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We want you to be safe and secure in your surroundings for the upcoming year. Please read and carefully observe the following safety tips to take ownership for your safety and the safety of our community.
Always...
Never...
lend your keys or Griz Card to friends
The University of Montana residence life community is very much a part of the total University and Missoula communities.
The campus is a center for learning, cultural, and social activities. Residing in a residence hall places you at the center of these activities. Our mission is to create an atmosphere that is safe, provides for individual growth, and promotes academic exploration and learning.
No community is totally risk free. Crimes take place in our society at large and this problem exists on university campuses. The University and the Residence Life Office want to encourage you to take joint responsibility for your safety here on campus. The best protection against criminal acts is for all students, faculty, and staff to be aware of and report any suspicious acts. All members of our community can reduce the risk of campus crime by being responsible for our personal safety and taking practical precautions.
It's important for you to understand and become involved in your residence life community. The residence halls are owned and operated by the University on a self-supporting basis. This means your room fees pay for the cost of operations (utilities, maintenance, and staffing), capital improvement work, and repayment of money borrowed for the original construction and the interest on this loan. These buildings are your University home. Your cooperation, personal concern, and care are needed to avoid any unnecessary and wasteful expenses such as damage repair and replacement.
We hope you will share ideas, observations, or questions, which you feel, will benefit the residents of your hall with the appropriate staff members. You're urged to contact your Resident Assistant if you experiencing problems at The University of Montana.
Snacks and soft drinks are available on the 1st floor or basement level of the hall. Since some of the income from these machines goes into the residence halls social funds, please treat the machines with care.
To keep you posted on campus and hall developments, check the hall lobby bulletin boards and/or DEN Network which is channel 3 on the TV.
The only storage available within the halls are rental units located in Aber Hall, Jesse Hall, Knowles Hall, Pantzer and Miller Halls. The rental units are for residents of any building and are available year round. Please contact the hall desk in those specific buildings to inquire about availability and cost. There are also privately operated storage units available throughout the local Missoula community.
Computer terminals in each hall are linked to the main University network for resident's use and are available free of charge. Gaming and nonresident use is not permitted. Check with your hall desk for details.
Every residence hall has washers and dryers available for residents only. If your are a rookie at doing laundry, refer to the chart in the laundry room for some tips or ask your hall staff for help!
There are many items available at your Hall Front Desk such as:
Smiles and information!
Your mailbox number corresponds with your room number and may be opened with your room key. Note that mail will only be delivered to the occupants of the room number assigned. You will receive mail Monday through Saturday provided it is addressed in the following manner: (Each building has a specific mailing address. The city, state and zip code are always Missoula, MT 59801)
114 Aber Hall 2 Craig Hall 3 Elrod Hall
42 Duniway Hall 114 Jesse Hall 101 Knowles Hall
113 Miller Hall 101 Pantzer Hall
1 Turner Hall For example see format below:
Your name
Room # Hall Name
Missoula, MT 59801
All residence halls facilities are reserved for the exclusive use of students who reside in the residence halls and their guests. Nonresidents may not use any hall facilities for any reason. Unauthorized use of residence halls' facilities (bathrooms, lounges, study rooms, laundry rooms, computer rooms, etc.) may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal action.
With the exception of local newspaper delivery, general sales and solicitation are prohibited in residence halls. In order to guarantee the privacy of all residents, no agents or solicitors are allowed to enter the residence halls. Residents bothered by unauthorized persons should report them to the hall staff immediately. As a general rule residence hall mailboxes may not be used for any mailings other than those acceptable to the U.S. Post Office. Exceptions to this rule may be granted subject to the approval of the Director of Residence Life.
The University recognizes the right of privacy of all residents living in the residence halls but reserves the right to inspect its property at any time for necessary reasons. For health, safety, or emergency reasons it is sometimes necessary for a University staff member to enter a resident's room when he or she is not present. Every effort will be made to have one or both occupants of the room present when an inspection is made. Periodic inspection of rooms will be made by the Resident Assistant on each floor to check for cleanliness and safety and to be sure that health standards are being maintained. Written notification will be made at least 24 hours before these health/safety inspections.
Some residence halls have elevators. Residents should not tamper with or vandalize these elevators. Residents responsible for damage to elevators will be billed and the resident may be subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.
All outside doors and certain public access areas within the residence halls will be monitored using electronic devices such as video cameras and door access readers. This monitoring is for the protection and safety of the residents and Residence Life property.
The University of Montana assists students in protecting their personal property as well as the property of the residence halls by providing each student with a room key. The outside doors to the hall are unlocked with the GrizCard and only room keys will be issued when the student checks into the residence hall. It will not be necessary for the student to surrender the key at semester break and at the time of moving out of the residence hall. The outside doors of all residence halls will be locked at 8:00 p.m. every night. Students are advised to have their keys and GrizCard with them at all times after 8:00 p.m.
By locking residence halls during the evening and at night hours (8:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.), holidays, breaks and game day weekends, and offering periodic personal security programs, the University helps provide a safe and secure community for its residents. We, together with the student, are jointly responsible for safety in our communities. Residents can take responsibility for their own security and the security of the hall by not propping open doors, locking their room doors and reporting suspicious behavior.
If a resident loses his or her room key and/or access card, a new key/card may be obtained at the hall desk. The temporary key/card fee is $5.00, which will be charged to the student account. The resident has a week in which to locate the lost key/card. After the week is over if the student does not locate the lost key/card, the locks will be changed. This re-keying policy is for the student's protection and security. The student will be charged for missing room keys ($100), mailbox keys ($15) and/or access cards ($15).
Residents should not loan their keys to others as you are responsible for all activity that takes place within your assigned hall room.
The upkeep of your room is your own responsibility. The University requires residents to maintain their room in a safe and healthy condition at all times. The hall office has vacuums to check out for your use; there are trash receptacles on each floor for emptying your wastebasket. Recycling is strongly encouraged and there are central recycling stations outside each residence hall. Some cleaning equipment is also available on each floor. You can get replacement bulbs for your overhead lights by notifying your hall desk.
To avoid disturbing other residents, please play radios, stereos, and TV sets softly. Do not place speakers in windows to play music outside. Headphones are encouraged during quiet hours.
Because this will be your new home, we encourage you to make it your own. Decorate the interior with plants, poster, rugs that you and your roommate agree upon. You are free to display posters and other things in your room, including either side of your door and the inside of your window, except for content unprotected by the First Amendment such as pornographic, obscene, defamatory or fraudulent messages. You are not allowed to display posters or messages in public areas of your residence hall, including outside balconies, absent prior consent from the Director of Residence Life. We do ask that you consider removing materials visible to other residents in response to any resident complaint in the interest of maintaining a collegial and civil residence hall environment.
Do not unlatch screens, remove windows, or throw items from the windows for any reason. Room occupants will be charged for the total cost of reinstalling, repairing, or replacing damaged or destroyed screens.
Energy costs are the most expensive items in the residence halls operation. The residence halls do not receive any state or University funds and must pay for this cost out of room rental. Please help keep housing rates reasonable by conserving energy in these suggested ways:
Report any malfunctions of heating/ventilating units to your hall office immediately
UM Telephone Services provides an optional service which you may request through hall staff. The charge for this service is billed to your student account. The telephone line will supply dial tone for local dialing only and access to voice mail. A long distance calling card or other long distance service will be required to make long distance calls.
You may have overnight guests of the same sex (or relatives) stay in your room, not to exceed three days. Guests must be registered at the front desk for reasons of building security and contact in case of emergency. By registering a guest, the resident verifies that an empty bed has been located for the night(s) and the resident who normally occupies that bed has granted permission. The resident is completely responsible for the activities and behavior of the guest and will be subject to disciplinary action should the guest violate University regulations. Due to fire code regulations, placing mattresses, mats or sleeping bags on the floor is prohibited.
All rooms have data lines. With the appropriate hardware and software, all you have to do is plug your PC to a wall outlet. Students also have access to computers located in all halls. Please check our website at http://life.umt.edu/dco for more information about getting connectivity in the halls or contact your Residential Technology Assistant.
Because of possible injury to residents, it has been necessary to formulate rules to help provide for the safety of residents and the community. These regulations include the following:
Cooking appliances are not allowed in the halls except for coffee pots and popcorn poppers. In hall kitchens baking can be done, but the cooking of meals or meat is prohibited. No appliances with open elements or George Foreman grills are allowed.
Candles have been found to be a severe fire hazard, and their use is prohibited in the residence halls. Wickless candles are a nice alternative to have the fragrance with out the flame.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning about the dangers of halogen lamps and the excessive operating temperatures of 970 to 1200 degrees F, that they produce. Curtains, clothing, paper items and so forth burn quickly when they come in contact with 300W or 500W bulbs. Therefore, light bulbs greater than 150W, either incandescent or halogen, are not allowed
All natural trees and branches to be used as ornamentation in residence halls or rooms must first be fireproofed and all decorations must be nonflammable.
Gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, cleaning fluids, etc., constitute a serious danger and are prohibited in residence halls, as are vehicles containing such fluids.
Some students have medical conditions requiring the use of needles. Improper disposal of hypodermic needles is dangerous because these needles may carry blood borne pathogens. Proper disposal of hypodermic needles is mandatory. A disposal container can be received at no charge by simply asking for one at the Curry Heath Center. Please keep our campus and staff safe by properly disposing of needles.
Help observe the following guidelines to prevent a possible fire:
Do not place articles on radiators or push beds up against them
Do not use extension cords and/or surge protectors that are not UL rated and have fire shield capabilities.
All possible measures are taken to assure the safety of the residents. This includes having established fire evacuation rules and regular fire drills. Tampering with fire alarms and firefighting equipment is prohibited. Prosecution by the criminal authorities and/or disciplinary action under UM student conduct code up to, and including dismissal from the University, is the penalty for intentionally setting off false fire alarms, or the unauthorized use of fire equipment, and for starting fires.
Because of the physical danger, annoyance to residents and the possibility of fires, possession or discharge of fireworks, noxious chemicals, burning incense or explosives in the residence halls or on the campus is prohibited.
The University of Montana has a policy that requires firearms (rifles, handguns, archery equipment, bows and arrows, shotguns of any type or caliber, including BB guns and pellet guns) to be registered and stored in authorized residence halls storage areas. These authorized residence halls storage areas are located in Aber, Miller, Jesse, Pantzer and Elrod Halls. Failure to adhere to this firearm policy may result in student conduct code violation(s) and/or criminal charges being filed. It is illegal to POSSESS a concealed weapon on The University of Montana campus, even if licensed to do so.
Please read the emergency procedures and evacuation information below and follow these instructions in any emergency situation.
If you discover a fire and the general fire alarm has not activated, please activate the nearest pull station by lifting the plastic cover (a pre-alarm will sound) and pulling the handle down. When the general fire alarm for your building sounds, you must evacuate the building immediately via the closest emergency exit. Be sure you close and lock your room door as you leave. The emergency exit routes are clearly signed. Residents must proceed in an orderly fashion by walking quickly to the emergency egress routes and out of the building. ELEVATORS CANNOT BE USED AS EMERGENCY EGRESS ROUTES. Students with disabilities who cannot egress the building should go to the nearest safe area of rescue and activate the area of rescue signal. Emergency personnel will come to this area and assist the student from the building. Once outside you must move to a site at least 25 feet from the building. This will allow room for emergency vehicles and personnel to work and protect your safety. During inclement weather students will be moved inside to other buildings during the emergency situation. Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so by a Residence Life Staff member or the on-scene emergency personnel.
To report a medical emergency dial 911 or the campus emergency number 4000. Medical response personnel will include campus police, the Missoula Fire Department and an ambulance from Missoula Emergency Services. Always err on the side of safety. If you believe there is a medical emergency, call immediately. If the emergency personnel on the scene determine the student may be treated at the Curry Heath Center, arrangements will be made to transport the student to that facility. Remember in medical emergencies, early recognition of a medical problem and prompt care will save lives.
For police emergencies dial the campus emergency number 4000. Campus public safety officers will respond to all campus police emergencies.
Any student or student dependent who has been designated as a violent or sexual offender by a county, state, or federal court and who is requesting housing in University facilities must notify the Residence Life Office of this information prior to execution of the contract.
The Residence Life Office must also be notified when a student or student's dependent residing in University residence halls or University Villages is designated as a violent or sexual offender within 24 hours following such designation by a county, state, or federal court. The University reserves the right to review the student tenant's or student tenant dependent's offender status and the potential risk to the community due to the tenant's or tenant dependent's residence in the University residence halls or University Villages. After such review the University may deny occupancy to a tenant or a tenant's dependent based on either offender's designation status. A student's failure to provide this required notification may also result in the student's unauthorized occupancy of University premises or other University of Montana Student Conduct Code violations, subjecting the student to Student Conduct Code disciplinary proceedings.
There are several student positions within the Residence Life Office, which offer students the opportunity to learn leadership, supervisory, customer service and other valuable life and job skills.
Supervisory Staff
Resident Assistant
Weekend Custodian
Night Desk Attendant
Resident Technology Assistant
Community Assistant (University Villages)
Village Assistant (Lewis & Clark Village)
Please check out our website at http://life.umt.edu/rlo/Employment%20Opportunities/default.php to get full descriptions of the positions and applications. In addition to the above positions within the Residence Life Office, many other employment opportunities exist for students on campus.
In general, students are expected to behave in a considerate and responsible manner, which respects the rights of the University and of any other person who may be affected by their actions. Specific regulations include the following:
Quiet hours are from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM beginning Sunday evening though Friday morning and from 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM beginning Friday evening through Sunday morning. During this period, all activities that might be disturbing to others must be suspended. During finals week, and on the "quiet floors," quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day. All residents are expected to be reasonably quiet at all hours in the residence halls.
Because of disturbances to hall residents and the potential for injury to bystanders, outdoor games are limited to the lawns south of Pantzer Hall, east of the second sidewalk in front of Craig Hall, and on the River Bowl. Drumming activities should be taken to the River Bowl area.
Residence Life supports The University of Montana's tobacco free campus policy, and does not permit the use of tobacco products in any of our residence halls and apartment buildings. All buildings are designated "No Smoking" in all areas including student rooms. Smoking and the use of tobacco products (ex. chew, snuff, etc) are not allowed in areas including study rooms, restrooms, hallways, stairways, lobbies, elevators, lounges, student rooms, etc.
In accordance with The University of Montana's tobacco free policy, students may also not smoke or use tobacco products outsdie the residence halls on campus property. Tobacco use is allowable at the following locations: Sidewalks along Beckwith, Arthur, 5th and 6th Streets west of Maurice, Maurice north of 6th, Kim Williams trail, and all properties outside of those borders and beyond boundaries of any property of The University of Montana.
To conform to state laws, no form of gambling is permitted in the residence halls.
We love our Grizzlies, but when it comes to other pets -- there are no facilities to appropriately care for them on campus. They constitute a health hazard in our communities. Pets are not allowed in residence halls. Aquariums with fish and a capacity of 10 gallons or less are permitted.
Anyone making abusive, obscene or harassing telephone/E-mail messages will be subject to prosecution and/or disciplinary action.
Theft of or intentional damage to hall furnishings or property of persons in the residence halls is prohibited and will result in severe disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
The University of Montana follows all state and federal statutes. In accordance with state law, students under the age of 21 cannot consume or possess alcohol. Alcohol is not allowed in any public areas of the building or in rooms occupied by underage residents. Please keep in mind, most alcohol situations are brought to our attention because of disruptive behavior. This behavior is addressed through student conduct and may require Self Over Substances (SOS) educational programs or other educational sanctions. The cost of the Self Over Substance program is the responsibility of the student.
Alcohol violations carry with them the prospect of MIP and other criminal charges and more severe consequences dependent on the behavior displayed at the time of documentation.
DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL AT ALL TIMES IN ALL PLACES. The Residence Life staff is instructed to call the campus police and let law enforcement take over a situation if drugs are suspected to be present. Federal Student Financial Aid is immediately withdrawn if a student is criminally convicted of a drug crime. The University has strict policies regarding the illegal use and abuse of substances. DO NOT jeopardize your education by using illegal substances.
Although the State of Montana law permits the use, possession, and cultivation of medical marijuana, federal law prohibits use, possession, and/or cultivation in educational institutions and other recipients of federal funds. The use, possession and/or cultivation of medical marijuana is therefore prohibited in University of Montana housing facilities on The University of Montana premises. Even if a student, faculty or staff member possess documentation for permitting the use, possession and/or cultivation of medical marijuana, this activity cannot occur on University of Montana premises.
For a complete copy of the Student Conduct Code, visit http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php
After residents move in they are asked to remain in their assigned rooms until the second week of the semester. We are required to hold beds reserved until the first day of classes. We cannot declare "No Shows" until after that time. This allows the Residence Life Staff to confirm the arrival of all persons assigned and to get an accurate count for occupancy. After this is completed, we will accommodate room changes as space allows.
If you feel you want to make a room change, please contact your RA and the Hall Desk to let the staff know of your wishes. If space permits, room changes will be accommodated. Each resident is allowed one free room change. After the first move, residents will be charged a transfer fee of $50 for any additional moves.
It is possible to change rooms/dorms throughout the semester. Simply go to your hall desk and fill out a form. Also, there are sign up sheets for single rooms as they become available through out the semester.
If repairs or special maintenance is needed, please notify your Resident Assistant or the hall office.
The Residence Life Office reserves the right to make assessments for special cleaning of residents' rooms as well as for missing room furnishings including windows, screens, mattresses, etc. These charges may be significant. Please see our list of sample charges on our website. For purposes of safety, sanitation, and general upkeep the University reserves the right to maintain and make repairs in the residence hall rooms anytime during the school year. Management and maintenance staffs may enter any room for the above purposes whether the rooms' occupants are present or not.
All residence halls have adjustable/moveable furniture. Beds can be arranged in a number of ways, including regular height, captained height, lofted, or bunked. For additional information or to sign up for these services, please log on to Cyberbear.
Residents should report any personal property that is missing in their rooms to the Resident Assistant immediately. The information to be given should include: a complete description of the items and their value; whether the room was locked; whether a key was lost recently; any person suspected of the theft. The University of Montana is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
If a loss occurs outside the residence halls, the resident should report it to the Office of Public Safety. The University as a state institution is not responsible for damage to or theft of personal property on campus, unless the loss is due to negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of University agents or employees. Therefore, each student is encouraged to adequately insure his or her personal property, and to protect personal property by locking rooms and cars, and taking other precautions to prevent theft and damage. Insurance for personal property while on campus may be available through parents' homeowners' insurance, tenant's coverage, or specially purchased through a private company.
Storage for bikes is provided in the Pantzer suites. In all other buildings the students either leave them outside locked to bike racks or inside their individual rooms. If you choose to store your bike in your room, please be aware of potential damages that may be caused when moving the bike around. Damage to any of the facilities is the responsibility of the resident. Rental units for storage of personal belongings, including bikes, are available in Aber, Jesse, Knowles, Miller and Pantzer Halls. Please see the front desk or hall staff for additional information about storage lockers or to inquire about availability.
The State of Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has a residency policy that requires all students with less than 30 earned credits reside in the residence halls unless this requirement has been waved by the specific university. At The University of Montana, exceptions to this policy are determined on a case by case basis by the Director of Residence Life. Proper verification must be presented to support residency requirements release.
Release from the Residence Hall’s Residency Agreement and/or Freshman Residency Requirement is not guaranteed for any reason and all releases are at the discretion of the Director of Residence Life. Please review this Release Form in its entirety for release guidelines, policy, and procedure. The Montana Board of Regents requires all students enrolled at the University of Montana to reside in campus housing until he or she has earned 30 credits. After a student has moved into the Residence Halls, release from the Hall Residency Agreement for any reason, regardless of class status, is subject to a $200 fee. Requests will not be reviewed unless all necessary documentation is attached.
For more information or to request a release, please view and fill out the following form and turn in to the Residence Life Office.
Further questions, please contact our office at (406) 243-2611.
The specific Board of Regents policy may be found on their website, policy 502.1 - Dormitory Residency Requirements.
A copy of the Residence Hall Residency Agreement may be found here.
Assignment to a space in a hall places a responsibility upon the resident for the condition of the room and its furnishings. The resident acknowledges this responsibility for lost or damaged furnishings listed. The resident also agrees to report further damages immediately. When you're moving in, please pay very careful attention to the condition of each item and rate them appropriately on the check-in inventory. Any conditions not reflected at check-in will be assessed as damages which have occurred during your assignment to the room. To avoid charges at check-out, please give the inventory your special attention at check-in.
Once you have picked up your keys, you are considered to be moved in to the residence halls. In order to move out mid-semester, you must be released by the Director of Residence Life. If you do not get properly released, you will not receive a refund on your room charges. If you are released, you will be charged a $200 cancellation fee plus a prorated amount for the days you had keys for the room.
For health and safety reasons, residence life staff will be entering all rooms as in preparation to lock the buildings for the long semester break.
CHECK-OUT ENVELOPE should be completed at time of check-out: *Sign and date the envelope after the checkout is complete and potential damages are noted *Place your room key in the envelope *Return envelope to RA
CHECK OUT PROPERLY TO AVOID UNNECESSARY CHARGES
While you are in the process of moving, DO NOT leave belongings unattended or they may disappear - be aware of who else is in the area.
Brooms, vacuums, dust mops, glass cleaner, general purpose cleaner, rags, buckets, mops and mop buckets, sponges, adhesive remover and garbage bags WILL BE AVAILABLE AT HALL DESK OR SINK ROOM.
This checklist applies to the entire room
| FLOORS swept and mopped even under the bed, desk and in closet | MIRRORS cleaned, no tape, not cracked or broken |
| DESK cleaned- not damaged or broken | DRAPES not burned, torn or hem pulled |
| SHELVES cleaned | DRAPE pull cords working - not broken |
| DRAWERS empty and washed cleaned pulls, sides and joints not broken | DRAPE ROD secured to wall and not bent |
| WALLS cleaned - no dirt, glue, writing, etc. | No tacks, staples, or poster putty on BULLETIN BOARD |
| FURNITURE and BEDS properly assembled | No doodles, carvings or drawings anywhere |
| BED parts not damaged or broken or missing |
CHAIR not damaged or broken |
|
MATTRESS not torn or soiled (both sides) |
SINK clean of soil, spills, stains and garbage |
| DOORS clean on both sides, no holes or tape, peephole, latch and knob not broken | SINK drain clean |
| CARPET vacuumed and clean | No writing, tape or stickers on WINDOWS |
|
MICROWAVE cleaned, plate present clean and not cracked |
WINDOWS closed and locked, hinges and latches not broken |
| REFRIGERATOR cleaned, no dents or scratches | SCREENS not torn and in place |
| LIGHT FIXTURE has cover, and is working | ELECTRIC OUTLET has plate and not broken |
| APPLIANCES owned by resident must be removed from campus or you will be billed for removal | COMPUTER/CABLE OUTLET has plate, not broken |
| BOARDS, CINDER BLOCKS, FURNITURE, CARPET owned by resident must be removed from building or you will be billed for removal | CEILING tile in place, not damaged, no tape, posters, pins or tacks |
| WASTEBASKET empty and clean - no liner | CLOSET door operates properly, rods and towel rack clean and no clothing items left behind |
| WASTEBASKET must have your matching room number | No MOONS, STARS OR COMETS on ceiling or walls |
|
No TAPE or tape residue anywhere |
Of course you are responsible for and will be charged for any missing, damaged, broken or dirty items.