The rules in effect at Ripon are those considered necessary for the orderly operation of the College and for the welfare and protection of the individuals within the community. The College recognizes that regulations do not guarantee acceptable conduct, but it does expect that members of the community will know and adhere to the regulations and conduct themselves in a manner that will lead to responsible and rewarding relationships with others.

Rights and Responsibilities of Residential Living
Since a residence hall is made up of a group of individuals in a living-learning community, each person possesses certain rights and responsibilities which must be held in high regard. Mutual respect and consideration coupled with an awareness of and a sensitivity to the needs of other individuals must be the standards for group living. This statement is intended to define minimal expectations of rights and responsibilities of all residents, in enjoying their freedom without placing constraints upon such rights of other residents. These include:

1. The right to read, study or sleep free from undue interference in or around
   one’s room.
   The responsibility to conduct oneself in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others and to initiate action should circumstances warrant.
   
2. The right to recreation in and around the residence hall.
   The responsibility to modify recreation so that it does not interfere with the rights of others in or around the residence hall.
   
3. The right to personal privacy.
   The responsibility for the College to maintain an environment which protects personal privacy and for students to assist in this effort.
   
4. The right to a physical environment that is clean, healthy, safe and orderly.
   The responsibility for the College to maintain such an environment and for students to assist in this effort.
   
5. The right to recourse according to prescribed judicial procedures against anyone who unduly infringes on one’s rights or properties.
   The responsibility to conduct oneself in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others and to initiate action should circumstances warrant.
   
6. The right to participate in the process of self-governance (e.g., through residence hall councils).
   The responsibility to be active in the process to insure voicing of one’s opinions or ideas.

Damages
For the protection of all concerned, the condition of the student’s room is noted on a room condition sheet at the beginning of the first semester and again at the end of the second semester or at the time of withdrawal. It is the student’s responsibility to see that this procedure is completed accurately during check-in.

In an effort to promote a sense of collective responsibility for maintenance of College property, to distribute the cost of damage and to place the burden as much as possible upon those students most directly responsible, the College maintains the following policy regarding damage:

1. Determination of students to be charged for damage shall be made at the discretion of the director of residence life.
2. Individuals or groups directly involved in behavior leading to damage will be charged for such damage. In addition, intentional damage may result in disciplinary action.
3. All occupants of a particular residence hall area (floor, wing, house, etc.) may be charged for damage to that area.
4. All occupants of a particular residence hall may be charged for damage to that building.
5. Students residing in a particular campus area may be charged for damage occurring in that part of the campus.
6. Damage costs which are not chargeable to individuals or groups will be prorated and charged against the deposits of all students, before the refunds of these deposits are made.

All damage should be reported to the residence hall staff.

Residence Hall Occupancy

Occupancy

1. Payment of a room deposit constitutes an agreement by students to occupy the rooms to which they are assigned for the entire academic year unless officially released from that agreement by the College. The College reserves the right to reassign a student to another room if necessary. Payment of room deposit also constitutes an agreement by the student to abide by all College residence hall policies and to assume all responsibilities outlined by the policy provisions. The right to occupy a College room is given only to the students to whom the room is assigned. No student or other person is permitted at any time to take up residence in a College room without authorization. Charges and/or disciplinary action may be taken against room occupants for such behavior.
   
2. Room changes may be effected only at the direction of the hall director and must be reported to the director of residence life.
   
3. The student’s room and board contract terminates 24 hours after one’s last final examination, when residence halls close, or the day following withdrawal.
   
4. The College may charge students who return to campus prior to scheduled times. Accommodations may not be possible. Charges also may be assessed to students who do not check out of their room at specified times.
   
5. Residence halls are open for inspection by College officials at any time. The reasons for staff entries into students’ rooms vary considerably, and for that reason a more detailed statement follows (see Search and Inspection of Residence Hall Rooms).

Residence Hall Policies

Appliances

1. If electrical circuitry permits, one compact refrigerator (not to exceed 4.0 cubic feet) will be permitted in each residence hall room. Refrigerators located in carpeted areas must be placed on a composition board pad. Because of disposal costs, refrigerators left behind by students at check-out will cost that student $75.
   
2. In case of excessive problems, students may be requested to remove or refrain from using certain appliances including but not limited to large stereo systems, refrigerators, etc.
   
3. Small cooking appliances with open heat elements such as hot plates, pizza ovens, toasters and toaster ovens are not allowed in College residence halls. Students in possession of these types of items may be asked to remove them or be charged a $5 per day fine until the item(s) is removed. Closed heating element appliances such as contact grills are allowed, but should be used carefully as they still can cause injury or fire.
   
4. Air conditioners are prohibited in all student rooms. Students found to have these appliances in their rooms without having gained the written permission of the director of residence life will be fined $25 per day until the item is removed.
   
5. All halogen, quartz and similar high-intensity type lamps are prohibited.

Beds, Lofts
Students may construct their own lofts for personal use through May 2009. These lofts may be used only under the conditions listed below. Ripon College assumes no responsibility for damage or injury resulting from faulty loft construction. Lofts from Campus Lofts, the College's official loft rental company, may be used at any time. Students are cautioned to follow the guidelines provided by the loft company regarding correct set-up of the rental unit.

1. Students must have their hall director sign a form after loft completion which officially documents that the loft meets Ripon College guidelines. Any unapproved loft found in a room will be taken down at the student’s expense.
   
2. All such beds must be constructed so that the top surface of the top mattress is at least three feet from the lowest ceiling surface. However, the top surface of the top mattress shall never be higher than seven feet from the floor. The tops of the lofts are to be used for beds only, not for furniture such as sofas or chairs. Lofts may not be supported on such furniture as desks, lockers, book shelves, etc.
   
3. All lofts shall be open on at least two sides so as to permit exit from two directions.
   
4. Drapery material or fabrics shall not be used to enclose elevated bed structures.
   
5. All lofts must be free standing; meaning no part of any loft shall be attached by any means to the room’s interior surfaces. They may not be bolted to the walls or ceiling, and wedges and other means of pressure lofting may not be used.
   
6. All lofts must be removed from rooms prior to the departure of resident(s) from campus.
   
7. Construction of elevated beds may not interfere with any life safety installation — fire sprinkler, etc. — or entrance or exit from the room.
   
8. Combustible materials are not to be placed against or left in contact with heating units. Further, students are reminded that if lofts are located in such a way as to hinder the circulation of air, there may be difficulty in keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
   
9. Lofts must be located and constructed in such a way that they do not interfere with access to windows, heater units, plumbing or other items needing periodic maintenance.
   
10. Sturdiness of construction, as well as the avoidance of damage to the permanent features of the room, are the fundamental requirements for such structures. If any construction appears contrary to these regulations, the student(s) will be given 10 days to remove such unacceptable materials; in addition, a $75 fine may be levied.
    
11. Regular bunk beds, as provided by the College, are always permissible (when available). However, students may not alter or modify beds (typically seven feet in length) not originally constructed for optional use as bunks.
    

Bonfires
Any students wishing to hold any type of controlled burning on campus (bonfires, barrel fires, etc.) must have the written permission of the dean of students. Violations are subject to a minimum $75 fine.

Christmas Trees
Live Christmas trees are not allowed in student rooms. Some may be permitted in residence hall lounges with approval from the director of residence life. Violations are subject to a minimum $25 fine.

Cooperation and Compliance
Students suspected of policy violations may be confronted by College officials, including student staff members. Supplying false information, using profanity or threatening language, and/or blatant uncooperativeness will subject the student to additional disciplinary actions which can include a minimum $50 fine.

Door Propping
Students who prop doors will be fined $50 and may face additional disciplinary action for repeat violations, as well as incurring some responsibility for actions of those who have entered. Opening a door during restricted access hours for a student who is not a resident of the building, or anyone else, is dangerous and compromises the College’s security efforts. As such, this behavior is considered a door propping violation and is also subject to the above fine.

Guests in Residence Halls
The College wishes to maintain a safe environment. It is consequently expected that students will be responsible for their guests in all respects. Students’ privileges to have overnight guests are subject to the following limitations:

1. Guests are not allowed the use of a student’s room key and may not borrow one.
   
2. Visitors are not permitted to sleep in residence hall lounges.
   
3. Residence hall lounges are intended for the use of residents from the specific area where they are located. Visitors who do not reside in the specific area may not use these lounges unless they are guests of residents of that specific area or have formally reserved the lounge with that area’s hall director.
   
4. Students may not pressure or force their roommate to tolerate the presence of a guest against his/her will.
   
5. The presence of guests must not restrict free access of legitimate occupants to all common spaces and to any private space they may have or create any situation which infringes on the right of roommates to remain undisturbed.
   
6. No guest may stay in a residence hall for more than four days during a consecutive seven-day period.
   
7. A guest may not occupy a student’s room when the student is not also present.
   
8. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. Anyone having guests under the age of 18 visiting the residence halls must have the permission of the director of admission or the director of residence life. Students found in violation of this policy may be initially fined $25, and then fined $25 per day until the guest leaves the facility.

Guest Rooms
A limited number of guest rooms in Johnson, Scott, and Tri-Dorms are available to friends of students at a charge of $25 per night. Students wishing to reserve guest room space should check with staff members of the appropriate hall.

Requests for beds and linen must be made in advance with the hall director. The host or hostess will be charged for the use of these items. Please note: Student hosts incur responsibility for the conduct of their guests while on campus and are subject to disciplinary action for the behavior of their guests.

ID Cards
Every Ripon College student with a room assignment is issued an ID card that will be active to allow entrance into all residence halls during most of the day and early evening. Access is restricted to your own residence hall at other times. Students residing off-campus do not have ID card access to the residence halls. Students are expected to carry their ID card at all times and to produce it if requested by any College employee (including Resident Assistants). Failure to produce ID when requested is subject to a minimum $25 fine.

This ID card also serves as the student’s meal card and is required to gain entry into the dining Commons. Students who produce false ID, and the student who provided the ID, are subject to a minimum $25 fine.

Students who have lost their card should report it as being lost at that time, and a $10 replacement charge will be issued. Replacement cards are issued by the Sodexho food service staff after the student has paid the replacement fee. ID card access is designed to add building security.

Keys
Each student is issued a room key. In order to maintain security, any lost key will result in a $25 lock change, which will be billed to the student. Lock changes are always initiated if a borrowed key is not returned within 24 hours.

Pets
Students may have no pets other than small aquarium fish in the residence halls. Students may not keep live insects as fish food (such as crickets, grasshoppers, etc.) in residence hall spaces or rooms. Students found in violation of this policy will be assessed a $25 per day charge until the insects are removed from the hall.

Students found with pets not specifically allowed will be initially fined $25, and then fined $25 per day until the pet is removed.

Quiet Hours
Quiet hours in all residence halls begin at 10:30 p.m. and continue until 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 1 a.m. through 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Twenty-two hour quiet hours are established by residence hall staff during final examination periods, with a two hour release window from 5-7 p.m. nightly.

It is assumed that the most important activity that takes place in residence halls is studying. Students require low levels of distraction in order to study effectively and efficiently. Thus, students must behave in such a manner as to ensure a quiet environment. Stereos and radios should be equipped with headphones. Courtesy is expected 24 hours a day, i.e., not being disruptive to other students.

Stereos and radios not equipped with headphones should be played at a volume that is inaudible outside of a student’s room (this includes outside). Fines for noise during courtesy hours or after quiet hours may be issued by residence hall staff and start at a minimum of $20. Fines for finals week quiet hour violations begin at $40.

ResNet
Ripon College residence halls are wired for use of the Internet. If you believe your Internet connection/shared drive access is out IN YOUR ROOM or you believe you have a virus problem affecting the campus network:

• Ensure you are connected to ResNet. (Click here for information on connecting.)
  
• Check that your network cable is connected to both your computer and the wall jack.
  
• Reboot your machine.

If this does not correct the problem, please e-mail AAAhelpdesk@ripon.edu from your Ripon College e-mail account (from a friend’s computer or public access computer) or call the help desk at X327, leaving a detailed message, including the nature of the problem, your name, your room, your jack number and your extension. You will receive a response from ITS within 36 hours.

If you believe your Internet connection/shared drive access is out IN YOUR BUILDING:

• Check with five or more of your friends to ensure their access to shared drives/the Internet also is down in their rooms.
• Contact your hall director/coordinator or the hall director on duty by calling X703 between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. They will contact the appropriate personnel to get you back online as quickly as possible.
• If only your building is out, consider using one of the six public access labs on campus to complete your work.

Ripon College students are required to have anti-virus software installed. If your system contracts a virus, ITS may require you to install virus protection before you can be reconnected to the network.

Students who do not cooperate with members of the ITS staff or who use campus ITS services for malicious/non-educational reasons may be subject to fines or disciplinary actions.

Roof Policy
A fine of $100 will be levied against any person on a campus roof who does not have written permission from the director of the physical plant.

Scooters
Gasoline powered/motorized scooters should not be used on College sidewalks. These vehicles are also not to be stored in bike storage areas or in any part of a residence hall. Students found in violation of this policy will be fined $50.

Search and Inspection of Residence Hall Rooms
While the question of searching — however that may be defined — student rooms in residence halls is not one of frequent concern, the fact is that on those few occasions when staff members need to invade the privacy of residents, the issue is so acute that the following guidelines are spelled out in considerable detail and at great length.

Ripon believes firmly in the principle that students are entitled to privacy in their living quarters. At the same time, it recognizes that staff members may need to enter or inspect those premises from time to time for a variety of purposes; and it insists on freedom for all residents (including student staff members) and their guests in moving about a residence hall, in the corridors past open doors and, when appropriate, even in student rooms. A clear distinction must be made between the more formal functions of search and inspection on the one hand, and such unstructured activities as walking down a hall, visiting in a student room or standing in an open doorway, on the other.

Search is narrowly defined as carefully going or looking through a room to find a specified object or examining the premises thoroughly for a particular concealed object. A search is invariably repugnant both to the searcher and to the occupant of the room. It is conducted only under conditions of some seriousness, and in each case the reason for the search and the object(s) sought must be specified in writing. Permission for such a search must be given in writing by either the president of the College, the dean of students or director of residence life. Whenever possible, the resident of the room should be present.

Inspection has to do with efforts to maintain the physical well-being of a building, its contents and its residents to assure hygienic conditions, to determine presence or absence of room furnishings, to ascertain general room conditions at the beginning and end of a term, to determine or repair heating or electrical malfunctioning, and so forth. It does not seek to discover hidden objects located where the resident might have a legitimate expectation of privacy. If, in connection with such proper activities, contraband articles are found or evidence of activities violative of Ripon College policy should be discovered, action appropriate to the specific circumstances may be taken. (For example, a pistol lying on a desk could be removed or a chair from a lounge could be returned.)

The natural and unstructured activities of a residence hall might bring information to the attention of a staff member by way of loud conversation from within a room, easily heard in the next room or by a passerby in the hall. Nothing within the principle of respect for privacy of residents should prevent staff use of, or response to, information obtained in this way. (This does not condone snooping, since this is inimical to the human relationships of dignity and fair play which should characterize an educational community.)

Inherent in the above is the idea that closed rooms will be inspected or searched only for the most specific reasons. Not to be condoned is any “fishing expedition’’ random entering of students’ rooms. At the same time, however, nothing in this policy should be taken as preventing staff members from entering rooms in cases of emergency (par ex., sounds of loud screaming coming from a room or smoke billowing out from under a door), to enforce College policy when there is specific reason to suspect a violation, or to enhance the livability of the environment by requesting that a stereo be turned down.

The principle of student privacy is hereby reaffirmed while recognizing that there may be needs for staff members to enter student rooms or to respond to certain specific situations and for the maintaining of institutional policies. Further, all residents, including those who are members of the residence halls staff, must be comfortable and free to move about their place of residence. For the staff to do less would not only restrict their freedom but also limit their opportunities to serve other residents. Considerable limitations and safeguards are imposed in order to avoid serious invasion of privacy. These procedural safeguards are as follows:

1. Students, student residence hall staff, members of the administration and service staffs may go freely about their business in the residence halls, may enter student rooms when doors are open and may enter closed rooms for specific and proper reasons. As a matter of courtesy, staff members will knock before opening closed doors and, when possible, will receive an invitation to enter before doing so. In the event the room is locked and there is good reason for residence hall staff to address the behavior taking place in a room, a hall director has the right and authority to key into a student’s room in order to address the behavior or emergency that has prompted their action.
   
2. Inspection of rooms, as already noted, may be conducted for a variety of reasons, most of them based on clearly seen needs and on good common sense. Those of a non-routine nature, particularly those which seek highly visible items such as lounge furniture, are controlled by more restrictive procedures. Inspections for hygienic, maintenance and similar purposes do not require written authorization but entry must be for this purpose only.
   
3. Search of rooms for specified and possibly concealed objects is permissible only under the most restrictive procedures. Written authorization (for each case and for each room to be searched) must be given by the president, dean of students or director of residence life. Unannounced searches are permissible, with written authorization, but the resident should be present if possible; reasonable attempts to find the resident will be made before the search is conducted.

Security Deposit
A $100 security deposit is required annually of all students who live in residence halls. In order to participate in the room lottery for the following school year, the deposit must be made by April 1. The security deposit will be used to pay for damage to the student’s residence hall room beyond normal wear, and for other damage charged to the student as a result of direct involvement in behavior leading to damage or as the student’s share of the damage not chargeable directly to individuals or groups. This deposit also may be used for payment of other miscellaneous charges. The unused portion will be refunded between June 15 and July 1 each year. There is an initial $10 charge for room deposits not paid by April 1. In addition, a $10 charge per month will be added to the comprehensive fee until the room deposit is paid. Room deposits are refundable if the director of residence life is notified in writing by July 15 of a student’s decision not to return.

Single Rooms
Single rooms are allocated at the direction of the director of residence life. Single-singles are an additional $175 per semester, double-singles are an additional $275 per semester, and apartment singles are an additional $375 per semester. Students who receive a single-single or double-single by request or default will be charged the appropriate fee at the beginning of each semester. It is the responsibility of a student losing a roommate to find a replacement roommate should he or she not wish to keep a double-single room.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all residence halls. Students smoking in rooms or common areas including hallways and lounges are in violation of the smoking policy and are subject to a minimum $25 fine.

Snow Art
The creation of objects out of snow must be tasteful and should reflect the academic mission of the College. Students found to be in violation of this policy will be fined $50 and their student accounts may be assessed charges associated with the dismantling of any obscene creations.

Sports in Residential Facilities
No type of outdoor sport or athletic activity is permitted in residence halls. Such activities include, but are not limited to, football, hockey, playing catch, rollerblading, cycling, Frisbee and golf. Portable swimming pools also are not to be used or stored in the residence halls. Such activities are not appropriate for inside the residence hall as they endanger others and may result in damage to the facility. Students in violation of this policy are subject to a minimum $25 fine and restitution should any damage have occurred.

Storage
It is unacceptable to store anything unattended in the hallway or stairwell. Any student found storing personal items (such as bicycles, boxes, totes, etc.) or College furniture from their room in the hallway or stairwells will be subject to a $25 fine. Please see the more detailed listing on summer storage in the following pages for specifics on summer storage.

Student Rooms

1. Students may not alter in any way the permanent structure of their rooms or residence halls. Public areas and exteriors of buildings may not be changed in any way without prior permission of the director of residence life.
   
2. It is suggested that students not paste, tape, nail or tack decorations on walls. Masking tape may be used on varnished surfaces, but no tape of any kind should be used on painted surfaces or on wallpaper. If a student chooses to hang decorations on the walls against the above advice, it is recommended that removable adhesive strips be used. Bulletin boards, pictures and other decorations may be hung from moldings by the use of string or wire and molding hooks. Students will incur costs for damages that occur.
   
3. Students are not permitted to paint their rooms. Students who paint their room will be charged for the full cost of repainting the room.
   
4. Upon request, a student must remove within 72 hours furniture judged to be a housekeeping/fire hazard. If it is necessary for the College plant department to remove such furnishings, the student will be billed for their services.
   
5. Personally owned furniture must be removed from rooms before the last day of occupancy. Moving expenses incurred by the College will be billed to the student.
   
6. College furnishings are not to be removed from such areas as public lounges, lobbies and storage areas. A $25 fine will be assessed per day until the furniture is returned. In addition, students are not permitted to remove or disassemble desks from their student rooms. A $25 fine per day will be assessed until the desk is returned or reassembled.
   
7. Students are not to modify items of furniture by such practices as “stacking’’ beds or putting springs and mattresses directly on the floor in such a way as to scratch the floor or damage the carpet.
   
8. Waterbeds are not acceptable because of structural and physical limitations. Students with waterbeds will be charged $25 per day until the waterbed is removed.
   
9. Students should not display materials deemed offensive to others on the outside of their room doors or in windows. Any such item will be asked to be removed by the student. Any item not voluntarily removed will be removed and disposed of by residence hall staff.
   
10. Students are to be responsible for their room and its contents throughout the duration of time that they are assigned to that room. In order to protect their rights, students should lock their room doors when not at home to prevent others from entering their rooms and being a disturbance to their floor community.

Substance Free Housing
By student request, select areas of residence halls have been designated as substance free living. In these areas, students are not to consume alcohol or use tobacco or other illegal drug products. A student found to be using any type of drug while living in this area will have his or her disciplinary fines doubled and may be reassigned housing at the discretion of the director of residence life.

Window Screens/Windows
Screens are not to be removed. Removal or damage to a room screen is subject to a minimum $25 fine in addition to the costs associated with rectifying the problem. Anyone entering a building via a window or found throwing an article out of a window is subject to a minimum $50 fine.

Storage

General Policies
Students are not guaranteed storage space. In addition, Ripon College assumes no responsibility for articles which are lost or damaged while in storage. We strongly encourage students to take home most, if not all, belongings for the summer.

All items placed in storage must be labeled with the student’s name and/or Greek group. Each student must show a current College ID to gain access to the storage facility.

Motor scooters, motorcycles and automobiles may not be parked or stored in College buildings.      Bicycles may be parked and stored only in areas specifically provided for this purpose and should not be chained to stairwells or stored in lounges or hallways.

Summer Storage

1. Bovay basement will serve as the primary storage site for all of the Quad buildings. Janitors’ closets, utility rooms and lounges in the Quad will not be used for storage over the summer months. Johnson, Merriman, Scott and Tri-Dorms have storage space available for their residents. All residents are expected to use storage facilities in the building in which they will be living the following semester.
2. Any articles that are left in an unacceptable place (janitor’s closet, hallway, lounge, student room, etc.) 24 hours past Commencement will be regarded as “junk” and removed accordingly. Students found guilty of not “properly” removing their personal furnishings will be assessed a clean-up charge in the same fashion as is used when belongings are left in individual rooms during room check-out procedures.

Academic Year Storage

1. In the fall, hall directors will allow through Saturday of the first week of classes for students to remove their “summer” storage belongings. The items not removed after that time will be auctioned off or thrown away. As soon as space is open, no later than Monday, students will be allowed to make use of storage facilities for the school year. The following Monday the physical plant staff, with the cooperation of the residence life staff, will remove all remaining articles from hallways, lounges, other public areas and Quad utility rooms other than that on shelves, stairwells, etc. Personal property will be disposed of while misplaced College-owned furniture will be placed in storage. Students must remove belongings by the last day of classes. The day following the last class day will then be used to once again begin the process of summer storage.
   
2. Small personal items may be placed in storage. Non College-owned furniture (couches, chairs) cannot be placed in storage during the academic year. In addition, students may remove room furnishings and place them in storage as described below in #3, until the storage facilities are full. Desks, draperies, blinds, bed ends and closet doors may not be removed from student rooms. Students who make room changes or withdraw from the College will be required to return all furniture to their room before being considered checked out. Charges will be assessed accordingly. Boxes must be broken down to be placed in storage.
   
3. Room furnishings may be removed from student rooms according to the following guidelines:
   1. Furniture may only be moved at the designated time at the beginning of the year.
   2. Furniture to be moved must be labeled with its original building and room number. It may be stored only in designated storage areas (no corridors, lounges, etc.), and may not be moved off campus.
   3. A student must coordinate the removal of room furniture with a residence hall staff member. This process will include signing and agreeing to a contract which includes the following:
      1. Specific location about the new location of the furniture.
      2. The agreement that the furniture will be returned to its place of origin by the last day of classes (or prior to any room change that occurs).
      3. The agreement that the student assumes complete financial responsibility for damage done to the furniture or premises during the move or once stored, and that if the piece(s) is not returned, he/she will pay a $25 charge per piece if the furniture is found in storage by a staff member, or a full replacement cost if the piece is not found. In addition, storage privileges for that person will be revoked the following year.

Safety Considerations

Hazing
Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally whether on or off College premises to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, wearing apparel publicly which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and jokes, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, late night sessions which interfere with scholastic activities (1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday), and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the educational institution.

Ripon College repudiates any pre-initiation or initiation practices antithetical to the law and underlying principles for which each group stands or which violate the above definition of hazing.

Housing During Vacation Periods
All residence halls will be closed during semester break. Students may remain in College housing during the fall and spring breaks, though the dining hall will be closed. A $25 charge will be assessed against those who stay without being registered for any part of the break. Those who are to be on campus during these breaks must register with the director of residence life in advance. During the semester break, no one is permitted to stay in the residence halls. Students who remain may face disciplinary action.

The College reserves the right to use any residence hall during vacation or other special occasions upon reasonable notice to the occupants and without reduction in annual rental or other obligations to the occupants.

Protection Against Fire

1. Open flames, including candles and incense burning, are prohibited in residence halls. Candles may be kept in student rooms for fragrance purposes only if they have never been lit. Candles with blackened wicks found to be in student rooms will be assumed to have been burned in the residence hall, and students bearing these candles will be considered to be in violation of this policy. Offenses of candle or incense burning will result in an initial $25 fine, with a second offense resulting in a $50 fine, and subsequent violations being treated as a Class III judiciary board offense. Residence hall staff may confiscate any incense or candles found. Students can reclaim these items (at their initiative) at the end of the year.
   
2. Do not overload electrical circuits by the use of too many electrical appliances. Damage to the building and/or individual property may result. The College will not be held liable for damage to individual property.
   
3. Burning cigarettes must not be put into wastebaskets, thrown out windows or doors, or thrown down a trash chute.
   
4. Wastebaskets should be emptied frequently.
   
5. Lighter and cleaning fluids should be kept tightly closed.
   
6. Students should become familiar with convenient building exits.
   
7. Students should know the location of the local fire alarm.
   
8. Students should know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher. NOTE: Not all residence hall fire alarms are connected with the local fire department. Requests for assistance must be made directly to the fire department (911).
   

Fire alarms, fire hoses, fire sprinklers, and fire extinguishers are considered safety equipment, provided in the interest of students’ safety, and should be used only in emergencies. The sprinkler fixture and smoke alarm must not be blocked, and no item should be hung or suspended from either device. Use of any fire safety equipment must always be reported immediately to the hall director so that it may be put back into operating condition.

Protection Against Property Loss
The College assumes no responsibility for damage, loss or theft of the personal belongings of students. This includes personal articles damaged or lost in washers and dryers. Students are urged to check their family insurance policies to determine coverage of loss or damage to personal property that may take place on the Ripon campus.

1. Students should not keep large sums of money in their rooms. It is easier and safer to open an account in a local bank.
2. Door-to-door soliciting in the residence halls is not permitted (including fundraising requests, distribution of products or flyers, sales pitches, etc.). An exception is made only when permission has been obtained from the dean of students.
3. Students are reminded that companies such as those selling linens, china, crystal, silverware, cookware, etc. must have permission from the dean of students. Beware of agreeing to make arrangements for such companies. In Wisconsin, 18 years of age is the age of majority, and a student will be held to a signed contract within the confines of pertinent laws. Firms may make presentations to students in Greek group lounges only if a majority of the students in the group approve the request in advance.

Weapons, Firearms, and Fireworks

1. Weapons including firearms, large knives, paintball guns, etc. are not allowed in College residence halls. These items must be registered and stored with the residence hall director, but may be checked out, during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for use in hunting or target practice off-campus. Firearms and paintball guns must be unloaded and ammunition must be kept in a separate container.
   
2. Under no circumstances may firearms, paintball guns, ammunition, large knives or explosives of any kind be kept in student rooms.
   
3. Students shall not use, or have in their possession, fireworks or explosives of any kind. Such possession or use may lead to serious disciplinary action.
   
4. Because both the possession and the use of fireworks, firecrackers and explosives are violations of College policy, any such items that are in plain view will be confiscated or destroyed. In addition, unregistered firearms and similar weapons, when discovered, will be taken and held, to be reclaimed by the owners (at their initiative) at the end of the school year.

Campus Apartments

Selection for Occupancy
Campus Apartments are a part of the residential facilities available to students living on campus. The following criterion serve as general guidelines for apartment eligibility:

1. Seniors--defined as completing six (6) semesters at Ripon College carrying at least a full load of 12 credits or more for those semesters.
2. Good Standing--students who have lived within the guidelines and policies of the College, more specifically defined as someone who has not been on academic probation or disciplinary probation within the last year including those who have received disciplinary action but were not specifically placed on disciplinary probation.
3. Selection--seniors described above will have the first priority of being selected due to the amount of applications. Juniors will be given opportunity for consideration if space if available.
4. Persons living in apartments may live there one (1) year only.
5. Meal Plans--Residents may choose from any of the meal plans.
6. An additonal $375 charge/semester will be added to student bills for single rooms in the Apartments
   

All students living in Campus Apartments are expected to live according to all of the procedures and policies governing life in campus residences and student conduct as listed in the previous sections of the student handbook and in subsequent residence life publications. Ripon College shall have the right to make other reasonable rules and regulations as necessary for the safety and care of the premises for the residents of the building. It is the responsibility of the resident to provide insurance coverage for his/her personal property. The College is not liable for personal property. The office of residence life and/or the College physical plant department may conduct monthly health and safety inspections as deemed necessary. All attempts will be made to provide 24 hours notice prior to the inspection.

Furnishings
All Ripon College furniture and appliances that are provided must remain in the apartments with the exception of the desk chair. (Desk chairs may be placed into student storage in room 111.) Residents wishing to loft their beds must use a loft rented from Campus Lofts Inc. or contact a member of the residence life staff to inquire about the use of a limited number of loft kits available that coordinate with the bedroom furnishings owned by the College. Wooden or metal lofts built or designed by students are not allowed in Campus Apartments.

Heating and Air Conditioning
Each apartment has an individual HVAC system that is controlled by an on/off switch and thermostat. Residents are expected to keep their apartments at prudent temperatures and work cooperatively with residence life and physical plant staff to ensure comfortable settings are maintained for all residents.

Housekeeping
Residents are responsible for maintaining their living, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom areas. A vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan, wastebasket, toilet tissue, and garbage bags are all available/provided to each resident at the office located on the ground level. Spills/stains on carpeting and furniture need to be reported immediately. Stained or damaged carpeting/flooring that cannot be cleaned or repaired will be replaced at the expense of the residents.

Kitchens
Residents are expected to keep refrigerator and range units in clean and working order at all times. Residents found to have refrigerators and ranges that are not clean upon check-out will be assessed additional cleaning fees as necessary. Students should use prudence and good judgment when operating personal kitchen appliances and should not overload circuits. Items with open heating elements such as toasters are permissible only in apartments when properly used or stored on kitchen counters or in cabinets. Knives used for cooking purposes may also be kept only in the kitchen area, and knife blades should not exceed four inches in length.

Keys and Locks
Residents are not permitted to install padlocks or any other type of locking device on any door in their apartment. If a door key is lost, contact a member of the residence life staff immediately to process a core change. Residents will be charged to replace lost keys and/or to replace the lock core. Due to the special nature of the type of locks used in the apartments, a re-core charge if $75.

Mechanical Systems
Residents should not interfere with any part of the heating, electrical systems, or refrigeration units in their apartments. No outside air conditioning units may be installed. Residents are responsible for the cost of all plumbing repairs resulting from the improper use of plumbing facilities.

Recycling/Garbage
Students should not allow garbage, newspapers, recyclables, or refuse to remain in their apartment for long periods of time. Each resident is responsible for disposing of his or her own garbage. All recyclable items and garbage must be bagged and taken to the designated bins located on the first floor of the building (room 108) and placed in the appropriate containers. Boxes must be broken down.

Repairs/Damages
Repair work and any alterations to an apartment are the responsibility of the College and are not privileges extended to the residents. Students are expected to report all repair needs to a member of the residence life staff as soon as possible. Any stains on carpeting or furniture should also be reported to a staff member so a skilled person can remove the stain before it becomes permanent. To maintain the quality of the apartments, damages are critically inspected and students are charged or assessed accordingly. Bedroom damage will be assessed to the person assigned to the room; public area (kitchen, living room, bathroom) damage will be assessed to all residents of the apartment unless the person responsible comes forward. All items that are damaged are replaced, not repaired, and are the financial responsibility of the residents. Apartment residents will be assessed common area damages for their individual living areas as well as for the total building common spaces.

Room/Area Decorating
The College strongly recommends that residents not hang anything on the walls with permanent devices such as nails, hooks, screws, etc. If residents choose to hang personal items, removable hanging strips are recommended for use. However, even these can damage walls, and residents of the unit will be held financially responsible for any damage (i.e., hole in the wall, removal of paint) to the walls, ceiling, and/or woodwork. Residents should also avoid the use of glow-in-the-dark stars and similar materials as these also damage the walls and ceilings. Nailing or tacking anything to doors or any woodwork is not permitted (i.e., dartboards). Varnishing, painting, wallpapering any walls, floors, or woodwork also is not permitted. Charges for holes left from nails, screws, etc. will be assessed to residents.

Social Events
Students living in Campus Apartments may not utilize their apartment to host "parties." A "party" is defined as the presence of more than two guests per present resident in an apartment where another policy violation is occurring. Residents who are discovered to be hosting parties will be subject to the College's disciplinary procedures with penalties including, but not limited to, the loss of their apartment and subsequent return to traditional housing at the discretion of the director of residence life.

Window Signs
Students residing in "tower" apartments (rooms 200 and 300) may not display any signs or items in their windows.