Residential Life Policies

Dear Resident:

Welcome to the residence halls of Whittier College! We are very pleased to have you here and want you to have an exciting, challenging and rewarding experience here at Whittier.

This booklet contains important information about your living environment, which we hope you will find useful through the academic year. 

Living in a residential community, you will learn more about yourself and gain new knowledge about the world around you. You will meet new people and develop long-lasting friendships. You will be exposed to new ways of sharing living spaces, personal belongings, meals and conversation, and these will form meaningful learning experiences for your development as a student, as a resident and as a person. With your willingness to get involved and the help of our student staff, we will organize festivals, cultural events, ethnic dinners, dances, current-event forums and much more. 

This year you will experience a diverse intercultural atmosphere that will challenge you to grow as an individual and to become a member of our global society. Your college experience will be challenging at times, but know that you're here to make a difference and it's up to you to get all that Whittier College has to offer. 

The entire housing staff will always be here for you. Your Resident Advisor, your Area Coordinator and I want to hear your ideas, thoughts and feedback about our housing program and how we can better assist you in this upcoming academic year. 

Go beyond your comfort zone this year. Challenge yourself to grow and experience new ideas and knowledge. Be willing to make a difference and spend time getting to know the housing staff, because we are here for you! 

We hope that you will find your living experience to be rewarding.  Best wishes for a successful year! 

Delaphine Hudson
Assistant Dean of Students
Director of Residential Life 

Residential Life Staff
The Residential Life staff is here to provide you with an environment to support your learning and personal development. We have received training in community development skills, programming and campus resource information. We hope to provide you with not only a home away from home, but also a challenging and fulfilling environment. We are here to serve your needs! 

Faculty Masters
Faculty Masters are senior-level faculty who are dedicated to the principle that living is learning. They live on campus in college-owned homes and facilitate programs which benefit your learning environment. The Faculty Masters are also available to students in their area for consultation about academics and campus life. 

Area Coordinators
Area Coordinators (ACs) are full-time, live-in professional staff who have obtained Master's Degrees and are specifically trained in all aspects of residential life, including: counseling, conflict mediation, programming, and discipline. Area Coordinators live in Stauffer, Turner, and Wanberg Halls. Each AC has comprehensive responsibility and oversight of a residential area housing approximately 200 students. 

Resident Advisors
Resident Advisors (RAs) are full-time students and paraprofessional staff members trained by the Area Coordinators and the Assistant Dean of Students. Each Resident Advisor supervises a floor in all aspects of residential living. 

RAs are role models who serve the needs of students by providing program opportunities, developing safe and comfortable residence hall communities and helping students become acquainted with the campus, the community and its resources. 

RAs are very helpful in times of need. We strongly encourage you to get to know your RA.

We hope your experience in the residence halls will be one you will remember fondly for many years after graduation. The acquisition of knowledge and the nurturing of an inquiring mind can be strongly influenced by the environment in which you live and interact with others. At Whittier, our residence halls offer many opportunities to maximize personal, social, and educational experiences. 

Living in a Community
Whether you are here as a first-year or a returning student, you will be meeting new people and experiencing new situations. For many of you, your roommate will be one of those new people. As roommates, you are going to be living together for the next nine months, sharing, growing, exploring and challenging each other. 

The key to a positive roommate relationship is to develop an understanding of your differences and to look at establishing guidelines for the use of your room. Being sensitive to one another's feelings, and responding with empathy is a sure way to enjoy living together.  This will take time and effort. 

Basic Rights of All Students
• The right to study free from undue interference in one's room
• The right to have one's personal belongings respected
• The right to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment
• The right to free access to one's room
• The right to privacy
• The right to host guests with the expectation that guests are to respect the rights of the host's roommate and other residents in the community
• The right to settle conflicts
• The right to be free from intimidation, physical and emotional harm
• The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of "room shared" appliances (telephone, refrigerator, etc.) and a commitment to honor agreed-upon payment procedures 

Services
IT Services x4287
The IT Services are located in the The Rose Hills Foundation Center for Library & Information Resources building. They provide computer and network services for Whittier College. Ethernet jacks are installed in all residence hall rooms across campus and internet service is free to students with computers equipped with ethernet cards. Please call their office directly for support and assistance. 

Campus Safety x4211
Campus Safety is responsible for the general safety and security of the College. Other office responsibilities include Operation Identification (engraving of personal belongings), lost and found, parking and Safe Ride service for the campus. 

Mailroom x4264
The mailroom and mailboxes are located in Guilford Hall near the Campus Inn. Postage stamps are available from Noon until 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Your mail should be addressed as follows: 

Your Name
Whittier College
Your Box Number
Whittier, CA 90608-0634 

Facilities x4261
All maintenance concerns should be reported to your RA. Please feel free to contact the Facilities Office directly. Remember, the sooner a problem is reported, the quicker the request can be addressed. 

Telecommunications x5000
Telephone service is provided by Whittier College and long distance billing is provided by Resicom. Each resident has been issued an access code to dial long distance. This access code and information about Resicom was sent to your student mailbox. Please realize that phone service will be disconnected if monthly bills are delinquent. A $30 reconnect fee will be assessed. 

Important Facts About Your Room and Residence Hall
Please consult the Whittier College Student Handbook for specific policies pertaining to the residence halls.  Resident students are responsible for knowing all college policies. 

Alterations
The College does not assume responsibility for any claims for damages or injuries sustained by residents or others in their rooms as a result of modifications made to their furnishings such as, but not limited to, bunk beds, bookshelves, lofts, partitions or other structures. Residents may not attach structures to walls, closets, or cabinets in the residence hall rooms. The Residential Life staff reserves the right to request residents to dismantle such structures. 

You may not paint your room. A minimum fine of $350 will be assessed if the room is painted. 

Your room is furnished with a bed frame, mattress, dresser, closet, desk and chair. Many of the rooms in the residence halls are also equipped with sinks. 

Check in-Check out Process
A check-in/check-out process has been established to ensure that each student room and its furnishings are maintained in good condition. When you check into your room, a Residential Life staff member will complete a Room Condition Inventory Form (RCI) for you. You are requested to verify that all the information on the inventory form is accurate. When you check out of the room, any damages to the room or furnishings will be charged to you if they have not been noted on the inventory form. A minimum fine of $25 for excess cleaning will be assessed if the room has not been properly cleaned.

The check-in/check-out process is very important and there is a $25 fine for improper check-in or check-out of a room. 

Furnishings
You may decorate your room with other pieces of furniture, however, all college-owned furniture must remain in the room and cannot be stored or moved off campus. There will be a $50 fine and a replacement cost assessed if furniture is removed. Triple room assignments will have the option to remove a dresser or desk. Please contact your AC for details. A $25 fine will be assessed if screens are removed from the windows. 

The following items are prohibited in the residence hall rooms:
oil lamps
halogen lamps
electric skillets
hot plates
waterbeds
incense
candles
toaster ovens
ovens
sunlamps
fish tanks larger than 15 gallons 

Lounge and Community Areas
Residents are encouraged to use the residence hall lounges for studying, relaxing and watching television. Students may schedule events such as speakers, meetings and other activities by contacting the AC. Scheduling may include a damage deposit, depending on the nature of the activity. 

Removal of furniture is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. A minimum fine of $50 will be assessed for each piece of lounge furniture found in a student's room. Please remember, lounge furniture is for everyone's use and enjoyment. 

As a member of the community, each resident is responsible for the condition of their floor and residence hall. Common area damages incurred during the year which cannot be individually assessed or accounted-for will be absorbed equally among members of the floor and residence hall. Common area damages detract from our communities and raise the cost of maintenance and upkeep. These costs are passed on to students through increased housing rates. We strongly encourage you to take pride in your residence hall and to report those who damage residence hall property. 

Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Alcohol and other drug abuse is a concern for the entire college community. Students having difficulties related to substance abuse are encouraged to take advantage of the confidential counseling and medical services available through the Counseling Center and Health Center. Student health insurance at Whittier College covers participation in the outpatient program at Whittier Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. 

Guests
Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests and must inform them of housing policies. Members of each residence hall floor vote annually to establish visitation hours for each residence hall floor. 

Only the assigned number of students plus two guests may occupy a room at one time. Guest visitation is limited to three consecutive days. 

All guests must be respectful of the rights and comfort of roommates at all times. The college does not condone cohabitation. If the behavior or frequency of overnight guests becomes a concern for a roommate, the problem will be swiftly addressed by Residential Life staff. The staff reserves the right to request that a guest leave a residence hall. 

Only persons of the same gender may use bathrooms located on residence hall floors designated for use by their respective gender. 

Keys and Lockouts
Please remember your room key! If you should happen to lock yourself out of the room, your RA or the RA on duty, will unlock your door between the hours of 8:00 am and midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and until 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Students must contact Campus Safety during the remaining hours. You will be assessed a lockout fee of $1 when a staff member opens your door. This fee is placed in a fund for programs and hall improvements. If you do not pay the $1 fine at the time of the lockout, a $5 fee will be assessed and appear on your Business Office account. 

Staff members are not permitted to unlock a door for anyone other than the resident of the room. Please do not ask. Illegal entry into a student's room may result in loss of housing privileges. A lost key will result in a charge of $75 to your Business Office account. 

Musical Instruments
Drums, guitars, horns, etc. are not to be played in the residence halls. 

Personal Property
If you choose to keep valuable  personal items at the college, make sure the items are insured.

Whittier College assumes no responsibility for loss of property due to theft, therefore, you are encouraged to purchase your own personal property insurance, or check to see if you are insured through your parents' homeowners' insurance. Remember to keep your room door locked at all times. 

Pets
Health regulations prevent us from permitting pets in the residence halls, with the exception of fish. We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing a pet into your room. If you are found to have a pet, or feeding an animal in or around the building, you will be subject to disciplinary action. Fish tanks may not be larger than 15 gallons. 

Posting Signs and Banners
All signs, fliers, banners, etc. posted in the residence halls must be pre-approved by your Area Coordinator. Bulletin boards are available for posting. Printed material may NOT be placed under residents' doors except by Residential Life staff. Any items taped to glass windows and painted surfaces will be removed. Please see your RA or AC for further information. 

Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are in effect between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8:00 am, Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 8:00 am, Friday & Saturday. Courtesy hours are 24-hours/day, seven days a week. During courtesy hours anyone with a noise issue may confront others as needed. 

Recreational Activities
All recreational activities including, but not limited to, bouncing balls, lacrosse, hackeysack, skateboarding, roller skating, roller blading, frisbee, running and bicycling, are not permitted in the hallways and lounge areas of the residence halls due to damages and/or injury which may result. 

Residential Property
Misuse, abuse, theft or destruction of College property is not permitted. Violators of this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may result in restitution and loss of housing privileges. In addition, actions of residents that result in excessive cleaning by our housekeeping staff will not be tolerated. Please do not sweep room remnants into the hallway or leave hair cuttings in the bathroom. Fines and charges will be assessed in these situations. 

Roofs, Windows and Balconies
No one, other than Campus Safety and maintenance personnel, is permitted on the roof, balcony or fire escape of any building. A minimum charge of $100 will be assessed and used to pay for damages to the structure. Residents may not throw or dispose of objects from windows or stairwells at any height. Residents may not access rooms through windows.

Soliciting
In an effort to ensure the safety of students and prevent interruption of study, the Office of Residential Life prohibits solicitation and door-to-door sales. Distribution of posters, newsletters, fliers, etc. is prohibited in the residence halls. Special exceptions may be granted by the AC or the Associate Dean of Students for administrative or programmatic purposes.

Theft
Living in a residence hall seems very safe; therefore, students have a tendency to leave their rooms unlocked and valuables unattended. The fact of the matter is that nationally the number one crime in residence halls is petty theft. Crime is a direct result of opportunity. Remember to always lock your room door, carry your keys, and keep valuables locked up or hidden (even when you're just down the hallway or on your way to the bathroom.)

Vacation Housing
During Thanksgiving Break, all halls will remain open. During Winter Break and Spring Break all halls except Wanberg and Ball will be closed and you will need to make arrangements to stay at home or elsewhere. In extreme cases, housing may be provided, (space allowed) in Wanberg and Wardman for an additional fee. There is no housing available during the summer.

Smoking
New policy of non-smoking!

Residence Hall Government (Hall Council)
The residence hall councils are elected groups of residents who work closely with the Residential Life staff to provide input on housing policies and coordinate a variety of educational and social activities to complement academic development. Officers and members are selected at the beginning of the fall semester. Ask your AC for details and get involved!! 

Residence Hall Association (RHA)
RHA is the umbrella organization of the Residence Hall Councils of Whittier College. Members are selected each spring for various leadership opportunities. IRHA is involved in a variety of programs during the year such as car washes, movies, sporting events, dances and Alcohol Awareness Week. 

National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH)
NACURH is comprised of more than 200 member schools around the United States. This organization provides an opportunity for student leaders from the residence halls to exchange ideas through newsletters, as well as regional and national conferences. Monthly regional and national awards have been established to recognize creative programs and activities sponsored in the residence halls. Whittier College has been a past recipient of such recognition. The Whittier College IRHA is a member of the Pacific Association of College and University Residence Halls (PACURH). 

National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
Whittier College is proud to honor students who have devoted their time and energy to the residence community. A chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary was established in the spring of 1986 to recognize residents who have made outstanding contributions. Membership is by invitation only, and the size of the group is limited to 15 members.

New Horizons
For some of you, living in a residence hall is a new experience. Others may have lived in a similar environment. It is best to remember that while you may feel this is "old hat," this is a new and different year, with new and different experiences.

Room changes may only take place during the third week of each semester and it is your responsibility to find another resident with whom to switch rooms. All room changes must be registered and approved by your Area Coordinator. Please consult your RA to initiate this process. Unauthorized room changes will result in a $50 fine. 

Attempting to force a roommate out of the room or preventing a roommate from moving into the room are grounds for immediate termination of the housing contract and will result in further disciplinary action. Keep in mind that good relationships don't happen overnight. It is a gradual process that takes time and is achieved through continued communication and honest feedback. 

Become a Resident Advisor!
Being an RA is one of the most rewarding and rare opportunities you'll ever have. RAs learn a variety of different skills that are highly transferable to the real world. It's also something great to have on your resume once you leave college. 

Responsibilities of the RA position are numerous, and the RA is the focal point for the day-to-day operation of his or her floor. The RA is a student, peer counselor, referral agent, friend, social chairperson, community builder, disciplinarian and programmer. This job is one with many duties; beyond this, it is an opportunity to maximize a student's self-development, maturity and confidence during the college years! 

Prerequisites for becoming an RA:
Passing the Leadership and College Student Development course (INTD 15) with a grade of "B" or better
Maintain a 2.75 grade point average

Remuneration and Rewards:
RAs receive a single room and a 15-meal FLEX plan and local telephone service as compensation; this is a value of approximately $7,000. 

Things to Remember
(November) Sign up for INTD 15 "Leadership and College Student Development"
(February) Class begins and RA applications will be available at the Office of Residential Life 

Office of Residential Life
Philadelphia House
e-mail: dhudson@whittier.edu