Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions

How well does the room and roommate assignment process work?

Each year the Office of Residence Life assigns hundreds of new students to rooms and roommates. This task is done by hand, matching roommates one student at a time. It is not possible to meet every request of every student. A crucial part of living in a residence hall and getting along with your new classmates is making an effort to get to know your roommate(s) and adjusting to each other's habits and lifestyles.

What is a Room Condition Report and why do I need to complete it?

The Room Condition Report (available as a PDF or Word Document) indicates the status of your room at check-in. The Residence Life Staff will complete these forms prior to your arrival and review them with you when you check into your room. At check out, this form is used again to note any damages or maintenance concerns. You may be charged for any changes (aside from normal wear and tear) to the room.

If something is broken in my room, what do I do?

If you break something in your room or notice any damages, you need to complete a service request and turn it into the staff office or give it to your RA. This information will be given to Physical Plant so that they can make the repairs. Depending upon the nature of the damages, there may be charges. If someone breaks something in or around your room, it needs to be reported immediately and an incident report needs to be completed.

I would like a loft in my room, is there anything special I need to do?

Lofts are allowed in halls/houses; however, they must be approved prior to construction for safety reasons. An application and construction guidelines/procedures are available through the Department of Residence Life. As you plan your loft construction, it is important to note that no furniture can be removed from your room. This includes bed frames and mattresses.

What if my roommate doesn't show up and I end up in a room by myself?

The Department of Residence Life may assign you a roommate, or you can find a roommate on your own. You may be required to consolidate with another student and move. If space permits, you may be able to obtain a room as a default single. There is a fee per semester associated with occupying a double room as a single room for any reason.

Can I have an air conditioner in my room?

Air conditioners are generally not permitted in the residence halls. However, if you have a documented medical condition that necessitates an air conditioner, you must submit a request and the medical documentation. The forms need to be completed during the summer (or winter break) months. You will need to supply your own air conditioner and we require our Physical Plant install it. There is a flat fee for installation and electricity for both semesters. Air conditioners are not permitted on the first floor of most residence halls.

What if I don't like my roommate and want to move?

After the first two weeks of each semester, you can submit a completed room change request to the Housing Officer. The Housing Officer will work with your Resident Director to accommodate your request. You will then be notified if the room change request is approved.

What is the visitation policy? Can I have an overnight guest?

Overnight guests are welcome on Fridays and Saturdays when room is available (no more then two per room), but arrangements must be made in advance. Guests must abide by the College standards and regulations, sign in, and get an MC guest ID. This is available through the Residence Hall Staff Office. No overnight guest may stay more than 72 hours unless approved in advance by the Director of Residence Life. Our policy should not be construed as permission for members of the opposite sex to sleep overnight or to conduct themselves in such a way as to invade another individual's privacy.

Whom do I call if I have a question after the Residence Life Office is closed for the day?

Each Residence Hall/Area has an office that is staffed from 8 p.m. to Midnight, Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., Friday and Saturday. These numbers are posted throughout the hall/house.

In addition, we remind you that Campus Police is staffed 24 hours a day. If you cannot get a hold of Residence Life Staff member and it is an emergency, you should contact Campus Police at Ext.4611 or Ext.3333.

What do I do if I lose my room key?

Report the loss immediately to the Residence Life Staff. Residence Life will request a new key.

When will I know who my roommate is?

Room assignment letters are mailed the first week of July, or January for the spring semester. If you do not receive your letter by one week before the semester begins, please call 740-376-4736.

Should I bring all of my belongings at once?

The Residence Life staff encourages you to contact your roommate and discuss who is bringing the stereo, carpet, etc. so you do not have two of everything. Making contact with your roommate before arriving helps make for a smooth transition to college life. After your arrival, small packages may be sent to you through the College mailroom if you have seasonal items you do not wish to bring in August.

How can I get involved on campus and meet people?

New student orientation, which is held the first week of your arrival, is packed full of things to do and people to meet. Shortly thereafter, the student organization fair, called "Club MC" is held, where students from most campus organizations offer information about their groups to new students.

Can I bring a carpet for my room?

You are welcome to bring a rug or carpet. Many students do so, since most student rooms in the residence halls are not carpeted. We recommend that you discuss this with your roommate.

May I bring my bicycle?

Yes, bike racks are located near all residence halls. Bicycles should be locked at all times. For safety reasons, stairwells, hallways, corridors, or other public areas may not be used for bicycle storage.

What size sheets do I need for my bed?

All of the College mattresses are 80 inches in length. To ensure that your sheets will fit properly, we recommend that you bring oversized twin sheets.

What about window coverings?

Each residence hall room is equipped with mini blinds or curtains. Non-college owned window coverings are not permitted as they may pose a serious fire hazard.

What should I do to ensure the security of my property?

• Keep your room locked at all times.
• Do not leave cash, jewelry or other valuable items in the open.
• To guard against theft, record the serial numbers of your personal property and mark all items such as stereos, cameras, etc. with your name or Social Security number.

Also, if you notice anything or anyone unusual in your residence hall, please report this immediately to a staff member or Campus Police. In the event that you are the victim of a theft, please notify the Residence Life staff and Campus Police.

What are the bathroom facilities like?

In first year halls and small group houses, each floor has a common bathroom with a number of sinks, toilets and showers. Shower shoes, a robe and a carrying case for your toiletries are recommended.

Does the school have insurance for the property I bring to school?

No. Please be sure your parents check their homeowner's insurance to have your property adequately covered.