SAU Student Handbook - Residential Life

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Student Handbook

Student Handbook

Expectations & Standards: Residence Life

Additional Expectations	In Case of Fire	RIGHT OF ENTRANCE
Campus Apartments	Kitchens	Room Assignments
Check-out Procedure	Laundry Facilities Area	Room Changes
Courtesy Hours	Lounges	Room Security
Custodial & Maintenance Services	Off-Campus Housing	Severe Weather Procedures
Damages	Off-Campus Housing Request Procedure	Shelter Information
Enrollment Fee	Personal Privacy	Storage Area
Fire Safety Equipment	Personalizing Rooms	Student Apartment & House Visitation Hours
Firearms & Weapons	Property Protection	Telephone Service
Fireworks	Quiet Hours	VCRs
Floor Raids	Refrigerators	Village House Visitation Hours
Guests	Registration - Check-in & Check-out	Visitation Hours
Initiation of New Students	Resident Directors/Assistants
	Back to Table of Contents

Resident Life Philosophy
Residential living contributes significantly to campus community. Individuals are expected to regulate their own study and recreational time and to fulfill the commitments they have made. Certain elements of family living remain. Residential living requires taking into consideration the needs, concerns, and rights of others. It also carries with it the satisfaction and mutual loyalty and deepening relationships that strengthen and enrich everyone involved.

Spring Arbor University was established as a residence university. It subscribes to the living/learning experience as a vital part of whole person education. The interpersonal relationships developed while living and sharing closely within a residence hall complement the academic aims and achievements of the University. In keeping with this philosophy, all full-time, traditional-aged students enrolled in the traditional campus offered program are expected to live in the residence halls. (Exceptions may be granted to those who meet specific criteria.

Resident Directors/Resident Assistants
Resident Directors live in each residence hall aided by Resident Assistants on each floor assisting with the comfort, safety, and well-being of all residents. The Resident Director (R.D.) is in charge of the residence hall as a whole, and is available to address the needs of residents. Resident Assistants (R.A.s) are available to take care of any needs or problems that arise on the floor, and to establish and maintain a helping relationship with their students. If disciplinary action needs to be taken, the R.A. will consult the R.D.

Off-Campus Housing
Students who meet the following criteria may petition to live off campus. Students of Spring Arbor University requesting this privilege of off-campus housing should possess personal discipline, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation consistent with the University standards in the community context. These students are obligated to uphold all University policies. Any violations of these expectations will result in return to the residence hall and/or potential suspension or dismissal from the University.

Students 22 years of age.
Students living with their parent(s). (Exception may be granted for students wishing to live with a guardian, pastor, or faculty/staff personnel.)
Married students or students of independent status as defined by the Financial Aid Office.
Students involved in a student teaching semester.

Off-Campus Housing Request Procedure:
A student who meets at least one of the above criteria may complete the following:

Petition form: Available in the Student Development Office must be completed. Students who do not comply with this requirement will be fined $100 and be required to move back on campus.
Recommendations: Three character references from persons verifying a lifestyle consistent with Spring Arbor University's model are required as part of the petition form. Candidates presently living on campus need to include a reference from their Resident Director. Other acceptable references are work supervisors, academic advisors, and University administrators, staff, and faculty.
Decision Process: The Enrollment Housing Committee (Associate Dean for Student Development, Vice President for Student Development, Student Association President, Registrar, Director of Admissions, and Assistant Director of Business Affairs) considers each petition individually and is the final authority of the approval or denial and classification of status of each student.
Renewal: All approvals must be renewed annually.

Campus Apartments and Houses
Living in the campus apartments is considered a privilege that brings with it certain expectations. Students granted this privilege are responsible for the behavior that takes place within their residence. No apartments or houses should be used by anyone (tenant or guest) at any time for activities that are violations of Spring Arbor University policies. If evidence exists that such violations have occurred, the tenant will forfeit the privilege of living in the University apartments and will be required to return to the residence halls. (Additional discipline may also be administered.)

Student Apartments and House Visitation Hours
Students living in University apartments or houses are expected to live responsibly in a home environment where they do their own cleaning and can prepare their own meals. The rationale for having visiting hours is much the same as within the residence halls. Additional hours are added because there is no central lounge area within the apartment complex where student interaction can take place. At no time should a person of the opposite sex be in the bedroom areas of University apartments and houses. Visiting relatives of the same gender may stay overnight.

Visitation:
Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight
Friday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Spring Arbor University ..106 E. Main Spring Arbor, Mi. 49283 ..(800)968-9103