Residence Life Policies

Note: These guidelines do not apply to College-owned private houses occupied by College employees. See the Office of Student Life for more information.

Advertising Off-Campus Events

Organizations and groups are not permitted to post signs or distribute flyers on campus that advertise off-campus parties. Failure to abide by this policy may result in a group being fined.

Alcohol & Other Drugs

The storage, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages as well as the storage and/or possession of commercial alcohol containers on Georgetown College property is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, a student is in violation of the alcohol policy for being in the presence of either alcoholic beverages or commercial alcohol containers. The following penalties are other alternatives under certain, very limited circumstances: reprimand, required treatment, contractual requirements, fines, probation, suspension, or expulsion, referral of the matter to the appropriate authorities for criminal prosecution. (View a list of possible Accountability Sanctions)

The storage, possession, or use of marijuana or other illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited. Violation of this regulation is considered a major offense and will subject those involved to immediate suspension.

Campus Guests

Visitors are expected to abide by the regulations of the College; violations may result in termination of the guests’ visits and possible disciplinary action against the host(s). A visitor may stay up to two consecutive nights and not more than 10 per semester. Students with guest who exceed the number of days may be documented.

City Quiet Hours

The College has adopted the City Noise Ordinance, which prohibits Georgetown residents from making noise between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. (this includes “circling up”). Individuals in violation of this policy will be subject to the Student Life discipline procedure. Organizations in violation of this policy may be fined along with receiving other sanctions.

Civil Authorities and the College

Georgetown College cannot protect students from judicial processes resulting from violations of federal, state, and/or local civil or criminal statutes. Incidents or problems arising from the violation of state or federal laws may subject a student to disciplinary action, including dismissal from school.

College Quiet Hours

Students who reside in on campus should show consideration for other residents at all times. Normally, the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. are observed as quiet study hours, although individual residence halls may observe slightly different hours. The purpose of quiet hours is to give consideration to those who desire to sleep or study. Students who violate their halls quiet hours may be documented.

Compliance with Directions of College Officials

Compliance with the directions of College staff and officials is required. College staff and officials include, but are not necessarily limited to, Area Coordinators, Resident Directors and Advisors, and Campus Safety Officers.

Fire Extinguisher and Fire Alarms.

Students caught tampering with fire safety equipment or activating the fire systems will be subject to the College’s disciplinary process. The Fire Dept may also pursue criminal charges to the full extent of the law. It is important that everyone understand each time an alarm is activated, a report is given to the State Fire Marshal, and they may wish to pursue criminal charges themselves. Our intent is not to charge anyone; however, we must work to keep each and every person on campus as safe as possible and if charging someone is required, then we must do what is necessary to continue to keep all persons safe.

Criminal Violations (Misdemeanor or Felony charges)

Violations of the fire code in the residence halls include:

1. Covering or removing smoke detectors that prevents activation
2. Pulling a fire alarm in a false and malicious manner or falsely reporting an incident
3. Dividing the room with anything that could impede the travel of smoke thus causing a delay in the activation of the smoke detector
4. Playing with or discharging a fire extinguisher in a non-emergency situation

Code Violations

1. Appliances with exposed heating elements: (i.e. hot plates/George Forman grilles/toasters/toaster ovens/coffee makers, etc.)
2. Extension cords – (power strips with surge protectors are approved)
3. Flammable material (i.e. paint, lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, etc.)
4. Blocked exits out of residence hall rooms, hallways, stairwells, or buildings
5. Propped stairwell doors
6. Items left in the hallways and stairwells
7. Approved electrical appliances/devices placed beneath a bed
8. Tampering or penetration of the surface of the ceiling
9. Beds less than 36 inches from the ceiling
10. Smoking in residence halls
11. Candles in college buildings

College Policy Violations

1. Halogen lights and portable heaters
2. Use of non-college approved beds. Lofts and loft-like structures are not approved
3. Candles, incense, lanterns or similar “open flame” receptacles

Fire Safety Inspections are completed monthly in the Residence Halls by Residence Life staff. Georgetown College or the appropriate authorities reserve the right to remove all potential fire hazards in any residence halls. It is our hope as that the College and community will work together to ensure that all of these regulations are enforced.

Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives

In accordance with the Kentucky Concealed Weapons Law Revision (KRS 527.020) the College prohibits the possession or use of any type of firearm, dangerous weapon, or exploding device on campus property which includes, but is not limited to offices, classrooms, residence hall rooms and lobbies, and athletic events. This includes concealed weapons as defined by state law. The College policy also includes pellet guns and BB guns. This policy applies to all College students, employees, and visitors. Student violators are subject to possible suspension from the College.

Furnishings

Residents are permitted to place neat and clean couches, chairs, or the like in their rooms so long as space permits. Furnishings in an obviously deteriorated or damaged condition are not permitted. For fire and safety reasons, excessive personal furniture (items can not impede egress to windows or doors), ceiling fans, and lofts are not permitted. The use of waterbeds, major household appliances (including George Forman Grills), and other non-standard furnishings are not permitted in campus housing. Students must keep the furniture that is furnished in their room. If at any point during the academic calendar college owned furnishings are missing, students are subject to the replacement cost of the items.

Housing Policies

For hygienic reasons, pets other than fish are not permitted in the residence halls for any reason. Pets include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and snakes. Pets MAY NOT visit inside college housing.

Due to electrical constraints within the buildings, microwaves greater than 800 watts and portable air conditioners are not permitted in residence hall rooms. For safety reasons, ceiling fans may not be installed in residence hall rooms.

Students are permitted to have radios, stereos, televisions, sewing machines, fans, and comparable appliances in their rooms. However, refrigerators larger than 6 cubic feet, room air conditioners, portable heaters, hot plates, candles, and similar items are not permitted. Food should be kept in closed containers.

Students are permitted to have computer and peripheral equipment in their rooms. However, the College specifically assumes no liability for damage to equipment, software, disks, text, and other files, and the like due to power surges, theft, or other hazards. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Facilities Management to request a check for properly grounded electrical outlets.

Students are not permitted to use college facilities (including hooking hoses to housing units) for washing automobiles.

Insurance requirements and other safety regulations, as well as College policy, prohibit student access to roofs and the tops of entrance awnings.

By recommendation of the City Fire Marshall, halogen lights are not permitted in residential areas.

Housing Waivers

Waiver Request Form

As a principally residential campus, Georgetown College expects all students to reside in College housing and to participate in the board plan except as provided below.

Students meeting one or more of the following conditions are exempt from the College residential requirements:

• Students residing with their parents in Scott County in Kentucky
• Married students residing in the residences of their spouses
• Students who are 24 years of age or older or veterans
• Students enrolled for less than 12 credit hours for a given academic term
• Students who are 5th year seniors as verified by the Office of the Registrar.

Students meeting the following guidelines are not automatically exempt from the residential requirements of the College, but may apply for a waiver of the requirements:

• Students residing with their parents within a 30 mile radius of Georgetown College
• Students living with close relatives who are 24 years of age or older and/or who are deemed to be the heads of a households, and residing within a 30 mile radius of Georgetown College. “Close Relative” is defined as brother/sister, either parent (if separated or divorced), aunt/uncle, or grandparent(s)
• Other appropriate reasons as determined by the Director of Residence Life

Unless classified as a fifth year senior, those students who will participate in Commencement in May, yet need to return for another semester do not qualify to live off campus.

All students seeking exceptions to the College’s residential requirements must complete a waiver request form available from the Student Life Office before exceptions will be permitted. Students with questions about the waiver process are specifically directed to contact the Student Life Office for additional information.

Applications for waivers of housing requirements may be obtained after consultation with the Student Life Office and should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the semester for which the waiver is being requested. Any request submitted after the commencement of classes for the requested semester may not be considered and will be subject to a $100 fine. Students should not assume their waivers have been approved unless they have been so informed in writing by the Office of Student Life. Approved off campus waivers are for the academic year. Approval for commuter status will result in a reduction of any institutional aid being received from the College to reflect the removal of room and board.

Students who are approved to live off campus due to medical reasons still have to carry at least a 10 meal plan

The Waiver Request Form must be completed an turned into the Director of Residence Life before the start of classes.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

IEP students who return for a second year (as an IEP student or enrolled in our undergraduate program) will be treated as “Sophomore” status. Therefore, these students would have the same housing privileges as a sophomore, even if it is their first year as an undergraduate.

Student Code of Conduct

Click here to view Georgetown College’s Student Code of Conduct

Conduct at Athletic Events

Georgetown College and the NAIA are partners in the NAIA’s Champions of Character initiative. This partnership includes expectations for fans behaving with respect. Respect requires that fans treat themselves, other people, institutions, and sport participants according to the highest standards of conduct. It implies civilized and even gracious behavior. The following fan conduct will not be tolerated at Georgetown College Athletics events:

1. Use of profanity,
2. Personal insults,
3. Physical threats, and
4. Noisemakers

Damage Deposit

Students who accept College housing agree in effect to a contract and are responsible for maintaining their rooms in an acceptable condition. All students will be charged a $100 Damage Deposit ($200 for East End Apartments) by the Business Office. Charges for damages within students’ rooms are the responsibility of the students assigned there. Damages that occur to public areas (e.g. restrooms, lounges, study rooms, etc.) that are not attributable to a specific individual or group will be equally shared by the residents of the living area(s) where those damages occurred.

Appropriate refunds of lock and damage deposits will be sent by check to those students who officially withdraw from school, graduate, or do not return for the next semester and have properly checked out of their rooms. Any additional charges to the lock and damage deposit will be included on the billing notice sent to students by the Business Office.

Lock-Outs

Students are responsible for their keys and access to their rooms. When a lockout occurs, the involved student should contact the roommate or a member of the residence life staff to assist in gaining access. A $5.00 service fee may be assessed if the need for such assistance becomes excessive. Lockouts become excessive after the first lockout.

Lost Keys

When a room key is lost, the lock is changed for the protection of the student and his/her roommate. Locks on access doors to the private areas of the residence hall must similarly be changed when a student loses his/her access door key. Lock change charges are $35.00 for individual rooms. To request a new key for a room, please contact the Student Life Office.

Modifications to Residence Hall Rooms

Any physical changes to a room (e.g., permanently installed hooks, painting) require prior approval. Paneling, wallpaper, border, and similar wall coverings violate local and state fire codes and are not permitted. Due to personal injury and liability and campus insurance limitations, loft or loft-like structures (this includes the use of cinder blocks to loft beds) and any other modifications to school furniture are not permitted at Georgetown College. Students may be allowed to use professionally manufactured bed risers/lifts to raise beds a maximum of 8 inches if they have permission from Residence Life.  Residents may not hang beds from the residence hall ceilings or walls. Further, no modification to college issued furniture is permitted. Microwaves, computers, refrigerators and any other electrical appliances that produce heat can not be stored under beds. Penetration of the ceiling is not permitted per state fire code.

Students are not permitted to paint rooms.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Georgetown College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Opening and Closing of Residence Halls

Students are not normally permitted to return to campus prior to the dates announced in the College Bulletin and are to vacate their rooms according to announced closing dates. In those rare instances when a student must return early or stay past closing time, arrangements must be made in advance with the Director of Residence Life. A $15.00 per diem charge will be applied. Students employed by the College and/or participating in College-sponsored activities (e.g., inter-collegiate sports) are to make necessary housing arrangements through the appropriate coach, sponsor, advisor, or supervisor.

Physical Assault

If you have been the victim of physical assault, you may turn to any College official, your Area Coordinator, Resident Director, Resident Advisor, Campus Safety, or others for immediate assistance. You should contact local law enforcement authorities as soon as possible, and be aware of protecting any possible evidence or information.

Private Rooms

At an additional charge private rooms are available to students so long as space permits. When the demand for on-campus housing warrants, students initially assigned a private room may be required to accept a roommate. In such cases, forfeiture of private rooms is determined according to class standing (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) and cumulative grade point average.  Time of application may also be taken into account.

Students who find themselves without a roommate during the first 3 weeks of a semester will be offered the opportunity to continue living by themselves if the housing needs of the College are such as to allow private rooms. The cost of the private room will be prorated for the time remaining in the current term. Students not wishing to incur any private charges will agree to take a roommate into their room should the College’s housing needs necessitate such an assignment.  1/2 of the room must be kept empty so that a roommate could move in at any point.  This means 1 closet, desk, bed and dresser should be free at all times.

Students who fail to find a roommate or accept a roommate as assigned by the Resident Director or the Director of Residence Life will be subject to the appropriate private room charge.

Single rooms

Georgetown College has a limited number of rooms designed for one person. These rooms incur an additional per semester cost and are made available to students using the same housing guidelines. The single rooms are located in Anderson and Knight Halls.

Public Displays

Students are not permitted to display items that are offensive and/or inappropriate to the mission and character of the college (e.g., displays of the confederate flag, pornography).

Residence Hall Maintenance

Routine maintenance requests (e.g., light bulbs, leaky faucets) should be made through the online maintenance request system which can be found on the my.georgetowncollege.edu webpage. Genuine emergencies (e.g., broken water pipes) may be reported directly to the Student Life Office (8004), 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or the Campus Safety Office (8111) nights and weekends.

Residence Hall Meetings

When a meeting is called in a residence hall, each resident is required to attend. Students prevented from attending are to inform the Resident Director in advance. Disciplinary sanctions may be imposed if a student fails to attend a meeting and has not been excused by the Resident Director. Hall meetings cannot be called without the permission of the Resident Director.

Residence Hall Visitation

Visitation in any residence hall by members of the opposite sex is limited to the public areas of the building and terminates with the closing of the men and women’s residence halls. Visitation in the private living areas of the residence halls is not permitted except during visitation periods consistent with the guidelines below. Violation of visitation policies may result in disciplinary action.

Main Campus and Rucker Village visitation

Hours are as follows:

• Monday-Thursday 1:00 PM- Midnight
• Friday 1:00 PM-2:00 AM
• Saturday Noon-2:00 AM
• Sunday Noon- Midnight

East Campus visitation

East Campus visitation hours are the same as main campus unless otherwise agreed on.

East Campus residents may opt-in to a different visitation policy, a 23-hour policy.  This visitation schedule allows residents to have visitors of any gender, 7 days a week with the exception of the hour 4am-5am.  The purpose of this policy is to allow students to have the freedom to visit as they wish.  However, this policy will not facilitate or enable cohabitation.  Students are not allowed to reside in another individual’s assigned residence.

This policy allows each apartment to have opposite sex visitation during 23 hours during the day.  Every member of the apartment must agree to 23 hour visitation in order to receive the extended visitation hours.  If not every member agrees, the traditional visitation hours (listed above) will apply.  If students are found cohabitating in another residence, the 23-hour privilege will be revoked from that apartment and the students may also face accountability actions.

Room and Residence Hall Changes

Room assignment changes will not be made before the end of the fourth week of each semester. Exceptions may be made in cases of temporary assignments, changes necessary to avoid private room charges or other reasons deemed appropriate by the Director of Residence Life. Students may not change rooms except during designated room change periods. The dates in which students can change rooms will be determined and made known each semester. Changes between residence halls require the prior consent of the Residence Life Staff. If a change is granted, the room being vacated must first be inspected and the room key collected before any change may be finalized.

Room Assignments

Every effort is made to accommodate individual preferences in making on-campus housing assignments (private rooms, specific residence halls, etc.). When competition exists for specific preferences, housing decisions are typically made based upon class standing (senior, junior, sophomore, and freshman), cumulative grade point average, and other relevant housing considerations (e.g. need for disability access).

Eligible students who are 21 or older as of “move-in day” will be eligible to live in any of our housing (as space allows). For East Campus apartments, they would get an opportunity to claim an apartment after eligible Seniors and Juniors have had an opportunity. This will apply for both domestic and international students. As many of our international students are older, this will give many of them more flexibility.

If a student’s housing assignment is not filled to capacity (and that student is not paying for a private room), Residence Life may assign another student to that space to fill the room to capacity.  For example, if a group of only 4 students find themselves assigned to a 6 person townhouse, Residence Life may assign 2 more students to that townhouse even without the consent of the initial 4.  As long as a student is eligible for a housing assignment, he/she may live there as long as space permits.   Those students that reside in a housing assignment first do not have the ability to deny occupancy to other eligible students.

Room Consolidation

Residence Life may conduct a room consolidation process throughout the semester.  Students who are living in a double room, but do not have a roommate may be asked to consolidate with another student from that same hall/floor.  If space permits, students may be given the option to take the room as a private rather than consolidate.

Room Inspection or Search

The College reserves the right to enter any room, at any time, for the purpose of maintenance, health, and/or safety inspection, or other official business. The College also reserves the right to enter and conduct a search of any room if a violation of College regulations is suspected. When appropriate, during room inspections or searches, the College reserves the right to confiscate items found to be in violation of established policies and regulations (e.g., alcohol or other drugs). The student agrees to be bound by the inspection and search procedures of the college as they now exist or may be amended.

Safety and Fire Violations

After discussions with the local Fire Chief and Fire Department, additional regulations were added to the 2003-2004 Georgetown College Student Handbook. The violations can be divided up into the following three categories: criminal, code, and College violations. The policies listed in this section unless otherwise stated are to ensure compliance with KRS, and Life Codes adopted by the state. Anyone that is caught violating these will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the Fire Dept. Any indicated fines for violations that are not KRS or Life Code violations are established by the College and the Fire Dept does not enforce these regulations.

Solicitations

For the protection of the students, no one is permitted to solicit, trade, or sell anything in the residence halls or the Student Center. Credit card companies are strictly prohibited. Students approached by salesmen on campus or by telephone, should report such solicitations to the Resident Director or to Campus Safety. Campus organizations wishing to conduct fundraisers utilizing outside companies should seek approval from the Student Life office.

Telephones

When requested by a student, Georgetown College will activate a modular telephone jack in his/her residence hall room. Requests to activate the modular jack may be made to the Office of Student Life. For long distance, students may purchase cards in The Store.

Tobacco & Tobacco Products

Georgetown College prohibits smoking in all indoor areas including residence hall rooms. In accordance with Georgetown City ordinance, smoking is prohibited within 30 feet of any public building entrance, window, or ventilation system.

Withdrawal from housing

Students who withdraw or who are dismissed from the College terminate their housing contract and must vacate the residence hall within 24 to 48 hours. Upon checking out, each resident must turn in his/her room key to a member of the Residence Life Staff. The room being vacated must be inspected for damages and inventoried by a staff member before the resident can be considered officially checked out. Appropriate refund of the student’s lock and damage deposit will be made by the Business Office only after these conditions have been met. Failure to check out properly will result in an improper checkout charge.