An important part of residence hall life is living with your roommate. If you have never shared a room before, it will be an adjustment. We encourage you and your roommate to sit down with your Resident Assistant the very first week of school and complete a "Roommate Agreement." This is a form that helps you outline guidelines, goals, and expectations that you have for sharing space. Doing this early will help avoid conflict with your roommate. If you do have issues, don't let them go unaddressed. This will only make matters worse. If you are unable to resolve the issues and need help, contact your Resident Assistant (RA). RAs are trained in conflict mediation and can help define what the issues are and help roommates come to a resolution. The Area Director and Assistant Hall Directors (AHDs) are also available to help with roommate conflicts. If the difficulties cannot be reconciled between the roommates, and mediation is unsuccessful, one or both roommates may be moved to another room or hall.

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There are no single rooms available. However, during the year space may open and a single room could be available at the single room rate.

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The U.S. mail is delivered and picked up Monday-Friday from each hall. Report missing mail or packages immediately to hall staff and Public Safety.

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Companies such as UPS and Federal Express deliver items to the reception desk of each residence hall. They also make door-to-door deliveries to residents living in University Apartments. The University Apartments Office cannot accept deliveries for tenants who are not home or have not yet moved into their apartments.

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Each spring semester the Residential Life Office conducts a sign-up process for current students wishing to return to the residence halls the following year. Current residents are given written information concerning this process. RAs will hold floor/stairwell meetings to explain the process and to review the deadlines. The fall room sign-up process is done on-line.

Sign-Up Process:

1. Make your roommate request and sign your binding room contract.
2. Select the hall and room you want for next fall.

All current students who want to return to their current room (where possible) or want to live in a particular hall for the following fall will need to apply by the designated date.

The Housing Contract is a legally binding document. There is no grace period, and you cannot just cancel your contract. You can only be released from your contract if:

1. You withdraw from ISU,
2. You are granted a Contract Release (significant change in financial status, documented medical reason or you get married) or,
3. You buy out of your contract (65% of contract).

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Housing is available for students attending summer school. Students can sign up for summer housing on-line. Students also can wait and sign-up for summer housing once summer housing opens by going to the front desk of the hall that is open for summer students.

A student who needs an apartment at University Apartments will need to complete an apartment application on-line. Space is limited, so students should apply as soon as they know they will need an apartment for the summer.

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If you are a single student and would like another student as a roommate, both students will have to complete an application, sign a contract, and pay the first month's rent. The rent will be divided between the two students as noted in the rate chart. If you are a single student and would like a non-student as a roommate, you must receive written approval from the University Apartments' Office. The rent will be billed to the student's account, the student assumes all responsibility for damages, and the student will be held accountable for the non-student's behavior at University Apartments.

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Small caged animals (for example, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, small lizards, and small birds) and small fish tanks are permitted. Tenants may not keep or harbor any dogs or cats. Check with the UA Hall Director with questions concerning pets.

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The number of three-bedroom apartments is limited. These apartments are reserved for families and cannot be rented by two or more single students. The assignment of these apartments will be based on following guidelines:

1. Families with three or more children
2. Single parents with three or more children
3. Families with two children
4. Single parents with two children

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Applications for Contract Release or Exception to the Housing Policy are available at the Residential Life Office.

• Release Rationale: Students should be advised that contract releases or exceptions are granted only in situations involving extreme or unusual circumstances, the nature of which would prohibit living in a residence hall or impose a severe hardship. A desire to experience off-campus living is not considered an acceptable reason. The Residential Life Housing Contract is a legally binding contract for the full academic year. Students are cautioned not to sign legal agreements for off-campus housing until they receive an official release or exception in writing from the Residential Life Office.
• Housing Policy: The University Housing Policy states that Freshman (student with less than 32 earned academic hours) are required to live in University residence halls unless they live and commute from their parent's home (within 60 miles from campus), or have a valid exception. Students who have lived in University residence halls for two semesters are exempt from this requirement. This policy applies to single students.

The following are categories considered for contract release or exception. Please note the necessary documentation required to support the request.

• Medical: The student should describe the medical problem in as much detail as possible in the space allotted at the end of the application. Support documentation from a personal physician is helpful. Documentation may include: a diagnosis, laboratory report, X-rays finding, and treatment (including a copy of any special diet or restrictions). Students are responsible for contacting the Student Health Center for related support documentation.
• Financial: Release for financial reasons are granted only in situations involving significant change in the student's financial situation since the contract was signed. Individuals not on file with the Financial Aid Office but wishing to request a release based on financial reasons must complete special forms. Forms are available in the Residential Life Office. Additional, documentation indicating change in financial status is always helpful (for example, proof of lay-off, lose of job, new medical expenses in the family).
• Single Parent: Student must provide a copy of the child's birth certificate.
• Live-in Employment: Student will need to submit a letter from their employer.
• Military Service: A student requesting an exception for time served in the military should provide a copy of his/her certificate of service or other documentation showing length of active duty.
• Commuting from Home or Living with a Relative: Students requesting an exception to commute from his/her parent's place of residence ( more than 60 miles) must submit a notarized letter from parents or guardian supporting the fact that the student will be living at home and commuting for the academic year or its remainder. This option is only available for students requesting an exception. Students who have already signed a contract will not be release based on their request to commute, but can apply for a contract release if they meet any of the other listed release categories.
• Marriage: A student requesting a release on the basis of marriage within the semester needs to submit a letter indicating the anticipated date of marriage and his/her spouse's name. The marriage must be substantiated by a copy of the Marriage Certificate. Failure to file the certificate copy within two weeks after marriage will nullify the release.
• Buy Out of Contract: A student not under the housing policy can be automatically released from the contract by buying out the remaining portion of contract .The buyout rate is sixty-five (65%) percent of the remaining contract.

Procedures

Applications are available at the Residential Life Office. The application should be filled out as completely as possible. The application and supporting documentation should be returned to the Residential Life Office. If the student wishes to meet with the committee, an appointment should be made at the time the application is submitted. The student will be notified of the decision in writing. Notification will be sent to the student's current hall address or to a permanent address if requested.

Appeals of the committee's decision should be made in writing within five (5) working days to the Associate Director of Residential Life, Stephanie Pearcy. The student should have new or additional information in order to file an appeal.

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When vacancies are created throughout the academic year, it is sometimes necessary to consolidate students for operational purposes. Consolidation is based on contract completion date.

Questions concerning the consolidation process should be directed to either the Residential Life Office or the Area Director for the hall in which the student resides.

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The emergency alarm, a wailing siren, is sounded throughout campus in the case of a tornado being sighted in the area. Some residence halls have an alarm system that will announce the warning along with the siren sounding. The emergency alarm is usually tested the first Tuesday of every month at 11:00 a.m.

When the alarm sounds, get as fully dressed as time allows, take your room key, student ID, and flashlight, close your window, exit your room, and close and lock the door. Remain on the floor and sit quietly on the corridor floor next to a concrete wall and wait for instructions.

Do not panic, and follow the guidelines and instructions of staff members.

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The University has taken many precautions to limit the danger of fire in the residence halls; however, the main responsibility falls to the residents. Below are policies students need to follow.

• Any appliance that may create a fire or safety hazard should not be used in student rooms or in any area of the suites in Lincoln Quad. Gas appliances of any kind, grills, and space heater are prohibited. The use of hot plates, electric skillets, toasters, irons, or any appliance with an exposed heating element or heating surface is prohibited in student rooms or suites. These appliances may be used in the floor lounge areas only.
• Highly flammable products must not be brought into the hall. Lighter and cleaning fluids should to kept tightly closed. The use of kerosene, gasoline, naphtha, benzene, and propane are prohibited.
• To prevent the rapid spread of room fires on the floors, residents should not remove ceiling tiles (suspended or interlocked) at any time.
• Lighted candles, oil lamps, fireworks, sparklers, and smoke bombs may not be used anywhere in the residence halls.
• All lighting needs to be UL approved for the student's safety and the safety of others. Halogen lamps are not allowed in student rooms.
• Do not overload electrical circuits. Care should be taken in the use of all electrical cords and the overloading of sockets. All electrical cords should be UL approved. Extension cords should not run under rugs or closed doors.
• Wastepaper baskets should be emptied frequently, Students who smoke should take extra safety precaution. Smoking in bed, emptying ashtrays containing sparks, or not completely extinguishing a cigarette can cause a fire.
• Fire doors are to be kept closed. These doors prevent fire, smoke, and fumes from spreading through the building in the event of fire, thus keeping some routes clear for safe exit. Glass inserts in the fire doors may not be covered with paper, cellophane, or paint.
• Make sure access to doors and window is clear. Furniture must be arranged to permit full opening of doors and windows. Lofts must not be located in front of windows.
• Bicycles should not be chained to stairways or left on landing. Personal belongings should not be left in corridors, stairwells, or other common areas.
• Anyone who tampers with the firefighting equipment, fire alarms, guard rails, exit lights, or any other equipment on the campus in such a way as to endanger his/her own safety or the safety of others, subjects himself/herself to disciplinary actions up to and including suspension which may be taken in addition to civil action.

Each residence hall has a central fire alarm system. This system calls the fire department and ISU Public Safety, and sounds an alarm in the building. Smoke detectors are located in public areas, hallways, and individual student rooms. In addition, there are fire alarm boxes and fire extinguishers on every floor. When an alarm sounds, staff members will take all necessary steps to assist in the prompt evacuation of a building. Students are required and expected to leave when an alarm sounds. Conduct action will be initiated with all students who fail to obey alarms. Staff members cannot be expected to unlock every door to alert residents. In the case of fire, the residence hall staff's primary responsibility is to make sure that the building evacuated and that the residents stay away from the building until it is safe to re-enter. Fire and police personnel will be advised of any areas or occupants whose safety or accountability is in doubt.

Preparedness: Be completely familiar with fire drill procedures, and follow them implicitly. Emergency placards are located on the back of each residence hall room. Know your fire exit and some convenient alternatives including all dining room exits. Know the location of the nearest fire alarm box and fire extinguisher. Fire drills are conducted each semester in the residence halls.

In Case of Fire: Pull an alarm. Notify the receptionists of the fire location in the quickest way possible. Close your room door. Immediately evacuate the building, and follow fire drill procedures. All fires, no matter how small, should be reported to residence hall staff immediately. Any resident responsible for causing a fire in University Housing may be charged for the cost of repairs or replacements.

When Alarm Sounds: React to every alarm as if there is a fire. Keep calm, and follow full emergency procedures and/or instructions. Put on a long coat, sturdy shoes, and carry a towel. Open draperies, and close windows and closet doors. Turn off electrical equipment except overhead light. Take your room key and student ID, and exit your room. Lock your door, and proceed to nearest assigned fire exit. Do not use elevators. Walk rapidly but do not run. Remain outside the building until the signal is given to return. An individual with mobility impairment should call 911 and notify Public Safety as to his/her location.

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• Do not loan your room/suite or elevator keys to anyone.
• Report lost or stolen keys immediately.
• Keep your room locked when you are not there or are asleep.
• Keep your credit cards, calling card numbers, check book, and cash in a secure place. Room safes are currently available in Blumberg, Cromwell, and Burford Halls. Go to www.csisafes.com
• Do not post your calling card number by the telephone, or leave it out for others to see.
• Do not leave personal items unattended in public areas. This includes the laundry rooms.
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and valuables out of sight.
• Report any thefts to Public Safety right away.
• Make sure you have personal property insurance to cover any lost, damaged, or stolen personal items.

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