Residence Life
Health, Safety and Security
Health, safety and security are everyone’s responsibility. Actions which compromise the safety and/or security of residents or living areas subject the individuals responsible to fines and/or disciplinary action.
This page contains the following information pertaining to Residence Life: Residence Hall Occupancy:
I. Keys and Key Cards
Master Keys
Key Card System
Room Keys
II. Access to Facilities
Exterior Doors
Guests
Delivery
Room Entry & Search
V. Personal Health & Physical Safety Concerns
Student Pet Policy
Firearms & Explosives
Electrical Appliances
Kitchens
Roofs
Elevators
Camping
Keys and Key Cards
Master Keys
Maintenance personnel, residence life staff and public safety officers on duty are the only persons authorized to obtain and use master keys. Unauthorized possession or use of a master key subjects students to disciplinary action.
Room Keys
Each resident will be given a room key upon check-in. The key number is to be noted in the appropriate space on the Room Inventory Form that the student completes.
In the event a student loses his/her room key or does not return it at check-out, he/she will pay a charge of $100 (2012-13 price) for a key core replacement. This will provide a new lock core and key(s) to the room. There is no reimbursement on key cores should the old key be found.
Students may not make duplicate copies of their room and/or house key. When duplicates are found, they will be confiscated, the key core will be changed and the student will be charged the key core replacement cost. Disciplinary action may result as well.
Students who need their door opened by a staff member may be charged a fine. Proceeds from the fines go to local charites such as the Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity or to hall programs. It is very important for students to always carry their key.
Access to Facilities
Exterior Doors
All residence hall main entrance doors are on the key card system beginning at 8:00 p.m. and remain locked until 7 a.m. Emergency phones are located at the main entrance of each residence hall and at several other locations for personal safety and security reasons. All registered St. Olaf students may access any residence hall between 8:00-11:00 p.m. using their student ID. Between 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. students may only access the residence hall they are assigned by using their student ID.
During break periods when residence halls are occupied, the halls are locked 24-hours a day. Students may access their hall with their St. Olaf student ID. During Christmas and Spring Breaks students do not have access to their room or residence hall.
Guests
Overnight guests are to register with the hall receptionist as a precaution in the event an emergency occurs and the individual needs to be quickly identified. Residents are expected to inform guests of college policies and residence hall regulations. Hosts are responsible for the actions of their guests. Those guests not in compliance with college policy may be asked to leave campus, and their hosts may face disciplinary action. Guests should not stay longer than three (3) nights – and may be asked to leave if staying longer.
Delivery
Students who place orders from local businesses and request delivery to the hall are to receive the item(s) at the front desk
Room Entry and Search
The college has instituted the following regulations to govern entry and search of college-owned student rooms.
Entry
Entry may take place by a college staff member without prior notification for repair, maintenance or its assessment, or when there is imminent danger to the health and welfare of the students.
Persons explicitly authorized by the Dean of Students may enter a room when there is reasonable suspicion to think a college policy is being violated. Such persons shall knock and, if requested, identify themselves before entering.
The Dean of Students has given authority to the area coordinators to inspect refrigerators for alcohol when an alcohol policy violation is suspected. Residents will be asked to voluntarily open suspect refrigerators first, but if such requests are not followed, the units may be searched by designated staff.
Persons authorized by the dean of students may also enter a room to check lofts, refrigerators, and/or recovery of stolen college property. If an occupant is not present during a room check, authorized persons will be accompanied by another individual.
Whenever entry is obtained by use of a pass key except for repair, maintenance or its assessment, or for health and welfare reasons, a written report shall be submitted to the dean of students (or person designated by the dean) indicating such entry, the reasons for it, and its results.
Search
Except in extreme emergency situations, the premises occupied by students shall not be searched unless written or verbal authorization for each search has been obtained from the dean of students (or persons designated by the dean) to provide such authorization.
Reasons for the search, and the objects or information sought, shall be clearly stated, and at least two individuals shall be present during the search. Any items found in violation of this section will be removed. After a search, a written report indicating rooms searched, results of the search and a list of items removed (if any) will be submitted to the dean of students.
Evidence obtained under conditions which violate these regulations shall be inadmissible in student judicial hearings.
Break Safety Inspections
At the beginning of each break, the residence hall staff enters each room to check for potential safety and energy concerns. With decreased occupancy during breaks, there is greater potential for fires to remain undetected until severe damage has occurred.
Inspections include checking for potential fire hazards and electrical problems and observing energy conservation concerns (such as broken or open windows, heat regulation, insulation around windows). Students are expected to meet with area coordinators promptly concerning problems found during break inspections.
At Christmas and spring breaks, refrigerators must be emptied, cleaned, defrosted, unplugged and propped open prior to leaving.
St. Olaf College does not insure and is not responsible for loss or damage from any cause to the personal property of employees or students (including items placed in storage rooms). It is strongly suggested that students check the coverage provided through family insurance policies and, if necessary, purchase private personal property insurance from a reliable insurance company.
Property remaining in student rooms upon termination of lease immediately becomes the property of the college.
The safekeeping of student property is the responsibility of each individual student. Rooms should be locked at all times and valuable property secured.
Bicycles are to be stored in designated bicycle stands outside each residence hall or in student rooms. Safety considerations prohibit the storage of bicycles in any public space, in stairwells, hallways and lounge areas. To deter theft of a bicycle, it is recommended that it be securely locked.
Any crime and/or suspicious occurrence observed in the St. Olaf community should be reported immediately to campus security.
Thefts or vandalism should be reported to the appropriate area coordinator and public safety.
The safety of every student is of paramount importance to the college. As such, residence halls have been equipped with various emergency systems and equipment to help ensure student safety. As such, the tampering with and/or misuse of fire and safety equipment, including fire alarms, fire doors, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, exit signs, heat sensors, and any other safety equipment, poses a serious threat to life and property and will result in a $500 fine. The starting of any fire on college property without written authorization is strictly prohibited. St. Olaf reserves the right to take disciplinary action through the appropriate college channels and/or local law enforcement agencies.
All persons must evacuate the building when the fire alarm is sounded. Stay a safe distance from the building until the ‘All Clear’ is given by a member of the residence life or public safety staff. Students should familiarize themselves with the evacuation procedures:
- Don’t panic.
- Close windows and open blinds.
- Turn on lights (at night).
- Wear shoes and coat.
- Leave door closed and unlocked.
- Exit via fire exit route.
- Meet at designated spot outside building.
- Stay a safe distance from building until ‘All Clear’ is given.
- Due to the significant risk of fire, the burning of candles or other open flames (this includes incense) are not permitted in residence hall rooms. With continuous monitoring, and with the permission of the area coordinator, lit candles are permitted in public areas for programs, dinners and other special events.
- No materials may be draped or affixed overhead (i.e. on the ceiling or over light bulbs).
- Flammable substances, such as gasoline and cleaning fluids, are not to be used or stored in college residences.
- No storage of flammable materials, such as wood, empty boxes, excessive amounts of paper or cardboard.
- Do not overload the electrical outlets. The college recommends only one appliance per outlet. Also, multiple outlet ‘octopus’ plugs are not allowed, as they can be a fire hazard.
- If an extension cord is needed, use a heavy duty extension cord, preferably one equipped with a circuit breaker. Use them in a manner that will not create a fire hazard (i.e. running them under carpet, overloading outlets).
- Splicing of electrical wires or removal of any outlet plates or light switches is prohibited.
- All holiday decorations (Christmas greenery) must be fireproofed. A fireproofing service is provided by the physical plant. Greenery should be taken to the physical plant. The physical plant will then fireproof the greenery and deliver it to the student’s room within 24 hours. All greenery should be tagged, indicating that it has been officially fireproofed.
- Fire doors are to remain closed at all times. Residents of the corridor/hall are responsible for patrolling.
- ‘Pennying in’ residents is strictly prohibited, as it prevents residents from evacuating in the event of an emergency. Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action.
- Electrical appliances should not be left unattended. Once an appliance has been used, be sure to unplug it.
- Refrigerators may not be placed in closets. There must be proper circulation behind the unit to allow the heat that is displaced to be circulated.
- Items stored too close to heating units are extremely dangerous. Keep a three-foot clearing.
Waste should be disposed as soon as possible.
Only heat-producing electrical appliances that are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved and that have enclosed heating elements (e.g. electric coffee pots, electric blankets, etc.) are permitted in student rooms. All electrical appliances brought to the campus by students are subject to inspection and approval by the college.
The hallways must be kept free of debris and personal items. Students assume financial responsibility for having these items removed after the first week of classes.
For safety purposes, observe the following:
Personal Health and Physical Safety Concerns
- Campus Pet Policy
Animals can present a definite health concern to residence hall living because of allergies and can cause damage to the buildings in the form of stains and odor. Students are not allowed to have any pets, with the exception of fish, in any residence hall or honor house.Firearms and Explosives
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The personal possession of firearms in all campus buildings and on all campus property is strictly prohibited. This prohibition applies to all students, employees, independent contractors, and visitors, including those who have a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon. Individuals who possess a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon may, however, keep the weapon locked in the trunk or glove compartment of their vehicle in the parking lot. Students are also prohibited from possessing firearms or other weapons while operating a college vehicle or while engaging in college business. This weapons prohibition does not apply to authorized security or law enforcement personnel.
The possession of any other weapons, such as, knives, ammunition, explosives and fireworks, is also prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, the use or possession of any of the above weapons, to include bows and arrows, slingshots, water balloon launchers, decorative swords and weaponry, knives, martial arts equipment, BB or pellet guns and other potentially hazardous items, are expressly prohibited on the St. Olaf campus.
A student wishing to store weapons on campus for hunting purposes only must register and store the gun and ammunition with public safety in the Administration Building. Weapons may not be kept in student rooms.
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If you are aware that another student or other individual possesses a handgun or other weapon in violation of this policy, you should immediately report the conduct at issue to Public Safety (x3666) or call 911.
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Electrical Appliances
Because of sanitation (and fire safety) concerns, the following guidelines are to be followed. Only popcorn poppers and coffee pots with automatic turn-off controls are permitted in residence hall rooms. All other cooking must be confined to designated cooking areas. No student-owned microwaves, toasters, toaster ovens or hot plates are allowed in residence hall rooms. For safety reasons, halogen lamps are not allowed in residence halls or honor houses.Kitchens
The kitchens in the residence halls are designed for community use. It is the responsibility of the person(s) using the kitchen to clean and return the area to an acceptable condition.Roofs
Students are not permitted to climb on the walls, roof or deck of any buildings (including the honor houses) without permission from the director of facilities. Violations are subject to disciplinary action.Elevators
Tampering with or the improper use of an elevator, which could endanger the operator or other individuals, will result in disciplinary action and a $500 fine. Additionally, any person who damages an elevator must pay for the repair and inspection of the elevator and face disciplinary action. A second violation will result in additional disciplinary sanctions which may include dismissal from the college.Camping
Due to personal health and safety concerns, camping is prohibited on St. Olaf College property without the express permission of the Dean of Students.