the Residence Hall and solicit on the floors.

Telephone and Voicemail Misuse
It is a crime under both state and federal laws for anyone to make obscene and/or harassing telephone calls. These laws have penalties of imprisonment and/or fines and can result in College disciplinary action. If you receive harassing or obscene phone calls, report it to the residence hall staff immediately. If the call was made to your voicemail, archive the call (press 9 at the end of the message) and report it to the residence hall staff and Security Office immediately.

Use of the voicemail system for general solicitation and/or publicity is prohibited. The Dean of Students must approve all student notices sent by voicemail. Tampering with the voicemail system is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

College Housing Contract

The housing contract is a legal and binding document between full-time, registered students and Macalester College. Contracts are extended to students as single individuals as there is no family or married housing. As a function of the residency requirement or upon request of the student, the college agrees to provide the student with a room in a residence hall, apartment, cottage or campus house that is owned and/or operated by the college. Residential Life has the authority to change the room assignment of any student as the result of space consolidation or concerns related to student behavior within a living space. The contract period extends throughout the academic year. The halls officially close for winter break at the end of first semester in December. They reopen in January for the remainder of the academic year in May. Break housing may be requested and information is provided to students prior to each break. Students are expected to read and understand the content of the contract. Contracts cannot be transferred to another individual.

Any student user of Macalester facilities or services is required to comply with the Campus Security Act and Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000, including registration with appropriate state agencies. Failure to comply with the requirement may jeopardize one's status as a Macalester student. Macalester College reserves the right to cancel the housing contract of a convicted sex offender or any other convicted person, who may be deemed as disruptive to the educational environment of the residence halls. Any questions regarding the contractual agreement should be directed to the Residential Life office.

Check-Out Procedures
Written materials outlining check-out procedures will be given to all students living on campus. Rooms must be thoroughly cleaned and all trash must be placed in containers provided. Students who do not follow the check-out procedures may be held financially accountable through fees and fines. All college owned furniture must be returned to the student's room and reset to its original design. This means that beds must be bunked and/or reassembled correctly. Students are expected to check-out 24 hours after their last final exam. Residents who live internationally, have transportation problems, or have extenuating circumstances should talk to the Residential Life Office to receive permission to stay in the halls past the official closeout. Students who check out of the halls late may incur substantial fees with the minimum fee for an improper check-out starting at $100. Please be aware of your responsibility to manage your time in order to avoid an improper check-out fee. Returning students who refuse to leave the halls at their designated time will risk having their housing contract rescinded for the coming year. Students who choose to become involved in conduct within the last few days of the semester may be asked to leave the halls immediately.

Contract Releases
A housing contract is issued for the entire academic year. The contract is legally binding and may not be sublet by the resident. Releases are given to residents automatically when they take an official temporary withdrawal, a permanent withdrawal, transfer or study abroad. Releases are not given for roommate, community or dining services concerns.

Early Arrival to and Late Departure from the Halls
Students are expected to comply with check-in and check-out dates as published by Residential Life. Only students who receive official authorization from Residential Life may check into their rooms prior to the opening date and time. A department on campus for whom they are working sponsors students who are approved. There will be a charge for those students who arrive early and the student's sponsoring department will be billed. Students who arrive early without authorization will not have access and will be expected to find housing off campus. Students who are on campus early for campus employment or athletics are expected to follow all college and Residential Life policies. Failure to do so may result in their immediate removal from campus. In addition, students are not allowed to have overnight guests during this time. Students who have permission to remain in the halls beyond general official college dates will be expected to check out at designated times. Students who do not comply with designated check-out times may be fined, subject to conduct, or may lose access to the halls and their belongings.

Room Changes
Any student wishing to apply for a room change must first contact his/her residence hall director. In most cases, students are expected to participate in a peer mediation session with a roommate or suitemate in order to be granted a room change or be placed on a waiting list. Students who desire to move to another room other than the one they were assigned to should contact their residence hall director; however, changes are not made before the beginning of the third week of each semester. Residential Life must approve room changes prior to the move of any belongings. If a student moves prior to receiving permission, the student may be required to move back into the original assignment, participate in the conduct process, and faces a possible fine. Room changes are not granted on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or other criteria that may be subjective or discriminatory in nature. Requests that are documented by Winton Health Services and/or Disability Student Services may be given a higher priority.

Room Consolidation
Residential Life reserves the right to assign and reassign students to any open spaces in the residence halls or consolidate students to free up a double room. All students in half-open doubles will have the following options: find a roommate to move into their room or move into another room with a vacancy. If students choose neither option, Residential Life reserves the right to reassign students in order to consolidate spaces. This means that if students are not proactive, they may be reassigned or receive a new roommate. Residential Life reserves the right to utilize this procedure at any time during the academic year with prior notice given to the student when possible.

Housing Options

Macalester offers a variety of housing options from traditional style to suite style. Others live in campus apartments, cottages or houses. Some living arrangements are organized around particular themes while others have special condition areas such as 24-hour quiet and substance free.

College Apartments, Cottages, Houses and Theme Housing
In each of these dwellings, students live together and participate in programs that enhance the essence of the community's mission. They are bound by the college and Residential Life policies. Students living in these dwellings are expected to comply with community guidelines and ordinances related to the City of St. Paul. Additionally, they agree to abide by the following guidelines:

1. The occupants will be held responsible for all College property in the units. Any charges as a result of missing or damaged property will be assessed to the residents.
2. Residential Life must approve checking in or out and all moves to or from or within these units.
3. Persons are prohibited from sleeping in the basements or attics.
4. Waterbeds are prohibited.
5. Residents are responsible for keeping the kitchen and common areas clean. They are also responsible for removing snow from the front door to the sidewalk.
6. Students living in the Veggie Co-op or Hebrew House pay a board fee to the student group for meals. The fee is paid each semester.

Facility Management

Bicycles
Bicycles may be stored outside on college provided racks. Bicycles cannot be left in hallways, stairwells, entry ways or common areas because of fire code regulations. Bicycle riding is not permitted in the residence halls. More bike information at Safety and Security Section 4.

College Furniture
All college furniture that is placed in a room will remain the responsibility of the occupants of that room. Furniture must stay in its original location. The college provides a bed, dresser, desk and desk chair for every room. Some rooms have a lounge chair provided. Students who have lofts are responsible for making sure that the lofts are reassembled correctly at the end of the year. Lofts left unassembled or assembled improperly will result in charges to the student's account. Whenever a student vacates his or her room, all furnishings must be in the room and in the original condition. Residents are not to remove furniture from lounges or public spaces. If lounge furniture and/or any college property belonging in a public area is found in a resident's room, the resident will be given 24 hours to return the item(s) to the appropriate place. If the item(s) is not returned within 24 hours, the student will be referred to the student conduct system.

College Property
Student may not paint or wallpaper room surfaces, remove College-owned furniture from rooms, add permanent fixtures, and/or make any structural changes in the room.

1. Air conditioning units are not permitted in any College-owned property.
2. No open heating element is permitted such as hot plates, broiler ovens, toasters, etc. No major appliances are permitted in the halls including, but not limited to, large refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans, etc.
3. Waterbeds or hot tubs are not permitted.
4. Keys are the property of the College and loaned to students. Students are not permitted to loan, sell, duplicate, or transfer any College key to any person for any reason.

Damages
When students move into college owned housing, a room inventory condition form is filled out. The form indicates the status of the room as the student is moving in and out. Students are expected to fill out the inventory form accurately so they are not charged for items they did not damage. Room damages are recorded on the room inventory form every time a student changes rooms or checks out. Damage costs are outlined on the back of the form. It is expected that students monitor their living environment, especially the areas they use as a community. When damages are found in a common area they are charged to the students living on the floor or in the building, depending upon the situation. Common area damage assessment includes extra cleaning charges caused by student negligence, or destructive or inappropriate behavior. Students found maliciously damaging college property will be taken through the conduct system and may be required to make financial restitution.

Keys
All keys are the property of the college and are loaned to the students for their use while residing in the halls. A resident is not allowed to loan, sell, duplicate, or transfer any housing key to any person for any reason. Students are advised to keep their rooms locked and have their keys with them at all times. Missing keys should be reported to the hall staff immediately upon realizing the problem. Hall staff can issue students a temporary replacement set of keys. If the keys are still missing after three days, the student's lock will automatically be changed and the student will be billed. After a lock change has been recorded the fee is not refundable even if the lost key is found. At the end of the year or when a student checks out of college housing, keys must be returned or else the student's account is billed.

Off campus students wanting an outside door key may request one in Residential Life. They are given a form that they take to the Cashier's office. After they pay $10 to the Cashier, they return the form to Residential Life and receive an outside door key. Students who return the key at the end of the year may receive their money back.

Lock-outs
In the event a student is locked out of his or her room, he or she should contact a hall staff member. The hall staff will issue the student a temporary pass key. Pass keys are distributed for no longer than three days. If a student has not located his or her lost key and/or returned the pass key issued within that time frame, he or she will be charged for a recoring of the lock.

Maintenance and Repair
Physical facilities in need of repair or replacement should be brought to the immediate attention of the hall staff by filling out a maintenance request form. A work order will be completed and sent to the Facilities Management office. Facilities Management personnel will enter the student's room to make repairs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and occasionally on Saturdays. Given the nature of some repairs, staff may need access to a student's room after 4:30 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. Every effort will be made to notify students in advance if this is necessary.

Refrigerators
Residents have the opportunity to rent a small refrigerator unit. Units are rented from a contracted service. Information is proved in the packet mailed to students over the summer. Students are responsible for returning rented refrigerators to the company, regardless of when they leave during the academic year. Students are permitted to bring their own refrigerator provided it is the compact type, has an amperage rating of three amps per hour or less, and is in safe electrical condition. All refrigerators should be connected to the wall outlet or to heavy-type extension cords. For proper ventilation and sanitation, refrigerators should be placed on the ground.

Room Decor
Rooms must be left in the same condition as they were upon arrival. Room damages or decorating violations may be assessed at the resident's expense. Students are encouraged to add their own personal touches to their rooms, subject to the following guidelines.

1. Materials that may create fire or health hazards and/or damage the facilities, such as dartboards, are not allowed. Students will be asked to remove any such materials. Decorative strands of lights are only allowed for the period immediately proceeding the Christmas holiday, or other appropriate holidays where the hanging of such lights is a recognized tradition.
2. Screws are not to be used to attach any items to any surface.
3. Self-adhering cork boards or tile may not be used on any surface.
4. Students are not permitted to paint their rooms. Students who paint their rooms will be subject to the conduct system and may be charged to return the room to the original color.
5. Students are permitted to use tac putty (commonly known as Fun Tac) to hang pictures or posters provided they remove it when they check out of the room. Charges will be assessed for tape removal or any damaged done to walls because of tape or adhesive.
6. Double sided tape or carpet tape should not be used.
7. Objects may not be hung from sprinkler pipes.
8. Hanging or extending anything outside the windows is prohibited.
9. Internal cables may not be spliced and/or run to individual rooms.

Natural evergreen trees, boughs and wreaths are not permitted in the residence halls. Artificial decorations made of plastic or metal may be used. Seasonal lighting must be identified by an Underwriter's Laboratories label or listing (UL). Any perishable items used for decoration must be properly disposed of in a timely manner. Residents must remove all winter seasonal decorations before leaving for winter break.

Storage
Each residence hall has a storage room in which students may store personal items during the academic year. The residence hall staff maintains the storage room and designates hours at the beginning of the semester and at the end of the semester during which items may be placed in or taken out of storage. For storage during the summer:

• students are directed to store their belongings in the hall in which the student will reside in the fall
• students who live in the language houses or are planning on studying abroad, may store their belongings in a designated area
• students living off campus or who are on a leave of absence for the subsequent semester may not use campus storage.
• Items that are not picked-up in the Fall by September 15 will incur a $20 per box fine.  Study-Abroad students must pick-up their items by February 15 or will incur a $20 per box fine.

Other storage information:

• The college and its departments assume no responsibility for personal items lost or damaged.
• Anything left beyond the designated time to claim items at the beginning of the sememster, will be considered abandoned property and will be discarded on May 1.  Students are storing at their own risk and have been made aware of the storage policy.  Residential Life will attempt to contact the student prior to discarding items.
• All items put into storage must have a label on them that states the student's name and other contact information..
• Students are limited to storing five (5) reasonably-sized items, as space is limited.  Study-Abroad storage can accommodate four (4) reasonably-sized items.
• Only the student whose name the items are stored under may retrieve items from storage.
• Items that can be stored include Rubbermaid-type containers, suitcases, boxes that are sealed shut, stackable shelving unit that can be collapsed, defrosted refrigerators and computers in their original boxes.
• Items that cannot be stored include the following: any type of furniture, shelving units, laundry baskets, garbage/trash cans, unboxed bicycles, carpet rolls, lamps and fans.

Vending Machines
Soft drink, washers and dryer, video, and other machines are located in the residence halls. Any machine found to be out-of-order should be reported to the hall staff. The machines are available for the convenience of students. Vandalism of these machines may result in their permanent removal and/or disciplinary action.

Safety & Security

Appliances
The use of hazardous electrical appliances is not allowed in student rooms. Hazardous appliances include any appliance not in good working condition, as well as any appliance with an open heating element such as hot plates, broiler ovens, etc. These appliances may be used in designated kitchen areas only. Rooms are not wired to permit the use of any large electrical appliances, such as large refrigerators. Air conditioners are not allowed in any college dwelling, except if installed by the college. Small refrigerators may be rented from a vendor who is on campus during the early part of each semester.

Elevators
Tampering with elevators can create life threatening situations. Students who ride the tops of elevators or tamper with their functioning or use will be subject to severe disciplinary action.

Firecrackers/Pyrotechnic Devices
All firecrackers, sparklers and all other pyrotechnic devices may not be purchased for use, stored in any campus building or used on any campus property. The following exception may be allowed with pre-approval by the Safety and Security Office: firecrackers, sparklers and other pyrotechnic devices may be purchased by a college purchase order and used on college grounds by approved vendors that are properly licensed by the State of
Minnesota, the City of St. Paul and are fully insured (with proof of insurance submitted to the Safety and Security Office). For more information, please contact the Safety and Security Office.

Firearm/Weapons
Students are not permitted to keep weapons in residential facilities. Macalester students and their guests are not permitted to possess weapons of any kind, including firearms, pistols and guns, large knives or bows and arrows on college property.

Fire Alarm Procedures
If a fire is seen or smoke is present, sound the alarm and call the fire department at 911, then call Campus Security at 6555. If a fire alarm sounds, all residents of the hall must leave the building via the nearest exit. Before leaving, residents should follow these steps:

1. Feel the door before opening it to determine if it is hot. If so, do not open the door. Place a wet towel at the bottom of the door to keep out the smoke.
2. Hang a sheet out the window to attract the attention of fire fighters.
3. If the door is not hot, open it slowly. If there is excessive heat or smoke in the hallway, return to the room and close door.
4. Before leaving the room, put on shoes and a coat, close all windows, turn on the lights and shut the door.
5. Exit by way of the nearest useable stairway or door. Do not linger.
6. Once outside, stand clear of the building. Stay approximately 50 feet from the building.
7. Never use the elevator when evacuating a building.
8. Do not reenter the building unless instructed by safety personnel.

For more specific information, see www.macalester.edu/security/emergencyprocedures/evaculation-map.gif.

Fire Equipment
Tampering with fire prevention equipment creates a severe safety hazard; this includes alarms, exit signs, extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers and automatic door closers. Any resident who tampers with fire equipment will be referred for disciplinary action and/or civil prosecution, which may result in termination of the resident's housing contract or affect the status of the student at the college. The cost incurred for any damage caused by the misuse of fire equipment will be passed along to the student(s) involved. Any fires deliberately set constitute arson and may be grounds for disciplinary action and/or civil proceedings. Creating fake fire alarms is a danger to the residents of the community. Disciplinary action may result from such behavior.

Personal Safety Tips
The college's security program in the residence halls is a partnership between the student and the college. The college has the responsibility for maintaining a reasonably safe environment that includes but is not limited to such things as working door locks, fire alarms and extinguishers, and education and awareness programming on issues of safety. The student has a similar responsibility to be aware of potentially dangerous interpersonal situations, to lock doors, to report strangers and unsafe or damaged equipment. Students are reminded not to let strangers into the buildings. If you encounter a suspicious individual in the hall or on campus, notify the hall staff or the security office immediately.

Safety and security are important issues for students at any college. Macalester College is located in a large metropolitan area. Do not assume that the campus is different from walking in an urban environment. When venturing out, either on or off-campus, it is suggested that you walk with a friend or call an escort. The Escorts can be contacted by calling 6699, or the Security Office at 6555. It is important that individuals take an active role in the safety and security on campus, in the residence halls and in the community. Report all crimes to campus security officials and the St. Paul Police. The Macalester security office will assist in any way possible in reporting crimes, when requested.

Smoke Detectors
Each room is equipped with a smoke detector. It is not to be disconnected at any time for any reason. Students found tampering with smoke detectors will referred to the conduct system. Residents should notify the hall staff immediately if a smoke detector is not working properly. Student should check test their detector once a month.

Theft
Students should lock their rooms at all times especially when away, even for a few minutes. Should a theft occur in a residence hall, report it immediately to your hall staff or to the Security office. The college is not liable for thefts occurring in private rooms. Students are urged to have their own insurance coverage or coverage through their family's policy. Theft insurance coverage information is available in the Residential Life office. Computers, stereos, bicycles and other valuables should be engraved with operation identification numbers or a driver's license number. Law enforcement officials suggest individuals do not use social security numbers for identification purposes. Items of value should also be insured against theft or damage. The college does not cover cost of lost, stolen or damaged personal property.

Vandalism
All residents are responsible for the condition of the common areas on their floors, in the building/area in which they live. Common areas include, but are not limited to, hallways, lounges, laundry rooms, kitchens, elevators, stairwells, and entryways. Damages or stole College property may lead to individuals, a collection of rooms, suites, floors, or residents of a building/area being billed for the repairs.

Windows, Screens, Roofs, Elevators, and Steam Tunnels

1. Screens are not to be unhooked or removed from windows for any reason. Students will be charged for the installation of removed screens.
2. Windows are not to be used as entrances or exits to and from buildings.
3. No structures are to be built out of windows.
4. Items and objects are not to be thrown or poured from windows. Items such as banners or sheets cannot be hung from roofs, windows, or balconies or attached to the exterior of any residential building.
5. Students are not permitted on roofs or fire escapes, building ledges, or overhangs of any College building, College steam tunnel, or scaling the outside of buildings or on top of any elevators.
6. Opening the residence halls windows during cold weather may cause damage to water pipes. Students may be responsible for the costs associated with repairing the damage.

Room Entry and Search

The college holds the student's right to privacy as a high value. The college will abide by the following procedures pursuant to entering or searching college property leased by students with the understanding that this procedure in no way limits bona fide law enforcement officials from lawful search.

Macalester College or its agent shall have the right to enter a student's dwelling unit under the following stipulations and understandings. The college, in turn, agrees not to enter or allow anyone under their charge to enter the room in cases other than those mentioned below.

1. To make necessary repairs or maintenance at any time between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise arranged by the student at a time convenient to both the college and the student.
2. In emergency circumstances when imminent danger to life, health, safety or property is reasonably feared or where emergency entrance is permitted by law.
3. In circumstances when it is believed that a violation(s) of Residential Life and college policy are taking place.
4. The college will make a general check of all rooms during scheduled breaks. This will take place in the halls and all college-owned dwellings closed over the breaks by hall staff.

Illegal materials or items in plain view may be addressed with the resident(s) of the room if they are noticed in the course of room maintenance, room inspections or in response to violation of college or Residential Life policy. Disciplinary action may be taken.

In all cases involving suspected violation of college regulations, rooms will be entered by at least two persons, one of whom will be a residence hall director. The student, if present, will be asked to open drawers, luggage, closets, etc. If the student chooses not to assist in this manner, authorized college representatives will carry out the search. Students will be given a receipt for all belongings removed. These belongings will be returned after disposition of the case by appropriate college or civil authorities when it is lawful to do so. If students believe that their room or other leased property has been unlawfully entered, they may seek redress before the campus Judicial Forum.

Severe Weather

Students should become familiar with the residence hall severe weather procedures. Each hall has a designated safe location for severe weather alerts and alarms. It is recommended that person stay indoors, in lower level or internal rooms without windows. Residents must follow the directives of the hall or Security staff for their personal safety.

College-Wide Policies

The policies noted above are specific to residents of College owned housing. Other policies noted in this manual also apply to students living in college owned housing.