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Residence Life Policies and Information

The Office of Student Life is the central office for all things related to residence life. The office is located on the first floor of the HUB. In relation to residence life, the Office of Student Life provides housing and meal plan assignments, hires and supervises Resident Assistants, and creates and activates student ID cards, which provide access to residence halls and meal swipes.

A student’s experience at Huntington University is holistic, as learning happens inside and outside the academic classroom. At Huntington University, we believe that the residential experience plays a vital role in a student’s life as this experience contributes to social integration, personal growth and development, and academic success.  HU is a residential campus. The residence halls at Huntington University are integrated with students from different cultures, backgrounds, and interests so that students will have the rich opportunity of being exposed to a variety of people and opinions as well as a host of shared experiences.  In addition, students in residence halls will benefit from the development of informal mentoring relationships, a sense of community, and healthy interpersonal relationships.

Residential Policy: All full-time, single students must live on campus unless they are 22 years of age (prior to the first day of classes in the fall or spring), married, or living at home with their parents at the family’s primary residence, provided that residence is within 70 miles from campus.  Students who are 24 years of age or older will not be permitted to live on campus, although exceptions may be made for international students.

All students who plan to commute must complete a Commuter Application on eRezLife, the university's housing platform. Additional documentation, in the form of a parental letter and parental phone call, will be required of those students planning to live with their parents at their parents' primary residence, which is no more than 70 miles from HU's campus.  Students who are married will be required to upload a marriage license. If a student is 22 years old before the first day of classes in the fall or spring, no documentation will be required. Students who are approved for commuter status are still required to observe all aspects of the Community Life Agreement as stated in the HU Student Handbook.

Students living in the residence halls or Forester Village Apartments are required to participate in the University’s board (meal) plans.

Students living off-campus without permission are subject to disciplinary procedures, which could include a substantial fine.

Each spring, students go through "Room Draw" to determine their residence hall room for the following year.

 

Residence Hall Closing

Resident students are encouraged to make travel and break plans early in each semester because all residence halls are closed during Thanksgiving and Christmas. No students are permitted in the residence halls when they are closed except for international students and those given special permission from Dr. Coffey and the Residence Life staff.  If a student would like to request special permission to remain in a residence hall during Thanksgiving and/or Christmas break, the student must first email the student's RD. Any student found in a residence hall for any reason without the appropriate clearance will be subject to disciplinary action. At the conclusion of each semester (December and April), students are given 24-hours past the completion of their last final to check-out of their residence hall room. For all other break periods, the residence halls will close at 7:00 PM on the last day classes are conducted. Failure to satisfactorily check-out of one’s residence hall room could result in a fine. This policy exists so that Huntington University can do the best job possible at caring for the safety of its students and their possessions.

 

Refund - Room & Tuition Fees

Room Refund Policy:

The refund policy for room charges follows the tuition refund schedule outlined below. Please note: After the 5th week of semester, if you leave your housing assignment, there will be no refund issued for your room.

Tuition Refund Policy:

This information can be found in the online undergraduate academic catalog link https://www.huntington.edu/academics/academic-catalog. Students who officially withdraw from Huntington or who reduce their course credit load (which reduces the tuition to be charged) may be entitled to a refund on the tuition paid for courses dropped, according to the schedule shown below. Before the official beginning of classes, full tuition is refunded.

For withdrawal after the beginning of classes, the date for any refund is the official date of withdrawal based on whether that official date falls within the specified week or day below:

Semester | Summer | Tuition Refund

  • First Week* | First Day | First Class Day | 90%
  • Second Week | Second Day | Second Class Day | 80%
  • Third Week | Third Day | Third Class Day | 60%
  • Fourth Week | Fourth Day | Fourth Class Day | 40%
  • Fifth Week | Fifth Day | Fifth Class Day | 20%

There are no refunds after these weeks and days listed above for their respective terms.

*including at least second class session in a regular semester

 

No refund of activity fees, lab fees, or other fees is made after the official beginning of classes. Students who have been dismissed may not appeal for refund of tuition. Students who are called to active military duty and withdraw from classes at any point in the term will receive a refund of 100% of tuition and fees.

Students considering reducing their status from full-time to part-time (less than 12 hours) should discuss those plans with the financial aid office since most financial assistance is available only to full-time students. If a student withdraws or is dismissed, scholarships and grants are prorated to the tuition charged. University scholarships and grants may be recomputed and the student charged for the unpaid cost.

Students receiving Federal Title IV Student Financial Assistance may be entitled to a refund in accordance with the Federal Refund Policy or the Federal Statutory Pro Rata Refund Policy. All refund distributions will be made according to Federal laws and regulations. Students with questions regarding these policies should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

 

Residence Halls

Huntington University offers several residence hall options for students to choose from. Livingston Hall (women), Wright Hall (men), and Hardy Hall (women) are traditional residence halls, with common bathrooms and lounge areas. Roush Hall (women) is a modified suite arrangement with two rooms and a bathroom per suite. Baker Hall (men) is a suite arrangement, with 8-10 students per suite. Meadows (women) and Miller (men) Halls are suite arrangements with cooking facilities on each floor. Juniors and seniors may apply to live in Forester Village, which are apartments located on campus.

 

Resident Directors (RD)

Each residence hall has a live-in professional staff person who is focused on the development of the residence hall community. The RDs work closely with the Resident Assistants and coordinate the whole program of their respective residence halls.

 

Resident Assistants (RA)

Each floor or wing has a Resident Assistant who is an upper-classman, and who has been selected to help students in their adjustment to the residence hall and University life. The RA serves as a mentor, programmer, disciplinarian and administrator of the residence halls. RAs are highly motivated student leaders who are interested in serving their residents and the campus community.

 

Sojourners

Each floor has a Sojourner who is a student who coordinates, delegates, encourages and is a resource for spiritual life in the residence hall. Sojourners are selected, trained, and supervised by the Center for Spiritual and Intercultural Enrichment.

 

Candles

Candles, oil lamps, and incense are not permitted in the residence halls, apartments, or on-campus houses. Burning or evidence of burning these items may result in a $50 fine.

 

Cooking

Due to local and state fire regulations, no open coil or open flame cooking devices may be used in the residence hall. Cooking areas including microwave ovens are provided on each floor in Livingston, Baker, Roush, Meadows, and Miller Halls and in the basement of Wright and Hardy Halls. No cooking of any kind is to take place in residence hall rooms. Students may use coffee makers or hotpots for the preparation of hot drinks in the room. However, the use of microwave ovens or toasters in residence hall rooms is prohibited. All kitchen areas are to be kept clean. Following any food preparation, dishes and utensils should be cleaned and stored. Any questions related to the kitchen should be directed to your RD. Cooking in apartments and on-campus houses should be done with respect to the others living with you. Please be sure to clean up the kitchen space and appliances following use.

 

Fire Alarms and Fire Safety

Fire alarms are in place for the safety of the residents of each residence hall and campus buildings. Because of the absolute importance of this system and its reliability in accurately signaling a fire emergency, it is considered a severe violation of Huntington University and Indiana State fire safety guidelines needlessly setting off a fire alarm. Anyone involved in the setting of a false alarm will be subject to a minimum fine of $500.00.

 

Fire Drills / Smoke Detectors

Unannounced fire drills will take place each semester to ensure proper building evacuation practices are known. Students in the building at the time of an alarm must evacuate as quickly as possible to that building’s designated waiting area. Failure to evacuate may result in disciplinary action. All residence hall rooms, suites, and apartments are equipped with smoke detectors. Forester Village apartments are also equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

 

Firearms / Fireworks

Firearms are not permitted on campus or at any campus-sponsored event. Fireworks, firecrackers, and similar explosives are prohibited on campus or at any campus-sponsored function or event. Any or all of these items will be confiscated if found on campus. The possession and/or use of weapons on University property or at any HU sponsored function or event is strictly prohibited. In addition to firearms and ammunition, weapons include, but are not limited to: knives with blades in excess of three inches, butterfly knives, BB guns, firearm reproductions, slingshots, martial arts weapons, bow and arrows, paintball guns, Airsoft guns, stun guns, Tasers, etc. It should be understood that any object used to threaten, intimidate, or harm someone else may be interpreted as a violation of this weapons policy. Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and may face criminal charges. Huntington University Police reserve the right to confiscate any weapons found on campus, regardless of whether or not the owner has a current permit.

 

Furniture

Upholstered furniture is not permitted in the residence halls. Students are responsible for the removal, storage, or disposal of any furniture they bring to campus. If the furniture is left, the student is responsible for the disposal cost.

 

Hallways

In order to maintain a safe and clean hallway, students should refrain from storing or keeping items in the stairwells, doorways, landings, and hallways. Items like bicycles, boxes, suitcases, furniture, and clothing should remain in students’ rooms or residence hall storage areas.

 

Halogen Lamps / Lava Lamps

Because of the heat produced by halogen light bulbs and the fire hazard that this may cause, halogen lamps and lava lamps are not permitted in the residence halls.

 

Housekeeping

Each residence hall has a housekeeping staff that is responsible for the cleaning of public lounges, hallways, bathrooms (except Roush Hall), and wing/suite lounges. They are only expected to clean normal, everyday residence living. Additional cleaning beyond the norm, such that occurs as a result of pranks or carelessness will become the responsibility of those residents in the living area of that abuse. Forester Village apartments and houses are to be cleaned by the occupants.

 

Housing Dismissal

Students may be removed from Huntington University housing if the student negatively affects the growth, health, or safety of others, or cannot live independently (such as a student who requires medical care). This decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Laundry

Washers and dryers are available in each of the residence halls. Please be considerate and remove your laundry after it is finished so that someone else may use the washer/dryer.

 

Linens and Bedding

Huntington University does not have linen services available. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each student to furnish necessary linens, blankets, and pillows. All beds are extra-long twin size.

 

Lock Changes

A lost room key for a residence hall room will result in a $75 charge. A lost apartment key for a Forester Village apartment will result in a $150 charge because each apartment has two locks.

 

Lofts

Bringing materials to loft beds is not permitted because of safety and fire reasons.

 

Lounge Hours

The main lounges of the residence complexes and the kitchen/lobby areas of Meadows and Miller are open to members of the opposite sex from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday. In Livingston Hall, the floor lounges will be open to members of the opposite sex from 5 PM to 11 PM Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, all main lounges are open until 2:00 AM. All members of the opposite sex that remain in the lounge past the end of open hours will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include a $100.00 fine.

 

Lounge Televisions

The main lounge television sets, which are placed in Baker and Roush Hall lobby, Hardy and Wright Hall basement, and each floor in Livingston, Miller and Meadows Hall kitchen/lounge area, are for general viewing. Please be reminded that the present film policy on campus is that we will show G, PG, and some PG-13 films. Groups wishing to show films that do not fall into this category will not be permitted to use lounge televisions or personal room televisions. We suggest not bringing R-rated movies.

 

Media Equipment

Low volume levels or headphones must be used during quiet hours. Please be sensitive to those living above, below and to each side of your room or apartment.

 

Media Policy

Television, film and video games are popular forms of entertainment in American culture. In most aspects of current media, Christian ideals and principles are not prominently reflected. In this important aspect of our culture, proper discernment on the part of the believer is essential so that whatever we say in word or deed brings glory to our Father in heaven, Col. 3:17. The cornerstone for this policy is found in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” From a holistic point of view, Huntington University strives to facilitate the development of critical thinking and the consumption of current media demands these skills now more than ever.

While the university does not recommend the viewing of R-rated movies, students, using discernment, may view movies with an R rating in the privacy of their room or apartment. For public venues such as residence hall lounges and university-sponsored activities, no movies above the rating of PG-13 are permitted to be shown. Exceptions may be made for educational purposes, but such events will require the presence of a faculty member or student life staff member. A thoughtful discussion facilitated by faculty and/or staff member will be expected at the close of the viewing.

In conclusion, Huntington University seeks to be a community reflective of mutual respect for its members. Conversation between roommates about boundaries and expectations in the area of acceptable media in the residence hall room is expected. In true Christian community, it is essential that all members model I Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

 

Musical Instruments

Practice rooms have been provided in the Merillat Centre for the Arts for anyone wishing to play or practice a musical instrument. Out of respect for those sharing your space, only small, non-amplified instruments can be played in the residence halls.

 

Open Hours

During visitation hours, students are permitted to spend time in all residence facilities, regardless of the building’s/floor’s designated gender. Huntington University requires that all doors of rooms containing guests of the opposite sex remain fully open. If students are hosting on or off-campus guests of the opposite sex, it is the host’s responsibility to make sure that guests leave when visitation ends. Resident Assistants will walk through the buildings at designated times, ensuring that guests have left the building as appropriate.

 

Visitation hours are as follows:

  • Wednesday     7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday/Saturday    7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday 1:00 PM –  9:00 PM

 

Guest Policy

A resident may host a guest(s) while the University is in session. A guest is defined as any non-student. The host is responsible for the actions of one’s guest(s) and will be held responsible for the actions of the guest(s) through the University’s conduct process. The host is required to be with the guest(s) at all times and must receive permission from roommate(s) before the guest is permitted into the place of residence. The rights of the roommate(s) take precedence over those of the guest(s). Guest(s) of the same gender are allowed to stay overnight on-campus with a 3-day visit per semester limit and are required to notify the RA on the floor. Students that do not reside in campus housing are prohibited from being routine overnight guests. Any guest failing to comply with Community Life Agreement policies will be asked to leave campus immediately.

 

Personal Responsibility

All HU students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes and supports the well-being of the Christ-centered academic community it strives to create. Huntington University reserves the right to confront and hold students accountable for behavior that is detrimental to the student, infringes upon the rights and sensitivities of others, or has the appearance of impropriety. For example, students are expected to refrain from actively participating in or being present during violations of community standards.

 

Pets

With respect for the sanitation of the residence halls and the health and safety of each resident, students are not permitted to have pets in the residence halls and Forester Village apartments. The only exemption to this would be for fish kept in an aquarium not to exceed 20 gallons. Students are limited to one aquarium per room. Any attempt to house a creature other than a fish will result in the animal’s removal.

  • Emotional Support Animal - The Fair Housing Act (FHA) permits a student with a disability to keep an emotional support animal in a campus residence hall when there is an established need for the therapeutic nature of the animal that is connected to his/her disability. Contact the director of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) for further information or to make a request.
  • Service Animal - A service animal is defined by the ADA as a dog or a miniature horse that has been individually trained to perform tasks to assist a person with a disability. The work or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability. HU generally allows a service animal in its buildings, classrooms, residence halls, meetings, dining areas, recreational facilities, activities and events when it is accompanied by its handler. Students who plan to bring a service animal to campus are strongly encouraged to partner with the director of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), especially if other academic accommodations are requested.

 

Pictures and Posters

All wall hangings such as pictures, posters, and signs should only be hung with plastic removable adhesives such as white Plasti-tac and Command strips. Nails, tacks, tapes, and other adhesives are strictly prohibited, in order to protect and preserve the condition of campus property. All room decorations are expected to be in good taste and in accordance with Huntington University Lifestyle standards. This demonstrates respect for other residents and for one’s personal integrity. Examples of inappropriate decor: nudity, partial nudity, sexually suggestive material, alcohol and tobacco advertisements, material that focuses on or represents aspects of the occult, etc. Final decisions regarding these items will be determined by the Resident Director in your building.

 

Posting Information / Signs On Campus

Bulletin boards are located in each building; therefore, posters and notices should not be taped to glass doors, windows or walls. Tape is difficult to remove and can damage the finish on many surfaces. Please use the bulletin boards for your postings. Items posted on glass or areas other than the bulletin boards will be removed.

 

Quiet Hours

Since study and proper rest are vital factors for success at the University, quiet hours have been established as a necessary part of community life. This policy also encourages a sense of community responsibility and takes into consideration one another’s needs.

  • 11:00 PM - 8:00 AM Sunday – Thursday
  • 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM Friday and Saturday

 

Rooftops

Students are not permitted on any rooftop on campus. Being on the roof may result in a $100 fine.

 

Room Care

It is the responsibility of each student to keep his/her room neat and orderly. It is against University policy to remove any furniture from the room that is attached to the walls or floor areas of the rooms, as the likelihood is increased for this furniture to become damaged. Any furniture that is removed or even exchanged is subject to a fine. Please keep all University furnishings in the proper rooms, to prevent damages or accidental losses. This policy is in place to ensure the durability of the surfaces and joints as well as the proper placement of all furnishings. Fake spray-on snow and excess carpet freshener are discouraged because it often leaves a residue behind that does not come clean. Each residence hall room, apartment, and house is completely furnished for two-person occupancy. Furnishings should be arranged so that there is visual access into the room and so persons inside of the room can exit safely in an emergency.

 

To help ensure a sanitary environment in the residence halls and to prevent the spread of unseen allergens, insects, etc., only students living in an apartment or house can bring extra furniture. Failing to care for the furniture or room may result in a fine to replace the damaged item.

 

Room Search

Huntington University reserves the right to inspect a student’s room, apartment, or house in response to an emergency or concern for a student’s safety. If the university has reason to believe that a student is in violation of university policy and possesses illegal substances, alcohol, weapons, or is involved in illegal or dangerous behavior, a Student Life or Campus Security staff member may search the student’s room. If possible, staff personnel will have one or both occupants present during a search or inspection. In the event that this is not possible within a reasonable amount of time, or if there is a possibility that evidence may be removed, staff personnel may inspect or search the room without an occupant present.

 

Single Room

With the exception of dedicated single rooms, all single rooms including paid single rooms are contingent upon enrollment. Students who are without a roommate and are not willing to pay the additional amount for the privilege of having a single room will be consolidated with another student that is in the same situation. Huntington University reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy in special situations that may include students with specific medical or emotional needs. Application for a paid single room or medical exception single room is https://huforms.formstack.com/forms/residence_hall_petition.

 

Skateboards / Bicycles

For the safety of others and the protection of our facilities, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades or bikes are not to be used in buildings. Bicycles are not permitted in the residence hallways or stairways. Violators will be fined $25.00 per violation. Students are encouraged to use the bike racks located outside of the residence halls.

 

Solicitation

For the security and safety of the members of the residence community, solicitation of any kind is prohibited within the residence hall areas. Only those vendors that have received permission from the Vice-President of Student Life or the Dean of Students will be allowed to act as vendors within the residence halls. If any student observes anyone involved in solicitation within the residence halls, please report the individual(s) to an RA, RD, or the Office of Student Life.

 

Sports and Recreation

Because of the many intramural and other informal recreational opportunities available in the PLEX and other facilities, it is not permissible for students to participate in these activities in the residence halls, apartments or on-campus houses where damages may occur to university properties. All damages that occur as a result of games in the residence hall will result in punitive as well as compensatory fines.

 

Staying On Campus for Breaks

Huntington University residence halls will be closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break. Students will not have access to the residence halls during these periods and will need to plan accordingly. Those who have an extenuating need to stay (international students, athletes, student teachers, etc.) must receive permission from the student's RD and the Housing Coordinator. There are no open hours during visitation breaks. Dining services are closed during breaks, with the exception of Fall Break and Spring Break.

 

Storage

Each residence complex has storage space that is available for students to store boxes and suitcases. Any items stored in these areas are to be clearly marked and neatly placed on the available shelving in the appropriate residence hall. Huntington University is not responsible for the safety of any items stored in storage rooms. Items stored in these areas during the school year or during the summer months are stored at the risk of the student. Any items left in storage beyond the normal school year without clearance or that are not marked, become the property of Huntington University. For Forester Village apartments, do not store items in the furnace / hot water heater closet.

 

Windows / Screens

Residents are responsible for closing windows and screens to avoid weather damage. Any damage of this nature may be charged to the room occupant(s). Windows and screens are to be left in place at all times. Any students found with their screen out will be subject to a $10.00 fine for each screen. Under no circumstances should items be projected or hung outside of windows. This includes personal possessions or your own person.