Cooking

Due to fire regulations and electrical limitations, you may not cook in individual rooms of the residence halls. Cooking should be limited to those areas within the residence halls which are designed for that purpose. You must clean utensils and dishes used in the cooking areas immediately after use. Each residence hall has a full size kitchen with a stove, microwave, refrigerator and sink for student use.

Electrical Appliances

Each electrical circuit in the residence halls provides power for several students’ rooms. For this reason, you are encouraged to plug in no more than two appliances per outlet. More than two appliances may result in the circuit overloading and shorting. Many appliances use excessive electricity or, if used incorrectly, may present a fire hazard. For these reasons, the following appliances are not permitted in the residence halls: any appliance requiring 220 volts, hot plates, sandwich makers, “George Foreman” grills, microwaves, portable heaters, air conditioners, any appliance with an exposed heating element and any appliance/device which is determined to be the cause of a circuit overload. Microwaves, “George Foreman” grills, and sandwich makers are approved for ‘Roo Suites and Bryan Apartments, however.  Computers, radios, televisions, stereos, hot pots, popcorn poppers, refrigerators no larger than 4.4 cubic feet, clocks, hair dryers and curling irons are permitted in the residence halls.

Firearms/Fireworks

Fireworks, ammunition and explosives of any kind are not permitted on campus at any time. You may have a shotgun or rifle if it has been registered and housed with Campus Police. Registered guns must be kept in the designated, secured gun closet in the Campus Police & Safety Office and may be checked out if the owner is taking the gun off campus. Handguns of any type are not permitted. For additional information, contact Campus Police, ext. 2555.

Fire Evacuation & Equipment

Fire evacuation routes are posted on each floor of all residence halls. You should be familiar with the evacuation route for your floor. Fire evacuation drills will be held each semester for all residence halls, so that residents may become more familiar with their evacuation route. Participation in fire drills is required for those present in the building during the time of the drill. Fire extinguishers are checked monthly by campus police. Fire extinguishers are located on each floor and fire alarms are located at each exit. These are to be used only in case of actual fire. False fire alarms and the use of fire extinguishers for purposes other than an actual fire may result in life-threatening situations and are violations of state law. Students involved in false fire alarms or improper use of fire extinguishers will be subject to College disciplinary procedures and criminal prosecution as well as a fine for repairing or refilling the fire equipment.

Guidelines for Fire Emergency/Safety Policy Violation

Responses

Failure to evacuate in an emergency situation (including drills), or being responsible for any open flame or heating element in a residence hall shall minimally result in the following recommended sanctions:

• 1st Violation – Letter of Warning and a $25 fine/item
• 2nd Violation – College Housing Probation and a $50 fine/item
• 3rd Violation – College Housing Suspension and a $100 fine/item

Misuse or tampering with fire emergency related equipment (alarms, extinguishers, lights, etc.) shall minimally result in the following recommended sanctions:

• 1st Violation – College Housing Probation and a $100 fine
• 2nd Violation – College Housing Suspension and a $200 fine

Greater penalties, including suspension or expulsion may be assessed depending on the nature of the violation.

Fire Hazards

The use and/or possession of explosives, firecrackers or incendiary devices (including candles and incense) in or near the residence halls presents a fire hazard and is not allowed. Appliances with exposed heating elements (such as toasters and hot plates) are not permitted in the residence halls. Halogen lamps of any kind are not permitted in the residence halls. Furniture, including tables, sofas, lounge chairs, cooking grills, smokers and other items, are not allowed in the breezeways or landings of Bryan Apartments or ‘Roo Suites because of the safety hazards they create.

A Violation of this policy will lead to discipline, up and including suspension and expulsion.