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Residence_Life_Guide_2023

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY GUIDE TO RESIDENCE LIFE 2023-2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Telephone Numbers 5 Welcome 6 Residence Halls 7 Residence Hall Staff 8 Residential Living 9 S.D. Board of Regents’ Housing Policy 9 Housing Contract 9 Check-in/Check-out Procedures 10 Keys 10 Hall Closing - Vacation Periods 11 Room Departure 11 Moving Out/Checking Out 12 Room Damages 12 Room Changes/Move-On Days 12 Room Consolidation 13 Single Rooms 13 Room Selection Process 13 Roommates 13 Emergency/Maintenance Procedures 14 Maintenance Requests Procedures 14 On-Duty Personnel 15 Camus Security Officer 15 Accident and Illness 15 Parking 15 Insurance 16 Fire 16 Tornadoes 16 Missing Person Policy 16 Campus Alert System 17 Residence Life Services 17 Air Conditioning 17 Cable TV 17 Counseling Services 18 Energy Conservation 18 Health & Wellness Center 18 Kitchenettes 18 Laundry Services 19 Mail Service 19 Main Lobbies & Floor Lounges 19 Residence Hall Association 19 Residence Hall Programs 20 Residence Hall Meetings 20 Security 20 Building Security 20 Personal Security 20 Safety & Security Checks 21

Resident’s Rights, Responsibilities & Standards of Behavior 21 Resident Bill of Rights 22 Resident’s Responsibilities 22 Standard of Resident Behavior 22 Housing Rules and Regulations 24 Adhesives, Pins, and Tacks 24 Advertising/Soliciting 25 Air Conditioners 25 Alcoholic Beverages, Containers & Paraphernalia 25 Appliances 25 Athletics in the Halls 26 Bicycles/Motorcycles 26 Building Entry 26 Bulletin Boards and Posters 26 Candles, Incense, and Warmers 26 Cohabitation 26 Common Area/Public Areas 26 Common Areas/Public Area Damages 27 Computer Usage 27 Damage Billing 27 Decorations 27 Holiday Decorations 28 Door Tampering 28 Drugs 28 Escort Policy 29 Extension Cords/Surge Protectors 29 Failure to Comply 29 False Alarms 29 File Sharing 29 Finals Week Perpetual Quiet Hours 29 Fire Codes – City and State 29 Fire Drills 30 Fire Equipment Misuse 30 Fireworks and Explosives 30 Furniture 30 Gambling 30 Guest Policy 30 Harassment/Physical Abuse 31 Keys 31 Light Fixtures 31 Littering/Throwing Objects 31 Lobby Furniture 32 Lofts 32 Musical Instruments 32 Noise and Disruption 32 Quiet/Courtesy Hours 32 Pets 32 Recording Devices 33 Refrigerators 33 Room Changes 33 Room Entry and Search 33 Screen Removal 34 Service/Assistance Animal Policy 34 Smoking Restrictions 35

Stereos, TV’s, and Radios 36 Storage 36 Students Carrying Less Than 6 Credits 36 Student Success 36 Tampering with Safety Equipment 36 Theft 36 Traffic Sings and Other Objects Obviously Not Property of Students 36 Trash 36 Vandalism 36 Visitation 36 Weapons 36 Windows and Door Decorations 37 NSU Dining Services 38 Appendix A – Damage Charge Schedule 41

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS Office of Residence Life (605) 626-3007 Emergency 911 Campus Safety (605) 380-8925 Counseling Services (605) 626-3007 Avera Heath Searvices (605) 626-2546 Office of Rights & Responsibilities (605) 626-3007 Title IX Coordinator (605) 626-3007 RESIDENCE HALL DUTY PHONE NUMBERS Great Plains East (605) 377-2451 Great Plains West (605) 377-5782 Kramer Hall (605) 380-2451 Steele Hall (605) 380-5782 Wolves Memorial Suites (605) 377-7228

Reslife@Northern Live a New Experience Greetings from the Office of Residence Life and Dining Services at Northern State University! You are preparing to embark on a fabulous journey filled with new ideas, exciting opportunities, and many new friends. Whether you’re a new student or a seasoned pro, living on campus in our residence halls can help make your college experience fulfilling and successful, both in and outside of the classroom. The Northern State Guide to Residential Living is filled with information which you will need while living with us in our communities. Please note that our residents are responsible for knowing all of the information within the Guide. It not only outlines our policies for living on campus, but it also includes valuable details about our staff and the many great opportunities we offer. Please read through this Guide thoroughly as it contains everything you need to know about life with us. The policies are vitally important as they ensure that everyone follows proper safety rules and regulations. Since you are now part of an entire community, you must be aware and help make it safe. This Guide discusses policies involving things that are not allowed in our halls, such as alcohol, smoking, and candles. If you come across a policy that you do not understand, please ask a staff member to clarify for you. I want to state once more that you are responsible for all of the information in this Guide, so make sure you understand everything in it. Students who choose to live with us in the residence halls tend to have greater chances at succeeding in college when compared to those who do not reside on campus. This is due, in part, to our strong staff that goes out of their way to foster growth and success by providing great programs and opportunities for our students. These programs are both educational and social, and we strongly encourage students to participate when they can. In addition to the residence hall staff, we also provide opportunities via the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA is the governing body for the residence halls and are made up of student leaders. You may become an active member of RHA by simply letting your hall staff know that you are interested. The staff will be happy to fill you in on all the details. The residence halls offer great ways for getting involved, but there are many other ways as well. You may choose to join one of the many campus clubs and organizations that focus on a wide range of interests. We have a growing intramural sports program that offers a variety of opportunities to stay active and involved. Basically, the possibilities are endless and offer an exciting way to build friendships that will last well beyond your days here at Northern. We hope that the upcoming year proves to be one of success, growth, and fun! If you follow the guidelines set forth in this guide, and use the helpful information in it, you are sure to have a successful career here at Northern State. So study hard, make great friends, seek out opportunities, and as we like to say in our office, Live a New Experience! Sincerely,

Marty Sabolo Director of Residence Life and Dining Services Residence Halls The Office of Residence Life at Northern State University knows that all students are individuals and bring with them their own unique experiences and needs. Because of this we offer a variety of physical facilities and living options for our students to choose from. GREAT PLAINS EAST, is a pod-style residence hall that houses up to 151 students. Great Plains East is home to the TRIO Living Learning Community, the Honors Living Learning Community, and the School of Education Living Learning Community. The lobby of Great Plains East is where you will also find Papa Johns on campus and the POD-Store. GREAT PLAINS WEST, is a suite style hall and houses 148 students. West has a variety of living arrangements, offers a kitchenette and lounges on each floor and houses Northern’s only wild-game cleaning room. KRAMER HALL reopened in 2009 after undergoing a renovation. Kramer is a coed hall housing approximately 80 students and is configured with two, three and four person semisuites and suites. STEELE HALL was renovated in 2006 and is a coed hall housing 66 students in suite style housing. Steele hall offers an opportunity for students to enjoy community living in a smaller environment. WOLVES MEMORIAL SUITES, just opened last year (2017) and houses up to 144 students in a variety of suites and semi-suites. Located on the Northwest corner of campus, Wolves is a welcome addition to our campus! All halls are designated as non-smoking (campus is smoke-free) and alcohol is prohibited on campus. Changes in hall designations may occur without advance notice. Floors and rooms are designated for a certain sex based on occupancy projections made in early spring or summer. If, at some point prior to opening the halls, a change in the number of spaces available to men and/or women is indicated, we may make this change and reassign the affected students. All double rooms are equipped with two single beds (bunked), dressers, desks, and chairs. You will need to provide your own pillow and linens, bedspread, curtains (blinds are included), lamp and any other decoration you may wish. Two, three and four person suites and semi-suites include extra-long twin size beds, and a bathroom complete with a shower, toilet and sink area. Desks, chairs, couches, tables, dressers and wardrobes vary from room to room. Suites offer a living room and semi-suites

do not. Suites/Semi-Suites in Kramer and Steele Halls are furnished with a MicroFridge unit. Residence Hall Staff The NSU Office of Residence Life utilizes a variety of staff members to provide our students with a living environment that best serves their needs. In addition to our Director of Residence Life and Dining Services in the Office of Residence Life, we also have an Associate Directors of Residential Experience, who works with our student staff to provide a strong community and educational experience for our students utilizing a residential curriculum that offers a variety of programs and outreach within each hall. . Also within our Central office is our Residential Community Coordinator (RCC) and Residential Facilities Coordinator (RFC). The RCC is responsible for housing assignments, roommate negotiations, room changes and assisting the student staff in community building efforts. The RFC acts as the main liaison with our facilities staff to assure the prompt completion of work orders and maintain a high standard of upkeep and condition of our residence halls. Our Hall Coordinators are graduate students who have displayed a true commitment to providing a rich, conducive living environment for our students. These students have direct supervision over our resident assistants and should be utilized by the residents of their halls due to their vast knowledge of community living. Senior Resident Assistants are upper-class students with a breadth of knowledge regarding on-campus living and have been selected and trained to assist in the day-to-day operation of their respective hall. Do not hesitate to take advantage of their knowledge to make your on-campus experience better, The Resident Assistant (RA) is the community facilitator living within each community with the students. The RA is a student that is specially trained to work with the residents. The RA is responsible for developing a sense of community on the floor. The RA plans/facilitates programs, is responsible for administrative work on the floor, and acts as a mentor and advisor to their residents. In cooperation with the students, the RA enforces the policies and procedures in the residence halls. One of the first persons each student will meet when they get to Northern is their Resident Assistant. Each RA has met special criteria (2.40 GPA or better, residence hall living experience, and is in good standing with the University) and has been trained to best promote community development. In conjunction with the Hall Councils, the RA will hold floor and wing meetings through-out the year to keep students up to date on campus and residence hall events. They will help facilitate programming to enhance student’s academic experience outside of the classroom. They are also a resource person for the residents and are available to assist them in any and all facets of their college experience. Our Housekeepers work within the Facilities Management Department to assure that residents have clean public areas to live and learn in. However, each resident is responsible for their own hall rooms as well as their own bathroom areas in those halls that provide private and semi-private bathrooms. We hope that you come to know and rely on your residence hall staff. They are all anxious to assist you in any way possible. If you are interested in joining our staff, talk to your current RA or inquire at the Office of Residence Life.

Residential Living At Northern, we believe that residence hall life is a valuable and important part of your educational experience that encourages growth, development, and maturity. Activities and programs are planned to assist you in adjusting to the Northern community and to foster campus involvement. The NSU residence halls will be a place for you to meet new people, develop your leadership skills and become a part of the campus community. Students who take part in one of our many residential opportunities are more likely to get involved in campus organizations, join in a part of the many campus activities and have a greater sense of belonging to the Northern community. It is because of these factors that we have a strong commitment to offering the best living environment to our students. It is also because of this belief that our housing policy requires students to live on campus for their first two years after high school. We know that each student has their own unique tastes and needs. That is why, in an effort to accommodate our students, we offer a variety of living options. Everything from a traditional campus hall, suite style and the POD- style living are offered. South Dakota Board of Regents’ Housing Policy During the first two years from the time they were or would have been graduated from high school, all unmarried students who enroll in six credit hours or more are required to enter into a housing agreement and designated meal plan for the specific living environment with the institution unless special permission to room or dine elsewhere is received from the institution. Permission ordinarily shall be granted to students with dependent children, to students who reside full time during the academic year with parents or legal guardians, or students enrolled primarily at off campus locations. Students who have enrolled for twelve or more credits for four (4) semesters may be exempted from this agreement at the discretion of the institution. Institutions may also grant exemptions for students when residence hall occupancy exceeds manageable capacity. Dec 2010 This residency requirement serves important educational and developmental purposes. Education professionals widely recognize that where students live their freshman and sophomore year has a significant impact on the quality of their academic and personal preparation for post-collegiate life. Students prosper in stable living environments that are close to academic resources and organized student activities that promote social interaction and exposure to new and diverse life experiences, and that afford supervision, counseling, and other assistance as may be needed. In short, on-campus residency provides unparalleled opportunities for multi-dimensional student development and is part of the university’s broad educational program. If you wish to apply for an exemption to the housing policy, you must contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@northern.edu. A housing application or an approved exemption, must be received in the Residence Life office by the first day of classes for each semester.

Housing Contract Your housing contract is for the entire academic year. Please read the contract carefully before signing. The housing contract is a binding and legal document. Withdrawal from the University does not automatically terminate your housing contract. Room and Board charges will continue to accumulate until an official check-out has been completed. Check-out is complete when all belongings have been removed from the residence hall, room and building keys are returned, and a staff member has completed the necessary check-out paperwork with your signature. The Housing Exemption Committee must approve the termination of a housing contract for all currently enrolled students. This contract only covers the periods during which the University is in session. All students residing in the residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Students in their first year are permitted to choose from the Wolf Pack 300, the Wolf Pack 100 or the Wolf Pack Weekly. All other students who are required to reside on campus can choose from those three as well as the Wolf All Flex and the Wolf Maroon. Students who are not exempt from living on campus but choose to do so may choose from any of the five residential meal plans as well as the Commuter Gold meal plan. If there is sufficient demand and available space, students needing vacation housing may be accommodated at a daily rate in a designated housing facility. Meals are not provided during these periods, including thanksgiving, winter break and spring break. Check-in/Check-out Procedures Check-in and check-out procedures are crucial. The instructions that are posted at the beginning and ending of each semester should be followed. If these instructions are not followed, disciplinary action may be taken. To check-in, please report to the office in your residence hall. A member of the residence hall staff, who will assist you through the check-in process, will meet you there. You will fill out all check-in paperwork and your keys will be issued to you, and finally you will complete a room condition report with a resident assistant. Please be sure to take an adequate amount of time filling out the room condition report to avoid any charges being assessed to your student account. To check-out, you will need to schedule a time with the resident assistant to inspect your room. Before your scheduled appointment, move out all personal items, clean your room thoroughly, which includes sweeping and/or mopping the room. The room should be arranged in the original set-up, including furniture moved back to its placement and beds bunked at the correct height. The resident assistant will then check your room for any damages. You will be billed for any damages or cleaning costs. Keys Students are issued keys upon arrival to NSU after they have completed the check in process with hall staff. It is very important that you maintain possession of your keys and/or student ID at all times. In all of our residence halls your ID card will be coded for building entry. If questions arise, please contact hall staff. Lost Keys:  A key is determined to be lost (1) when the student states it is lost or stolen or (2) after a key has been missing for two weeks. If a key is not returned at check-out, the key is considered lost.  A lost key is not permanently replaced until the student has paid $50.00 for a room key.  Once paid, the Hall Staff will order a new key.  If your ID card is lost, you will be responsible for paying the replacement cost of the ID card in the finance office to get a new card made.

Loan Keys:  In the event a key is temporarily misplaced (i.e. locked in a room); the student should contact a staff member to open the door. Mistakes happen, the first lockout is free. After that there will be $5 charged for every lockout that a student needs to get the hall staff to unlock their door.  In the event a key is misplaced but retrieval will take longer than 30 minutes (i.e. the key was left at home), the student may make special arrangements with the Hall Staff for a key to be loaned for a specific period of time, not to exceed two weeks.  Identification cards will be required to identify students borrowing keys. If ID cards are not available, the student must be identified through some other means. All keys remain the property of Northern State. It is against Northern policy to duplicate any residence hall key. Keys are not transferable (which means you cannot lend your keys to any other resident or guest no matter what the reason). Violators will be subject to disciplinary action. It is your responsibility to keep track of your keys at all times. Hall Closing - Vacation Periods Residence halls will close the evening of the last class/exam day before the scheduled break. The exact time will be posted in each hall. Room rates do not cover vacation periods. A daily charge will be assessed to those who require vacation housing during extended breaks on campus. When the residence halls are closed for a short break (Thanksgiving) residents are required to:  Unplug all electrical appliances (except refrigerators)  Close and lock windows  Completely empty their trash  Turn off all lights  Lock your door  Turn down your thermostat (if applicable) When the residence halls are closed for an extended break (Semester & Spring) residents are required to:  Complete all of the same tasks above  Clean and unplug refrigerators (leave door open with a towel for water collection) Compliance with this procedure assures the safety and security of the student's living area and is each person's responsibility. Hall staff will check each room to make sure the above has been done and rooms have been vacated. There will be specific policies posted for students staying over any break. Any violation of those posted policies could result in conduct sanctions or removal from break housing. Room Departure Students who withdraw from the University during the semester are required to vacate their residence hall room within 24 hours of their withdrawal. Under certain circumstances, this time period can be extended. Any considerations for withdrawal check-out extensions will be made by the Director of Residence Life and the Dining Services. At the end of the semester, all students are required to vacate their rooms within 12 hours after their last final examination. Residents who have a final exam on Friday must check-out no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Exceptions are made for graduating seniors and students who are participating in graduation exercises. Students who meet these criteria must complete the proper paperwork requesting a late-check-out in advance so that arrangements can be made for their

check-out. Students who check-out improperly may be assessed a fine. Improper check-out applies to improper room changes, failure to return keys, sign paperwork for room departure, failure to check-out at vacation times or at the end of the semester, and for checking out late. Moving Out/Checking Out When a resident moves out of a room, even if just moving down the hallway, the resident must:  Schedule a time with the RA to assess the condition of the room.  To prepare your room for check-out: ▪ Place all furniture back in its original location and condition, including beds bunked. ▪ Remove all decorations, posters, markings, tape, etc. from all surfaces including walls, floors, windows and both sides of the door. Wash any painted light bulbs. ▪ Remove all trash. Do not sweep trash into hallway. ▪ Clean the room. Cleaning includes vacuuming, mopping, and removing all non-Northern property. If the room is not sufficiently cleaned, the resident(s) will be billed for cleaning. ▪ No personal items may be left in the room. Any item left will be disposed of immediately.  Complete a check-out inventory with the RA after all your belongings have been removed from the room.  Review the completed inventory sheet and ask about anything you don't understand.  Turn in keys.  Sign and date the Room Inventory Sheet.  A final room inspection will be completed immediately following the close of the semester.  Residents will be billed for any damages found during this inspection.  Moving from hall to hall must take place during hall office hours 7-11 pm. Room Damages Residents are responsible for their rooms and furnishings and are financially accountable for damages beyond normal and reasonable wear and tear. Malicious damage will result in disciplinary action. EACH RESIDENT SHOULD BE CERTAIN THEIR ROOM INVENTORY FORM IS COMPLETED FULLY AND ACCURATELY. IT IS FROM THIS FORM THAT ROOM DAMAGES ARE ASSESSED AT THE END OF OCCUPANCY. Residents are urged to report any damage in the common areas of the buildings to a member of their hall staff immediately. Charges for Damages: Items damaged beyond normal wear and tear are assessed against the individual(s) responsible. So that you might be aware of the estimated cost for making the necessary repairs and replacements, please see Appendix A of this document. These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice. Room Changes/Move-On Days Roommate, room, and hall changes will not be made during the first three weeks of the semester, as it is our belief that students need this time to adjust to their living situation as well as familiarize and negotiate living choices with their roommate. During the fall and spring semesters, Move-On Days will be held to accommodate room change requests. A room change request form must be completed and signed by all parties involved before the request will be considered. Move-On Days for the fall semester are scheduled as follows: forms will be available from your Hall Staff on August 23, 2023 and the deadline for

submission being September 5, 2023. Moves will occur beginning on September 7. Move-On Days for the spring semester are as follows: forms available on January 9, form submission deadline January 22 and moves can begin on January 25. Students requesting room changes will be assisted by our Residential Community Coordinator in finding a space they feel best meets their needs. After the initial Move-On Days students who demonstrate a severe situation that requires a room change may be allowed to do so, only after first working with the hall staff and Residential Community Coordinator to make sure that all avenues to address the current situation has been resolved. Room Consolidation Students that are in a non-paid single room will be involved in room consolidation. The room consolidation process for the fall semester is scheduled for the weekend of September 16, 2023. The room consolidation process for the spring semester is scheduled for the weekend of Februuary 2, 2024. Information will be sent to the students that are involved in the process. The student will have one of three options: 1. Take their current room as a paid single. The single room charge will be pro-rated from the day the room became a single. 2. Find a student who currently has a roommate who would like to purchase the room as a single. The roommate would then move in with the student in the non-paid single. 3. Find a student who is currently in a non-paid single and needs a roommate. The Residential Community Coordinator will work with the students that are involved in the consolidation process. Failure to exercise one of the options will lead to the student receiving a roommate or a new room assignment. If a student refuses a new roommate or to relocate to a new room, they will be billed for a single room for the entire period they are without a roommate. Single Rooms Single rooms are made available when space permits. After classes begin, the Office of Residence Life will advertise available rooms with priority given by the number of earned hours acquired at Northern. These rooms have an additional fee per semester and are assigned on a semester by semester basis. Room Selection Process During the Spring Semester, each resident is given an opportunity to make space requests for the following year. Present occupants of a room will have first-priority in reassignment to that room provided proper paperwork and housing contracts are submitted by the deadlines set by the Office of Residence Life. Please be aware this is simply a request for a room and not a guarantee of that assignment. Final assignments are made by the Office of Residence Life based on needs of the entire NSU community. Roommates One of the most significant relationships you will develop on campus is the one with your roommate. Whether you know your roommate ahead of time or not, the development of this relationship is key in creating a positive environment to live and learn in the residence halls. We

want you to have the best experience possible on campus, so here are a few tips that will help cultivate a good relationship with your roommate. During your first week on campus, you will receive a roommate agreement from your RA. These roommate agreements will allow you to talk through issues such as: cleaning responsibilities, sleeping habits, visitation expectations, study habits and more. The roommate agreement is important to the success of living on campus with roommates. The best advice we can offer is to be courteous, thoughtful, and considerate to your roommate. Please keep in mind these basic rights of a roommate: o The right to live in a clean building and room o The right to expect that a roommate will respect one’s personal belongings o The right to read and study without undue interference o The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, roommate’s guests, etc. o The right to free access to one’s room and facilities without pressure from a roommate o The right to personal privacy o The right to be free from fear or intimidation and physical or emotional harm o The right to have guests during visitation hours with the expectations that guests are to respect the rights of the roommate or other hall residents No matter how much you like your roommate, or how well you get along, there are always going to be disagreements. Learning to accept and tolerate ideas and beliefs different from your own is one of the most important experiences you can have. However, if you do have a complaint or disagreement with your roommate, don't ignore it until the problem worsens. You can accomplish more successes by just saying, "Let's talk." If you encounter a difficult or uncomfortable situation with your roommate, and have discussed the matter with him or her, please contact your Resident Assistant for help. The Resident Assistant can help you work out those challenges in a professional way and provide you with guidance and helpful suggestions. Emergency/Maintenance Procedures Maintenance Request Procedures If a student has a maintenance request or other concerns regarding the physical upkeep of their room they can submit a maintenance request form via Roompact. Should the student have an issue of a more pressing matter (broken lock, plumbing problem, broken heater, etc.) they can call the Office of Residence Life at (605) 626-3007 between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If a serious maintenance concern arises after 5:00 p.m. or during the weekend, the student should contact their Resident Assistant On-Duty. It is important that you report problems before they become an emergency. For example: 1. Please report your shower draining slowly vs. your bathtub has standing water and won’t drain at all. 2. Please report the pipe under the sink dripping vs. the pipe has been leaking for a month and now has a steady stream of water. Little problems can be avoided with preventative measures.

On-Duty Personnel A member of the Office of Residence Life Staff is on duty at all times. If you have a security, maintenance, or other concern from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, please call the Office of Residence Life at (605) 626-3007. After 5:00 p.m. and on weekends, you may call the Resident Assistant on call for your building (Numbers are listed at on page 5 of this guide and also at each entrance to the building) Campus Security Officer NSU campus security is provided by a member of the Aberdeen Police Department who serves the campus through a service contract while maintaining a position with the Aberdeen Police Department. This officer has full law enforcement authority and should be afforded the respect of all students, Additionally, the campus officer: • Files police reports as needed. • Helps make the campus a safe and welcoming home environment for students, faculty and staff. • Makes presentations on topics including safety, steps to reduce crime, theft prevention, appropriate use of social media, drug and alcohol issues, sexual assault awareness and prevention, and more. • Answers law enforcement-related and campus or community resource questions. Other members of the Aberdeen Police Department make regular rounds throughout the Northern State University campus. Accident and Illness Any accident or illness should be reported to your Hall Staff immediately. Parking Campus community members who operate one or more vehicles on the NSU campus must purchase a parking permit at the Parking Office in the Facilities Management Building Rm. 216, 626-2560. Permits are required for fall and spring semesters. A parking permit is not required for motorcycles as long as they are parked in the designated motorcycle parking area off Washington Street between the Library and Great Plains West. The cost of a parking permit is set by the University and is published by the Office of Finance. • First ticket warning; one warning per school year. • Second ticket will be billed as $30.00 for no NSU parking permit displayed or $15.00 for any other violation. Detailed parking regulations are available from the Facilities Management office, (605) 6262560. Insurance Northern State University is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen, or damaged in the residence halls. Nor does the university have insurance on student’s personal property. Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover students’ belongings while away at college. We recommend that you check with your family and insurance agent to verify that coverage exists for your personal belongings while living on campus. If you do not have coverage, information on a low cost insurance program can be obtained through the Office of Residence Life or by calling The National Student Services Inc. at 1-800-256-6774.

Students are encouraged to utilize our Operation Registration process as referenced later in this Guide. Fire Should the fire alarm in your residence hall be activated, every resident is required to evacuate the building immediately using the nearest stairwell or exit. Upon moving into your residence hall, please review all emergency evacuation plans posted throughout the building. In the event of a fire, please keep the following tips in mind while evacuating the building: ✓ Feel the door from top to bottom. ✓ If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. ✓ If visibility permits, exit by using the stairwells. ✓ Remember to stay as low as possible, crawling if necessary when smoky conditions exist. ✓ If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and use another set of stairs. ✓ If you are not in your room when the alarm sounds, proceed directly to the nearest exit. DO NOT RETURN TO YOUR ROOM. ✓ If trapped in a room take the following steps: ▪ If possible, call 911 and report your situation. ▪ Wedge wet towels or clothing under the door jam to keep smoke out. ▪ Keep a soaked towel over your head. ▪ Stay low, try to breathe fresh air near the window. ▪ Open window and signal fireman with a sheet or blanket. ✓ Do not return to the building until the all-clear is given by the fire personnel or staff. Failure to evacuate the building will result in disciplinary action. Anyone setting off a fire alarm by pulling the alarm or any form of tampering with smoke detectors will be held accountable through the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Please see the Northern State University student handbook for further disciplinary information. Tornadoes In South Dakota, tornadoes generally occur during the months of March through September. Be alert for these danger signs: severe thunderstorms with frequent lightning, hail, roaring noise, funnel clouds, heavy rain, strong winds, and loss of electricity. A tornado watch indicates that conditions are conducive to the development of a tornado. The local office of the National Weather Service will issue a warning bulletin to local authorities as well as the local media (TV networks and radio stations). When a tornado watch is issued, students are not required to seek shelter. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sited or detected by radar. Residents must seek shelter immediately. Each Residence Hall has a weather monitor that will notify them of any warnings in the vicinity. You will be alerted about severe weather, even during evening and night hours. Please follow the procedures listed below when seeking shelter: ✓ Go to the lowest possible floor ✓ Stay away from windows and do not open any windows ✓ If possible, go to an area that is reinforced (i.e. a bathroom or shower stall) ✓ If time allows, get a mattress/pillow to help shelter from flying debris ✓ Stay in a crouched position until the hall staff has cleared you to return to your room Missing Person Policy A student is missing when the student’s whereabouts are unknown and unexplained for a period of time that would be regarded as highly unusual or suspicious by persons familiar with the student’s plans, habits or routines. It is not necessary to wait until the student has been missing for twenty-four hours before making a report.

If a student is required to reside on campus, but chooses to live in a space other than their assigned hall (off campus, etc.) the Residence Life Department will make every effort to contact those students in situations that fall under this policy. Any person may report a university student as missing by filing a report with: 1. Vice President of Student Affairs (626-2530) 2. Director of Student’s Rights and Responsibilities (626-3007) 3. Campus Police Officer (380-8925) If students who reside in university controlled residences do not respond to electronic contacts or to knocking on their doors, student affairs personnel may enter the students’ rooms in order to assess the condition of the rooms and to look for visible personal property (wallet, keys, cell phone or clothing) that might provide clues as to whether the student has taken an extended trip or other planned absence from the residence hall. If the initial investigation is being undertaken by campus security officers, they will either request that student affairs personnel enter student rooms or they will obtain search warrants. At the time that a student is accepted as a resident in university controlled housing, the student will be given an opportunity to designate an individual to be notified pursuant to this policy in the event that the student becomes missing. Students will be provided confidential means to designate such individuals and to update their designation. Emancipated students under the age of eighteen will be informed that, in the event that they become missing, the university will notify a custodial parent or legal guardian pursuant to this policy. Campus Alert System Safety and security is important at Northern; that's why we have a Campus Alert System (also known as "Everbridge") for all students, faculty, and staff. During an emergency, critical emergency-related alerts are sent directly to users' cell, home, and/or office phone or email. Please go to the Campus Safety tab on the Northern State Web Page to sign-up for this important service. Residence Life Services Air Conditioning All currently utilized residential facilities on campus are air-conditioned. Personal window units and portable AC’s are not permitted in any of our halls. If a resident has a medical need for air conditioning they must first register with the Office of Disability Services and then the appropriate accommodation will be made. Kramer, Wolves Memorial, Great Plains East & Great Plains West are air conditioned. The air conditioning is turned off in the fall semester as temperatures drop and turned on again in the spring semester. The Office of Residence Life will determine these shut-off and start-up times based on the stabilization of nighttime weather temperatures. Cable TV Currently, all residence halls rooms are wired for cable service. The charge for cable television is paid only by those students who wish this service. Students tapping into the cable system are in violation of state and federal statutes. Anyone found pirating cable signals or contributing to this will be referred to the Office of Rights and Responsibility and possibly civil authorities.

Counseling Services Counseling Services offers the assistance of two licensed, professional counselors. Personal counseling is available to all Northern students through counseling services. Assistance is provided in helping students accomplish personal, social, and academic goals. Issues may include relationships, self-esteem, time management, test anxiety, family concerns, and stress management. In keeping with accepted professional practice, all counseling is confidential. Energy Conservation Each year, Northern's residence halls are more costly to operate. So that these costs may be held down as much as possible, these following energy conservation ideas will assist us in this effort. ✓ Conserve Electricity: Unplug and turn off unused appliances. ✓ Save Water: Consider shorter showers and avoiding running water. ✓ Don't Waste Heat: Avoid blocking heaters and utilize natural ventilation (e.g. open doors/windows). Health & Wellness Center NSU AVERA Health Services is an on-campus office, staffed with a certified medical assistant or a patient services representative and a physician’s assistant (PA). Location: Student Center 222 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday when school is in session. The PA is on duty from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. when school is in session. To make an appointment or learn more about services, new and current NSU students can visit myNSU. On-campus services On-campus services are offered at no charge to students, who will need to bring a current insurance card to the office. Services include: • Assessment and treatment of acute or sudden onset of illness or injury • Lab testing (urine screening, strep throat, blood count and mono screening), free when the tests are determined necessary by the PA on staff and collected at the Avera Health Services Office • Over-the-counter medications for common colds, sore throat, cough and headaches • Medical equipment such as crutches, vaporizers and cold/hot packs (available for checkout) • Informational and referral services assistance, upon request Kitchenettes Cooking is not permitted in student rooms, however, a kitchen is provided in each residence hall for student use. Storage space in kitchenettes can be used to store personal cooking items, but the residence hall staff is not responsible for items left in public spaces. Residents must remain in kitchen while cooking. Failure to do so that results in a fire alarm going off will be held accountable through the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Please see the Northern State University Student Handbook for further disciplinary information. There are community refrigerators in each kitchen area. Residents that use these must label and date their food. Residents using the community refrigerators assume the risk when using these. Hall staff is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Cleanliness of the kitchen is the responsibility of the people using it.

Laundry Services Each hall is equipped with laundry facilities to be utilized by our residents. The washers and dryers in the halls can be operated by coin, or ThunderBucks. Please do not use too much detergent or overload the washers and dryers as this causes severe damages short and long term. If the machines fail to function properly, please contact your Resident Assistant. Mail Service Mail service for all students is provided through the NSU university post office located in the Student Center. All on-campus students are issued a campus Post Office box in the Student Center. Packages mailed at the NSU Post Office. Incoming mail should be addressed as follows: Student's Name NSU Box # (Room number should not be included on address) 1200 S Jay St Aberdeen SD 57401 Please remember to put "NSU Box #" otherwise, it could be delivered incorrectly to the Aberdeen post office box or returned. Main Lobbies & Floor Lounges Main lobbies and floor lounges are available for study, social and recreational uses. Specific guidelines may be developed by individual floors, residence hall staff and/or hall councils. Any requests by outside groups to use a residence hall lobby or lounge must be approved by the hall council and the Area Coordinator. Furniture from these lobbies and lounges are not permitted in student rooms at any time or for any reason. Moving furniture from any lobby or lounge to individual rooms deprives others of its use and will result in disciplinary action. Residence Hall Association The Residence Hall Association was founded and approved as an official campus organization in Fall 2017 and were recognized again in the Spring of 2023. The mission of the Residence Hall Association is as follows: “As an advising body, the RHA is the voice of on-campus residents, serving as a liaison between residents and the administration. We will inspire growth, leadership and involvement through our development of on-campus life.” The Residence Hall Association meets bi-weekly throughout the school year and hosts residential events and forums to facilitate discussions to improve residential living at Northern State University. As an advisory committee to the leadership of the Department of Residence Life, RHA cannot force or demand change; but can examine possibilities and recommend based on the surveying of residential students. Residence Hall Programs

A wide variety of social, educational, cultural and personal enrichment programs are offered throughout the academic year. Residents are encouraged to participate in as many of these as their academic schedule permits in order to obtain the total university experience. Watch bulletin boards and check with the residence hall staff for information about upcoming programs that you may find of interest. Residence Hall Meetings Periodically, your Hall Staff and/or the residence hall association will call a hall meeting. Ample notice will be provided so that residents can adjust their schedules accordingly. These meetings are important ones at which information of interest to all hall residents is discussed. It is essential that you attend these meetings if you want to remain informed about life in the hall and have a voice in determining some of the hall policies and procedures. Likewise, floor representatives and/or resident assistants will hold floor meetings periodically. These meetings are usually for purposes of planning floor activities, deciding floor policies and discussing floor problems. You will be held responsible for any information that is given at these meetings. Two mandatory meetings that are held throughout each semester is a hall-opening meeting and a hall-closing meeting. The information at these meetings will assist you as you move in in August & January, and when you move out in December & May. You are responsible to any information that is given at these meetings. Security Northern State University and the Office of Residence Life take the security and safety of all of our students, faculty and staff seriously. Below is some information that we encourage you to become aware of and practice on a daily basis. Building Security Access to the residential portion of all halls are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The main lobby of Great Plains East and Great Plains West are open from 7 a.m. – 10 pm. • Keeping the doors locked is important. • Residents should never open the doors for strangers or leave outside doors propped open. • Always be aware of strangers that may want to follow you in the door (“tailgaters”). • Residents should always carry their keys with them. • Students found propping open doors or broaching the hall security will face disciplinary action. • During break periods all doors are kept locked 24 hours a day. Personal Security All students have a responsibility to help prevent crime. One way of doing this is by being careful and following the tips listed below:  Lock your door when you are sleeping and every time you leave, even if just for a very short time. It can take less than a minute for a thief to strike.  Keep your keys in your possession at all times.  Keep your windows locked when you leave.  Keep your blinds drawn at night.  Protect your property by engraving an identifying mark.  Keep your personal property inaccessible to thieves in locker rooms, automobiles, classrooms or study rooms.  Large sums of money and other valuables should not be kept in your room,

particularly during vacation periods.  Register your bicycle as required by Aberdeen city ordinance.  Lock your bicycle to a bicycle rack with a case-hardened chain and lock.  Watch for suspicious persons in and around Northern State buildings and parking lots. Report them immediately to a staff member and campus security. Safety & Security Checks Twice per semester, all rooms and suites will be inspected by Residence Life staff. Inspections are to ensure that all residents are living in a healthy and safe environment. The presence of all university-owned furniture will also be confirmed. Additionally, Residence Life staff will complete holiday break inspections prior to all hall closings. Official inspection dates will be announced 24 hours in advance. Policy violations encountered during the normal course of room and suite inspections will result in appropriate conduct action. Resident’s Rights, Responsibilities & Standards of Behavior The Office of Residence Life has authority and responsibility to insure that fair and clear standards of behavior are established, along with equitable procedures for adjudication in the application of these standards. It is important that each resident becomes familiar with their rights and responsibilities and standards of behavior expressed herein, in order that the residence hall experience will be of greatest benefit to all. These rights and responsibilities are intended to represent a balance between the student's need for self-governance and freedom and the institution's responsibility to insure an environment conducive to accomplishing its educational mission. Like all citizens, you enjoy the same constitutional rights and the same responsibilities to respect the rights of others. Each member of the campus community has the right to organize his/her own personal life and behavior, so long as it does not violate the law or does not interfere with the rights of others or the educational process. Due to the nature of the educational process, you also have specific rights and responsibilities as a member of the academic community. Students are expected to conduct themselves as mature members of the Northern community, respecting the rights of others, and making full use of their educational opportunities. Mutual respect and consideration coupled with an awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of other individuals must be the standards for living in a residence hall. The following Bill of Rights is intended to suggest minimum expectations of rights and responsibilities of hall residents, and as roommates, in actualizing their freedom, without placing constraints upon the rights of other residents. These rights carry with them a reciprocal responsibility on the part of the individual to insure those same rights of other residents. RESIDENT BILL OF RIGHTS 1. The RIGHT to read and study, free from undue interference in and around one's room. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right. 2. The RIGHT to sleep without disturbance from noise, guests, or roommates, etc.

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