Residence Hall Policies and Procedures
Philosophy of Residence Life
Central to the mission of Viterbo as a Catholic, Franciscan University and the philosophy of Residence Life are the values of dignity and respect for all people in community living. The University provides a positive living situation, one that is conducive to study for each resident student. With this in mind, specific policies and procedures have been implemented as part of University life.
Antennae
It is strictly prohibited to install a private antenna to any University residence or building. It is also prohibited to “hijack” cable, TV, or telephone service for private use.
Cable TV
Local service is provided in all the residence hall floor lounges, the Student Union, McDonald, Rose Terrace, Treacy House apartments, the 712 Complex and the houses.
Cancellation of Housing Contract
To secure a refund of the housing deposit, returning students who have submitted a housing contract and deposit and decide not to enroll or students who enroll and elect not to live in the residence halls the following fall must notify the Director of Residence Life in writing by the first of May.
Candles
Candles are the number one cause of fire in university residence halls. Use or possession of items that are seen as fire hazards may result in disciplinary action.
Check In Times
Check In is supervised by the Residence Life staff and is conducted according to a specific schedule of dates and times. When you check in, you will be given a room assignment, a key, a door card, and a room inventory to check the condition of the room.
Check Out Times
At the end of the semester/academic year, residents are expected to vacate their rooms by the day, time, and procedures posted. Rooms are to be clean and in the same general condition as they were at the beginning of the occupancy. Residents with late examinations or special circumstances that prevent vacating by the specified closing time should contact the Director of Residence Life or a Community Coordinator for extended stay permission. Students will be asked to leave a forwarding address. On the day of Check Out, the Resident Assistant will take inventory of the room and furnishings. The RA will make notes of any damages to the room/apartment on the inventory form. The form is then given to the Community Coordinators who will determine damage charges. A second review will occur after the hall closes and will be conducted by custodial and the Residence Life Staff to determine the condition of the room. Failure to observe the check out procedures will result in a $25 fine assessed as an improper check out.
Children
All children (under age 16) are to be supervised by a responsible parent or guardian at all times when on campus. Any childcare or babysitting must take place off campus at the residence of parents or guardians.
Cooking and Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens are not permitted in student rooms in Bonaventure and Marian Halls but are provided for usage in the lounges of these halls. Students living in the apartment or theme houses may bring microwave ovens for usage. Due to sanitation, health and safety laws, cooking in Bonaventure and Marian Halls is permitted in lounges only.
Curtains and Blinds
Curtains with fire retardant backing are provided in each room/apartment. These curtains must remain on the windows at all times.
Cleanliness
Resident students are responsible for cleaning their rooms and cleaning any litter or “mess” that they make in the corridors and lounge areas. Littering is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Dumpsters are located outside all facilities to dispose of trash and boxes.
Closing and Locking Doors for Security
Resident students are expected to close and lock their room doors for prevention of theft. In addition, doors to residence facilities must remain closed to maintain building security. Propping doors open is a security risk and a violation of residence hall policy.
Damages
Residents of each room are responsible for keeping the premises and room contents in good order and free from damage by the residents and their guests. Each resident understands and agrees that he/she is responsible for any and all damages that may occur to the room/apartment and/or its contents. If damage or loss occur to the property and the student(s) are not known, the charge may be divided among the students of the floor, hall or apartment and charged to the student’s account. All damages should be promptly reported to the RA, Community Coordinator, or Director for Residence Life. Charges for damages may occur after the Resident Assistant has checked a student out if damages are noted by a Physical Plant or Residence Life staff member.
Decorating Rooms
Students decorating their rooms, doors, or floors for any occasion must follow these guidelines.
Use flame-resistant materials.
Use lights that are UL- approved and are of low wattage. Halogen lamps may not be used.
Do not decorate over fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguisher cabinets, smoke detectors, and
exit signs.
Display of beer cans and other alcohol and drug paraphernalia are not permitted in halls, apartments and houses.
Decorating must be done in good taste. The Residence Life Staff may request students to remove offensive or inappropriate publicly displayed (outside doors and windows) material.
Items hanging from the ceiling are prohibited.
Tacks, nails, glue adhesives, glow-in-the-dark stars/patterns are strictly prohibited. Only poster putty may be used to hang decorations. Adhesives on Dry Erase Boards may not be used.
Other University belongings (signs, couches, lamps, tables, etc.) are not permitted in the student rooms as these items are for the use of all students. If such belongings are found in student rooms, they may be removed and disciplinary action taken.
Dietary Restrictions
Students requiring special diets should contact ARAMARK at 796-3837 to make arrangements. Most special needs can be met after consultation with the Director of Dining Services. Certain acute medical conditions exist that require modifications of food preparation and accessibility within a particular campus dining plan. If a student has such a need for accommodation, he/she must file an Application for Accommodations Based on Disability-Related Need with the University’s Americans with Disabilities Act Officer, the Assistant to the Academic Vice President. Once that form is filed, the student is directed to speak with the Director of Dining Services to arrange for the appropriate accommodation(s). It is expected that both parties will cooperate to find reasonable solutions for the health needs of the student. If reasonable accommodations cannot be made, the student may be released from the meal plan by requesting written permission from the Director of Residence Life. This permission will be filed with the student’s Application for Accommodations Based on Disability-Related Need. An appeal of this process may be made to the Vice President for Student Development. No student will be excused from the meal plan for financial reasons.
Dining Services (Also see Dining Services under Campus Information)
V-Hawk Value Bucks for Those on a Meal Plan
V-Hawk Value Bucks are prepaid dollars automatically deposited into your food service account to be used in the form of declining balance at the Dining Hall or Crossroads Snack Bar. V-Hawk Value Bucks are a great value, convenient to use and offer flexibility in our meal plan. V-Hawk Value Bucks may be used to purchase full meals at the dining room or to make a la carte purchases of food, snacks, and beverages at Crossroads Snack Bar. You may purchase additional V-Hawk Bucks at the Dining Service Office for a minimum amount of $85 and receive a $100 value.
To make a deposit, please bring cash or a personal check to the Dining Service Office located next to the Dining Hall. Your account will be set up at that time; and within minutes, you will be ready to make purchases. Please note that: (a) the ID cards are not transferable, (b) Fall semester V-Hawk Value Bucks will carry over to spring semester, and (c) any remaining balance at the end of spring semester will be forfeited.
Franny’s
Franny’s, a 24/7 study area, is located in the Todd Wehr Memorial Library on the first floor of Murphy Center. Franny’s has ten computers, a laser printer, popular magazines, vending machines, and study tables. Franny’s offers Pura Vida brand fair trade, organic, shade grown coffee and a variety of espresso beverages, teas, hot chocolate, chai, breakfast pastries, grab and go entree salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Franny’s accepts, cash, checks, and V-Hawk Value Bucks.
Franny’s Hours: 24/7 unless the campus is closed.
Franny’s Food Service Hours: During regular semester: Mon-Fri, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Franny’s is open after regular library hours with student ID card access to Viterbo University staff, students, and their guests.
Sack Lunches/Sick Trays/Special Diets
If you will be unable to eat in the dining room due to class or job conflicts, you can order a sack lunch through Dining Service. A 24-hour notice is required and sack lunch forms can be obtained through the Dining Service Office. Sick Trays are also available for students who cannot make it to meals because of illness or injury. Please contact Health Services to make arrangements. Students requiring special diets should contact the Dining Service Office. Most special needs can be met after a brief consultation with the Director of Dining Service.
Dining Service Committee
A Dining Service Committee meets regularly with the Director of Dining Service. At these meetings, student concerns and suggestions are discussed; and special meals are planned. This committee serves as an excellent tool for enhancing the Dining Service program and increasing student satisfaction. All are encouraged to participate.
Door Access Cards
The credit card-sized cards used to gain access at select building doors on campus are the same as a key; therefore, they are treated as such. Administration of the cards is handled by the Physical Plant Department. Door cards are activated at the time of issue. Cards will not be active or allow entry into academic buildings during academic breaks. Cards will be active and allow entry into residence buildings during breaks only with written authorization from the Residence Life Center. Cards will become inactive the day after the official end of the academic year. Students living off campus do not have card access to any of the residences. Students have access only to that residence in which they live and to the Student Union.
Drills
The University may hold fire and other drills to prepare students for emergencies. All residents and guests should follow directions during the drills. In the event of an actual fire or a drill, all residents are required to evacuate the building according to the rules established in each building. Failure to do so will result in a University and/or civic fine. Follow the instructions of the Residence Life Staff, Campus Security, and/or fire fighting personnel, and try to keep the following items in mind:
Walk. Don’t run. Be particularly careful in the staircases. Do not use the elevators.
Proceed directly to a place of safety using the closest exit to your room/apartment. Do not attempt to salvage personal belongings.
Close doors and windows when you leave.
Before opening a closed door, feel to see if it is hot. If it is hot, attempt to find another exit route.
A towel or blanket soaked in water can be helpful in combating smoke inhalation.
At all times, follow the instructions of personnel authorized to take charge at the scene of the emergency. If you have any questions about the procedures, contact your Resident Assistant.
Elevators
Students and their guests are asked not to tamper with elevators to prevent injury and inconvenience to self and others.
Ensuring Safety in the Corridors, Lounges, Lobbies, etc.
To avoid property damage, injury, and disruption, students are to refrain from the use of bikes, outdoor games, exercise, ball bouncing, or other sporting equipment use in the residence halls, apartment buildings, theme houses, and Student Union. In addition, in-line skating, scooters, and skateboarding, etc. are not allowed in any campus building, residence hall, apartment building, and theme house. Safety and building regulations require that all rooftops remain off-limits, except to the designated personnel.
Fire Hazards
Candles, incense, fireworks, hot plates, and halogen lamps are fire hazards and pose a danger to all students living on campus. These and related items are not permitted in the residence halls, apartment buildings, and theme houses. Use or possession of the items that are seen as fire hazards may result in disciplinary action.
Fire Safety Equipment
Fire safety equipment is located on each floor of the residence halls and apartment buildings for safety and protection. Individuals tampering with such equipment are in violation of state law and are subject to disciplinary action.
Floor Meetings
The floor meetings provided by your Resident Assistant are designed to build community and convey important information. All resident students are responsible for knowledge of information shared at floor meetings and are encouraged to be active participants in building a positive floor community.
Guest and Visitation Policy
Visitation hours are set to foster a secure living and learning environment conducive to study, sleep and healthy living. The considerate use of the visitation privilege will help to enhance resident student safety, scholarship and privacy. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests and their actions.
A visitor is defined as a guest or anyone present in, but not a resident of a Viterbo residence hall, apartment building or theme house.
Visitors (including family members) entering or leaving a residence hall, apartment building or theme house must sign in at the Student Union desk and carry a guest pass.
Resident students are responsible for ensuring that visitors comply will all University policies, rules and regulations and will be held accountable for the guest’s behavior. If a visitor fails to comply with any policy, s/he may be asked to leave the building until the Office of Residence Life addresses the behavior. A visitor may be denied permission to remain in the residence hall or apartment and/or may be prohibited from future visits s/he creates a disturbance or violate any University regulation.
Hours of visitation in the residence halls, apartment buildings and theme house shall not exceed 10 am to midnight from Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to 2 am on Friday and Saturday.
A student may permit a visitor of the same gender to remain in the residence hall, apartment building or theme house beyond visitation hours if the student’s roommate(s) have no objections. Registration forms must be signed by all occupants of the room, apartment or theme house. The overnight visitor must be registered in the Office of Residence Life. No visitor will be an overnight guest for more than two consecutive nights or for more than ten days during the academic year – late August to early May. A maximum number of two guests per room, apartment or theme house per night will be permitted.
The members of any hall, floor or theme house may vote to establish a separate, more restrictive visitation policy for that hall, floor or theme, if no provision of such a policy is in conflict with the provisions or this policy, and at least 60 percent of the residents of the floor, hall or theme house vote affirmatively for the change in a general referendum.
Laundry Facilities
Washers and dryers are provided in the laundry rooms in Bonaventure Hall, Marian Hall, Treacy House, McDonald Terrace, and Rose Terrace. The washers and dryers only accept laundry cards, which are issued to residents upon moving in their first semester. Replacement laundry cards can be purchased at the Office of Residence Life for $5. Damaged laundry cards can be returned to the Office of Residence Life and a temporary laundry card will be issued. The laundry cards have a declining balance and additional monetary value can be added to the cards to a machine in the Student Union; the machine only accepts cash in increments of $5, $10, and $20.
Residents are asked to practice courtesy and cleanliness when using the machines since several hundred people share the machines. While the University is not responsible for lost or damaged items, please report any theft or damaged items to your Resident Assistant or the Office of Residence Life. This will help in tracking patterns related to security violations. If the machine is out of order, please report it to the Office of Residence Life immediately.
Locking Yourself Out
A student who is locked out of their residence hall room or apartment unit may find it necessary to wait to have a roommate unlock the door. Students are charged $3 for a Resident Assistant and $5 for a Physical Plant, Security, or Residence Life staff member to unlock their residence hall room or apartment unit for a student who is locked out.
Lofts
Freestanding lofts are allowed in the residence halls as long as they do not attach to the ceiling, walls or damage furniture and fixtures. Lofts cannot block access to the window or door and are subject to approval by the Residence Life Staff.
Lounge, Room and Public Area Furnishings
University provided furnishings should not be removed or exchanged between rooms. Students without storage are required to keep all of the University furnishings in their room. Students involved in unauthorized possession of University furniture will be fined.
Mail
Mail and packages are delivered to and distributed at the Student Union front desk. A student must present a Viterbo ID when picking up packages. Postage stamps are available in the campus Bookstore. Students living in the residence halls should have mail addressed in the following manner: Student’s Name, 702 Franciscan Way, La Crosse, WI 54601-8802.
Maintenance and Repair Requests
Residents are to report any required maintenance or concerns of maintenance of buildings, equipment, or furnishings to the respective RA. Maintenance requests or other room concerns should be reported promptly with as much detail as possible.
Office of Residence Life
The Office of Residence Life (ORL) is located on the first floor of Marian Hall next to the Hawk’s Nest. It is comprised of offices for the Director of Residence Life and the two Community Coordinators. The RLC is open week days from 8:00 am to 5 pm and the telephone number is 796-3116.
On-Campus Residency Requirement
All full-time freshmen and sophomores must live on campus and be enrolled in a meal plan except: (a) those living with their parents or guardians within a commuting distance, (b) individuals establishing independent student status, (c) part-time students, (d) students 24 years of age or older, (e) married students, (f) students who are parents, (g) students who are financially independent from their parents as determined by Financial Aid must live on campus and be enrolled in a meal plan. Sophomores may choose to live off campus with parental permission within the first 2 weeks of each semester.
Parking
There are several parking lots designated strictly for resident parking. Please consult the Viterbo University Parking Policies Handbook for more information. Street parking is available but is limited to 2 hours in many locations. There is alternate side parking in effect on designated city streets from November 1 to April 1. The City of La Crosse does issue tickets for vehicles not properly parked during this time.
Pets
For reasons of sanitation and health, fish are the only pets permitted in the residence halls, apartments, and houses.
Privacy
No person shall infringe upon the privacy of others or behave in such a way as to disturb others by his or her conduct. Entrance into a room, apartment or house is to be by invitation only.
Public Areas
Public lounges, walkways, and stairwells should remain clear of obstruction for the safety/security of all residents and guests.
Quiet and Courtesy Hours
Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Stereos, radios, TVs, musical instruments, and all conversations must be respectful, appropriate and maintained at levels that will not interfere with the study or sleep of other residents. If you encounter a noise problem, first request that the offenders be quiet. If they persist, contact your RA or the staff member on duty.
Quiet hours for Sunday-Thursday are 10 pm to 10 am the next day and for Friday-Saturday are midnight to 10 am the next day. During quiet hours, residents must keep stereos, TVs, conversation, and other noise to a minimum volume level as to not disturb the other residents on the floor. This time allows students the right to study, sleep, relax, and prepare for the next day. Courtesy hours are in effect when quiet hours are not. During courtesy hours, resident students are required to be considerate of others and to be conscious of noise levels. If you encounter a noise problem, first request that the offenders reduce the sound level. Contact your Resident Assistant or the on-call Resident Assistant, if problems persist. To ensure the rights of every student to study or sleep, there will be 21 hour quiet hours per day during finals week. Quiet hours may be extended on some floors as decided by the residents of the floor.
Refrigerators
Residents may bring their own refrigerators, but they must not exceed four and one half cubic feet. Rental refrigerator units are available during fall check-in and must be cleaned and returned to the Office of Residence Life at the end of the academic year.
Restroom Facilities
Community restroom facilities in the residence halls are designated by gender. Residents and visitors may only use facilities designated for their gender. Visitors needing to travel between floors in order to use such facilities must be escorted by their student host to the appropriate restroom door.
Room Changes
Roommate and/or room changes are only permitted during one week room change periods during the fifth week of each semester and the finals week of the fall semester. Residents changing rooms during the one week room change periods will be assessed a $25 moving fee. The student initiating the request will be the student required to move unless the roommate freely agrees to move. To request a change you must complete the appropriate room change forms at the Office of Residence Life and receive approval from the Community Coordinator. If the room change request is due to roommate issues; the residents of the room need to try to work any conflicts out with their Resident Assistant and if the roommate conflicts remains unresolved afterwards they need to meet with the Community Coordinator. Failure to comply with room change procedures will result in an improper room change charge.
Room Entry
The University reserves the right to have authorized personnel enter a student’s room at a reasonable time for purposes of health, safety, maintenance, and the enforcement of state and University policies.
Storage
There is no storage available in Bonaventure Hall and Marian Hall. Residents of McDonald Terrace, Treacy House, Rose Terrace, 712 Complex, and Theme Houses are provided with a storage space. All items in storage must be removed from the storage area upon checking out of the building. Items left in storage will be thrown away or donated to charity.
Study Areas
Study areas are provided on each floor in Bonaventure Hall, Marian Hall, and Rose Terrace (except 1st Floor). Study areas are also provided in the basement of McDonald Terrace and Treacy House. Students wishing to study in groups may also study in the Student Union, Hawk’s Nest, Library, and Franny’s. Study areas are open 24 hours to residents of the residence hall and apartment building in which they are located. Students may also reserve study rooms in the library.
Telephones
Telephone service is available to residents of Bonaventure Hall, Marian Hall, McDonald Terrace, Rose Terrace, Treacy House, 712 Complex, and Viterbo-owned houses. Phones and voice mail are provided in rooms and apartments. Resident students will be required to utilize prepaid calling cards or cellular phones for long-distance service. Prepaid calling cards will be available for purchase at the Viterbo University Bookstore.
All collect and third party billed calls are blocked. It is possible that these calls may get through depending on the operator service handling the call. If this happens, you should not accept the charges. If the call does get through and you accept the charges, the students registered in the room will be responsible for the cost of the call along with a $10 service charge per call. For additional information, please read the brochure entitled Campus Telephone Service Manual available in your room or at the Student Union Desk.
Vacation Periods
Bonaventure Hall and Marian Hall are closed during Christmas Break and Spring Break. Dining Service is closed during Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break, and Easter Break. Students who do not return home must make arrangements for housing and meals during these times.
Vending Machines
Vending machines are located in the Student Union with selections of candy, gum, snacks, and soda. A soda machine is located on the first floor of Rose Terrace.
Window Screens
If window screens are removed, there will be a $10 fine assessed to the residents of the room for each day that the screen is not replaced. Students are reminded that they are responsible for lost or damaged screens.