Residence Halls > Handbook > Student Handbook
We want to ensure that you feel safe and secure in your surroundings for the upcoming year. Please read and carefully observe the following safety tips to maximize your personal security.
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 take every precaution for safety. 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 experience problems with your life 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, as well as the dining service menu, check the hall bulletin boards and/or the DEN Dorm Entertainment Network Channel.
The only storage available within the halls are rental units located in Knowles, Pantzer and Miller Halls. The rental units are for residents and are available year round. There are also storage units available throughout the local Missoula community.
Computer terminals in each hall are linked to the main University computer 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. Questions about the Residence Hall computer labs can also be directed to the DirectConnect Office (243.2625).
Every residence hall has washers and dryers. They are available without charge to the residents who live in that building. If your are a rookie at doing laundry, refer to the chart in the laundry room for some tips. If you decide to iron, your are on your own.
There are many items available at your Hall Front Desk such as:
Your mailbox number corresponds with your room number and may be open 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:
Suzie Student
114 Aber Hall Room 152
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 reasons. Unauthorized use of residence halls' facilities (lavatories, 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 or 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 University 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. However, 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 for cleanliness and safety and to be sure that health standards are being maintained. Written notification will be made before these health/safety inspections.
Some residence halls have elevators. Residents should not tamper 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.
Certain public access areas within the residence halls will be monitored using electronic devices such as video cameras and door access. 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 are unlocked with the Griz Card 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 until he or she checks out of the residence halls. 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 Griz Card 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.) and offering periodic personal security programs the University provides security for its residents. The ultimate responsibility for personal security, however, rests with each resident. Residents can assist with the security of their building by not propping open doors, locking their room doors and reporting suspicious behavior.
If a resident loses his or her room key, a new key may be obtained at the individual hall desk. The resident is given a week in which to locate the lost key. If the week elapses and the student fails to locate the lost key, a $60 charge will be instituted to re-key the student's room. This re-keying policy is for the student's protection and security as well as for future occupancy of the room.
The upkeep of your room is your own responsibility. The hall office has vacuums to check out for your use; there are trash receptacles on each floor for emptying your wastebasket. 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. Headphones are encouraged during quiet hours.
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.
Help observe the following guidelines to prevent a possible fire.
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:
Each room is wired for a telephone connection although it is not active. For an additional fee, a landline phone can be connected for you. Inquire at the front desk when you check in if you are interested in a landline phone.
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 permission has been granted by the resident who normally occupies that bed. 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 are prohibited.
All rooms have data lines. With the appropriate hardware and software, all you have to do is plug your PC to a wall data outlet. Access to the University Computer Network is also available via a modem through all room phones (ISP not provided). Residents also have access to computer rooms located in all residence halls. Please see the DirectConnect Office website for more information about getting connected.
Because of possible injury to residents, it has been necessary to formulate rules to ensure the safety of residents and the environment. These regulations include the following:
Candles have been found to be a severe fire hazard and their use is prohibited in the residence halls.
All natural trees to be used as Christmas trees in residence halls or rooms must first be fireproofed and all decorations must be nonflammable. Facility Services on the east side of campus will fireproof trees.
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.
Yes, but all weapons must be checked into weapon storage rooms. These storage rooms are available in Aber, Elrod, Knowles, Miller, and Pantzer Halls.
All possible measures are taken to assure the safety of the residents. This includes fire evacuation rules and regular fire drills. Tampering with fire alarms and firefighting equipment is prohibited because of the possibility of hindering student response in a regular drill or actual fire. Prosecution by the criminal authorities and/or disciplinary action under UM student conduct 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 and 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 governing firearms (rifles, handguns, archery equipment, bows & 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 and/or criminal charges being filed. Students who have a license to carry concealed weapons should be advised 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 pull the handle down. When the general fire alarm for your building sounds, you must evacuate the building immediately via the closest emergency exit. Make certain to 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 the building you must move to a site at least 25 fee from the building. This will allow room for emergency vehicles and personnel to work and protect student 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 public safety, 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.
We love our Grizzlies, but when it comes to bobcats and other pets -- there are no facilities for caring for pets and they do constitute a health hazard in a group living situation, pets are not allowed in residence halls. We would allow fish are other pets that can live underwater - please limit the tanks to 10 gallons or less.
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.
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 Villages or University Residence Halls must notify the Residence Life Office or University Villages Office of this information prior to execution of the residence hall application or the University Villages Rental Agreement Form.
These offices 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 the notification required in this paragraph 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.
Community Assistant (University Villages)
Village Assistant (Lewis & Clark)
Village Supervisor (Lewis & Clark)
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:
This is the most important residence hall rules and the one which most others stem. 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.
All buildings are designated "No Smoking" in all areas including student rooms. Smoking is not allowed in areas including study rooms, restrooms, hallways, stairways, lobbies, elevators, lounges, student rooms, etc.
University Policy does not permit smoking within 25 feet (75 feet from Jesse and Miller Halls) of any campus building.
To conform to state laws, no form of gambling is permitted in the residence halls.
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.
All University policies and all state and federal statues, especially those related to the possession and consumption of alcohol, are to be observed at all times. During the academic year, alcohol is allowed only inside a room occupied by a resident 21+ years and all current visitors are also 21+ years old. Alcohol is not allowed in any public areas of the building or in rooms occupied by underage residents. Most of the alcohol situations are brought to our attention because of disruptive behavior. This behavior is dealt with through student conduct action. If residents think they can sneak around and not get caught, they run the risk of future consequences, which could impact their future academics and careers if they are handled as an MIP or through the Student Conduct Code.
Consequences:
1ST OFFENSE - write up, sent to SOS, must pay SOS fee, and will be given a letter of disciplinary warning
2ND OFFENSE - sent to SOS Phase II, must pay SOS II fee, will be on probation
3RD OFFENSE - sent to SOS Phase III, must pay SOS III fee, will be recommended for eviction or suspension
All of these may carry with them the prospect of MIP and other criminal charges and more severe consequences dependent on the behavior displayed at the time of write up
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.
Consequences:
1ST OFFENSE - police are called and the consequences follow from there involving both criminal charges downtown and student conduct proceedings here on campus.
Of course, if you are really, really bad, forget all of the above - you may go directly to jail - no $200 collected. Federal Student Financial Aid is immediately withdrawn if a student is criminally convicted of a drug crime.
In the past year we had approximately 900 write ups involving approximately 600 different individuals. Which means 20% of our residents were written up and charged under student conduct. IT DOES HAPPEN. 85% of the students who are cited for alcohol do not meet academic standards at the end of the 1st year. Alcohol and academics do not go together. Alcohol interferes with academic success. So consider your lifetime long-term goals.
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.
Repairs and Maintenance
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 and for missing room furnishings including windows, screens, mattresses, etc. These charges are actual and may be significant. Please see chart for sample of charges you may incur because of damages. A more detailed list is available at your hall office.
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. However, when this is necessary a reasonable effort will be made to have one of the occupants present.
Most of the student rooms, with the exception of Aber and Jesse Halls, have furniture, which is built to be movable and bunked or lofted to suit the specific needs of the residents. Please contact your hall desk to sign up for lofting or bunking your bed. More Information (Pictures and availability)
Trained employees of the University must make these bed changes.
Safety issues preclude the residents from making any changes to the beds in their room.
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 disclaims any responsibility for lost or stolen property. If a loss occurs outside the residence hall, the resident should report it to the Campus Safety Office. 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 dorm or apartment 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 company such as National Student Services, Inc. (a brochure will be provided in your room at check-in).
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 chose 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.
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 Halls. If you get properly released, you will be charged a $200 cancellation fee plus a prorated amount for the days you had keys for the room. If you are not properly released, there will be no refund for the semester housing charges.
Schedule a time with your RA for checking out
Move all your belongings and clean your room before your scheduled checkout time. Dirty rooms, writing on the windows or walls, broken/missing furniture, or missing/disassembled property belonging to Residence Halls will be charged against the student. DIRTY ROOMS frequently take several hours to clean resulting in $100+ charges to residents. PLEASE read carefully the "What Does Clean Mean?" information attached and use it in consideration of preparing your room for check-out. DO NOT sweep dirt and garbage into the hallway. Take all garbage to trash receptacles.
Meet with your RA and complete the checkout process. RA cannot complete checkout process unless all items are removed.
CHECK-OUT ENVELOPE should be completed at time of check-out:
1. Fill out the address card
2. Sign and date the envelope after the checkout is complete and potential damages are noted
3. Place your room key in the envelope
4. Return envelope to RA
BEFORE YOU LEAVE -
Make sure all windows are closed and locked
Leave room door locked, turn off the lights and set the thermostat at 50 degrees
All residents must turn in their room key. Failure to do so will result in a $50 charge for missing room keys and $10 for missing bathroom keys.
Residents with weapons in storage in residence halls must remove them before leaving
Frequently the maintenance and custodial staff discover damages and items requiring additional cleaning after checkout. Charges for these items will be assessed to the resident.
| 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 broken or missing | 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 | 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 bbilled 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 | Do not sweep dirt and garbage into the hallways. |
| No TAPE or tape residue anywhere | A dirty hallway in front of your room will be billed to you for cleanup. |
| No MOONS, STARS OR COMETS on ceiling or walls | . |
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.
Of course you are responsible for and will be charged for any
missing, damaged, broken or dirty items.
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.