Gustie Guide 2023-2024Dean of Students

RESIDENTIAL LIFE POLICIES

Antennas

Antennas may not extend outside room windows or be attached to the outside of buildings. Privately owned antennas or satellite dishes are not permitted outside student rooms. 

Appliances

Students may utilize electrical appliances in residence halls such as: television, personal computer, pop-up toasters, air fryer, electric coffee pot, personal lamp, fan, shaver, portable hair dryer, other personal care appliances, clock, microwave oven, and compact refrigerator (see “Microwave Ovens” and “Refrigerators” sections for detailed information on restrictions). Heating or cooking appliances with open coils, hot plates, air conditioners, sun lamps, and hot tubs may not be used in student rooms. Torchiere lamps are permitted, but only with incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs. Halogen lamps are NOT permitted.

Penalties for illegal appliances are issued as a citation through the college conduct process.

Electrical extension cords are not to be used in a manner that may create a fire hazard (such as running a cord under a rug/carpet or in a place where the insulation may be worn out). Students are cautioned to be very careful with electrical appliances and extension cords. 

Tampering with electrical systems (e.g., installing dimmer switches, ceiling fans, etc., or altering wiring) is prohibited for the safety of all residents and the general upkeep of the building. 

Computing

The Gustavus wireless network is available in all the campus residence halls. 

You will need your Gustavus User Account (email) username and password to register any devices on the campus network. If you do not know this information, please contact the Technology Helpline at 507.933.6111 or helpline@gustavus.edu

Fire Safety Regulations

1. Candles/Flammable Materials/Incense: Candles, incense, oil lamps, etc., (generally anything utilizing a wick, flame, open heating element, or consuming flammable material are NOT allowed in residence hall rooms or College-owned apartments or houses. Violations are subject to citations and/or other disciplinary action. Storage of volatile materials or other flammables (e.g., gasoline) is likewise not permitted.
2. Fire Safety: All students and guests are expected to respond appropriately whenever a fire alarm is sounded. Each person is expected to observe the fire safety guidelines. Violations are issued as citations.

   Whenever an alarm is sounded: 1) leave lights on in the room; 2) close and lock the door; 3) all individuals must leave the building using the nearest exit; 4) remain outside until the staff gives the all-clear sign. Failure to leave the building in case of a fire alarm is a violation of both state and College codes. Violations are issued as citations.

3. Fire Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire exit signs, and other fire and safety equipment are placed in the halls for the safety of the residents in the building. Misuse of fire and safety equipment is a serious violation of both state and College codes.

State Fire Marshal’s Directives

The College is concerned about the safety and welfare of the students living in its residence halls, and has both a legal and moral responsibility to see that the State Fire Marshal’s directives are met. The intent of these directives is very clear: to make Gustavus residence halls as safe as possible.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has notified Gustavus Adolphus College that the following guidelines must be followed in student rooms.

1. Carpeting and Carpet Pads: Carpeting and carpet pads are permitted, but, due to concern for fire egress, all carpets and pads must be cut to allow the door to open freely.
2. Construction or Modification that Increases the Risk of Fire or Decreases the Safety: paneling, platforms, homemade wooden lofts, and other projects that make use of wood or other flammable materials are not allowed.
3. Door Obstructions (i.e., doors must be able to be opened wide): There must be a clear and easy exit from each room that may be readily located in the case of fire, smoke, sleepiness, intoxication, darkness, or the confusion of an actual emergency situation.
4. Flammable Materials Hanging From or Draped Across the Ceilings (e.g., tie-dyed sheets, flags, etc.): The Deputy State Fire Marshal has agreed to allow wall hangings (only if flat against a wall), but has suggested that they be made fire resistant. All flammable materials hanging or draped from the ceiling, including hanging room dividers (whether hanging from the ceiling or suspended below it), are specifically banned.

Residents violating these directives are legally liable for both civil and criminal negligence should a fire or other related problem occur. Additionally, should violations be discovered by the College, the student(s) responsible are subject to the conduct process.

Firearms, Weapons and Explosives

Firearms, ammunition, hunting bows, fireworks and other weapons or explosives may not be kept or used in student rooms (see campuswide Firearms, Weapons and Explosives Policy).

Food

Careless storage of food in student rooms may violate public health regulations and become offensive to other students. Students are responsible for maintaining an environment that does not violate public health regulations. In order to minimize the risk, students not housed in on-campus apartments are encouraged to not prepare foods in their own rooms or sections. Students should use the kitchenettes available for that purpose in each hall.

Furniture and College-Owned Furnishings

Students must leave college-owned furniture in student rooms and floor lounges. Moving furniture out of the rooms can create a fire hazard by blocking pathways. Moving communal furniture from a lounge only decreases the availability to other students. Room furniture cannot be stored in the hall storage room or at off-campus locations. 

Unauthorized removal of College furniture or furnishings from residence hall rooms and lounges is considered theft and is forbidden. Students are financially responsible for furnishings inventoried in their rooms and will be subject to fines and/or other sanctions levied by the College, and/or action by the civil courts, if furnishings are damaged or missing. 

Group Billing, Assessments and Prorations 

Students are charged for damage to or loss of furniture, equipment, rooms, and common areas (minimal normal wear and tear excepted). If individual responsibility for loss or damage cannot be determined, charges are prorated to residents. Residents will be notified of each assessment as soon as possible after each is reported, but the actual billing may not be made until the end of the school term; in that way, involved parties may come forward on their own or be identified by others and the assessment amended. 

Hall Sports

Sports and physical games are not allowed in the residence halls; this includes common areas and individual student rooms. Balls, pucks, bats, and other sporting equipment may do serious damage to walls, ceilings, and floors as well as cause a noise disruption and potential physical threat to other students. Any damage that occurs will be charged to the resident(s) responsible.

Housing during Official Breaks

Residence halls will be closed during official College break periods. These include Thanksgiving, Christmas/Winter, Spring Break, and summer. Residence halls are open during Reading and Touring Week and during the Fall Break study period. International students and others living over 350 miles away who are not able to leave campus during vacations must make arrangements in advance through completing the online break housing request forms. Students remaining in halls after official closing times or returning early without prior permission are subject to citations.

Keys

Room keys are issued to all residents upon checking into a residence hall. Students who lose a key should report their key lost to Residential Life as soon as possible so that a new lock may be installed to protect themselves and their possessions. During the year, a $75 charge is levied to cover lock installation and the cutting of new room keys. If the student fails to order a replacement or does not return a key upon vacating the room, a $100 charge is assessed to his or her damage account. Room keys are the responsibility of the student and should not be given to any other person. (See also “Lockouts.”)

Laundry Facilities

Each residence hall has free laundry facilities. Use of these facilities is restricted to the residents of the hall. If there is a problem with a machine the student should follow the directions for contacting our laundry partner through their app to report that repair is needed.

Light Bulbs

Burned-out light bulbs for room fixtures will be replaced without charge. See your building’s custodian to obtain new bulbs. Light bulbs should not be replaced by higher wattage bulbs than those provided. For replacement of any fluorescent bulbs, please contact the Physical Plant.

Lockouts

If you are locked out of your own residence hall room, contact the Collegiate Fellow on duty (between 8 p.m. and midnight), or a Campus Safety Officer if during the day or after midnight (507-933-8888). Generally, you will be charged $10 if a Campus Safety Officer is dispatched to open your door.

Students may not obtain access to residence hall rooms of other students without having the student’s written permission. Unauthorized access is in violation of student privacy rights.

Questions concerning lockout procedures should be referred to Residential Life or Campus Safety.

Lofting

Gustavus Adolphus College does NOT allow students to construct their own bed-lofting structures. Personally constructed lofts are not able to be properly inspected for adequate levels of safety in accordance with the college’s liability concerns. In addition, damage to walls, ceilings, and floors necessitate the prohibition of personally constructed loft systems. Loft safety is of paramount concern to the College. Please contact the Residential Life office for more information about Bedloft.com, the college’s official contracted supplier of loft materials or visit Bedloft.com for more information.

Mattresses and Bed Frames

Over the course of several years, the College has purchased replacement bed frames and mattresses from a number of sources. As a result, at least five different frame styles are in use around campus. Because they are moved around frequently, by students and maintenance workers alike, it is impossible to guarantee that a particular frame will be in a particular room at the start of fall term. Students should check with their hall neighbors if they wish to switch frames.

Most college-owned mattresses are long, and new purchases are extra longs. Residential Life encourages you to purchase twin XL sheets. Residential Life does partner with a third-party vendor Dormroom.com if you wish to purchase linens through them. Information is sent during the summer about the linens program. 

Microwave Ovens

To comply with health and sanitation requirements, basic food preparation and cooking in student rooms is not permitted. Personal or consumer-sized microwave ovens (rated under six amps or 700 watts) are permitted in student rooms, but their use must be limited to the warming of prepackaged, microwaveable food items. (This is not to be construed as an alternative to the Dining Service, which remains the sole source of basic meals for students residing on campus.) Toaster ovens, convection ovens, and other appliances using exposed coils or heating elements are NOT allowed.

Noise

Residents may not make or allow any disturbing noises in the residence halls. Singing, playing a musical instrument, or operating a television or audio equipment in a way, and/ or at a time, that is objectionable to others is a violation of Residential Life policy requiring sound to be contained. Placing speakers on or near window ledges to project sound from open windows is not permitted. Students should consider using headphones to avoid the possibility that their music may be loud enough to bother a neighbor. (See also “Quiet Hours.”)

When a CF, Area Coordinator, or member of the Campus Safety staff responds to a complaint, their evaluation of whether noise is at an unacceptable level is binding.

Off-Campus Housing

Consideration for approval - Students granted off-campus residency must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Student who is married 

• Student living with and responsible for dependent child/children 

• Living in the Saint Peter area with their parents/guardian (*within 15 miles from campus) 

• Part-time (below 2.0 credits) for the ENTIRE academic year 

• Veterans of military service (having been deployed and/or providing DD214 paperwork; Those in ROTC, Reserves or basic training do not receive exemption. Residential Life follows the college’s definition that is also used for FAFSA requirements - veterans include those who have completed active duty or have been deployed for reasons other than training) 

• 23 years of age or older on/by the first day of class in September 

• home ownership (student name is sole name on mortgage) 

• student who is 21 years of age by the first day of fall semester class AND has not been enrolled full time at any institution of higher education during the immediate past two years.

Students who do not meet the above criteria may apply to be added to an off-campus wait list. The wait list will only be used if all on-campus housing is filled. 

Painting Rooms

Students may not paint their rooms. However, if they have specific problems with the paint in their rooms, they should contact the Area Coordinator. Students who paint their rooms without permission will be held liable for the cost of repainting the room.

Personal Property

The College’s property insurance does NOT include the personal property of the students. The College cannot be responsible for damage or loss of personal property, regardless of cause. Residents are urged to carry their own personal property insurance or to check with their family’s policy to see if they are covered for any personal property loss or damage while attending College.

Pets/Animals

Students who live on-campus are not allowed to have a pet or animal other than fish in aquariums. Animals (other than fish) are not permitted in student living areas, including rooms, lounges, hallways, etc. This also applies to laboratory animals/specimens and animals. Fish aquariums are not to exceed a 15-gallon capacity.

Quiet Hours

Because a large number of people live in close proximity in any residence hall, reasonable quiet is expected at all times. In particular, on Sunday through Thursday, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., as well as midnight to 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday night, sounds emanating from student rooms and/or public areas must be kept to a minimum to facilitate student studying or sleeping. At all times, consideration is the rule. Also, each residence hall and/or living unit may establish extended “quiet/study hours.” Responsibility for these hours is a shared one. It is your right and obligation to let others know if their activities are annoying you. The Collegiate Fellow, Campus Safety Officers, and Area Coordinators can help, but they alone cannot enforce consideration for others. (See also “Noise.”)

Refrigerators

Because of the need to be mindful of energy conservation, the College has adopted the following policy: Refrigerators used in student rooms must be no larger than 6.0 cubic feet. Refrigerators larger than six cubic feet will have to be removed. Common-use full size refrigerators are available in the kitchen area of each residence hall.

Rental: Gustavus has an agreement with BedLoft.com whereby that firm may supply small refrigerators and loft frames for student rooms. Gustavus allows students to lease refrigerators and loft frames but makes no recommendation on their use.

Storage: Refrigerators cannot be stored by any student in the residence hall storage rooms. Students must arrange for off-campus storage for the summer.

Room and Hall Care

Each student is responsible for the upkeep of their room. Students also share responsibility for the common areas in the hall in which they live. Litter, damage (including water damage), or general disregard for hallways, bathrooms, etc., will result in assessments billed to the responsible individual or prorated to the residents who use that space (see “Group Billing” section).

Room Assignments

Upon registering for a residence hall room assignment, the student agrees to abide by the Gustavus Housing Agreement.

Housing assignments for returning upperclass students are made each spring for the following fall through the Room Selection process. Each student is entitled to one housing assignment each year. Room and roommate(s) choice at Room Selection will be considered binding for the entire academic year unless an individual officially withdraws from Gustavus. Occasionally, circumstances allow for housing adjustments once a semester begins. 

There is a housing freeze between Room Selection and the end of the third week of classes. Students who fail to abide by the room change freeze or who intentionally violate the Room Selection process guidelines will be referred to the Gustavus conduct process for disciplinary action. 

Occupants are collectively responsible for their assigned space. Noise violations and other breaches of hall rules and regulations that occur in a room may be charged to the assigned occupants regardless of their presence if individual responsibility cannot be determined.

Room/Suite/Apartment Changes

An Area Coordinator, Assistant Director, or the Director of Residential Life must approve changes in room assignments before any changes are made. Residence unit change requests will be accepted by the Residential Life Office after the third week of classes each semester. A meeting is required before any requests will be processed. Unauthorized changes will result in a citation.

Please be aware that College regulations do not permit room sharing (in which, for example, the assigned occupants of two or more rooms establish shared sleeping arrangements in one room and use the other for recreational space) and the subleasing or unauthorized transfer of room space.

Room Inspection and Damage

Before residence units are occupied, they will be inspected and an inventory made of their contents on a Room Condition Report. Each student is held financially responsible for the property in and the condition of the room as reported and roommates normally will share the cost of damages and repairs unless individual responsibility is indicated. The Room Condition Report should be carefully reviewed by the student to verify that all items in the room(s) are listed and the condition noted.

All damages to the room and/or furnishings (beyond reasonable wear and tear), the cost of missing items, extra cleaning charges, and a prorated share of public area charges will be assessed and sent as charges to a student's account. A list of assessed charges will be provided to the student.

Assessments are based on charges provided by the Director of Residential Life. Individual assessments are subject to an appeal process, but appeals must be made in writing by the deadline given with the issuance of the bill. Appeals are reviewed by the Director of Residential Life.

Residential Life staff (along with Facilities staff) inspect each room on campus after the residence halls close. Damage charges may be applied if professional staff members document additional concerns after the halls close. Students will be notified of all charges via email within two weeks of the final day the halls are open.

Responsibility for damage or losses in a public area will be assigned to all members of a living unit or subunit if the responsible party cannot or will not be identified. Malicious or intentional damages are cause for disciplinary action and/or action of civil authorities.

Room Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the occupants of a residence facility unit to ensure that all policies of the College are understood and followed. Failure to ensure compliance with policies of the College may result in disciplinary charges against the room occupant(s) as well as the policy violators.

Roof Access

Students are not permitted to climb on the roofs or decks of any building. The roofs are easily damaged, often resulting in water leakage into rooms and expensive repairs. Students in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Solicitation

Solicitation of funds or services, distribution of materials, and/or sales by any outside business or organization (i.e., one that is not a campus organization) are not permitted on campus, except as provided below.

1. Businesses or organizations whose services or materials are determined to be in the interests of the College or for College purposes may operate tables in the Campus Center after obtaining express approval from the Campus Activities Office.
2. Political candidates or their representatives may set up tables in the Campus Center with the authorization of the Director of Campus Activities and may canvass the residence halls, provided prior arrangements are made with the Director of Residential Life.

No solicitors, sales people, or agents—whether students or others—are permitted to personally contact students in the residence halls (i.e., go door-to-door or use hall lounges) for commercial purposes, except if a campus group’s activity has been approved in advance by the Director of Residential Life and the Director of Campus Activities using the “Sales and Solicitation Application” available at the Campus Activities Office. In those cases, the students representing the approved group will carry written authorization forms, which they are to show upon demand. Violations of the hall solicitation restrictions should be referred immediately to the department of Campus Safety (507-933-8888).

When offering sales or services off-campus, students may not use the College’s name to imply endorsement or guarantee without the written permission of the Dean of Students.

Gustavus students representing an off-campus business or organization are not permitted to use their assigned residence hall room as a place of business.

Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Residential Life Office.

Storage

Subject to the limitations of space, students who live over 350 miles from campus may store suitcases, trunks, and other belongings during the year. While the College attempts to maintain secure storage rooms, please be aware that it is not responsible for damage to or loss of materials stored. A storage request form submitted in advance is required.

Students who live outside 350 miles of Saint Peter may store personal belongings in the hall's designated storage rooms during the summer. However, food of any kind, loft materials, furniture, wood, carpet, bicycles, and refrigerators cannot be accommodated. All belongings must be pre-approved, boxed and labeled. Items may only be stored for one year. Anything left beyond that time will be considered abandoned property.

Theft

The College makes every reasonable attempt to provide a safe and secure environment for its student body, but it cannot be responsible for loss or damage from any cause to the personal property of the residents. It is strongly recommended that each individual provide themselves with insurance coverage for all articles which they bring to the College. Large sums of money and other valuables should not be kept in student rooms. One of the best methods to ensure the safety of personal property is to keep the door to your room locked.

Report any and all thefts, as well as any suspicious and/or criminal activity, to the department of Campus Safety (507-933-8888) as soon as possible.

Visitation and Guests

Introduction

The Gustavus Adolphus College Residential Life Visitation and Guest Policy is informed by the mission of the College and its five core values. As an institution of higher learning, the College’s primary concern is the education of its students. For education and learning to occur, each student’s well-being—both physical and emotional—is of paramount importance. Embedded in the Gustavus mission and core values is a fundamental concern for the wellbeing of and respect for each individual within the context of the campus community. Balancing the competing interests of students as individuals and members of community is at the heart of the visitation and guest policy.

To be welcoming, to permit your residence hall space and your routine to be rearranged temporarily for a guest or visitor, and to treat each person with dignity and respect are fundamental traits of hospitality. Equally important are the concerns for the common good of all who call the residence hall home. Gustavus residence halls are neither hotels nor private apartment buildings. They are buildings in which vibrant communities of students, Collegiate Fellows, Area Coordinators, Custodians, and Facilities workers form and function. Individual residents are expected to extend hospitality to guests within the context of the community’s interests and standards. Communities that are not welcoming of guests and individuals who abuse a community’s hospitality do not reflect the Gustavus values.

Policy Statement on Visitation and Guests

General Items:

1. Definitions
   1. Guest: any person not directly affiliated with Gustavus as a student or employee.
   2. Visitor: any Gustavus students or employee who is not an assigned resident of the particular room, suite, apartment, or house. NOTE: Employees who enter student units for the purpose of fulfilling job responsibilities (i.e., custodial, Physical Plant, Residential Life staff, Campus Safety Officers, etc.) are not considered visitors.
   3. Visitation hours: the time period during which resident students may host visitors and guests in their individual rooms.
2. A student’s privilege to have a guest or visitor is always superseded by any other assigned residents’ right to uninterrupted use of the room, suite, apartment, or house to support their educational endeavor. The privacy as well as ability to sleep or study of the roommate(s) will take precedence over a guest or visitor. Therefore, a roommate should neither be compelled to leave a room, apartment, suite, or house in order to accommodate a guest or visitor nor be placed in situations that might cause embarrassment or inconvenience.
3. Frequent visits and/or visits of excessive length can create an uncomfortable environment for the roommate as well as other community members. Each hall resident has a right to privacy, sleep, and study which outweighs a roommate’s or neighbor’s privilege of visitation. If the presence of a guest or visitor is an inconvenience or distraction, the guest/visitor must leave.
4. Gustavus students and employees are responsible for knowing and understanding the Gustavus Code of Conduct and Residence Hall policies that are enforced in all residence facilities. Community members may be held responsible and sanctioned for any code violations.
5. Student hosts are responsible for the behavior and conduct of their guests. Students are to inform guests of the Gustavus Code of Conduct and Residence Hall policies.
6. Residents are to accompany guests at all times within the residence halls. This includes meeting guests or visitors at the front entrances to buildings and escorting them within the building.
7. Twenty-four hour visitation is permitted in the lobby, recreational space, TV lounge, study areas, computer lab, and kitchen of each residence hall.
8. Hallways and section lounges are NOT considered 24-hour visitation areas.
9. Guests and visitors are required to use bathroom facilities appropriate to their gender identity. Individual restrooms are also available for all guests and visitors on the main floor of each residence hall having communal bathrooms.
10. Any guest who violates College policy or state/federal law may be asked to leave the College immediately and/or may be notified in writing through a no trespass letter that s/he is banned from College property until further notice.

Visitation Hours:

Visitation hours for all visitors or guests of a room are established by roommate agreements which are generally completed at the beginning of the year. Visitation hours agreed upon by roommates do not supersede other limitations on guests or visitors, like overnight rules below or the right of a resident to have a non-resident leave the room. Roommate agreements can only serve to further limit College-allowed hours and situations.

Any Gustavus resident experiencing challenges with guests or visitors in their room or desiring to reconsider their roommate agreement can contact Residential Life for assistance

Overnight Guests and Visitors

Guests/Visitors may stay for no more than 48 hours consecutively. Any policy violation may result in the loss of guest privileges.

Window Screens

Students are not permitted to remove the window screens from the windows, not only because of College insurance requirements but also because of the safety risk removal represents. Violations will be issued as a citation.

If you have a problem with a screen or window crank, notify your CF, Area Coordinator, or the Physical Plant office and let them rectify the problem. The throwing of any materials from open residence hall windows (or balconies, where applicable) is also strictly prohibited and will result in further sanctions.