Boise State University

Housing Handbook

2007-2008

A GUIDE TO RESIDENCE HALL LIVING

 

 

 

 

 

Directory Information and Staff

 

 

UNIVERSITY HOUSING DIRECTORY

 

Chaffee Hall

1421 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk...447-1011

On Call Phone...863-6322

Resident Director...447-1018

 

Driscoll Hall

1607 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk...447-1015

On Call Phone...573-8810

Resident Director...447-1010

 

Keiser Hall

1663 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk...447-1009

On Call Phone...573-8810

Resident Director...447-1010

 

Morrison Hall

1515 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk (Keiser)...447-1009

On Call Phone...573-8779

Resident Director...447-1014

 

Taylor Hall

1559 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk (Keiser)...447-1009

On Call Phone...573-8779

Resident Director...447-1014

 

Towers Hall

2303 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk...447-1013

On Call Phone...863-6209

Resident Director...447-1012

 

University Suites A, B, C

1313, 1311, 1309 S. Chrisway, Boise, ID 83706

 

Front Desk...447-1002

On Call Phone...867-5744

Resident Director...447-1017

 

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On Call Cell Phone &

Emergency Response

 

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7pm – 7am

 

Student staff provides Òon-callÓ duty coverage from 7pm to 7am weekdays and throughout the weekends. 

 

If you have a concern or emergency during these times, please call the Òon-callÓ number listed for your building.

 

During daytime business hours, visit your hall front desk for assistance.

 

Front desk hours:

 

Chaffee, Towers

9am – Midnight, Sunday – Thursday

9am – 2am, Friday/Saturday

 

Keiser

8am – Midnight, Monday – Thursday

8am – 2am, Friday

10 am - 2 am, Saturday

10am – Midnight, Sunday

 

Driscoll

10am – 7pm, Monday – Friday

 

University Suites & Apartment Office

8am – 10pm, Monday – Friday

10am – 6pm, Saturday/Sunday

 

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University Housing Office

Located in Chaffee Hall

 

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Residence Halls/Suites

Customer Service   447-1001

 

Apartments

Customer Service   447-1002

 

During the academic year, your first line of response will most likely be your Resident Assistant (RA) or Resident Director (RD).  However, if you have questions about billing, changing your meal plan option, or if you have questions prior to your arrival, call the customer service number for the University Housing Office.

 

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UNIVERSITY HOUSING STAFF

 

http://housing.boisestate.edu

Staffed by both students and full-time professional staff members, our goal in University Housing is to make your campus living experience as rewarding as possible, and to provide opportunities for you to achieve personal, social, and academic goals.  We have assembled an energetic and well-trained staff to assist you!

 

RESIDENCE HALL STAFF

 

Resident Directors (RD):

Supervised by the Associate Director for University Housing, the Resident Director is a full-time, live-in, professional staff member, who provides the overall supervision and administration for your hall which includes facility operations, policy enforcement, supervision of RAs, counseling referral, emergency response, hall council advising, and the promotion of programs and activities that complement campus involvement and your academic goals. Find your RDÕs office and introduce yourself.  The RD is a great resource to assist you with your goals as well as with any concerns you may have.

 

Resident Assistant (RA):

The Resident Assistant is one of the most helpful and resourceful people you will meet at Boise State and may be the first person you meet in the residence halls. RAÕs are selected on the basis of their leadership skills, communication ability, academic success, positive attitude and commitment to helping others.  They are student peers that understand the campus and live in the residence halls. They are trained to handle a wide variety of issues, from academic and social matters to personal concerns such as homesickness, roommate relationships, and getting involved on campus. In addition, they are on-call throughout the week and provide customer service at the hallÕs front desks. They are here to assist in building a successful community and support you as you pursue your goals.  Get to know your RAs -- they are friendly, knowledgeable, and fun!

 

Desk Attendants (DA):

Each residence hall front desk employs student Desk Attendants to provide customer service for residence hall students.  DA staff responds to calls, submit work orders, and assist residents with questions and procedural issues.  This is a great employment opportunity for residents.  For more information on how to apply, go to your hallÕs front desk.

 

Custodial & Maintenance Staff:

University Housing employs its own custodial and maintenance staff to provide quality and prompt service to the residents of our halls and apartments.  They make any necessary repairs and respond to facility emergencies.  Our custodians provide for the cleanliness of our public areas including community bathrooms.  Residents are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and non-community style bathrooms as well as maintaining their community area.

 

For custodial or maintenance issues in your residence hall room, visit the front desk of your hall to complete a work request. 

 

GENERAL HOUSING STAFF

 

Most of your needs can be met through the residence hall front desk, but for all other issues and concerns, please visit our main University Housing Office located in Chaffee Hall.  Students typically visit our main office to change their meal plans, inquire about bills and occupancy issues, and request housing in the residence hall for the following year.

 

Executive Director:

The Executive Director provides overall supervision and guidance in creating a housing system that provides affordable, safe, and convenient housing for Boise State students.  This position provides direct supervision for the Associate Director, Assistant Directors, Business Manager, Apartment and Guest Services Manager.

 

Associate Director for University Housing:

This position provides overall supervision and guidance to the full-time live-in professional staff in the traditional residence halls (Towers, Chaffee, Driscoll, Morrison, Keiser, Taylor, and University Suites) and works to create activities and initiatives to support studentsÕ academic and social needs.  The Associate Director also works closely with staff on issues surrounding student conduct, residence education, and advising.

 

Assistant Director for Residential Education & Marketing:

This position coordinates the Residential College Program and the living learning communities.  This position provides resources and general guidance related to residence education and connections to academic support programs. 

 

Assistant Director for Operations:

This position supervises the facilities operations and maintenance functions for University Housing, providing supervision to custodial and maintenance staff.  The Assistant Director is responsible for developing facility plans and supervises renovations and hall improvements.

 

Business Manager:

The Business Manager provides budget development for the department and supervises the financial systems of the department.

 

Apartment Life and Guest Services Manager:

The Apartment Life and Guest Services Manager supervises the apartment system for University Housing including contracts, facilities, and student conduct.  This position also oversees all contractual conferences housed throughout the summer conference season.

 

Security Officers:

Security Officers are full-time staff members who monitor the safety of the buildings, grounds, and parking areas from 9:00 pm. – 7:00a.m.  They make regular rounds through the buildings, checking doors and providing emergency response.  Based on availability, they may also be called to provide an escort for students on campus. 

 

Computer Support Staff:

Computer support staff keep the residence hall computer labs, room internet connections, and department computers up and running on the University Housing network.  If you have any questions or problems with your own room computer connections to the Internet, or if you have an issue with the computer labs, visit your hall front desk to complete a work request and schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Residence Hall Living

Community Standards and Roommates

 

Chaffee

Driscoll

Keiser

Morrison

Taylor

Towers

University Suites A, B, C

 

 

COMMUNITY LIVING

 

When you move into a University Housing facility at Boise State University, you have chosen to become a part of a unique community.  This community is made up of a group of diverse individuals, here to pursue common educational goals, who have come together to share a wide variety of experiences.

 

The most important part of a positive community, however, is YOU!

 

You will have many opportunities for self-direction and experience, but you must balance the rights that you have as an individual in the community with the responsibilities you have to the other members of the community.  You will make two important discoveries while in a group living situation.  First, you may have more individual freedom than previously experienced.  Secondly, you may find that the more confined living arrangements and stringent academic demands require greater self-control and individual discipline than ever before.

 

Rights & Responsibilities

 

The following information explains some of your ÒrightsÓ – what you are entitled to as a student living in University Housing and some of your ÒresponsibilitiesÓ – what is expected of you as a member of the University Housing community.

 

RIGHTS

 

¥ Right to a safe and secure living environment.

¥ Right to a reasonably peaceful and quiet space to sleep and study.

¥ Right to privacy and proportionate use of your housing in terms of space and time.

¥ Right to be free of unwanted guests in your living space.

¥ Right to choose your means of recreation and relaxation.

¥ Right to confront anotherÕs behavior that infringes upon your rights.

¥ Right to the assistance of a University staff member when you need help with a problem.

¥ Right to know what is acceptable and not acceptable in the residence halls/suites.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

¥ Responsibility to keep your room and/or suite clean.

¥ Responsibility to respect the rights of others.

¥ Responsibility to observe quiet hours; keep stereo and voices at reasonable levels, and remind others that you expect the same.

¥ Responsibility to let your roommates know of preferences for sleep and study and work through any differences together.

¥ Responsibility to discuss visitation in your personal space, the hours it is acceptable to have guests, and appropriate behavior while

  in your space.

¥ Responsibility to know and abide by the policies, regulations, and laws of the State of Idaho and Boise State University.

¥ Responsibility to examine your own behavior as well as being reasonable and mature when confronted yourself.

¥ Responsibility to notify community members or staff of your problem in a timely manner and cooperate with them to help you find a solution.

¥ Responsibility to read the information in the Student Code of Conduct, in this University Housing Handbook, and your Boise State Residence Hall Agreement, which has been reprinted in this handbook.

 

Each member of a community must balance their rights and responsibilities in order to thrive and succeed in any group-living environment!

 

We encourage you to think about these rights and responsibilities, talk about them, and make them a part of what you do during your stay here.  You can increase the likelihood that these rights will be honored through thoughtful discussion and open communication with roommates, ßoormates, and other residents.  The exception to this would be when an individualÕs personal choices affect the community as a whole in a negative way, for example alcohol use, noise, drugs, cleanliness, etc.  Our goal is to help everyone succeed at the University.  The guidelines in this handbook and in the Boise State Student Code of Conduct are designed to further these goals.  You and your community may choose to add other rights and responsibilities to this list as well.  This discussion should take place throughout the year as your community develops stronger bonds.  We hope you will invest in yourself and your community.  This investment will pay off!  The University Housing staff is available and wants to help you accomplish these goals!

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Residence Hall Living

Safety and Emergency Response Information

Chaffee

Driscoll

Keiser

Morrison

Taylor

Towers

University Suites A, B, C

 

 

BOISE CITY POLICE SUBSTATION

911 in Emergency

426-1453 for Non-emergency

 

University Housing recognizes that the security and safety of our communities is an important issue.  To further ensure that safety, Boise State University contracts with the Boise City Police Department to respond to emergencies or incidents in the residence halls.  In the case of an emergency (life threatening situation, theft, assault, etc.), call 911 and then your residence hall on-call phone to alert Police and Housing staff in an emergency. 

 

FIRE ALARMS, FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, and EVACUATION

 

During the course of the academic year, a planned fire alarm will occur once per semester in each building.  Residents may not be notified as to when these will occur.  These planned alarms are intended to familiarize all residents with the exits, sounds, lights, and procedures for evacuating a building. 

 

All residents are required by law to leave the facility when an alarm sounds.  Residents who fail to evacuate a building, or take an improper length of time to exit the building will be subject to University disciplinary action. 

 

Regardless of cause, all alarms should be treated as if they were real.  If an alarm sounds, you may want to consider the following:

 

(1) Put on a coat and hard-soled shoes quickly.

(2) Take a towel with you to prevent smoke inhalation.

(3) Close windows.

(4) Check your doorknob and door.  If either is hot, do not open your door, exit through window if applicable or summon help.  If the knob is cool, exit cautiously, and close and lock your door. 

(5) Take your keys and ID card with you.

(6) Walk quickly to the closest exit in your area and wait 100 feet away from the residence hall.

(7) Do NOT re-enter the building until you are told it is safe by a hall staff member or the fire department (even if the alarm is silenced).

 

University Housing staff will assist in the basic evacuation of the facility and will help to coordinate re-entry into the building when appropriate authorities provide clearance.  However, staff will not be responsible for students who are not heeding the alarm or who are ignoring emergency procedures.  It is essential that residents take responsibility to evacuate.  Students who do not evacuate and abide by evacuation procedures may face disciplinary action.  If you require special assistance to evacuate, please contact your Resident Director (see page 3).

 

Tampering with fire equipment is a violation of state law as well as University regulations.  Sanctions for violating any policy concerning fire alarms may include removal from housing, suspension from the University, large fines, and/or criminal prosecution.

 

ELEVATORS

 

Keiser, Taylor, Towers, and University Suites are equipped with elevators for your convenience. Chaffee D wing is equipped with a service elevator to use during move-in and move-out, but is not for regular use during the school year. Please be respectful of this equipment and the safety of others who use them; do not jump up and down, shake, tamper, disable, or overload them; jumping or misusing the button functions may cause malfunctions.  The elevators are serviced regularly, but should an elevator get stuck between floors, remain calm and use the call button inside.  A staff member will respond to assist with the appropriate evacuation.  Do not try to evacuate an elevator on your own; do not try to pry open the door.  If you notice any damages, please report this to the front desk immediately.  In the case of a fire, do not use the elevator and evacuate the building using stairwells.

 

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

 

Residents complete a Personal Inventory Card during check-in which lists contact information of parties to call in an emergency.  Please use this form to inform University Housing staff of any medical conditions for which you may need assistance.  A copy of this confidential form is kept on file with the Resident Director.

 

If you have a medical emergency and need an ambulance or other emergency personnel, call 911 and a University Housing staff member if possible (see page 3).

 

PRIVACY RELEASE

 

Boise State University abides by the federal guidelines for student privacy: FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).  According to FERPA, it is essential for a student to file a Òprivacy releaseÓ form with the RegistrarÕs Office if University Housing is to share information from a studentÕs formal records with family members or designees, which includes sharing information about bills, grades, and student conduct records.  If you want University Housing staff to be able to speak freely about such records with your parents or other family designee(s), please complete this form.  Conversations with students are not considered a part of FERPA.

SAFETY

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SAFETY

Residence Hall Living

Living & Learning Communities

 

Chaffee

Driscoll

Keiser

Morrison

Taylor

Towers

University Suites A, B, C

 

 

 

THE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE

http://housing.boisestate.edu/rc

 

The Residential College is the bridge between living and learning, offering opportunities for personal and academic enrichment beyond the classroom.  The Residential College is a living learning environment where a faculty member lives in the hall and facilitates programming to promote student success and to support academic interests.  Faculty members coordinate programs ranging from visiting lecturers, to community service projects and theme dinner discussions.  The college systems at Oxford, Cambridge and numerous American universities are models for this experience.

 

STAFF

Faculty-in-Residence (FIR)

A Faculty-in-Residence lives in the residence hall to support the Residential College community. These faculty members are committed to enriching your residential experience by providing guidance and structured learning goals to support student success.

 

Program Assistant (PA)

The Program Assistant is a vital part of the Residential College.  These students work closely with the faculty members and residence hall staff to implement community development events geared towards the Residential College community.  PAÕs live on the same floor with the residents of the Residential College.

 

COMMUNITIES

 

Arts & Humanities

University Suites Building C

 

The Arts & Humanities program is committed to a broad definition of education and encourages individuals of all interests and backgrounds to become a part of the community.  This past year the Arts & Humanities Program went on several field trips including a tour of the WWII Minidoka Internment Camp site and the Old Idaho Penitentiary.  The students watched several art films and attended lectures by such prominent speakers as Dr. Martin Marty, Jack Matlock, the former ambassador to the Soviet Union, and Karen Armstrong, a noted scholar of religion. 

 

Civic Leadership

Keiser Hall

 

The Civic Leadership program provides a seamless educational experience for students who are interested in leadership development and who want to participate in university and community-wide leadership endeavors.  Participating students will develop leadership skills through mentoring opportunities, participating in activities and interacting with the live-in faculty member.  Past activities have included a Global Relief Silent Auction, Rake-Up Boise, the ÒLast Lecture Series,Ó ÒDessert Dialogues,Ó and social gatherings.

 

Business & Economics      

Taylor Hall

 

The B&E program is an integrated living and learning opportunity for motivated students in business and commerce.  Residents participate in a variety of social, cultural, academic and service activities; develop a supportive network of friends, faculty, and future colleagues; and collaboratively plan and lead projects that enhance their classroom learning.  COBE students manage the DawsonÕs 4.0 Coffee Shop in the Multipurpose Classroom Building.

 

Engineering

Morrison Hall

 

The Engineering program is a living community for those interested in technical disciplines.  The focus on the Engineering RC is on academic success with the primary activities centered on academic support.  Formal academic activities will include math, chemistry, and physics tutoring.  Advising sessions will be offered in the community in addition to regular faculty office hours.  Residents will also participate in weekly community meals with engineering faculty.

 

Health Professions

Morrison Hall

 

The Health Professions program is a living community for those interested in studying for a career in a health discipline.  Students from a variety of health-related majors occupy adjacent rooms, and all residents enroll in a year-long one-credit course that requires participation in scheduled discussions on current health topics, speaker events, and community service projects.

 

Honors

Driscoll Hall

 

The Honors College is designed to broaden your horizons by offering a rigorous curriculum and a variety of unique extracurricular opportunities.  Honors courses are built around collaborative learning, which emphasizes close contact between students and faculty.  The advantages of an honors education can be seen in the students who have gone on to graduate, law, and medical programs at such prestigious universities as Oxford, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.

 

Music

Towers Hall

 

The Music program provides an enhanced, intensive musical experience for its members and helps them reach their highest potential.  The Music Living & Learning theme floor is located in Towers Hall, adjacent to the Music Department and Morrison Performing Arts Center.

 

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Contact the Assistant Director of Residential Education at 208-447-1001 or apply online at housing.boisestate.edu/rc.

  

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE FACULTY

2007 – 2008 *Denotes Faculty-in-Residence

 

* Ginna Husting Ph.D.

  Civic Leadership

  Department of Sociology

 

* Zeynep Hansen. Ph.D

  Business and Economics

  Department of Economics

 

* Sondra Miller Ph.D.  

  College of Engineering

  Department of Civil Engineering

 

* Lisa Brady, Ph.D. 

  Arts and Humanities

  Department of History

 

*Caile Spear, Ph.D. 

  Health Professions

  Department of Kinesiology

 

  Craig Hemmens, Ph.D. 

  Honors  

  Department of Criminal Justice

 

RESIDENCE HALL ORGANIZATIONS

 

University Housing firmly believes that you are here to get an education, both inside and outside of the classroom.  Living in the residence halls makes you part of a unique community that allows you to self-direct your education and to get the most out of your time here at Boise State.  Your Resident Assistant, Hall Council, RHA, and numerous other University groups, organizations, and departments provide hundreds of activities and events in which you may participate.

 

This is your chance to make the most of your education, and be a big part of the community you live in.  Residence Hall Councils and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) plan a variety of activities throughout the year.  Looking for a way to get involved speak with your resident assistant. Get involved in your education!

 

UNIVERSITY SUITES &

RESIDENCE HALL COUNCILS

 

Each residence hall has its own hall council that plans activities, sponsors events, and distributes monies for programs in the residence halls.  They have planned such activities as BBQs, community service events, talent shows, and a variety of other activities!  They typically meet once a week and are always looking for new ideas and sources of energy.  Each community has representation in their respective hall council so everyone has a chance to get involved!  For more information on how to run for an officer position or to get involved in activity planning, contact your RA.

 

RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION (RHA)

http://housing.boisestate.edu/rha

RHA is your all-community student government that acts as an umbrella organization for the hall councils. RHA represents community issues and concerns while planning a variety of campus-wide events including the annual Hall Olympics, BBQs, Winter Formal, and other community activities such as talent shows and food drives RHA also works with Environmental Awareness Committee (EAC) to promote a ÒgreenÓ stated mind. RHA is an officially recognized student organization on campus and provides great opportunities for leadership.  Everyone is invited to participate in RHA.  For more information on how to run for an open officer position or to get involved in activity planning, contact your RA.

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 

Desk Attendants (DA)

Each residence hall front desk employs student desk attendants to provide customer service for residence hall students.  DAÕs respond to calls, submit work requests, and assist residents with questions and procedural issues.  For more information on how to apply, go to your residence hall front desk.

Compensation: $6.00 per hour.

 

Program Assistants (PA)

Program Assistants are students hired to provide assistance to faculty members involved in the Residential Colleges on campus.  PAÕs live on the ßoor with the RC and help organize programs and activities for their respective RC.  We are looking for enthusiastic students who are organized and motivated to get other students involved in their academic disciplines.

Compensation: Single room.

 

Living & Learning Receptionist

The Living & Learning Center located in Keiser Hall is staffed by students between 8am – 5pm and provides administrative support to The Residential College and Assistant Director for Residence Education.

Compensation: $7.00 per hour.

 

Resident Assistant (RA)

Resident Assistants are experienced student leaders that are selected during the spring for the next academic year.  They undergo rigorous, yet fun training.  We are looking for enthusiastic, academically successful students who can provide solid, mature leadership to other students. Get to know the RAÕs in your community to examine whether this amazing leadership opportunity is for you!  Look for more information on the selection process toward the end of Fall Semester. 

Compensation: Single room, meal plan, $1,000.00 stipend. 

 

Student Custodial Staff

University Housing offers a variety of student custodial positions, where students donÕt have to commute to work.  To apply for a student custodial position, apply at the Housing Office in Chaffee Hall.

Compensation: $7.00 per hour.