Living on Campus
Involvement Enriches Life!
One characteristic shared by successful students is involvement in the life of the University. The Residence Halls and the broader campus community offer many opportunities.
Painting Your Room:
Check out the paint brochure and the list of approved swatches to get started making your room your own color of choice to match your personality. Once you have selected a color, you can request a paint kit by returning the request form to the Residential Life office in Agnew 114.
Vacation Periods:
A student resident in good standing who is under continuing contract may remain in the residence hall during scheduled vacation periods and between terms of study for no additional charge if permitted by the hall director. The hall director will require advance notification of such intent to remain when the hall is normally closed.
Visitation:
Visitation arrangements vary from hall to hall and within some halls. These options are described in each hall handbook. Cohabitation is not allowed in Fort Hays State University residence halls.
Overnight Guests:
Overnight guests are welcome on an occasional basis. - All guests are to be registered and fees paid in advance at the hall reception desk in accordance with hall regulations. Guests of the opposite sex must make special accommodation arrangements with the hall director.
Early Arrival:
A student participating in university-sponsored activities which may require early arrival (athletics, band, debate, journalism and similar programs) may check into a residence hall early for no extra charge, under these conditions: 1) check-in is no earlier than one day prior to the beginning of the activity; 2) the student previously has submitted a contract for the coming term of study; 3) the student contacts the director of the residence hall for which he or she is contracted at least two weeks prior to the early check-in date and arranges a check-in time; and 4) the student is willing to accept an assignment on a space-available basis for temporary accommodations, if necessary. A student may also request permission to check into a residence hall early for personal reasons. Such a request may be granted at the discretion of the hall director in accordance with the conditions given above. A student checking in early for personal reasons will be charged for the additional days of occupancy.
Accessibility:
Most students can be accommodated comfortably in a residence hall. If you have specific questions about FHSU's facilities, arrange a personal conference with a Residential Life staff member prior to submitting a residence hall contract. Persons with special needs or requirements should provide advance notice to the hall director.
Room Assignments:
The University reserves the right to make assignments and reassignments of accommodations. Single rooms are assigned on a space available basis. If a student requests a single room and one is not available, a double room will be assigned, and corresponding fees charged. Residents may request to be placed on a waiting list for a single room. Individuals wishing to be roommates must request each other in writing on the Resident Information Card submitted with their contracts. The University reserves the right to require single occupants of a double rooms to move together. Refusal to move or accept an assigned roommate constitutes the intent to occupy, and applicable fees will begin immediately. Residents may request a room change; however, the hall director must approve all changes, and the resident must make payment of any requisite fees in advance. Moves must completed in accordance with the procedures and deadlines established by the director of Residential Life. Designated quiet living areas are available. Students desiring this option should indicate it on the Resident Information Card and the Quiet Floor Agreement which they return with their contract.
Drugs:
Manufacturing, possessing, selling, transmitting, using or being part to any activities involving and illegal drug, controlled substance or drug paraphernalia is a violation of University policy as well as a violation of the law. Suspected violations of this policy are reported to the University Police and are subject to the University Student Disciplinary procedures.
Smoking/Incense/Candles
All residence halls are smoke free. Smoking is permitted outside the building. Use of incense and/or open flames in the residence halls are prohibited. Candle warmers are permitted and encouraged.
Weapons and Explosives:
Weapons, ammunition and explosives may not be kept in individual rooms. Storage for weapons and ammunition is available and is allowed only in those areas designated by the hall director. The possession/use of weapons or explosives which endanger health or safety is sufficient cause for dismissal from the residence hall and other disciplinary action. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms and bows; explosives include, but are not limited to, ammunition, fireworks and gunpowder.
Pets:
No pets of any kind are allowed for reasons of health and safety, with the exception of fish in aquariums of acceptable size.
Fire Equipment/Alarms:
Each residential room has a smoke alarm. Each building is equipped with a complete smoke and fire alarm system. These devices exist for the safety of all residents and any tampering with or misuse of these items is considered a serious offense against the members of the residential community. Offenders are subject to criminal prosecution.
Alcohol:
McMindes and Custer Hall are both completely alcohol free. Student residents of other halls who are of legal drinking age, as defined by Kansas Law, may possess and consume cereal malt beverages with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent or less in their own rooms or the rooms of other residents of legal drinking age. Such beverages must be packaged in containers of one liter or less in volume. All other possession and consumption of cereal malt beverages and alcoholic spirits is prohibited in the residence halls. Each residence hall or floor may apply more stringent restrictions.
Privacy:
A student's right to privacy will be respected consistent with the University's primary compelling obligation to ensure the maintenance of an environment supportive of academic achievement and positive personal growth. The University reserves the right for authorized personnel to enter a room for any purpose connected with the maintenance, housekeeping and management of the facilities or for any other purpose reasonably connected with the interest of the University or the welfare of the student. The University reserves the right for authorized staff to enter the room of a resident and to conduct a limited, reasonable search of the premises in situations where, in the judgment of the University, the occupants of the room appear to be exhibiting behavior indicative of an obvious and/or flagrant violation of hall and/or University policy. Access to student rooms will not be granted to friends, relatives or other students by the university staff without the express permission of the resident of the room.
Notice of Non-discrimination:
Fort Hays State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran status or special disabled veteran status in its programs and activities. The Director of Affirmative Action, Coordinator of Title IX, Title VI, Section 504 and ADA Regulations, may be contacted a 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601-4099, (785) 628-4033.
Go Further!
For more detailed information and a complete list of policies, please read the Residence Hall Handbook. |
