Safety Guidelines and Residential Life Policies
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, toasters, 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. Students are not permitted to cook in their rooms as kitchenettes are provided in each residence hall.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Firearms and Firearm Storage
Employees and students are not permitted to possess firearms or other weapons on campus. Visitors with valid permits to carry firearms are permitted to possess firearms on campus subject to College policies. One important policy says that visitors are not permitted to bring firearms or other weapons into the residence halls at any time. The only exceptions include Police officers, law enforcement personnel, or members of the military who may enter Macalester's buildings and/or grounds while on duty. The College does not provide storage for any such weapons. Individuals found in violation of this policy may face disciplinary action under the College's academic and employment policies and they may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
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Fire Alarm Procedures
If a fire is seen or smoke is present, sound the alarm and call the fire department at 911, then call Security at x6555. 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 towel at the bottom of the door to keep out the smoke. Hang a sheet out the window to attract the attention of fire fighters.
2. 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 the door.
3. Before leaving the room, put on shoes and a coat, close all windows, turn on the lights, and shut the door.
4. Exit by way of the nearest, useable stairway or door. Do not linger.
5. Once outside, stand clear of the building. Stay approximately 50 feet from the building.
6. Never use the elevator when evacuating a building.
7. Do not re-enter the building unless instructed by safety personnel.
For more specific information, see www.macalester.edu/security/emergency-procedures/evacuation-map.html.
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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 the 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.
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Lock-outs
In the event a student is locked out of his or her room, he or she should contact a hall staff member via the contact information on their hall office’s door. 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.
If Residential Life staff are unavailable during the day, students may contact Security to have an officer let them into their rooms. Residential Life staff are on-duty 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. during the evenings and contact information may be found on their hall offices’ door.
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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 an on-line 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. If it is an issue that needs immediate repair and it is after-hours or on the weekends, students should contact a Residential Life staff member.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 or three weeks before the end of the 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 Health Services and/or Disability Services may be given a higher priority.
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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 8:00 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 or College policy are taking place.
4. The College will make a general check of all rooms during scheduled vacations. 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 the 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 the 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 see redress before the campus Judicial Forum.
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Severe Weather
Students should become familiar with the residence hall evacuation procedures. Each hall has a designated safe location for severe weather. Residents should follow the directives of the hall staff for their personal safety.
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Smoke Detectors
Each room is equipped with a smoke detector. It is not to be disconnected at any time for any reason. It is not to be covered at any time for any reason. Students found tampering with smoke detectors will go through the conduct system. Residents should notify the hall staff immediately if a smoke detector is not working properly.
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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.
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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.
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Vending Machines
Soft drink and snack vending machines are located in the residence halls. Any machine found to be out-of-order should be reported to Midwest Vending, (952) 707-1990. The machines are available for the convenience of students.
Washers and Dryers are located in the laundry rooms of the halls. Problems with these machines should be reported directly to Coinmach (http://www.coinmach.com/). If the card swipe system is not functioning it should be reported to Card Services, (651) – 696 – 6104.
Vandalism of these machines may result in their permanent removal and/or disciplinary action.
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