fall 2014 off-campus housing document
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Check-In: 8/21/14 ~ 8/24/14 Times: 8am – 8pm only
WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY | U.M.E.S.
OFF-CAMPUS
HOUSING
OFFICE
ARDEN’S RUN & TALONS
SQUARE NORTH
IMPORTANT SEMESTER INFO
Office of Residence Life
Greetings and Salutations Hawks!
Welcome to your new home away from home! I am Mr. Rhett R. Burden, your Area Director/Counselor for the Off -Campus Housing Communities, Arden’s Run and Talons Square North.
My staff and I are truly excited that you have decided to reside with us in either Arden’s Run or Talons Square North. I welcome you as a new comer or back to the community in which we all take great pride. Residing with us will without a doubt enhance your college experience.
You will make life‐long friends, enjoy opportunities to learn outside of the classroom and gain the life skills needed to eventually live on your own. You are part of the largest housing communities at UMES!
With 400 plus, students living within the two (2) communities, this spring will
definitely be an exciting time for you. Our beautiful communities includes: a picnic area, a volleyball court, grills and
a car wash. Each apartment includes amenities such as washers and dryer, dish washer, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, single furnished bedrooms, cable and high speed internet.
To enhance your experience, we have five (5) Student Directors who conduct social/educational programs, room and suite inspection and area security. They also are trained specialist in minor dispute resolution.
Our housing office, which is located in Talons Square North, is open daily to
assist with any problems or concerns you may have.
Our Residence Life staff looks forward to assisting you with all aspects of transition to campus life! We can be reached by phone at 410-621-0497 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) or you may reach me anytime by email at [email protected] . Once again, I am excited about the coming academic year and hope you share my enthusiasm!
Rhett R. Burden
Area Director/Counselor Office of Residence Life
Office Campus Housing- Arden’s Run/Talons Square North
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING GENERAL INFORMATION
Important Numbers:
Office of Residence Life: 410-651-6144
Off Campus Office Number: 410-621-0498
Area Director Office Number: 410-621-0497
Campus Police: 410-651-6590 or 410-651-3300
Maintenance Concerns:
Please be sure to contact your Student Director
directly or Call the Off-Campus Office for ALL
MAINTENACE CONCERNS.
*Please keep in mind that all issues will be
addressed as soon as staffing, supplies &
equipment becomes available*
Student Director Information:
Arden’s Run Staff
Sierra Ragsdale-Miller: D-Building, Room-204 E
Jered Brown: E-Building, Room- 104 E
Naomi Glenn: H-Building, Room-204 E
Talons Square North
Mengie Muluh: Building 30511, Room-4302
Juan Harrison: Building 30519, Room-1204
Office of Residence Life
Arden’s Run and Talons North: Standard of Living Document
The following policies and procedures are designed to protect the right to privacy, to promote
an atmosphere conducive to living and learning, to protect personal property and to respect the
needs of each individual.
Should a resident or his/her guest choose not to comply with these regulations; monetary fines,
relocation and/or judicial action may follow.
All policies and procedures outlined herein apply to residents living in any facility under the
management of the Office of Residence Life.
A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Students living or visiting any off-campus facility are expected to abide by the rules, regulation,
and standards of the campus.
Residents must also comply with the terms and conditions of occupancy as stated in the
housing agreement.
Any behaviors deemed as disruptive to sleeping or studying are prohibited.
B. PERSONAL PROPERTY
The Office of Residence Life assumes no liability for the loss or damage, from any cause, to
students’ personal property. It is suggested that students contact an insurance agent regarding
insuring personal property.
C. COOPERATION
Students must follow oral or written instructions regarding University regulations as given by
authorized representatives of the University including all members of the off-campus housing
staff.
Failure to cooperate with staff members acting in accordance with their duties is prohibited.
D. ENTRY INTO STUDENT ROOMS BY HOUSING OFFICIALS
Residential Services reserves the right to grant staff members or authorized agent’s permission
to enter student rooms for the purpose of assessing and repairing the physical facilities and to
ensure the maintenance of appropriate health and safety standards, which may include policy
violations.
E. SOLICITATION/SQUATTING
Solicitation in the buildings or on the grounds is prohibited.
Students/student organizations may not use the rooms or permit rooms to be used, for any
commercial or non-university purposes whatsoever.
Any person found soliciting/squatting in the off-campus facilities is subject to arrest and judicial
sanctions.
F. PETS
Absolutely no pets are allowed in any residential community. Residents found maintaining pets
are subject to a $500 fine and possible eviction. Pets will be removed by the University, or its
representative and not returned to the owner until a parent or Humane Society Officer removes
the pet from the premises. If no cooperation can be obtained from either, a suitable home for the
animal will be located off campus or the pet will be released in the wild. Cages will not be
returned.
G. OFFENSIVE AND OBNOXIOUS ODORS
Residents are to control the environment and use of substances in their room so those odors,
which are offensive to others, do not emanate from that room. Such substances may include
incense, heavy perfumes, deodorant room scents or other substances that create odors that may
be difficult to confine to one particular room.
H. LOUD MUSIC AND NOISE
Courtesy hours are in effect at all times and are defined as times during which students are to
consider the impact of their music, noise, etc. on other members of the community. Students are
expected to act in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with individual and/or group
rights.
Sound equipment, including radios, stereos, amplifiers, etc. must be operated with
consideration of others.
I. ACTS OF INTOLERANCE, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT
Acts of intolerance, physical violence and/or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
Disciplinary action will result from any such incident.
J. GUEST POLICY
It is important to note that a suite is a private space that should be shared equally by all
roommates.
As a responsible roommate, it is not appropriate to engage in any activity that would deny your
roommate access to the room, or make them feel uncomfortable while in the room. When one
roommate has a friend or friends visiting, it should always be with the consent of the other
roommate(s). Students may have overnight guests in their rooms with all roommates’
permission.
In addition, no student is permitted to have an overnight guest.
It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the host to explain all University policies and to
be held accountable for the actions of his/her guest.
If you leave your room or guest unattended, you can also be held responsible for the guest’s
activities.
K. ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
The Office of Residence Life prohibits the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit
drugs and alcohol on its property and/or as part of its activities.
All resident students are expected to abide by these laws with regard to the possession, use or
sale of alcohol and other drugs.
It is a criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail and $2000 fine, for any person to
furnish any alcoholic beverage to a person less than 21 years.
More specifically, the policies are as follows:
1. Students under the age of 21 cannot possess, consume, transport, be served alcohol, or be in
the presence of alcohol. (Including empty bottles or cans, even as a decoration).
2. It is a violation to possess or consume alcohol in the common areas of the facility.
3. Students may not provide alcohol to minors.
4. Alcohol (or empty alcohol bottles/cans) should not be displayed in windows.
5. Students may not possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs or possess drug-related
paraphernalia.
L. FIRE SAFETY POLICIES
Fire Alarms: All students are required to follow fire evacuation procedures. Failure to evacuate
during a fire alarm is a violation of Maryland state law and UMES policy and will result in
disciplinary action. Residential Services/Physical Plant Services conducts fire drills twice a year.
Student cooperation and support is essential during all fire drills.
Fire-Fighting Equipment: Any tampering with the fire alarms or fire-fighting equipment is
prohibited. This includes alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, heat and smoke detectors and
sprinkler systems. All safety and fire equipment in the room/apartment (smoke and heat detectors,
sprinklers and water pipes) must be kept clear of obstruction.
General Fire Safety: Due to the threat of safety causes by falling ashes, the use of incense is
prohibited in the facilities. Candles (whether lit or unlit), scented lamps and open flame devices
of any kind, except for cigarette lighters and matches, are prohibited anywhere in student
rooms and the facilities.
M. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE OFF-CAMPUS FACILITIES
Firearms (including antique guns), explosives and other weapons, ammunition, fireworks,
starting pistols, incendiary or toxic chemicals, paintball equipment, air rifles, bb pellets, dart
guns, torches, stun guns, swords, knives, or any other type of weapon or projectile-firing
device.
N. UNAUTHORIZED VIDEO/CABLE/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
Use of any unauthorized use of video equipment, or computers may result in disciplinary
action against a student. Any impermissibly electronics which infringes upon another person’s
right to privacy may also result in disciplinary action and/or the required removal of the video.
O. DAMAGE DEPOSIT AND KEYS/LOCKOUTS
Damage to the student rooms and furnishings beyond normal wear is the financial
responsibility of the assigned occupants of the room. The damage will be assessed and charged,
to the student account.
Student Room Keys
1. Room keys should not be loaned to others at any time.
2. Lost keys must be reported immediately to the Off-Campus Housing Office for safety
reasons.
3. In the event a student loses a room key, a lock change is required and will be processed
through the Off-Campus Housing Office.
Charges
Room Key- $100.00
Door Key- $100.00
Key Card- $25.00
The University Lock-out Policy
During University business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm), students will come to the
Office of Off-Campus Housing to be let in. After University business hours, students will need
to contact the student director on-call and after midnight call Campus Police (ext. 6590/3300) in
order to be let in to their rooms.
P. OCCUPANCY POLICIES
Room Changes: The proper paperwork must be obtained from the Office of Residence Life and
completed before making a room change. If approval for a room change is granted, the student
must complete the proper check-out and check-in procedure with the Student Director.
Students who move without going through the above procedures will be subject to disciplinary
action.
Summer/Winter Sessions: All facilities will be closed during the academic recesses.
Q. CARE AND USE OF FACILITIES
The University requires proper care and use of residential facilities at all times. Registered
occupants of each room are responsible for keeping their room and its contents in good order
and free from damage by themselves and others.
The following are policies related to use of residential facilities;
Furnishings: provided in the public areas of the facilities are for the use of all students and may
not be “relocated” for use in student rooms.
Smoking: Occupants or visitors may not smoke in the residence halls including private rooms,
corridors, stairwells, laundries, offices, student centers, lobbies, kitchens, lounges and other
space available for common use.
Items on wall: No Student can hang ANY ITEM on the wall of any sort with any material.
Paint: Students are not permitted to paint their rooms.
Screens and windows: must remain in place at all times. Students are prohibited from throwing
or hanging any items out of their windows.
Bicycles: may not be stored in a resident’s room, common areas or stairwells because they
represent a hazard that may obstruct a fire exit.
Personal Beds: are not allowed without authorization from the Office of Residence Life.
Students will be charged $400.00 bed replacement if they remove bed.
Storage of personal belongings: in common areas is not permitted at any time
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES EXPLAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT
AND THE OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE
HANDBOOK, WHETHER YOU READ IT OR NO
Talons Square North Residents
SUITE/ROOM INSPECTION EXPECTATIONS
KITCHEN
Floor must be swept and mopped
Refrigerator needs to be wiped clean inside & outside
Stove must be cleaned and wiped off
Counter top and sinks are wiped
Cabinets are wiped down
Free of personal items (this area is not your storage area)
No dirty dishes
Trash must be emptied
LAUNDRY ROOM
Machines must be cleaned inside and out
Floor swept/mopped
Free of personal items (this area is not your storage area)
HALLWAY STAIRS
Hallway must be vacuumed or swept
BATHROOM Mirrors must be cleaned
Sink must be cleaned
Showers must be cleaned
Toilet inside must be ring free
Toilet seat must be cleaned under seat and on top
Floor must be clean
Trash must be emptied
BEDROOMS Floor has to be vacuumed
Desk must be wiped off
Dresser must be clean
Bed must be left in a presentable manner
Trash must be emptied
OFF-CAMPUS BILLING STATMENT
Students can be billed for more than one incident equaling in a bill per occurrence. Example-
You can be billed for your room and any area that is your responsibility
If BEFORE the inspection, you cleaned your designated area, BUT during inspection it is found
to be in violation of the policy, YOU WILL STILL BE BILLED!
Residents have 24 hours from time of inspection to contest.
Arden’s Run Residents SUITE/ROOM INSPECTION EXPECTATIONS
KITCHEN: Floor must be clean (swept, swiffered, mopped)
Refrigerator (wiped clean inside & outside)
Stove must be cleaned and wiped off
Counter top and sinks are wiped down
No dirty dishes
Trash must be emptied
LANDING (outside of your front door):
Must be clean and free of trash
LAUNDRY ROOM Machines must be cleaned inside and out
Floor swept/mopped
No items hanging from ANY UNIT
Free of your personal items that are not laundry related
Trash must be emptied
BATHROOM Mirrors must be cleaned
Sink must be cleaned
Showers must be cleaned
Toilet inside must be ring free
Toilet seat must be cleaned under seat and on top
Under toilet must be cleaned free of dust
Floor must be swept and mopped
Trash must be emptied
BEDROOMS Floor has to be vacuumed
Desk must be wiped off
Dresser should be clutter free
Bed should be in a presentable order
Trash must be emptied
OFF-CAMPUS BILLING STATMENT
Students can be billed for more than one incident equaling in a bill per occurrence. Example-
You can be billed for your room and any area that is your responsibility
If BEFORE the inspection, you cleaned your designated area, BUT during inspection it is found
to be in violation of the policy, YOU WILL STILL BE BILLED!
Residents have 24 hours from time of inspection to contest
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
EXPLAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT AND THE
OFFICE OF RESIDENCE
LIFE HANDBOOK,
WHETHER YOU READ IT
OR NOT
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS
Mr. Rhett Burden
Area Director/Counselor
Arden’s Run and Talons Square North
Main Office: 410-621-0498
AD Office: 410-621-0497