The following policies explain what the University will do in case of emergency, how students can protect themselves, and what the consequences may be for infringing on another's safety.
Arson and Aggravated Arson
The penalties for committing arson (Arson (720 ILCS 5/20 -1) ) and/or aggravated arson (Aggravated Arson (720 ILCS 5/20 -1.1) ) are severe. The Student Code Enforcement and Review Board recommends suspension from the University for persons engaged in such activities. In addition, the University Police Department may pursue criminal charges which could lead to a term of 3-30 years imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
University Housing Services is committed to preventing disruptive behavior such as this. The staff will work to identify any person(s) responsible for such a disruption should it occur. All students with information which can assist in this endeavor are encouraged to contact a residence hall staff member or the Illinois State University Police Department. If and when necessary, a reward may be offered to the person(s) with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person. Information about a reward being offered will be posted in the residence halls.
Note: Staff members are not eligible to receive rewards as it is the responsibility of all staff members to report information about incidents.
Bomb Threat
The penalties for such a transmission are severe. The Student Code Enforcement and Review Board has decided that the recommended sanction for such an action should be suspension from the University. University Housing Services reserves the right to immediately remove anyone found violating this policy from the residence halls.
In addition, the ISU Police Department will pursue criminal charges which could lead to a one-year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
University Housing Services is committed to preventing disruptive behavior such as this. The staff will work to identify any person(s) responsible for such a disruption should it occur. All students with information which can assist in this endeavor are encouraged to contact a residence hall staff member or the ISU Police Department. If and when necessary, a reward may be offered to the person(s) with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person. Information about a reward being offered will be posted in the residence halls.
Note: Staff members are not eligible to receive rewards as it is the responsibility of all staff members to report information about incidents.
Emergency Equipment
Tampering with, damaging, or inhibiting the use of emergency equipment in any residence hall is expressly prohibited. Residents may not use emergency equipment for any purpose other than emergency use. This includes fire extinguishers, heat and smoke detectors, fire hoses or water lines, public address systems, fire doors, exit lights or panels, or any other emergency equipment.
Violations of this policy are considered serious and may result in severe consequences. Individuals violating this policy may be billed for any repair costs and/or face criminal charges.
Escort and Visitation
Several of the halls and/or floors have restrictions on male/female entry and visitation in specified areas. Please note the following guidelines:
- In MADISON, HEWETT and WALKER Halls, all male visitors must be ESCORTED at all times by a female.
- Suites 5A VAN BUREN and 5A and 5B Madison have restricted visitation. Members of the opposite sex are only permitted to visit between noon and midnight, seven days a week. No overnight guests of the opposite sex are allowed at any time.
- ALL guests must comply with the established guidelines of the residence hall. Therefore it is incumbent upon the hosting resident to ensure that each of their guests have a thorough understanding of university policies prior to their arrival to campus.
Residents must understand that "visitations" are a privilege and that they do not take precedent over a roommate's right to study, sleep and have privacy.
Fire Alarms
Residents and their guests must evacuate the building in accordance with the building's fire evacuation plan any time a fire alarm sounds (failure to abide by this directive will result in disciplinary sanctions). The penalties for setting off a false fire alarm are severe. The Student Code Enforcement and Review Board has decided that the recommended sanction for such action should be suspension from the University. University Housing Services reserves the right to immediately remove anyone found setting off false fire alarms from the residence halls. In addition, the ISU Police Department will pursue criminal charges which could lead to a one-year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. University Housing Services is committed to preventing disruptive behavior such as this. The staff will work to identify any person(s) responsible for such a disruption should it occur. All students with information which can assist in this endeavor are encouraged to contact a residence hall staff member or the ISU Police Department. If and when necessary, a reward may be offered to the person(s) with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person. Information about a reward being offered will be posted in the residence halls.
Note: Staff members are not eligible to receive rewards as it is the responsibility of all staff members to report information about incidents.
If you see fire or smoke in or near your room, immediately call 911 on your campus phone. When the Fire Department answers, give them your name, the name of your building, the floor number or area of the building, and what you see. If the fire is in your room, leave your room immediately and close the door. Pull the nearest fire alarm at the first opportunity and alert other occupants of your floor or suite.
Residents and their guests must evacuate the building in accordance with the building's fire evacuation plan ANY TIME a fire alarm sounds. Failure to do so will result in a referral to Student Dispute Resolution Services and/or possible criminal prosecution.
DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. If you are in your room and the fire alarm sounds for evacuation, first check your door. If your door is warm or hot to the touch DO NOT OPEN IT. If the hallway is filled with smoke and/or flames, stay in your room with your door closed. Seal spaces around your door with towels or sheets to keep smoke from entering your room. If smoke does enter your room, open one window slightly. Hang something noticeable out of your window such as a towel or sheet. Under these conditions only, the screen may be removed to indicate your location to the Fire Department personnel. If you cannot open a window, or if you are in a room with no windows, remain close to the floor. The best breathing air will be 18 inches above the floor. Never break out a window unless it is absolutely necessary for your survival.
It is the Resident Assistant's responsibility to inform you of these procedures at the first floor meeting and to answer any questions you may have about evacuating the building. It is not their responsibility to knock on doors and ensure that everyone is off the floor. They are instructed to assist the fire department with crowd control and other duties as assigned. Should you have any questions, seek out a member of the hall staff immediately.
In the event that a student with a disability is not able to follow standard evacuation procedures, he/she should contact the Residence Hall Coordinator or obtain a Request for Evacuation Assistance Form. Instructions regarding evacuation procedures will be provided to the residents who complete this form.
Students with temporary disabilities, i.e., broken leg, sprains, recovering from surgeries, whose mobility will be limited for a period of time, should contact the Residence Hall Coordinator and complete a Request for Evacuation Assistance Form. Instructions regarding evacuation procedures will be provided to the residents who complete this form.
Fireworks
The possession and/or use of fireworks is prohibited in residence halls. THE UNIVERSITY ASSUMES THAT POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS IMPLIES INTENT TO USE THEM. The use of fireworks is dangerous and constitutes a serious fire hazard. Consequently, the penalties for possession and/or use of fireworks may be severe. The University Police may seek criminal charges against individuals violating this policy which could lead to a $1000 fine.
Based on the recommendation from ARH, individuals violating this policy are subject to relocation to another residence hall, cancellation of their residence hall contract and/or suspension from the University. The Student Code Enforcement and Review Board determines student suspensions.
University Housing Services is committed to preventing disruptive behavior such as this. The staff will work to identify any person(s) responsible for such a disruption should it occur. All students with information which can assist in this endeavor are encouraged to contact a residence hall staff member or the ISU Police Department. If and when necessary, a reward may be offered to the person(s) with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person. Information about a reward being offered will be posted in the residence halls.
Note: Staff members are not eligible to receive rewards as it is the responsibility of all staff members to report information about incidents.
If you are sick or hurt and need help, contact any of the following for assistance:
- Any University Housing staff member
- Your residence hall reception desk
- Student Health Service (8-8655)
- The University Police Department (8-8631)
- The Rescue Squad (911).
Tornado Procedure
Tornado watches and warnings for the general area are issued on all local radio and television stations. Specific watches and warnings for the campus are issued by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety over direct radio link to each residence hall and campus building. In the event that you become concerned about the possibility of a tornado or severe storm, you and other residents may move through the stairwells to the basement areas of any residence hall or campus building.
Should a specific tornado warning for the campus be issued, hall staff will inform residents of the situation and give evacuation instructions through the public address system. Students may hear the three short blasts signal which indicates severe weather conditions followed by a PA announcement with instructions. Residents are expected to follow the instructions, staying away from the top floors of the building. If the emergency is immediate, residents should move to a core area of the building that has close, supporting walls and no exterior windows or glass. In addition to the tornado warning issued by Office of Environmental Health and Safety, the whistle on the University Heating Plant and the sirens in Bloomington-Normal will sound.
SPECIAL NOTE: A tornado warning may be issued by other agencies for other areas of the state or county, but a tornado warning directly affecting the University will only be issued by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Students with disabilities will receive procedures for tornado emergencies from the Disability Concerns Office.
*For specific information on fire and tornado procedures in your hall, contact your RA or Professional Staff member.
Harassment Policy
Illinois State University is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era in all programs, activities, and employment practices for students and employees.
University Housing Services (UHS) and Illinois State University neither condone nor accept harassment, discrimination and/or suppression of any person or group of any kind and will investigate all allegations of harassment. Should University Housing Services have evidence that an individual has harassed another student or group of students in the residence halls, the harasser may be relocated or removed completely from all residence halls at the discretion of UHS staff and the case will be referred to the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action and Community Rights and Responsibilities (Dean of Students' Office) as necessary.
Harassment can be:
- Verbal, nonverbal, or physical
- Exclusion based upon personal or group differences
- Intimidation or humiliation based on personal or group differences
- Abusive language, threats, or similar acts of bigotry, racism, sexism, or discrimination
- Jokes, comments, gossip or graffiti that perpetuate personal or group myths, fallacies, prejudices, or stereotypes
- Any subtle or direct references based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or religion which demean, exclude, intimidate, or adversely effect an individual(s)
- Unsolicited e-mail or telephone calls containing abusive language and/or threats which cause discomfort or are derogatory or sexual in nature
- Unsolicited, deliberate or repeated sexually derogatory statements, gestures or physical contact which are objectionable to the recipient and which cause discomfort or humiliation pressure from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex
- Unwelcome sexual behavior or words including demands for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual's educational or employment status
- Conduct that is criminal in nature such as rape, sexual assault, stalking, and similar offenses
Telephone Harassment
Annoying, harassing and threatening telephone calls are punishable under state law. If you receive such calls, hang up immediately. If they persist, contact a residence hall staff member . She/he will set up a conference with you and the University Police. When the necessary forms are signed, it will be possible to use tracing equipment to determine the person responsible. You may also contact the University Police directly.
Reporting of Harassment
Those individuals who feel that they have, in any way, been harassed or witnessed another individual/group being harassed should promptly contact the Office for Diversity and Affirmative Action (Hovey 401) at 438-3383 and/or the University Police Department at 438- 8631 to investigate the possibility of criminal and/or other prosecution. Housing staff may assist an individual in contacting these departments. In accordance with the University student Code of Conduct, referrals will be made to Community Rights and Responsibilities (Dean of Students' Office) as necessary.
Please review the ISU Student Handbook for a thorough description of the University's Harassment Policy and the details for the procedures for reporting harassment.
Consequences
Those individuals found in violation of this policy by Community Rights and Responsibilities will face a variety of sanctions. These sanctions may include but are not limited to the following:
- Technical violation
- Censure
- Disciplinary Probation
- Disciplinary Suspension of the individual from the University
- Disciplinary Dismissal of the individual from the University
- Financial restitution for damages caused as a result of vandalism, graffiti, and other forms of physical harassment
- Participation in educational and/or community service programs may also be required
Sexual Assault Policy
Illinois State University and University Housing Services are committed to maintaining a comfortable learning environment for the continued intellectual and social development of its students. Survivors of sexual assault will be provided an array of services to support continued progress on academic and career goals. Student victims/survivors of sexual assault may request assistance in changing their room assignment if they live in the hall or area of campus of the perpetrator. Upon request, residence hall staff will review available options with the student and coordinate a room change if such changes are reasonable and available.Additional Information
For additional information, contact your Residence Hall Coordinator, University Housing Services, Community Rights and Responsibilities (Dean of Students' Office), the Illinois State University Police Department and/or the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action.
Limited Access Policy
The outside doors to all residence halls are locked and monitored each night by Night Managers. Doors are locked from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., seven days a week. During these times, residents must show proof of residence in the hall they are entering and their guests must be registered with the Night Manager staff.
Keys and Identification
During limited access hours, residents must show their validated University identification card (ID) and their room key. In Watterson, residents must show two keys; one to their room and one to their suite or hall access door, as well as their ID. Hall staff have the right to ask anyone (resident or guest) entering the lobby and/or already in the hall to show proof of identification. Since the University requires possession of the ID card at all times and the residence hall key(s) establishes residence in a particular hall, these items have been selected as acceptable proof of identification. Residents who are not in possession of their key(s) and ID when entering the building after limited access hours begin will be cited for violating the Limited Access policy and must verify their residence to gain entry to the building. All individuals who do not reside in the hall in which entry is desired must follow the guidelines outlined in the "Guest Registration" section below.
Guest Registration
All guests must be registered by their host during limited access hours (12 a.m. to 6 a.m., seven days a week). If a guest arrives before the designated time of limited access, the hosting resident must ensure that the guest is registered prior to the beginning of limited access hours.
At the time of registration, all guests 16 years of age and older must present two valid forms of identification, one of which must contain a picture, and be State issued. The host must also leave a State issued photo ID upon registering a guest. Please Note: Night Managers may not KEEP any ID of monetary value (i.e., credit cards, military ID, school ID, etc.) The following are acceptable forms of identification that can be used to gain entry.
Acceptable Picture IDMust be State Issued
This will be held by Night Operations |
Acceptable Second Forms of ID
**These IDs have monetary value and may not be kept by Night Manager staff. |
Hosting residents are expected to escort their guests to the lobby in order to ensure the safe return of both identification cards. A host may not have more than three guests registered at any one time. A resident may not register another resident from the same hall as a guest. Residents are expected to abide by the Key and Identification policy.
Hosting residents are required to remind their guests to be in possession of the guest registration slip and a second form of identification at all times while in the residence hall.
Guests may not be registered for more than three consecutive nights in a residence hall, nor may they stay for three consecutive nights more than once a month in a residence hall.
The resident is required to register his/her guests each night of their stay and must be issued a registration slip dated for each night of their stay.
Responsibility for Guest Behavior
A guest is defined as a person who is a non-resident of a particular residence hall. Hosting residents are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s) at all times and as such, should ensure that their guest(s) is (are) informed about residence hall policies prior to their arrival to campus.
The host is also required to escort their guests at all times when the guest is not in the host's room.
Guests who are students of Illinois State University share responsibility for their behavior with their host. Guests who are not students of Illinois State University may be required to leave University premises and could be subject to criminal prosecution for violations of University policy.
Sign-out Procedure
The hall staff will return the identification of the resident and his/her guest upon request, providing the following guidelines are met:
- The resident and guest must come down TOGETHER to retrieve their ID.
- The guest must present his/her guest registration slip. The guest may be asked to produce the second ID used when initially signing in.
- The resident and guest must sign the registration form upon receipt of their identification. IDs left at the desk past the Limited Access duty date will be taken to the Atkin-Colby Front Desk. IDs left at the Atkin-Colby desk past the specified time will be returned to the issuing agency. The host will be financially responsible for the cost of the postage for each ID.
Room Inspection, Entry and Search
The University reserves a reasonable right of entry into your room to assure proper maintenance and repair, to provide for the health and safety of all residents, and/or to investigate when there is a reason to believe that violation of a statute, residence hall policy or University regulation is occurring within your room. In cases where students are not present at the time of entry, staff will not search through personal belongings but will refer any policy violation that is in plain sight to the disciplinary process. Staff members do not inspect each room when the building is evacuated because of fire.
Hall staff will enter your room after closing the building for Thanksgiving, Semester Break, and Spring Break. The reason for checking each room is to ensure that room windows are secured in case of inclement weather, electrical outlets are unplugged in the event of a power surge, and that trash is emptied to avoid pest problems. Should a staff member notice additional policy violations, you will be referred to Community Rights and Responsibilities (Dean of Students' Office). A closing newsletter will be provided for each room to assist you with closing preparations. See a member of the hall staff should you have any questions.
Room Occupancy Limits
No individual or group of individuals may position themselves or any object so that free movement to an exit is restricted or blocked. Therefore, gatherings of parties in student rooms, lounges or other public residence hall areas are permitted only under the following limits: THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS PERMITTED TO ASSEMBLE IN A STUDENT ROOM IS DETERMINED BY THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THAT AREA. According to local fire and safety codes, the formula requires 15 square feet per person in a room or area with furniture. Using the formula on this page, the following room occupancy limits have been determined.
| Residence Hall Room Capacity | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | Doubles | Triples | ||
| Central Campus | ||||
| Dunn-Barton | 8 |
11 |
17 |
|
| Walker | N/A |
11 |
19 |
|
| East Campus | ||||
| Manchester | 8 |
11 |
N/A |
|
| Hewett | 8 |
11 |
N/A |
|
| South Campus | ||||
| Atkin-Colby | 5 |
10 |
N/A |
|
| Hamilton-Whitten | 6 |
11 |
N/A |
|
| Watterson Towers | 6 |
13 |
20 |
|
| West Campus | 8 |
11 |
N/A |
|
Floor Lounge Capacity |
|
|---|---|
| Haynie-Wilkins-Wright | |
| Total Square Footage | 387 Square Feet |
| Capacity Without Furniture | 55 Persons |
| Capacity With Furniture | 26 Persons |
| Hewett-Manchester | |
| Total Square Footage | 413 Square Feet |
| Capacity Without Furniture | 59 Persons |
| Capacity With Furniture | 28 Persons |
| Watterson Suite Lounges** |
|
| Total Square Footage | 300 Square Feet |
| Capacity Without Furniture | 43 Persons |
| Capacity With Furniture | 20 Persons |
**Because the Watterson residents' rooms exit through the suite lounges, any suite occupancy must take into account the total number of residents who could be present. This means that the total number of residents living in a suite must be deducted from the occupancy load. For example, the suite occupancy limit with furniture is 20 people and the total number of residents that could possibly live in that suite is 12, then only eight additional people could be present without violating the established limits.
Room Window Policy
Residents MAY NOT REMOVE the screens from their room window or other residence hall window(s) at any time. Residents are not allowed to stand upon any structure(s) in front of any window (example: heating units, crates, books and so on). Residents are instructed not to lean against any window within the residence halls.
In order to protect those individuals who may be walking outside the residence halls, no objects of any type may be thrown, dropped, pushed out of, placed outside of, or allowed to fall from any residence hall window.
Due to the seriousness of this matter, University Housing Services will hold the resident(s) of the room in which a violation of this policy has occurred responsible and will fine the resident(s) $200 for each violation (i.e., $200 for screen removal and $200 for objects being thrown out of the window if the resident(s) are in violation of both.) Window stickers outlining these fines are posted on every residence hall room window. REMOVING, DEFACING, OR DAMAGING THESE WINDOW STICKERS OR DAMAGING OR REMOVING WINDOW SCREENS IS PROHIBITED. Any damage to windows, screens, cranks and/or the surrounding areas should be reported to a residence hall staff member immediately so that repairs can be made. Additionally, due to safety reasons and the significant amount of damage done to residence hall windows, University Housing Services prohibits posting of any materials on either side of residence hall windows. Signs, posters, decorations, etc. may be posted in student rooms but must be done in a manner which in no way hinders exit or view through the window should emergency evacuation through the window be necessary.
Weapons Policy
In accordance with Illinois State Law, the possession and/or use of a weapon, as classified by the State of Illinois, is prohibited on any University property or at any University function. Therefore, these items categorized as weapons, as well as any facsimile, knife (with a blade longer than three inches), explosive devices, or instruments used to stimulate a weapon, are prohibited within the residence halls. Consequently, the penalties for possession and/or use may be severe.
University Housing Services, with the support of the Association of Residence Halls, has recommended that individuals violating this policy be subject to relocation to another residence hall, cancellation of their residence hall contract, and/or suspension from the University. The Student code enforcement and Review Board determines student suspension.
In addition, the ISU Police department, may pursue criminal chargers which could lead up to a $10,000 fine and/or 2-5 years imprisonment.
If anyone has information about any individual possessing and/or using weapons within the residence halls, Residence Hall Staff and the ISU Police department should be contacted immediately.